Culture Brats

Taylor Swift Concert Countdown - Expert Tips for Last Minute Tickets

2024-05-24T11:15:00.009-04:00

With Taylor Swift's highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour starting in less than 2 weeks, Swifties are buzzing with excitement. However, for those who haven't yet secured their tickets, the hunt is still on. If you were one of the thousands of fans that missed out on the initial ticket sales, or are leaving it until the last-minute, there's still hope to catch the pop icon live in concert.

To guide fans through the process of snagging last-minute tickets, we've compiled expert advice, including insights from Adam Evans, a representative from FanSeats.

1. Recheck Official Websites
Ticketmaster is the official website for all Taylor Swift tickets in the UK, this will be the only place to get seats. Whilst all tickets were sold, in recent days, tickets have been made available. Check online in the days leading up to the show, there is the possibility of extra seats being released to the public.

Adam Evans advises, "Keep a close eye on Ticketmaster's official website in the days leading up to the show. There's always a chance of additional seats becoming available. Don't miss out on the opportunity to secure your spot at the Taylor Swift concert by rechecking the official website for any last-minute releases."

2. Last Minute Resale Platforms:
Resale platforms are a good place to check for last-minute tickets. Websites including StubHub and Seat Compare are currently listing tickets for all dates of The Eras Tour. However, prices still remain high for all UK and Ireland shows.

Adam Evans advises, "Whilst using resale platforms can be expensive, trusted sites do offer protection for buyers in case of any issues. If your budget allows, this is the next best option aside from getting them directly from Ticketmaster."

3. Sign Up for Ticket Notifications:
Many ticketing websites offer alert and notification services that notify users when tickets become available or drop in price. Signing up for these alerts can give you a competitive edge in securing last-minute tickets.

"Subscribe to ticket alerts on reputable ticketing websites," advises Adam Evans. "These notifications can alert you to newly released tickets or even returned tickets, giving you another chance to purchase."

5. Consider Ticket Upgrades:
Consider paying a premium for the VIP tickets if they become available. Whilst they will be high in price, they will sell fast so be prepared to pay." recommends Adam Evans.

6. Avoid Buying via Social Media Channels
A general tip would be to avoid purchasing tickets via social media channels. While it may seem convenient, there's a higher risk of losing money.

"Avoid buying tickets via social media channels. Stick to official and trusted ticketing platforms to ensure a safe and legitimate purchase," cautions Adam Evans from FanSeats.

In conclusion, while the initial ticketing frenzy may have passed, there are still options available for securing last-minute tickets to Taylor Swift's UK and Ireland tour.

As Cian Ferguson from Seat-Compare.com states, "in the week leading up to the concert, stay proactive and explore multiple avenues for securing last-minute tickets. With persistence and careful consideration, you can still be there live."

UK & Ireland The Eras Tour Dates

June Dates:

Friday, 7th June
Location: Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
Saturday, 8th June
Location: Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
Sunday, 9th June
Location: Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
Thursday, 13th June
Location: Liverpool, Anfield Stadium
Friday, 14th June
Location: Liverpool, Anfield Stadium
Saturday, 15th June
Location: Liverpool, Anfield Stadium
Tuesday, 18th June
Location: Cardiff, Principality Stadium
Friday, 28th June
Location: Dublin, Aviva Stadium
Saturday, 29th June
Location: Dublin, Aviva Stadium
Sunday, 30th June
Location: Dublin, Aviva Stadium

August Dates:

Thursday, 15th August
Location: Wembley Stadium, London
Friday, 16th August
Location: London, Wembley Stadium
Saturday, 17th August
Location: London, Wembley Stadium
Monday, 19th August
Location: London, Wembley Stadium
Tuesday, 20th August
Location: London, Wembley Stadium

Trendsetting Tranquility: How Minimalism is Redefining Today's Fashion Landscape

2023-10-27T15:34:00.001-04:00

A quiet revolution is threading through the bustling fabric of the fashion industry. This tranquility, wrapped in minimalism, is redefining the fashion landscape, bringing a breath of fresh air to the once color-and-pattern-saturated runways. This piece delves into the journey of minimalism, its meld with modern fashion, and how it’s setting a new trend of tranquil aesthetics. The unadorned charm of minimalism has become a beacon for those seeking a refuge from the cacophony of overindulgent designs. It's a call to return to the basics, to appreciate the eloquence inherent in simplicity, and to celebrate the nuanced allure of understated elegance.

The Essence of Minimalism: Unveiling the Core Principles
Minimalism, at its heart, embodies simplicity, functionality, and the eloquence of understatement. It’s about stripping down design to its most essential quality, removing all superfluous elements to create a serene and uncluttered aesthetic.

Historical Underpinnings: Tracing Minimalism’s Roots in Fashion
The minimalist ethos isn’t new to the fashion scene. It made a conspicuous entry in the 90s, with designers like Jil Sander and Helmut Lang showcasing the elegance of simplicity. Their collections demonstrated that fashion could communicate much with little, setting a cornerstone for modern minimalism.

Modern Minimalists: Today's Designers Embracing the Less-is-More Ethos In the contemporary scene, designers continue to build on the minimalist tradition. Among them, collections like The Row at SSENSE stand as epitomes of minimalistic design. The Row’s distinctive aesthetic mirrors minimalism's core ethos, offering garments that speak volumes through subtlety and elegant simplicity, a testament to the timeless appeal of minimalism.

Silhouette and Simplicity: The New Age Design Dynamics
Today, the fashion scene is seeing a shift towards more streamlined silhouettes and a muted color palette. This is not a retreat from creativity, but a bold step into a realm where design is thoughtfully curated to highlight the essence rather than the extravagance.

Cinematic Quietude: Minimalism's Influence on Film and Fashion Crossovers
The minimalistic wave has also touched the shores of cinema, with filmmakers and costume designers collaborating to create a seamless blend of aesthetics that narrate a story through a quieter lens. This crossover has enriched both domains, enabling a shared narrative that celebrates the understated.

Consumer Shift: The Growing Appeal of Minimalist Wardrobes
Consumers are increasingly gravitating towards a less-is-more approach. The allure of a minimalist wardrobe lies in its promise of simplicity and sustainability, offering a respite from the fast-fashion frenzy and contributing towards a more conscious consumerism.

Future Forecast: Predicting the Path of Minimalism in Fashion
As we navigate through the unfolding chapters of the 21st century, minimalism appears poised to continue its gentle sway over the fashion realm. Its principles resonate with a growing collective desire for authenticity, sustainability, and aesthetic clarity, heralding a promising trajectory for the marriage of minimalism and modern fashion.

In conclusion, the minimalist movement is more than a fleeting trend. It's a narrative that resonates with the evolving consciousness of consumers and designers alike. Its growing influence underscores a broader shift towards thoughtful consumption and design, painting a hopeful picture for the fashion industry's path towards a more serene and meaningful aesthetic.

What Sustainable Fashion Means for the Next Generation

2023-09-19T13:05:00.000-04:00

The fashion industry has had a tremendous environmental impact, but not in a good way. Many who have become aware of the effects are making it their mission to fix as much as possible while making personal and widespread changes. Sustainable fashion is sure to have an impact on the next generation in many ways.

Upcycling and recycling will take priority

Rather than simply tossing clothes in the garbage when they get damaged, it is the hope that the next generation will focus on upcycling and recycling. For example, if they want to upcycle a shirt they cannot fix from the Bella + Canvas baby tee collection, they can turn it into a bag or a dog toy or make belts or hair accessories. Depending on the damage, they could do strategic cuts to alter the look and design of the top rather than transform it into a completely different item.

Additionally, they can donate any unwanted, damaged clothing to recycling spots where other creatives will use the material for their own purposes so it does not end up in the garbage.

Fashion skills will become more widespread

Part of sustainable fashion is repairing damaged clothing or fixing what you want to be modified rather than simply throwing the garments in the trash can. The next generation could easily do this by learning more fashion skills.

For instance, knowing how to sew on a button or a zipper, hand-sewing and/or machine sewing, dyeing, fixing a fallen hem, and repairing holes are some of the skills worth knowing. It is also significantly cheaper to understand how to do these things yourself rather than taking them to a professional, especially if you are fixing a large batch of clothing items.

However, if it comes down to throwing out the item or bringing clothing to a sewist or tailor when you know they are more adept at fixing the flaw, the latter is still a much better option.

Many online videos, courses, and tutorials offer easy guidance for fashion projects ranging from simple to exceptionally challenging. If you know how to do the previously mentioned skills yourself, consider teaching them to your kids, especially if they are stuck inside for the day and need something to keep them busy.

There are additional eco-friendly fashion techniques

From dyeing clothes with eco-friendly dyes to 3D printing, the next generation will likely want to see and use more eco-friendly techniques in fashion. They will also develop new sustainable methods that can significantly impact the fashion industry for the better.

There are more sustainable fashions

The next generation will not significantly waste time developing more sustainable fashions as techniques improve. While there is a good selection now, it could be somewhere else.

As we move forward with an improved understanding of how our decisions impact the environment, many designers and others in the fashion industry are likely to forgo many traditional practices from the past in favor of ones that are more eco-friendly and beneficial to the planet.

Less waste ends up in the landfill

Approximately 11.3 million tons of textile waste yearly are in American landfills. That is a horrific statistic. That means it will take less than nine years to surpass 100 million in America. Informed individuals will likely do what they can to significantly shrink that number by coming up with new and better methods and approaches to fashion.

More secondhand shops will appear

The more demand for something, the more likely people will work to create a supply (aka a solution). As the popularity of secondhand clothing increases, including for vintage fashion, chances are you will start to see the next generation opening up brick-and-mortar and online secondhand stores.

This practice will allow individuals to have a place to easily donate clothes they do not want while also having access to pieces that can improve their wardrobe. Brick-and-mortar stores could also consider providing other ways to positively contribute to the fashion industry, such as offering a textile recycling program or having a seamstress on staff who could fix minor issues (i.e., a loose button) while you wait and shop.

There will be more respect for nature

It is hard not to have increased respect for nature when you hear more and more about its developments. As heartbreaking as the news, pictures, and statistics are, it creates awareness. Ignorance is bliss is no longer a workable tactic. Knowledge can lead to inspiration and fresh ideas, which–in turn–could help the planet and fashion industry.

Wardrobes will be smaller

The previously mentioned knowledge may inspire individuals to establish smaller wardrobes. Clothing and fashion are wonderful, incredible things, but there is a point where it is easy to lose track of what we have and how we should make the most of the pieces we currently own.

The next generation may focus on establishing capsule wardrobes rather than acquiring new items that catch their eye or as many pieces as possible. If you are considering building a capsule wardrobe, some items include a little black dress, two or three types of denim jeans, a pea coat, a blazer, a white t-shirt, sneakers, and black heels. These items are easily interchangeable for creating several stylish, trendy outfits to sport in different settings.

More eco-friendly fashion laws will go into effect

Expect to see more people demanding that new fashion industry laws go into effect that will help protect the environment. There are several laws already live or proposed.

As the future generation understands more about how the fashion industry operates and where there are gaps where sustainable practices could come into play, the more it might inspire them to make changes.

Considering how long it can take for new laws to go into effect, they cannot happen fast enough for people who want to see positive changes in their lifetime, individuals who want to see the fashion industry evolve, and those who desire nature to thrive.

Encouraging the next generation starts with embracing sustainable clothing and practices now. The negative environmental impact that has come to fruition will not transform overnight, so the sooner everyone does their part to implement change, the better it can be overall.

Three Of The Best Shows On Hulu Right Now

2023-07-31T12:45:00.000-04:00

Do you Hulu? Not only does Hulu have its own great collection of Hulu-created content, it also has a massive amount of classic television shows. Looking for something to watch? Here are three of our favorites:

Community

Community is about a community college study group that become friends. Community lovingly admires pop culture while playfully poking holes in it. This is probably my favorite show of all time and I quote it almost daily.

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia isn't for everyone. These are some of the most despicable characters on television. But if you can stomach the no-holds-barred humor, you're in for a treat.

King Of The Hill

King Of The Hill is an animated sitcom about a simple Texas family. Bobby Hill, the son on the show, is hilarious and not at all what his father expected in a son. "That's my purse!"

Stranger Things: Bringing back 80’s fashion

2023-05-18T14:04:00.002-04:00

Fans of the TV show Stranger Things will know that the story is well and truly set in the 1980s, with teenagers who are wearing the kinds of clothes that were popular at the time. Such is the popularity of the TV show that references have leaked into the mainstream and begun to pervade the current trends, particularly among younger fans.

Those who are old enough to remember the 80s from the first time around will know that the emphasis was very much on extremes. While the New Romantics flounced around in frills and ruffles, discos were packed with young people showing off their newly available fluorescent colours.

It was a time when individuality was still prized, particularly by those that wanted to express themselves through the medium of their clothes. The variety of perfectly put-together outfits is one of the things that makes the 80s styling in Stranger Things so effective.

This is particularly true among an audience that remembers the social segregation that could easily occur when people wore their political opinions on their sleeves. The era of punk encouraged non-conformist, anti-establishment sentiments to be expressed through music as a platform for like-minded young people to come together.

Stranger Things 80s styling
When the wardrobe department on a TV show keeps getting mentioned in mainstream media, you know the costumes must have been good. The Stranger Things cast was the perfect embodiment of the prevailing movements of the 1980s, offering viewers the chance to see the wide array of fashions on display.

Some of the most iconic outfits from Stranger Things have really resonated with the fans that were around during the 80s, with many fans commenting on the evocative sight of scrunchies, mullets, high-waisted gym shorts, and, of course, Elle’s playsuits.

Elle and Eddie – equal and opposite
As an entity with dubious origins, Eleven’s style is as eclectic as everything else about her. Despite her inability to understand a lot of social interaction, she appears to be fully on board with 80s fashion, sporting some of the most colourful outfits in the show.

Her brightly coloured jumpsuits and wild shirts serve as a reminder of the prevailing style of the time, sitting in stark contrast to the seriousness of her mission to rid the world of the monsters that terrorize her and her friends. Bright colours and bold designs are very much Elle’s ‘look’ and fans can recreate this with these paint splatter denim pants – the perfect piece for any Stranger Things fan.

At the other end of the scale, Eddie is a classic 80s rocker, sporting the long wavy hair, ripped black jeans, and denim jacket that formed that decade’s uniform for heavy metal fans. The little touches are perfect including the Hellfire Club t-shirts that have become a must-have for true fans, the wallet on a chain that was a must-have at the time, and even the chain around his neck sporting his name in cursive.

From the screen to the streets – fashion from television
Of course, Stranger Things isn’t the first show to influence the way people dress, and it certainly won’t be the last. While we may have all finally grown out our ‘Rachel’ cuts, there are still shows today that inspire the fashion-conscious and entice them into buying some signature pieces.

While there may not be tonnes of people wandering around in full Regency garb, there can be no doubt that Bridgerton influenced many people to adopt slightly more wearable versions of the clothes sported by the main cast. Retailers reported a boom in the popularity of corsets off the back of the show, as well as empire waists, fancy headwear, and elaborate accessories.

Emily in Paris had a similar effect on the global beret market, with plenty of wannabe Parisians rushing out to match her look. At the other end of the scale, Euphoria-inspired looks saw PVC, pleather, and a preponderance of zips making their way into fans’ wardrobes.

Six Key Ingredients Every Great Casino Movie Needs

2023-02-16T12:00:00.002-05:00

Everyone loves a great casino movie. We love watching our plucky underdog heroes and heroines go up against the odds to beat the house, or to beat a sneering villain who thinks that they are untouchable. These are the kinds of stories that Hollywood keeps returning to, and that we will always keep watching. They have been around for as long as films have been made, but what are the key ingredients that make a great casino movie?

Here are the most important things that no good casino movie can do without, with some key examples to point you towards some high-stakes stylish classics.

A Great Ensemble Cast...
First things first, if you want a great casino movie, then you are going to need a cast to fill it with. Let’s start by thinking about the casino caper movie. Traditionally, you are going to need an ensemble where each of the characters has their own special skills that they bring to the table. Take Ocean’s Eleven, for example. You need a ringleader that is so impossibly cool that you would never doubt that anyone would follow them on an incredibly risky job, and there’s no one better for that than George Clooney. Add in Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Don Cheadle, and you’ve got a cool cast for the ages. This formula is so successful that there’s another Ocean’s Eleven remake on the way. We love a team!

...Or A Great Lone Hero
Of course, casino movies are not always about someone putting a crew together. Some of the very best ones are about one person putting everything on the line for the chance that they might come out on top. Often, these characters will be played by some of the most handsome and beautiful screen stars of the time. There’s Oscar Isaac in The Card Counter, Jessica Chastain in Molly’s Game, and every James Bond from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. Their charisma needs to burn through the screen as they sit down at the card table.

A High Stakes Game
The casino is obviously an important part of any great film in this genre, but arguably more important is the game that our hero is going to be playing. There have been great movies about blackjack and roulette, but has there ever been any game that has ever looked as good on screen as poker? It’s got everything. The incredibly high stakes. The slow build-up as the players get a sense of each other. The question of who’s bluffing, and by how much. Poker has endured as one of the most popular games for a reason, and if watching it on screen has given you the urge to play some yourself, why not head online? Online gaming has boomed in recent years because it is so accessible, and you can find an amazing range of poker games and more when you look for online casino live games. PlayLive offers great games in a secure environment to help you play confidently.

A Villain You Love To Hate
We’ve talked about how important it is for movies set in casinos to have a hero that you can root for, but what about the villain? In real life, you know that most people are playing against the house, but movies offer the fun of having a bad guy that you absolutely despise and can’t wait to see fall on their face. There’s Andy Garcia in Ocean’s Eleven or Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre in Casino Royale. There’s John Malkovich hamming it up in Rounders, or Joe Pesci scaring the absolute life out of everyone he meets in Casino. A great hero is nothing without a great villain.

A Great Sense Of Style
There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, when we watch films set in casinos, we want to see movie stars dressed to the nines. Amazing costumes are a crucial element of any great gambling movie, whether it’s a classic tux, or the incredible outfits that were designed for Ocean’s 8. And it’s not just about the clothes, either. Style should be delivered by the film’s soundtrack too, and all the great casino movies have a fantastic score. David Arnold’s Ocean’s Eleven score may be the pinnacle, but it’s also always great to hear classic Vegas tunes when a film is set in Sin City. Which brings us to our final point.

An Amazing Setting
Generally speaking, when we watch a film set in a casino, we want to be transported to somewhere exotic. Casino Royale’s poker showdown takes place in Montenegro, and there is a spectacular late sequence in Venice, but almost all the great casino movies are about Las Vegas. There is something so special about seeing that city on the silver screen, full of glitz and glamour that you know you probably wouldn’t find if you visited it in person!

Your Guide to the Best Guitar Reviews

2022-11-22T13:55:00.001-05:00

Aspiring musicians and collectors alike both are concerned with the quality and craftsmanship of the guitars that they purchase. One of the best Christmas gifts that I ever got from my dad was a guitar. I remember it quite clearly: the dark blue paint job with slight shimmer…it was beautiful. He chose well, and it seems like he did his research, since despite that being decades ago it is still in good shape.

Nowadays, it can be hard to find reputable vendors. Sadly, a lot of the old school vendors and shops have closed their doors, a problem that was only exacerbated by the pandemic and how hard it hit small businesses. What options do we have, then?

Doing Your Research

For some of us, it may seem pretty silly to do hardcore research on an instrument. However, as most of us musicians know, a lot about a piece comes down to the brand that it comes from as well as the model. So, this step is not one to ignore.

Now, looking at something like this page, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar, probably is not going to be sufficient. Try searching up specific brands and the features that they have to offer. Just knowing the components of a guitar could help you to do this, though, since you can know what to be on the lookout for.

If you know anyone who also plays, you could ask them their opinion as well as you start your search for a new one. I find that consulting other musicians can be quite helpful, since they have firsthand experience with certain warranties or programs like that, as just one example.

What to Watch For

First thing’s first: you will need to decide if you want to go with an acoustic or an electric style. They play relatively the same, but the sounds that the guitars produce are going to be considerably different. There is also the matter of accessories, since they will be different. The electric ones usually need an amp to truly achieve the intended sound.

After that, though, a lot of us get stuck. What else is there to consider? Checking out some of the Best Guitar Reviews can offer some perspective into this, though, since they can offer some testimonials from real players.

Often, it is in the small details that we can discern a sloppy assembly job from a quality one. Checking if the neck is straight is one tell-tale sign, of course. There is also the question of whether the instrument stays in tune – that may be something to check the reviews for, since it is pretty much impossible to figure that out based on pictures online.

The two other details that I want to highlight have to do with the fretboard. You should ensure that you will be able to reach it comfortably, which means you should look at how far the strings are on the fretboard. It might seem like something unimportant, but it can impact comfort and playability, both of which are good to think about.

Other Considerations?

With the main part of this article finished, there are a few other things that I want to discuss in regard to this topic. While the previous section is what I think is most important, there are still a few other aspects that do not hurt to ponder as well.

Personally, I find the rich history surrounding these instruments to be quite fascinating. You could check out a blog such as this one to learn about it, if you are unfamiliar. At first glance, it is easy to brush this aside and assume this will not help us become better players. However, you may be surprised!

As far as the used versus new guitar debate goes, there are pros and cons to each side. While I have never opted to go for a used one, I know plenty of people who have and have not had any complaints. There is always a bit more of a risk with them, but that smaller price tag could be worth it for you. At the end of the day, picking an instrument that suits our needs is always the priority.

6 Things to Do in Minecraft if You're Not Sure What to Do Next

2022-10-19T13:04:00.005-04:00

When a game is almost limitless in its potential, you might find that the only limit is your imagination. That’s the reality that many Minecraft users face. When you can do anything, you can end up staring at the screen for hours without gaining the inspiration to do “something.” With this in mind, here are a few suggestions that could help to give you new direction. Done them already? Keep hunting!

1. Update Your Server Info With a New Banner

Is your server attracting visitors and fans? Maybe it’s time to show you mean business with new minecraft banner designs that let your creativity have free rein. While you’re at it, consider getting it listed on Minecraft server listing sites. You may even find a few servers you’d like to visit yourself while you’re there. Attract and be attracted. Interest and be interesting. It’s all part of the fun.

2. Acing Survivor Mode? Go Hardcore

Looking for a high-stakes challenge? This one is not for the faint-hearted. Hardcore mode is seriously challenging and it comes with a warning. If you enter a world in hardcore mode and die, which is seriously easy to do, you won’t be able to return to it in anything but spectator mode. Looking for something absolutely brutal? There’s always ultra-hardcore mode. In this mode, you won’t even be able to regenerate your health. Don’t even try it unless you’re a very experienced player and know how to watch your back.

3. Get Aggressive

You’re on a server with a great many players, and you’d like to see whether you can defeat them all. But don’t expect them to take it lying down. If you build up an army with advanced arms and armour and start attacking, you can definitely expect reprisals. Will you survive the consequences of your warlike behaviour? It’s definitely fun finding out!

4. Build a Monument

Looking for something grandiose? Build a monument! Design your own or try making a replica of something from real life. Want it to be more of a challenge? Go multiplayer and outside of peaceful mode where your creation can only be destroyed by the ender dragon or natural disasters. Look out for griefers and don’t make your monument out of anything flammable.

5. Make Your Own Rollercoaster Ride

Got rails? Minecarts ready for action? Add some blocks to create your own rollercoaster ride. Choose the overworld, the netherworld, or use a portal to take travellers through both. Yes, it’s been done before, but maybe you can add a new twist to a winning concept. Will your riders survive the journey? This could get interesting!

6. Be Mean to Mobs

Have some fun being mean to mobs in creative mode. There are tons of mob traps you can make, but here’s an example of a popular option. Fence an area, equip yourself with a fishing rod, and summon mobs that can’t fly or resist fall damage. Zoom up to no more than 34 blocks above ground level, and start fishing. When you catch a mob, release it above ground. Oops! It can’t fly. You bully! Looking for more ideas? Search “mob traps in minecraft” for even more inspiration.

Not Inspired Yet? Keep Hunting!

As retro gaming options go, Minecraft remains a winner. It takes patience to master, but the limitless nature of your options turns you into a combination of creator and gamer at once. Whether you like your gameplay to be relaxing or brutally challenging, Minecraft has options you’ll enjoy. Create! Fight! Survive! It’s your game and you get to decide how to play it.

The Best Ways To Entertain Your Kids On A Rainy Day

2022-09-07T13:36:00.004-04:00

If you had plans to keep your little ones entertained, chances are you'll be disappointed if it rains. You may wonder how you're going to keep your children occupied all day. Perhaps you have a few ideas, but they may not be enough.

Don't worry, this article can help you to keep all your children entertained no matter what Mother Nature is doing.

Put A Movie On
Most children love to watch movies, especially the latest ones such as the Shazam sequel. Putting a movie on can kill a lot of time and keep your little ones entertained. Choosing a movie, however, is not always that easy. So, you could:

Ask your kids what they want to watch
Suggest that they take turns watching their choice of movie
Put the names of some movies in a container and let them pick 2 out

Let your children watch one movie each or one movie together, depending on what movies they like.

Movies can be something of a lifesaver at times, especially if your kids are bored. Choosing a movie can help to keep them happy.

Play Board Games
Why not introduce your children to some classic board games? They can be a lot of fun to play.

Board games can be the ideal distraction if you don't want your children to sit in front of a screen for hours.

Do Some Baking
Baking can be a lot of fun. When it rains and your kids can't go outside, baking can keep them happy.

Consider baking some simple but tasty goodies that everyone will enjoy. Just be sure to follow the recipe and take your time.

Baking is not only a lot of fun, but it can bring out the cook in your kids. Encourage your little ones to help you as much as they can. Encourage them to stir the ingredients, weigh out flour, and do as much as they can. This can help to make baking a lot more fun for them.

Tidy The House
Tidying the house isn't exactly fun. However, when your kids are bored they could help. Alternatively, they could tidy their rooms before doing something a lot more fun.

Play On A Games Console
Playing on a games console is something that a lot of children like to do. It can:

Keep your little ones entertained for hours
Ensure your kids are less likely to fight with each other
Ecourage your children to learn new skills (depending on the games they play)
Encourage your little ones to build social skills when they play with others

There are some very graphically-pleasing and educational games out there. Your little ones are likely to be kept happy for at least a few hours.

It's not always easy keeping your children entertained on a rainy day. However, the above tips can help. Use them to help you ensure your kids are less likely to become bored the next time that it rains.

Why Retro Games Are Rising In Popularity Once Again

2022-08-04T08:51:00.002-04:00

Retro games have been with us for forty years or more. The rise of video games was fuelled by these high-quality classics, and their mascots became household names.

Now Mario and Sonic are making a return to homes across the world in their original form, with classic titles and retro gaming consoles in high demand on auction sites and on online gaming platforms.

Why are retro games popular again? Well, let's find out. There are a few reasons for the increased interest in the classics of the golden age of gaming, but one thing is certain; these games are great to play and that will never change.

There Is No School Like The Old School
The biggest driver for the popularity of retro games is modern games. Today's triple-A titles have plenty of jaw-dropping graphics and complex and well-acted storylines, but they lack the charm and challenge of the classics.

Retro games are also aesthetically iconic. Go into any games room today and you will be greeted by an enticing wall of custom arcade machines, like the ones from Bitcade, that put retro hits at your fingertips. Nothing says gaming like an old-school arcade cabinet, complete with joysticks and lights, and all the classic sounds pumping into the room.

Retro Gaming Is A Cheaper Option
Though the quality of the gameplay in modern games may be pushing people to go retro, so is the price. Retro gaming not only offers a challenge to gamers, but it also offers value too. Setting yourself up for classic gaming is remarkably cheap, especially if you choose emulation over a classic console collection.

For the price of one of the big-name games on sale today you can get a retro gaming setup that gives you access to tens of thousands of classic titles. If you have a modern games console, you have access to plenty of retro classics as downloadable games. These can be a fifth of the price of their modern counterparts and give you hours and hours more play. As people find ways to cut back on expenses, retro gaming is reaping the rewards.

It's A Family Thing
Gaming's golden age was in the mid-80s to the mid-90s, as console gaming conquered the living rooms and bedrooms of the world and brought Mario and Sonic into the family. The children and teenagers that grew up bashing the buttons of the NES, SNES, and Sega MegaDrive now have kids of their own.

Retro gaming is bringing generations together in the home, as parents share their gaming memories with their children and bond over classic titles. The charm of retro gaming is not lost on the young children of today, with the bright colours and chip-tune sounds that fascinate little kids. The older boys and girls appreciate the challenge of the classics and the history of games. Retro gaming is educational, honestly.

Retro Is Cool
The is no denying that retro games are fashionable these days, and not just amongst gamers. Retro gaming apparel and accessories are everywhere. You can find t-shirts in high street fashion outlets with images of joypads and colourful mushrooms, and gaming-themed gift ideas in the big department stores.

Gaming, retro or contemporary, has become a huge part of modern culture and is growing in influence every day. Retro gaming has helped drive this interest, with old-school games becoming popular to watch on streaming services like Twitch and YouTubes. As gaming social media influencers have looked to retro games to help keep their subscriber counts rising, it has helped introduce younger gamers to the classic titles the industry was built upon.

Single Board Computers (SBCs)
Looking back through the recent history of retro games, it is hard to separate their spike in popularity from the birth of single-board computing with the epic Raspberry Pi. This tiny computer packed a lot of power into a circuit board that is only a little bigger than your debit card.

The Raspberry Pi, and all its endless imitators, have lots of different applications. Gamers being gamers, one of the most popular uses for these powerful pocket PCs is as a retro gaming platform. The boards got even smaller and more portable over the years, and now gamers can easily and cheaply build a custom GameBoy that plays all their retro favourites wherever they go.

When the SBCs hit the market, interest in retro gaming, and hours played on classic games, skyrocketed as they became easy to access thanks it this pocket-sized wizardry. Now they are the number one choice for gamers building an emulation station, and arguably inspired all the ‘classic mini' consoles that were released by the big boys like Sega and Nintendo a few years ago. Even the titans of retro games had to get in on the SBC action and capitalise on the trend.

There are plenty of reasons to play the classics, but these are the biggest factors that are driving older generations back to the old school and making young players pick up pads that are older than they are.

For The Love Of Live Music: Top Tips To Help You Cover The Cost Of Concert Tickets

2022-06-22T13:14:00.002-04:00

Live music is something many should experience at least once. The electricity in the crowd before your favourite band or artist walks onto the stage is thrilling. The excitement ripples through the crowd as the countdown to showtime commences. The anticipation is felt the moment you enter the venue. Once the lights go down and the performer walks out, the sudden burst of energy and excitement released is indescribable. There is a magic to live music that draws many in.

As many artists and bands prepare to release their upcoming tour dates, those hoping to attend are looking at how to cover the cost of tickets. Depending on the artist and the venue, the price of tickets can vary greatly. Smaller venues that host lesser-known artists are more likely to offer affordable tickets. More of the mainstream, well-known artists playing in larger venues, such as arenas, will more than likely come at a higher price.

If there are a few concerts you hope to see, here are some tips to help you cover the cost of tickets.

Sell Unwanted Items
Think back to the last time you had a proper clearing out of your home. If it has been a while, you might have accumulated a lot of belongings, many of which you no longer use. Many items in your home that you no longer use or need can take up space. Finding and creating additional space or storage can be valuable if your home is limited in space.

Spend time going through your home and creating a pile of unused items. Depending on the size of your home and the number of belongings, it might take an afternoon or a day. Put to the side things you are happy to part ways with. It could be household items that are no longer used, electronics or clothes.

Look to see what you can sell with your pile of unwanted items. Use online marketplaces and other platforms that enable you to sell unwanted items. It is a simple way to make a little extra money that can be contributed to paying for concert tickets. Another benefit of selling unwanted items is that you will be rewarded with space in your new home. You will also better understand what items you have in your home and what you might need.

Have Fun With Online Casinos
Online casinos have become a favourite pastime for many in recent years. The accessibility and greater options have helped increase the popularity of people using online casinos to pass the time and earn a little extra. Many of the online casinos available offer a vast selection of games. Some of these games are unique to that site. They are innovative and fun and have enticed many players to return to the place to play.

Those that enjoy the classic casino games will not feel left out. Aside from offering numerous new and exciting games, online casinos still provide players with the option to enjoy classic casino games. Many online casinos have great offers on their online slots. A popular promotional deal is offering new players the chance of free spins. To find out the best sites, you could spend some time at Online Casino Reviews to find out about the best places where you can play online slots and potentially earn a little extra cash.

If you spend some time on online casinos, ensure you limit what you pay. Remember that you have chosen to play to have fun and earn money to help cover the cost of concert tickets. When playing online casino games, like online slots, only bet what you are willing to lose. Also, keep in mind that you can walk away. The online casino will still be there. Take a break to help prevent you from losing focus whilst playing.

Look At Spending Habits
Some of us have developed a few spending habits without even realising it. It could be purchasing a coffee while commuting to work and buying unnecessary items when shopping for a specific item or food. At the time, these purchases might not seem like much. However, over time, these small purchases can add up.

Look at how much you spent last month and what you spent your money on. You may notice you made a few unnecessary purchases or have monthly payments being made to streaming platforms you rarely use. If so, consider stopping these monthly payments and cutting back on small purchases. Changing your spending habits could see you save a little extra each month. The extra money saved can be put towards paying for your concert tickets. Knowing what your spending habits are and having a better understanding of where your money goes is helpful.

Try And Find Cheaper Tickets
For larger venues, there will be a greater selection of seat choices. Depending on the artist and the stage's layout, there might be a wider choice of places to sit. The seat location of the venue is something worth considering. Aside from determining how close to the venue you are or where you are sitting, the ticket cost will also vary.

In venues such as arenas or stadiums, seats that are further back and at the top will cost more than those closer to the front of the stage. Additionally, seated tickets and standing tickets will also vary in price. Decide on where you want to sit beforehand. This way, you can research to get an idea of how much ticket prices will cost. From there, you can decide where you want to sit and how much you will need to pay for tickets.

There are ways to find cheaper tickets and make it more affordable to attend concerts. Look to see if there are any guides about saving money on concert tickets. These guides could be useful in providing helpful tips you can use to save yourself a little extra and still attend concerts.

In Summary
Consider these tips when trying to save money for any upcoming concerts you want to attend. It could help you attend as many concerts as possible, without putting yourself in an unfavourable financial situation.

What Do Musicians Get Up To On Tour?

2022-06-22T13:01:00.002-04:00

There are many great legends in the history of world tours. Led Zeppelin and The Who seemed to be competing for the unofficial title of the most raucous and rowdy touring bands in rock n' roll in their heyday.

Touring is not all about extravagant parties and drunken debauchery though, a lot of work goes into getting everyone where they need to be at the right time. Staying focused and performing at your best is important too. What do musicians get up to on tour? Let's find out.

Killing Time
For all the glitz and glamour that comes with being a top-performing musician on tour, there is a lot of sitting around and waiting. They find themselves at airport terminals, hotels, and stadiums waiting for a bus or plane, or a car to take them to their next stop.

Then when they get on whichever mode of transport they need, they must sit and wait there. Time spent traveling eats up hours of a tour and keeping sane and entertained is a high priority.

Musicians and performing artists are the same as anyone else, just with more style and expense. Social media will take up a lot of the downtime, whether promoting the tour on official accounts or scrolling on an anonymous, low-key Instagram or Twitter profile. They play games too, often casino games.

These are a fun way to kill some time, and there are some great places to play online with tempting offers for new players. There's more information here about the free spin introductory offer at Jackpot Casino. With so many free spins on offer, even the top bands might open an account to spin some slots there while they are waiting for the tour bus.

Putting In The Work
Being on tour sounds fun, and it is, but touring is a lot of arduous work too. The gigs do not happen by accident, it takes planning, preparation, and promotion to make a tour successful.

When a tour arrives in town and checks in to its accommodation, the artists are already on their way to a local radio or TV station to promote the gig and the band. Meeting fans and signing autographs will take up some time too, but it is all good business and helps sell tickets.

Before the fans arrive, there is some practice and preparation to do. Every venue is different and has unique acoustics that the musicians and the technicians need to get used to. Soundchecks can take hours, though they are a chance to rehearse playing and singing.

The biggest tours will have choreography and pyrotechnics as a part of the stage show. These all need to be rehearsed and set up. Costume changes need to be practiced so that they can be done in a tight time frame. Big names like Beyonce or Lady Gaga might spend hours rehearsing dance steps and costume changes at each new venue to make sure they go right on the night.

The After Party
Things start looking up for the artists and musicians on tour when the show ends and the party starts. Performing for thousands of fans is an exhilarating experience, but requires an enormous amount of effort, concentration, and energy. Events can get a bit wild when people are blowing off steam after an exceptional performance.

Tour management will usually organize something special for the performers, like hiring out an entire bar for them and their entourage to enjoy. The tour will pick up the tab. The sound technicians and roadies will get their party too, but this is usually somewhere else and often later after some packing away or prep for the next night.

Parties can be wild and can become mobile'. After the after-party, comes the after-after party. If you are staying at the same hotel as a band on tour, expect some shenanigans to go on late into the night. Some of the most raucous and legendary touring stories come from hotel stays. There are bands and musicians that have been banned from entire international hotel chains. This was quite common during the height of the 60s and 70s rock n' roll era, but even today some of the big stars can be carried away and start a ruckus.

Quick Breaks Away From The Road
The big stars have a management team that looks after their best interests during the negotiation and planning stages of a tour. All work and no play can make any entertainer overstressed. Managers always make time on the tour for some rest and relaxation.

Taking a quick vacation is common among the major artists and big bands. This can be just a few days between dates in different states, or for a week or two off as the tour switches countries.

When a band gets a break for a few days, they will often separate for a while and relax with friends or family at a resort for a couple of nights. Management will plan the breaks and destinations as part of the tour itinerary. Tours might get a break in Florida, so the musicians take the family to all the theme parks for a few days or make a quick flight to a luxury resort in the Caribbean islands.

Longer breaks can mean getting further away from the relentless pressure of touring, and musicians can go anywhere they like. De-stressing and detoxing in a health and yoga retreat in India? Sure. Seek inspiration from exploring the culture of Tokyo and the rest of Japan? Why not. For the biggest stars, the entire world is available to them, and they can have any vacation experience they want.

Great tour management will put a big act in Europe during the summer months. There are a substantial number of festivals to perform at in between tour dates, making some extra money while they are passing through. Walking around Monaco, Saint-Tropez, and the Mediterranean islands in the summer can be like scrolling through a Spotify playlist, as the big names rest before their European tours begin.

Performing For The Fans
The reason for all the traveling, all the hotel stays, the parties, as well as the relaxation afterwards, is the performances. Tours can have to run like a machine, and the stage show is what powers that machine.

Even simple shows, without any dance numbers or the flash and bang of pyrotechnics, take a lot of work and practice. If the wow factor is not being provided by costume changes and a light show, it is going to have to come from the performance on stage by the musicians. Staying at the top of your game will take up some time on tour, and if you fail to be at your best, you can let the fans and everyone else on the tour down.

Guitarists and singers are lucky. They can bring their instruments onto the tour bus with them and carry them easily anywhere else they go. Take a moment to feel the pain of the drummers who have their instruments stuck on stages and need a rehearsal space organized to play a practice kit.

The relentless stress and upheaval of a world tour can drain the energy of the biggest bands in the world. Parties and vacations help make up for all the hard work though, and of course the huge amount of money a tour can make.

This Is Not A Drill. The Duran Duran Tour is Happening

2022-03-26T20:08:00.000-04:00

They were one of your great pretend romances of the 1980s. So now you need to be prepared to dust off your credit card for a worthwhile event to experience in person and en masse instead of sending everything directly to Jeff Bezos's bank account. Duran Duran was busy during the pandemic. They wrote songs, recorded an album and now they want to see your shining face staring up at them from a large crowd.

As we go into the summer concert season, the idea of how and where to spend your money after such a long hiatus has raised a lot of questions for music lovers. It's been a while for most of us, but looking at the robust schedules and the previously postponed events becoming a sure thing this time around, I'm saying it's time to get this party started. Live shows took a massive hit during the last two years, and I, for one, am glad to see them come roaring back.

Duran Duran will be coming to a city near you this summer. For tickets , visit their website and for those in the know, I'll see you in August at Madison Square Garden.

Year In Review (Apocalypse Now Version)

2022-01-11T16:59:00.000-05:00

Man, it's been a crazy year.... two years.... whatever. Time is a construct and means nothing anymore.

January 2021. Humanity peeks its head out from underneath a crusty blanket and wonders if the time has come to try and sort out all those refunds from the fifty concerts and sporting events that have repeatedly gotten canceled, or is there hope of a rescheduled date in the future...

February 2021. This isn't too bad! *Goes and screams in the woods* One or two performers are doing small venues! Our favorite restaurants are allowing us to eat outside in the frigid arctic air with a space heater and we don't even mind the cold because we are seeing other humans and practicing our Wim Hof extreme endurance skills. Framing Britney Spears is released and within days the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl. We all decide to re-read Cormac McCarthy's The Road and immediately regret it.

March 2021. A guy who forgot the most basic principles of a k-turn gets stuck in the Suez Canal and we all collectively wonder if he's going to get fired for basically snarling the supply chain and causing a huge big boat back up. This is our life now. Godzilla vs. Kong is released on the final day of March and we put on our hazmat gear and go to the movies. IT IS EPIC.

April 2021. Someone promises us that Rage Against The Machine is touring. They've been saying that since last year and we don't believe them anymore. We are no longer incensed when movies clearly meant for the big screen start popping up on HBO Max but somewhere deep inside we know this can't last forever.....right? Christopher Nolan will not allow this.

May 2021. Things are looking up! People are getting out of the house! It's getting warmer and everyone is getting on flights to destinations previously unavailable to them. The Friends Reunion show is released on HBO Max ( we are all becoming vaguely suspicious of HBO Max ). A Quiet Place II knocks it out of the box office park while we root for that Top Gun Maverick premiere that Tom Cruise has been promising us for months. Mare of Easttown reminds us why Kate Winslet is an international treasure.

June 2021. Disney + proves to be a must-see-tv hitmaker after WandaVision, The Mandalorian, and now this month's binge-worthy series featuring the God of Mischief, Loki. We're enjoying shrimp cocktails and mojitos on the beach when we overhear some killjoy talking about "delta". Whatever sir, stop using the Greek alphabet to appear smarter than you are. This is the (almost) pandemic-free, summer of YES.

July 2021. AAAAHHHHHHHH. We all brace for impact and find out that the zombie movies we've been watching since the early 80s have equipped us with the skills to pivot and find the bright spot in any disaster. Life goes on. Enjoying giant pyrotechnic displays in the sky has never felt so liberating and someone in public relations coins the term "summer of freedom". We're eating INDOORS.

August 2021. Damn it's hot. Hurricane Ida cuts a swath through the gulf. That promised Bikini Kill tour is rescheduled for 2022 and we all invest in some K 95 masks because Gen X knows that unless you completely destroy any villain by setting them on fire and throwing them off a hundred story building, they're going to pop back up to wreak havoc in the final scene. *Keeps wary eye on pandemic*

September 2021. The Foo Fighters play the 9:30 Club in Washington DC as a "surprise artist" and the world begins to right itself after over a year of being completely off-kilter. We say goodbye to funnyman Norm Macdonald and watch as our kids head out the door and back to school. Billionaires Elon and Jeff duke it out in front of federal regulators over space-based internet and we listen as projects like Starlink and Kuiper get discussed and remind us that Star Wars showcased why capitalism in space leads to the building of the Death Star.

October 2021. Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch and Denis Villeneuve's Dune help kick off the fall box office excitement. Tori Amos reappears and drops her sixteenth album, Ocean to Ocean- and we all love it. Colin Powell shuffles off the mortal coil and for Halloween we all prepare to dress up in our tracksuits emulating player 456 (Seong Gi-hun) from the terrifyingly addictictive Squid Game. Red light, green light will never be the same.

November 2021. On November 12, 2021, Britney Jean Spears wins her long legal battle to end her thirteen year conservatorship. VIVA BRITNEY. Meghan Markle sits down with Oprah Winfrey and spills the royal tea. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez get back together, leaving the public scratching their heads. They Might Be Giants release BOOK. Which at first is confusing, because it has photographs and lyrics but no music and then you realize there's a CD, or you can download it digitally, and you're suddenly in need of your kids to enjoy a collectors item from one of your favorite 80s bands, so now you're just sad. A conspiracy theorist claims a rise in turkey prices is part of a plot to ruin Thanksgiving and we all buy extra stuffing and mashed potatoes just in case.

December 2021. Keanu helps us through the last month of the year with The Matrix Resurrections. The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes looks like it's going to happen....and then.... no. A malicious variant that sounds like a particularly vengeful Transformer villain starts shutting everything down. *breathes into bag*. Our neighbors build a greenhouse and begin homesteading and I now have a book on trading and the barter system because apparently society is going to collapse. But hey, Netflix has seasons 1-4 of the original Knight Rider and a new Tiger King spinoff installment- The Doc Antle Story. And as a final kick in the gut, 2021waited until New Years Eve to take everyones favorite iconic Golden Girl, Betty White, from us. Thank you for being a friend!

So, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times but , *looks around* living on the brink of the apocalypse has sharpened our senses and given us a keen appreciation for all good things. Here's to an eventful (the good kind) 2022.

The Movies We Loved: A Gift Givers Guide

2021-12-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

Man, do we miss the movies. Back in the day, they were the escape we needed from our tiny bland lives and we spent weekends holed up in dark theaters mesmerized by the stories unfolding on the giant screen while scarfing tubs of popcorn soaked in fake butter. If you haven't been able to get back out to the cinema, here are a few holiday gifts for the cinephile in your life that pay homage to the movies that made us.

Really, there are few people alive of a certain age that haven't had the pleasure of going along for the ride of a lifetime with Jake and Elwood after their release from prison. This redemption tale had it all, music, love, run-ins with the law, and everyone's favorite penguin, Sister Mary Stigmata. If you're anything like us, you love a good movie poster, but you know what's even better? Comical interpretations! This Mixtiles minimalist take is ideal for displaying your appreciation of one of the best lines in the movie.

Years ago, someone gave me a pair of socks emblazoned with the design from the infamous carpet at the Overlook Hotel. I was taken aback by the kindness and generosity of the gift and appreciative of the gift-givers thoughtful understanding of my love for movies, but I was always sad that the little slice of cinematic awesomeness would be hidden between my pant leg and my shoe. Now your obsession with watching Jack Torrance spiral into insanity can be on full display in your living room! Behold, The Overlook Hotel rug!

You are now entering the debarkation area. No talking, no smoking. Follow the orange line. After the president of the United States crash-landed in the maximum-security prison that was once Manhattan (in a fictional 1997 no less!), who else but Snake Plissken could save him?! This bleak grimy portrayal of the potential future for the city that never sleeps kept us up at night as kids but it did nothing to diminish our love for the effortless cool of Escape From New York's anti-hero. The best part of every morning can now be the famous line on your coffee cup.

What did you think was going to happen if we introduced lifelike robots into our society and then treated them poorly enough to fuel a bloody revolt? Welcome to Blade Runner and the beautiful but terrifying peek into what we hoped would not be our future! In a film filled with quotable lines and memorable moments, nearly everyone agrees that Roy Batty's speech to Deckard at the end of the movie is a universal favorite.

Some people would argue that Cher's finest decade was the '70s, but I'm of the opinion that she was the queen of the '80s. Her filmography from that time period kicked off with the seminal Silkwood and from there she kept churning out quality performances in films like Mask, Suspect, and The Witches of Eastwick before rounding out a ten-year run with fan favorite, Moonstruck. As widowed bookkeeper Loretta Castorini, she was the perfect romantic interest for the wildman with one hand, Ronny Cammareri. His over-the-top theatrics make us remember why we loved Nic Cage so much during his Raising Arizona years and this tee shirt featuring his most ridiculous line of dialog will delight fellow movie lovers wherever you wear it.

Page Turner Gift Guide

2021-12-06T15:20:00.001-05:00

Sick and tired of donning the hazmat suit and goggles needed for trips to the mall? We've all grown weary of the post-apocalyptic dreamscape that is our current reality and that is why we're helping transport you to a time when your biggest worries were the height of your hair and if your legwarmers matched your sweater. This holiday season we've picked a crop of 80s themed books that are guaranteed to bring you back to a simpler time when we could only imagine the world we live in as the plot of a bad sci-fi movie.

Brat: An 80's Story, by Andrew McCarthy

A fascinating memoir with a peek behind the scenes for those of us curious about what it was like to come of age in the midst of the infamous "brat back". If you caught yourself pining for the soulful-looking McCarthy as a zit-covered teenager, this is the guilty pleasure read for you.

Life & Death on the NY Dance Floor 1980-1983, by Tim Lawrence

If you want a no holds barred look at the New York dance scene, the clubs that made the news, and the DJ's that made them the place to be, then this blast from the past will send you right back to that extremely unique time in New York City history. This fertile artistic and creative timeframe spawned some of the best stories of New York nightlife culture and the people behind it.

In between Days: The Cure In Photographs 1982-2005, by Tom Sheehan

The audience for this one might be a little slimmer (ie; Cure fans) but if you want a comprehensive visual history of the band shot by a photographer who worked with them over three decades, then this is for you. An extra bonus for longtime followers is some never-before-seen pics and a forward by Robert Smith himself.

Wild and Crazy Guys: How the Comedy Mavericks of the '80s Changed Hollywood Forever, by Nick de Semlyen

If you were a child of the 80s, you grew up on the comedy and films of Belushi, Chase, Murray, Aykroyd, Murphy, Martin, etc, and they eventually helped create the movies and tv that became the cultural touchstones of our generation. This is an honest, warts and all love letter to our favorite funny men and their work. Any book that starts off with a fistfight between two comedy legends is on my must-have list.

Life Moves Pretty Fast: The Lessons We Learned from 80s Movies, by Hadley Freeman

Looking for inspiration and a guide for rewatching all the magical movies that shaped you into the human being you are today? Stop searching because Hadley Freeman has a comprehensive, well-researched book that includes lists, interviews, social commentary, and personal anecdotes to help drive home exactly why the movies that hit so hard three decades ago are still must-watch cinema for so many of us. Stop pretending you didn't lister to Ferris. take a day off, steal your best friend's dad's car and spend the day in the city as a teenager and order this immediately.

Nöthin But A Good Time: The Uncensored History of the 80s Hard Rock Explosion, by Tom Beaujour

And finally, for our hard-rocking hair metal fans, here is the over-the-top history of the 80s heavy metal explosion that came to define a decade of excess and the overuse of hairspray. A frothy walk back through the era that helped everyone forget the blandness of their everyday existence and step into the glory years of leather, big hair, and screeching guitars.

Back At It

2021-11-29T19:46:00.000-05:00

Admit it. You're still in sweatpants eating Entenmann's crumb coffee cake straight from the box with your hands between zoom meetings. It's ok. You are all of us. As we take our first tentative steps back into a changing world, here is a smattering of upcoming big-ticket and small venue events that might help bridge the gap between your quarantine couch sitting and the full-tilt social blowout you aren't quite ready for yet.

Uncle Hank is at it once again. Everyone's favorite punk godfather is on tour after being temporarily sidelined by the entertainment venue apocalypse that befell nearly all showmen and the stages that they performed on. Now he's back at the tip of the spear headlining dates in Europe starting after the new year and in the US this spring. As avid fans, we advise you to catch one of his hard-hitting stream of consciousness monologues live and up close. You won't be disappointed. For more on dates and times and to buy tickets go to https://www.henryrollins.com/tour

Did you know that Duran Duran released a new album? Did you also know that it's pretty damn good? Future Past is the band's fifteenth studio album, coming nearly forty years after their debut. It doesn't matter if you were an out of control screaming Duranie in 1983 clutching your newly purchased albums and dreaming of running away with Simon or if you were one of the Johnny-come-lately fans from the 90s, you will enjoy this new release AND you should jump on the opportunity to see them on their mini-tour of Europe. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this band at the height of their popularity in New York a total of four times and it was spectacular. And although I'll never be fourteen again, I can try to recapture my youth screaming along with all the other die-hard Duran lovers. Keep an eye out for possible future dates in the US. https://duranduran.com/tour/

Sowing the seeds of love. I've never understood why Tears for Fears isn't included on the "best of" rotating playlist inside of everyone's head. In 2004 they released Everybody Loves a Happy Ending and I thought for sure that was the last we'd see of Smith and Orzabal. Even the album title sounded like a swan song. Come to find out, after all the hiatuses and unfulfilled wishes the band is releasing The Tipping Point on February 25th, 2022 and they are going to tour in support of it. Music to our ears. http://tearsforfears.com

Think back to a time when we were sure we were coming out of pandemic mode but jumped the gun prematurely and started scheduling all sorts of events and concerts only to have our new plans canceled because wave after wave of new sinister variants, each with whimsical greek names, put us back in our hazmat suits and bunkers. In that brief moment of early hope, the Cruel World festival was born, and then true to its name, it ended up on the trash heap of events that never happened. Well, guess what? Cruel World has risen from the ashes with most of its original lineup intact (only Gary Numan and Marc Almond are gone from the bill). So if you want your dose of Blondie, Bauhaus, Devo, Morrissey, Psychedelic Furs, Violent Femmes, Echo & the Bunnymen, English Beat, Public Image Limited.. etc, etc, etc, then get yourself to Pasadena, California's rescheduled festival. http://cruelworldfest.com

Not ready yet? That's ok too. Netflix & Amazon prime video will be cranking out content until the end of time and we'll be here waiting for you.

Lady Boss Lived Large

2021-09-13T12:36:00.001-04:00

It was the winter of 2013. I was a busy mother of three, juggling scheduling conflicts and deadlines when I got the email that I'd be talking to superstar author Jackie Collins to help promote her new novel, 'The Power Trip'. I was nearly sucked down by the undercurrent of ineptitude I felt. This was a woman whose novels I'd spent my middle school years trading in the bathroom with other like-minded heathens in plaid jumpers and knee socks. No set of questions I came up with seemed worthy. She was the glitzy, leopard print wordsmith of my formative years so I was determined to come to the interview with something that didn't make me seem like a swooning preteen. Back in the day, she was the antidote to the informational void we always encountered when asking about sex. That intimate knowledge wasn't going to teach itself and the nuns were doing everything in their power to make sure none of us had any idea what we were doing when we got out there. We needed her over-the-top sex-soaked novels for reference. She wrote about stylish, potent, powerful women in six-inch heels, with glorious flowing manes of hair, gripping five thousand dollar handbags, things twelve-year-olds with braces and acne couldn't even begin to grasp.

Naturally, I got through the interview, and nearly a decade later things have taken somewhat of a dark turn. Only two years after I spoke to her, Jackie Collins passed away just a few weeks shy of her 78th birthday leaving millions of fans stunned and a gaping void in the publishing world. Now, however, we have been gifted with a documentary, 'Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story', that covers the most intimate aspects of her life with the same frothy over-the-top joie de vivre that she employed while building her one-woman literary empire.

The film (which had its premiere at the Tribeca film festival and has already been shown on CNN) is currently available on Netflix and is a must for anyone who wants a peek behind the carefully crafted facade that hid her personal struggles. Jackie Collins lived as large as some of the characters in her novels and suffered epic setbacks that were clearly not as well publicized, probably due to her closely guarding her real life and the people in it, while promoting her public persona. The director, Laura Fairrie, lets a cast of Jackie's closest friends and family narrate this immersive journey through her life, touching on her importance to the early 80s feminist movement, her revolutionary novels, her successful and failed relationships, and her loving family. The dynamic between Jackie and her superstar sister Joan is especially intriguing to watch. It's a heady mix of fact, scandal, and image crafting spun by a self-made woman who never took no for an answer and kept pushing forward no matter how large the obstacles in her way seemed.

'Lady Boss' is hilarious and incredibly moving in equal measure, and since we've all been cooped up looking for good streaming content for the better part of two years now, I highly recommend you add it to your Netflix queue as soon as possible. We miss you, Jackie!

Top Three Tips for Improving Your Slot Game Gambling Skills

2021-09-07T13:56:00.006-04:00

Introduction

The one-armed bandit is still a top hit in casinos after almost a century. The game is designed to be completely random. There are entire floors dedicated to these games in land-based casinos, while online casinos have endless titles on offer. Still, because there are so many types of machines, you can make educated choices depending on what kind of fun you're after.

In this article, you'll learn to play slots more wisely, with some simple slot machine tips. Additionally, follow our guest specialist, Auli Wälkky, to stay updated about the slot world.

It All Begins with Choice

First of all, keep an eye on bonus offers. Some casinos offer free spins and other perks for newcomers. Casinos with more payment options will probably provide a smoother gambling experience too. Gamblers in Finland will surely have a blast with the casino bonukset.

Even in games like slots, where skill isn't a significant factor, smarter choices can lead to better results. So, do your research before you go around inserting coins. When online, look for reliable platforms with a wide variety of titles. Here's a quick guide to the main types of slot machines you're likely to find.

Single-Coin
It's the original type of machine. Because of its simplicity, this kind of machine is fading away. It has only one payline, very few symbols and cheap payouts. It can be a good place to start.

Multipliers
Multiplier machines are some of the most common ones. Those machines invite players to bet higher since the initial wager will multiply possible winnings. For instance, if you bet €2 and strike a €10 combination, you'll win €20.

Multiple Paylines
Machines with 25, 50, or more paylines belong to this sub-type. Those machines offer much more paylines than any other machine. However, you must pay to 'activate' those lines. It means if a winning combination lands on an ‘inactive' line, you lose anyway.

Progressive
Progressive jackpots are those machines you hear about when someone strikes a millionaire prize. It's called so because the jackpot increases with every bet it takes. In some cases, various machines are connected, leading to even higher payouts.

Top Three Tips for Better Gambling

Now that you know the kinds of slot machines available, it's time to choose one, according to your tastes and budget. There's really no magic secret about how to win at slots, let alone how to beat online casino slot machines.

However, there's more to this game than just inserting the coin and pushing the button. Check below the best tips for enjoying the best of this fantastic game.

Know Your Game
Never gamble blindly. Learn everything you can about your favourite game: bet range, Return to Player (RTP) rate, paylines. Is the jackpot fixed or progressive? Fixed jackpots tend to come out more often, especially the small ones.

Not learning those aspects can lead to wasteful choices. If possible, look for free versions of your game online so that you can get the feel of it.

Learn the Paytable
Get acquainted with the symbols and their values, so you can follow what's happening on the screen. Some games may offer you the option of betting on specific symbols. Knowing the paytable comes in handy in those situations.

This information is typically available in the game's menu. Reading reviews about your favourite game is also very helpful.

Respect Your Wallet
It's easy to lose track of your expenses when trying to get some bucks out of the machine. You can avoid this danger by setting a budget for your fun time, and above all, stick to it. A strict budget helps to keep you away from compulsive behaviour. Practice responsible gambling.

Conclusion

Typically, the best online slot games to win are those with high RTP rates. A high RTP rate means that the machine pays more often. Progressive jackpots offer relatively lower chances of winning than any other type. So, narrowing your search for a game by theme, then by type, and finally, for betting range, you're sure to find the best slot machine for you.

Your Best Guide to the Easiest Banjo Songs You Can Learn as a Novice Player

2021-08-31T20:26:00.001-04:00

The banjo is one iconic instrument, and learning to play it can bring a sense of real joy and accomplishment to anyone. But like the guitar, playing the banjo can be tricky and come with its unique challenges, and if you're a beginner, you will have to get attuned to your instrument and get to know it as much as you can. It's worth noting that some musicians believe that the banjo is easier to play compared to the guitar because it doesn't have as many strings. But one thing's for sure: it takes time and effort to master it, but when you do, you can delight your family and friends with your skill.

If you love country and folk music, you may already have a good idea of banjo tunes you can play, from Cripple Creek to Ground Speed to Ring of Fire. But there are more than a few songs out there, and if you want to be better in no time, here's your best guide to the most straightforward banjo songs you can learn as a novice.

Cotton Eyed Joe
Cotton Eyed Joe is up there in terms of popularity with banjo enthusiasts, and it's a traditional folk and country song that features prominently on the list of easy banjo songs. It's a charming song that can take you to the southeast portion of the country, and many banjo players identify with it. Many artists have made the song famous, although its origin is way before the music industry as we know it started! It's rumored to be sung by workers in plantations in Texas in the mid-1800s. But if you want to hear some modern versions of it, listen to the Moody Brothers, Bill Monroe, and Rednex, a band from Sweden. The song is played in A major if you listen closely, but you can also hear various phrases and melodies. The song works well with a five-string instrument along with Scruggs-style playing or picking.

Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison sang Brown Eyed Girl, and the single was launched in 1967. As you may already know, it was a big hit and is still seen as the signature tune of Van Morrison. Although Brown Eyed Girl is not a traditional bluegrass or country song (it's a pop-rock tune), you can take advantage of it as a beginner because you can play it using any banjo, and you can choose the style and tone you prefer, too.

Buffalo Gals
Another easy song to learn and play is Buffalo Gals, and it is one of our country's classic, traditional songs. Many believe that it was written as far back as 1844 by a minstrel named John Hodges. The song was a hit in the 1940s as well because they featured it in films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Dixie.' If you would like to play the song, keep in mind that it works best on banjos with five strings with a clawhammer style. It is easy for beginners to learn as it has only several sections that repeat in the chords of D and G.

Other easy songs are readily available, but you can gain more confidence as you learn with these first three. Just remember to have fun!

An Oscilloscope – A Quick Overview

2021-05-31T17:00:00.000-04:00

In this article, we will explain to you what an oscilloscope is, how it works as well as how it can be used.

What it is
An oscilloscope is used to visually represent a waveform for a period using a graph with the two axes. The parallel axis is used to represent time, while the upright axis is used to represent amplitude.

Oscilloscopes are used during music production to assist sound synthesis and dynamics processing. The signal chain of both usages has an oscilloscope placed at the end of the chain. The purpose is to allow it analyze the overall effects of all the plugins that have been placed ahead of it. Generally, Oscilloscope PLUGINS (WIN/MAC/LINUX) despite their frequent usage towards the end of the chain, like other analysis plugins, can be still be inserted anywhere. This will allow you to analyze that point's signal.

Usage Scope
When making music and you place a drum riff in the audio track of a DAW, what you will see is a stationary waveform region or clip. You can read this article to know what a waveform is. This static waveform is a representation of the initial audio when it was being inserted.

When an oscilloscope is finally inserted after every other thing has been placed in a signal chain, the stationary waveform will then be displayed straightaway. You can then see how it was affected by processing and also how it will look after final production.

If you are compressing a drum riff, using an oscilloscope aid in the observation of how the attack time affects each drum's hit initial spike (transient portion). If the attack period is fast, the transient will be squashed; hence, the height of the hit being displayed will decrease. But if a high ratio of compression, fast release time, and low threshold are combined, the height of the hit being displayed will increase because the tail and the hit have been increased.

Oscilloscopes aid in sound designing. It can be used to function as a sort of sonic microscope that the producer can use to observe a waveform's single cycles. With it, direct observation of the slow and low-pass filtration of a wave with rich harmonics as it progressively concludes its sharp corners is possible.

Also, you can observe the modulation of a pulse width when it has been placed on a wave (square). Generally, oscilloscopes have become very important in the understanding of synthesis concepts.

Setting Up Your Oscilloscope
Before you begin to use an oscilloscope, you must know certain things. The measurements given on the parallel axis could vary; it could be time division, samples, or musical values such as note lengths. On the other hand, dB is always the measurement found on the upright axis.

You can alter the axes' scales to allow you to view the waveform better by zooming in or out. The upright axis is usually set so that the display can be maximized. The parallel axis however is the more interesting. You can measure an individual wave cycle closely by zooming in, or you can view the larger waveform by zooming out.

An individual wave cycle's measurement, when used at a certain frequency, remains the same provided it is measured in milliseconds. If it is measured in samples, it indicates that the measurement is dependent on your DAW's sample rate.

One 100Hz wave cycle with a sample of 44,100kHz, in turn, will have a representation of 441 samples. But if this same wave cycle uses a 96kHz sample, it will then have a representation of 960 samples. Therefore, put this into consideration during the configuration of the units on the parallel axis.

Oscilloscopes working in a mode known as "free-running" draw the waveform usually starting from the left and moves to the right. It does this until the display's right-hand corner is hit. This action will then cause it to retrigger/reset thereby starting the plotting processing again.

The trace existing waveform is then overwritten. Consequently, the period the device uses in filling the display might not in perfect synchronization with the frequency of the waveform, this will lead the display to bounce around randomly.

To counter this, most oscilloscopes function in the mode called "classic". In this case, once the level has passed the parallel axis' center point, the device begins to plot from the display's left again. This way, the waveforms can be steadily observed.

Conclusion
Oscilloscopes have proved helpful in music production over the last couple of years. And until something better is invented, they will remain great tools for sound analysis.

Key Skills You Can Learn from Online Drum Lessons

2021-04-27T09:18:00.002-04:00

Are you tired of air-drumming to Queen, Metallica, and your dream bands all these years? Do you want to bring out your inner Steven Adler and start a music band with a guitarist like Slash? If your answer is yes to any of the questions, it is time you sign up for online drum lessons.

Gone are the days when drums and any musical instruments were taught in person. The advancement in technology has now made it possible for you to get drum lessons from talented instructors at your home. From beginner to intermediate skills, suitable online drum classes will teach you all.

Here are some of the critical skills you can learn from online classes.

Coordination Techniques
From simple and primary rhythms to complex techniques, playing instruments like drums requires excellent movement and coordination. You are taught to work on coordination techniques starting from the very first online drum lessons. After learning the methods of one exclusive drum, the online instructors will take you through more drums and other subdivisions of a beat.

Hand and Foot Technique
Grips, motions, bass drum speed, control, and power are skills that require monitoring, especially in the initial stages. When you take up drum lessons online, the skilled instructors will help you find the proper grip, angle of attack, and more techniques by carefully monitoring your stance in every section.

When talking about grip, efficiently holding the sticks is critical to getting off to a good start. Online instructors will teach you easy ways to find the proper grip. As it takes comfort, personal preference, and practicality to achieve the right hand and foot technique, the instructors will also teach you to switch between different playing positions until you find the proper technique.

Vocabulary and Note Reading
From note reading to vocabulary and deconstruction, there are various learning techniques for drums. Vocabulary involves knowing the names of different parts of the drum kit, the history of each piece, and other terms of courses and learning methods.

Like instruments like guitar, keyboard, piano, etc., you have notes for drums. To play a known song or to compose new music, you must be well-versed with note reading.

Taking up drum lessons online will be an excellent way to start with the basics of note reading, vocabulary, deconstruction, and more. As online drum lessons offer classes for all students in different levels of expertise, you can take up beginner or intermediate drum classes any time for improving your note-reading skills.

Rudiments and Patterns
There are around twenty-six fundamental rudiments that almost all drummers understand. The primary or beginner level usually includes five rudiments along with their applications and uses in real music. In an online drum class, the experienced trainers will start with the essential rudiment and patterns lessons and gradually move on to creative drumming, showmanship, and more.

Reading and Writing Your Own Music
If you are a newbie to drumming, then developing a good foundation is essential and will help you transition to complex rhythms easily. Reading and writing is a crucial skill that all drummers should possess.

In any online drum class, the instructor will present you with reading and writing exercises where you will be taught to count notes while playing the drums.

Learning to read and play music notation or notes is similar to that of learning a new language. If you are learning to read music without the writing part, you will miss out on the chances to fully understand the new language. That is why trainers in online drum classes teach you to read and write and compose your music even during training.

Listening and Transcribing
Like reading and writing your music, listening, transcribing, and analyzing existing music is also a fundamental skill that good drummers must work on. It is never too early for you to get help from online instructors and begin listening to music with an idea of analyzing the piece.

With the online teacher by your side, you can listen to a famous metal song, pick out the drums from the mix, and write down the musical notations you particularly like. All teachers who are a part of online drum classes encourage this exercise, as it is a great skill that will help you conceptualize notes and understand why a note is used in a song.

Honing this skill will also help you communicate better with your online instructors, fellow musicians, peers, and more.

Tempted to buy a drum kit already? Before that, sign up for an online drum class today and learn the basics of drumming. Your instructor may even help you find a suitable drum kit if you are lucky.

How to Plan A Themed 1920s Murder Mystery Party

2021-03-01T11:11:00.003-05:00

Hosting a party can be great fun. At the same time, it comes with a host of responsibilities including organizing the food, drinks, music, and décor. Whether you plan to throw a party at your home or in the backyard, appropriate arrangements need to be made in advance to avoid last-minute haste. Moreover, you can host your guests in your house, in the backyard, or at an outdoor venue and accordingly plan the arrangement to celebrate any occasion. Themed parties are quite popular these days. Among myriad themes that you can think of, the spooky ones click with most people. If you are a great fan of murder mystery stories, here's a clue on the theme you can choose for your next party. So, if you are all set to experiment, the 1920s murder mystery party can make an exciting theme. Be it a Halloween party or your Birthday, here's how to plan a mysterious gathering for your friends, family, or office colleagues. Select your game Planning games for your party can be great fun and when it comes to a killer theme, you are sure to enjoy the planning bit. Getting your guests to be active participants in the game can be a good idea. Just a show wouldn't be all that fun. You can nominate friends to don the Sherlock Holmes cap and get to solve a fascinating mystery plot. There are a zillion games you can find online. If you have the Agatha Christie bug biting, go ahead and pen your original murder mystery. You can prepare the script for your guests so that they can read their lines from there. Having dialogues and actions can enable a quick-paced game ensuring that your invitees don't skip on any elements of the game. If you want to keep it free-flowing, you can just draft a general outline on what is expected so that your guest can act out of their imagination. Context of the murder plot and character descriptions can help. Moreover, you can leave a few pieces of evidence to help them relate to the solution. Find interesting games to plan your murder mystery party at https://www.quora.com/What-are-games-that-has-murder-mystery-content. Organize costumes and accessories

Hosting a party can be great fun. At the same time, it comes with a host of responsibilities including organizing the food, drinks, music, and décor. Whether you plan to throw a party at your home or in the backyard, appropriate arrangements need to be made in advance to avoid last-minute haste. Moreover, you can host your guests in your house, in the backyard, or at an outdoor venue and accordingly plan the arrangement to celebrate any occasion.

Themed parties are quite popular these days. Among myriad themes that you can think of, the spooky ones click with most people.

If you are a great fan of murder mystery stories, here's a clue on the theme you can choose for your next party. So, if you are all set to experiment, the 1920s murder mystery party can make an exciting theme. Be it a Halloween party or your Birthday, here's how to plan a mysterious gathering for your friends, family, or office colleagues.

Select your game
Planning games for your party can be great fun and when it comes to a killer theme, you are sure to enjoy the planning bit. Getting your guests to be active participants in the game can be a good idea. Just a show wouldn't be all that fun. You can nominate friends to don the Sherlock Holmes cap and get to solve a fascinating mystery plot. There are a zillion games you can find online.

If you have the Agatha Christie bug biting, go ahead and pen your original murder mystery. You can prepare the script for your guests so that they can read their lines from there. Having dialogues and actions can enable a quick-paced game ensuring that your invitees don't skip on any elements of the game.

If you want to keep it free-flowing, you can just draft a general outline on what is expected so that your guest can act out of their imagination. Context of the murder plot and character descriptions can help. Moreover, you can leave a few pieces of evidence to help them relate to the solution. Find interesting games to plan your murder mystery party at https://www.quora.com/What-are-games-that-has-murder-mystery-content.

Organize costumes and accessories

Slip into the mood of the theme! The main attraction of a murder mystery is solving it. For this, you will need a detective as well. You can arrange for trench coats, gloves, and hats for your guests playing detectives in the game. Alternatively, in your invite, you can request your invitees to dress up to the theme.

If you aren't too keen on over-shooting your budget, simply think of options from what's you already have in the closet. Gowns, furry coats, even the bridesmaid dress can do the trick. There is an array of thrift stores where you can shop for vintage clothes and accessories.

Renting costumes, jewelry, and pros from rental stores for the quintessential 20's decade pieces is going to beef up the party look. Some shops sell and rent curated murder mystery collections. Recreate the 1920s glam with your slaughtering creativity!

Send invitations
Grab every opportunity to think out of the box, after all, you will be hosting a murder mystery-themed get-together! While downloaded games can enable e-invitations, you can try sending the old fashion mail with a red seal to give a glimpse of the planned occasion.

Things to highlight in your invitation card

Event details – you can assign character details on individual cards.
How to dress up – Give away hints on the character's attire so that your guest can dress for the occasion
Mention the venue, time, and other details in tune with the party's theme. Add some pixie spirit to those details.

Plot the venue
If you're hosting a 1920s themed murder mystery party, you can't miss the relevance of a fireplace, pre-historic architecture, candelabras, and a chaise longue. Depending on the number of guests, you can either host your party at a hired apartment or at a restaurant ready to do the arrangements on your behalf. Want to keep to the budget, simply go bizarre on ideas.

You can play with the colors of the upholstery, reshuffle the furniture, thematically orient the layout of the floor and walls as well as dramatize with 1920's inspired flower arrangements. Vintage chairs, rugs by the fireplace, side tables, bar furniture, etc. can spruce up the downtown vignette for your ‘murderous' revelry.

What are you serving and how?

From your crockery to cutlery and the food at the table, it can all be crystallized with the theme. Just think of wine, beer, and cocktails being served in classy gold-rimmed glassware and elegantly detailed trays.

Sit-down dinners look formal. A vase or two and candlesticks can give the dinner table that perfect feel and look. However, if there are too many guests, you may need to rethink the space as sit-down dining can stab their comfort. Simple yet delectable starters take the cake. Hop over to this site for delightful ideas on what to serve your guests at a murder mystery party.

Set the stage
Once your guests have arrived at the party, they can be given the envelope that includes details of the game, its rules, and other directions on dos don'ts. You can keep the suspense going by just hinting at the plan for the first half of the party. Intermittently, you can toss surprises to make it thrilling. For instance, turn down the lights and play ballroom music to encourage your guests to slay the dance floor.

Mid-way through the party, you can handover the second envelope to your invitees to declare the game results. For instance, you can secretly whisper into the killer's ears that he/she is the one.

Let the party roll with others making guesses as to who the killer is and finally, you can announce it and give away gifts and goodies to those who made the right guess. Giving away awards for the best-dressed individual, the best actor, etc can make it an unforgettable party.

Of all the things you do, just be sure to keep the suspense through the final execution!

Can Rafael Nadal end his career with the most Grand Slam titles?

2021-01-26T08:57:00.003-05:00

"I always say the same, that I would love to finish my career being the player with more Grand Slams." Those were the words of Rafael Nadal after his French Open victory last year, and if it was the case that all four of tennis' Grand Slams were played on clay, then we are sure there would be no competition for the 34-year-old. However, unfortunately for the Spaniard, they are not, and that is why he is up against it if he truly wants to finish his career with the most major titles.

Last year, Nadal's record-extending 13th French Open triumph brought him level with Roger Federer on an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles. But, whilst Nadal excels on the clay courts of Paris' Roland Garros, he arguably lacks the skill of his counterparts, namely Federer and Novak Djokovic, on the other surfaces.

In his career, which spells back to 2003, Nadal has won the Australian Open just once, Wimbledon twice and the US Open four times. Of course, that is nothing to turn your nose up at, many professionals would love to boast that haul of Slams, let alone the whopping 13 French Opens on top of that. But for someone of Nadal's standards, it is disappointing that he has not been able to get as good a grip on the other tournaments as he has on the French Open.

2010 was the last time he won at Wimbledon, whilst the following year was his last outing in the final of the English championship. His sole victory in Melbourne came way back in 2009, and with four finals since then, it is hard to believe that he has not added to that victory 12 years ago. But with defeat coming to Federer and Djokovic (x2) in three of those four finals, it shows their superior ability on that surface over Nadal, just as the Spaniard's recent 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 triumph over Djokovic at Roland Garros proves his dominance on clay.

Flushing Meadows is somewhere that Nadal has found a bit of form in recent years, however. In the last decade, he has won the US Open four times, with his two most recent victories coming in 2017 and 2019, whilst a run to the semi-finals was shoved in between. Last year, the Spaniard chose not to defend his American Grand Slam crown due to safety concerns around the coronavirus pandemic, but this year he'll certainly be hoping to regain his title.

With the Australian Open approaching, Nadal is the second favourite behind Djokovic - according to Betdaq. But it is going to take something special from the World No.2 if he wants to stop the Serbian from winning his record-extending ninth title, and his third successive victory Down Under. With the news that his coach won't be making the trip to Melbourne due to covid travel restrictions, that task is made even harder for Nadal.

Another triumph for Djokovic at Melbourne Park would really have Federer and Nadal sweating. That would take the Serbian to 18 Grand Slam titles, whilst he would fancy his chances of reaching 20 by the end of the year, given his recent success at Wimbledon and previous victories at Flushing Meadows. That aside, the World No.1 also has an age advantage over both Federer and Nadal. So, in the long run, you would have to fancy his chances of overtaking the pair in terms of Grand Slam titles.

The long-awaited return of Federer also poses a threat to Nadal's Grand Slam hopes. The Swiss legend is set to miss the Aussie Open but should return for the other three Grand Slams later in the year. However, just four Grand Slam victories since 2011 will provide a glimmer of hope for both Djokovic and Nadal.

If Nadal wants the GOAT status and to finish his career with the most Grand Slam titles, then there is no question that he will need to win more than just the French Open throughout the next couple of years.

If he can do that, then there is no reason why he can't retire with the greatest haul of major trophies. From there, if Djokovic does overtake him, then it doesn't really matter, as the goal is to retire with the most!

Six English footballers currently playing abroad

2021-01-08T10:10:00.005-05:00

While the English Premier League has long been a stomping ground for the best talent from all over the world, it's significantly rarer to see English players make the move from their home nation and home leagues to the many different leagues the world has to offer. But, if you're willing to put in the research, you'll find that there are a number of once household names who now find themselves playing abroad. Read on, as we look at six players, you'll recognise from their Premier League days, who are now playing abroad

Kieran Trippier (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Having performed well at the 2018 World Cup in Russia for England, it's fair to say that Kieran Trippier caught the eye. With the right-back struggling for a regular starting position in the Tottenham Hotspur line-up, Trippier made the move to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2019, and since then he has made himself a regular under coach Diego Simeone. Atlético are one of the favourites to win La Liga in the football betting, and Tripper's contributions are a part of that.

Chris Smalling (Roma, Italy)
Chris Smalling had become a figure of mockery at Manchester United by the time he was granted a loan move to Seria A side Roma. But the centre-back impressed greatly at the Italian club, who made the transfer permanent in the summer of 2020. Smalling is proof that although a player may struggle in the Premier League, a move abroad can often have a revitalising effect.

Ashley Young (Inter, Italy)
Staying with the theme of former Manchester United players, Ashley Young also made the move to Serie A in January 2020. Young was a valuable player for United over the years, but similar to Smalling, the former England international eventually became a source of ire for Manchester United fans, and a move to Inter brought him out of the spotlight, and gave him a fresh start in a new league.

Steven Taylor (Odisha, India)
Fans of English football may be surprised to learn that former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is still playing, but the now 34-year-old is plying his trade in the Indian Super League with Odisha. After leaving Newastle in 2016, Taylor has been on a footballing odyssey around the world, which has included spells in the USA, New Zealand and now India.

Jay Bothroyd (Consadole Sapporo, Japan)
Cardiff City supporters will be interested to learn of the progress of Jay Bothroyd, who is currently to be found playing for Japanese side Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League. Now at the ripe old age of 38, Bothroyd was once a solid English league player, making the biggest mark at the south-Wales club, where he endeared himself to supporters with his work rate and goals.

Jordon Mutch (Aalesand, Norway)
After enjoying Premier League football with Cardiff City, QPR and Crystal Palace, Jordon Mutch is now plying his trade in Scandinavia, having signed for Norwegian club Aalesand earlier this year. This move followed spells with Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada, and South Korean side Gyeongnam.