http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com Fri, 18 Jan 2019 08:02:32 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/ces-2019-highlights-latest-tech-trends/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:33:47 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2860
January in Las Vegas means the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is back once again. This is the annual event where the tech community kicks off the year by giving major players and humble startups alike the opportunity to showcase all the latest tech trends. CES is now so big it spreads out over four days … Continue reading CES 2019 Highlights The Latest Tech Trends →

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January in Las Vegas means the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is back once again. This is the annual event where the tech community kicks off the year by giving major players and humble startups alike the opportunity to showcase all the latest tech trends. CES is now so big it spreads out over four days and is housed in three separate areas: Tech East, Tech West and Tech South.

Picking out trends from among the dazzling array of gadgets on show is not an easy job. However, besides a clear focus on climate change innovations, it seems as if some of the hot trends for 2019 involve tech associated with smart homes, new phones, drones for consumers, new LED TV, smart speakers, health tech and VR products.

Google Assistant arrives on Sonos

Voice-controlled assistance seems to have fared better than full-blown robotics. CES appearances have confirmed that Google’s little helper now features on the latest Sonos speakers. Amazon’s Alexa has been supported by both the Sonos Beam and Sonos One for some time. But thanks to a new software update, these models will now also include support for Google Assistant. That means you’ll be able to play music and control the volume, activate the TV and also start and stream Netflix. Just at the moment, you won’t be able to cast to Sonos, but this is likely to be added in a future update.

Eye-tracking VR enhancements

Meanwhile, HTC’s high-end Vive Pro virtual reality headset promises to take ultra-convenient, hands-free control to new levels. This device offers built-in eye tracking for an enhanced VR experience. This employs ‘foveated rendering’ – a technique which registers where your eyes are focusing in order to sharpen that image and soften the profile of objects in the peripheral area. This has multiple uses and means, for example, you could soon navigate to your favourite online casino just by vision alone.

Take Five?

Heatworks have produced a tech solution which appears to shave minutes off the domestic process of making a tea or coffee. Instead of waiting some minutes for the water to boil, the Heatworks Duo does the job instantly. Employing the company’s ‘Ohmic Array’ technology, the Duo functions as a battery-powered water carafe which can heat water to the desired temperature the moment it pours from the spout. The system does not require any heating element and, according to Heatworks, will deliver an 8-ounce glass of water in 20-30 seconds. Sophisticated temperature control means your drink will be heated to within one degree of the temperature you requested.

Monitoring children

Elsewhere on the domestic front, GPS tracking is playing an important role in trying to keep your kids safe. One of the options featured at CES is a new tracker from Elios. This is concealed inside a decorative emoji so it can be put on a child’s clothing, backpack etc. without any fuss. Onboard functions include geotargeting an area of operation (to include school routes etc.), an email sent to confirm arrival at a destination, plus an alarm.

Qualcomm and the Automotive Market

Mobile communication specialists Qualcomm are well placed to take advantage of new developments in vehicle electronics, and innovations such as their Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform seem destined to become industry standards. Though this is a vast field, the new generation of cars will certainly require more powerful AI capability. This will be needed to improve safety standards, navigation, camera vision and a host of other sensors and auto applications. In addition, Qualcomm’s C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) technology now features in the plans many global car manufacturers have to develop a reliable communication system. Here, the priority is to secure a fail-safe method of communication which can be activated for vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-pedestrian, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication purposes and more.

In a further cross-platform development, Qualcomm sources confirm the company now plans to incorporate Amazon’s Alexa. This speech-recognition technology will soon become part of Qualcomm’s Smart Audio Platform and contribute to both safety and multimedia improvements. Drivers will also be able to access standard Amazon features such as Prime Video, Audible and Fire TV.

Robot assistants

In some ways, a perennial sci-fi-inspired innovation, robot helpers around the home seem to come round all too frequently. And to be really useful, we imagine them getting down to cooking and cleaning, fetching and carrying, answering the door and more. That somehow appears to be what the new UBTech Walker robot perhaps might have been designed to do. Sure it can open doors, fetch a coke, stow away the dog lead (and even dance), but the devil is in the detail. Programming a robot just to move around your home, to recognise and retrieve familiar objects, or just to carry out simple household tasks still remains a tough ask for all developers. Responses are ultra-slow and functions seem rigidly scripted, so you’re unlikely to be able to purchase that cost-effective robot butler anytime soon.

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/new-mad-box-video-games-console-future-gaming/ Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:25:48 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2839
Ian Bell is CEO and founder of Slightly Mad Studios, the company behind the Project CARS 2 simulator titles. Bell spearheaded the recent launch of their new console concept, the Mad Box, a project which claims to take a fresh look at a market dominated by powerful players such as Microsoft and Sony. But will … Continue reading Is the new ‘Mad Box’ video games console the future of gaming? →

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Ian Bell is CEO and founder of Slightly Mad Studios, the company behind the Project CARS 2 simulator titles. Bell spearheaded the recent launch of their new console concept, the Mad Box, a project which claims to take a fresh look at a market dominated by powerful players such as Microsoft and Sony. But will this bold move prove to be more hype than substance?

What is the Mad Box console anyway?

According to Bell, the Mad Box promises to be “the most powerful console ever built.” It will host games running at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second and will also offer full support for all major brand VR headsets. We are told the new console should be ready to ship in around 3.5 years and will be priced to compete with the new generation of products expected to be on the market by then.

What the Mad Box will actually look like is still very much open to discussion. Slightly Mad Studios has revealed details and images of at least four possible designs on Twitter, with some pictures deliberately blurred where internal specifications have not yet been finalised. Bell has invited feedback from the gaming community, while also voicing his own tentative assessments.

The first concept (featuring built-in speakers and a flared chassis to accommodate heat dissipation) he thinks is a ‘garish … WIP build’. By contrast, Bell finds the second design (a Portal 2 Companion type cube with standard cooling) “much less ‘out there’”. The third is a far more conventional model somewhat inspired by the Project CARS logo, and Bell designates the fourth design as his own “personal favourite.”

Referring to the designs (and perhaps the company’s open-ended marketing philosophy too) Bell explained: “It’s all about getting the ‘M’ out there.” And accepting that at the present time each one of these concepts could still be tweaked or even scrapped altogether, he added: “We’ll watch the response metrics and act accordingly.”

Signs of innovation?

Bell says his studio is looking at “digital only” options (none of the designs on show feature a DVD slot) and that all current concepts are “very light” and will aim to broadly match rival platforms in terms of dimensions. Twitter exchanges also seem to imply Bell has identified a partner for the controller, which is presently in “heavy development” and will only be unveiled “when it’s ready.”

The Mad Box will sync wirelessly with other Mad Boxes and will be released with a dedicated cross-platform engine ready to export games to Mad Box, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. This feature, Bell reports, will be accessible with “an ‘almost’ one click press”. Even so, we still don’t know if any online casino games will be released for the Mad Box. And furthermore, it seems Bell’s company won’t be looking to develop their own series of platform-exclusive games, preferring to offer an essentially free game engine to developers who wish to create games for the Mad Box platform, yet leaving them able to promote their games on other platforms too.

What do the performance figures tell us?

Alongside these laudable proposals, the Slightly Mad Studios CEO seemed rather less sure of some important detail. While initially indicating the new console would run VR at 60 frames per second, which Bell later ‘corrected’ to 60 frames per eye (no difference!), he then proceeded to tell Variety the performance was actually a staggering 120 frames per second, only to change his mind again and settle for 90 frames per second. Such unfortunate frontline feature-level mistakes have already caused many observers to conclude this launch is primarily about hype rather than substance.

A strategic move?

PCWorld and others believe the real story here is more about what the likes of Microsoft and Sony are planning to do over the next two to three years. Slightly Mad Studios are presently developers, which thus means they are extremely likely to have seen the dev kits relating to forthcoming Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox development plans. Armed with those proposed specifications, Slightly Mad would then be in a prime position to develop their own competitive Mad Box specs.

The future could be fun

While such speculation is not likely to alter the prevailing view that the over-ambitious Mad Box platform is not likely to take the market by storm, or even necessarily progress beyond the drawing board, it does perhaps afford a hint of what the next-generation hardware from established providers might possibly have in store for gamers. Looking ahead to 2021, it seems we can all look forward to taking advantage of lightweight graphics, 4K as the new ‘standard’ resolution and perhaps VR running at up to 60 frames per second.

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/worlds-hottest-countries/ Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:21:08 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2823
You’ve probably had one of those summers where it seems like the heat is reaching some new peak of being unbearable. Someone cracks a joke about it being hot enough to cook an egg on the sidewalk, but you’re not laughing, because it might just be the truth! On the other hand, maybe you live … Continue reading The World’s Hottest Countries →

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You’ve probably had one of those summers where it seems like the heat is reaching some new peak of being unbearable. Someone cracks a joke about it being hot enough to cook an egg on the sidewalk, but you’re not laughing, because it might just be the truth!

On the other hand, maybe you live in a country where hot summers aren’t exactly your main concern, but rather the hellishly cold winters are what you worry about. In which case, you might just be interested to know where some of the hottest countries in the world are, so that you have somewhere to flee to, come wintertime.

Take a look at this list of the some of the hottest countries in the world, and start packing your bags. Because, after all, you don’t just want mildly toasty when running from the snow, you want scorching heat that will banish all thoughts of freezing temperatures and icy breath.

Keep in mind though, this list is of the average temperature per country, not its peak heat in summer, so it may get even more sweltering that you expect!

Thailand Takes Last Place

Some might have thought that Thailand would be higher on the list, given its reputation for hot, humid climates. But with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, it sits right down at the bottom. Thailand also has great food, culture, and beautiful landscapes, so it’s a good place to wait out the winter.

Yemen A Close Second To Last

Also sitting at an average of 27C degrees, Yemen is in the south of the Arabian Peninsula.

American Samoa Increases the Heat

Notching up the heat to just 27.1C, we have American Samoa, an official United States territory in the South Pacific Ocean. It is, in fact, seven islands though, not just one, so there is plenty of space to soak up the sun.

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Passing The 27.2C Range

In the range of the 27.2C average temperature we have a number of locations, mostly tropical islands, including Palau, the Glorioso Islands, Brunei, the Juan de Nova Island, Indian Ocean Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and more.

Palau is a collection of 50 picturesque islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The Glorioso Islands are little known, located north of Madagascar, owned by France, and notable for getting humid and hot in the summer. The average temperature doesn’t sound like much until you consider that the average high is 29.4C. It’s getting a little toasty.

The Juan de Nova Island, also French owned, and also in the same area, the sitting with the same average of 27.2C, though peaking much higher in the summer. Brunei is noted for its outrageously wealthy Royal Prince, Abdul Mateen, and is located on the island of Borneo.

27.3C And Beyond

Now we’re getting into the seriously hot range, where it might just start getting a little uncomfortable for those who are used to more icy climates. Chad is a landlocked African country that has an average temperature of 27.3C, and certainly won’t be the last African country we see on this list.

But first back to an islands, the Marshal Islands, which played a major role in World War II, with many wrecks of Japanese and United States war machines in the surrounding waters is also in a hot spot. It sits at 27.4C. Senegal, Curacao and Saint Lucia all sit at 27.5C, with Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean, being named the top Honeymoon destination in the world.

28C And Above – Scorchers

This is what you’ve been waiting for; the real scorcher countries in the world, where the average temperature sits at 28C degrees Celsius and above. Once again, this is the average, meaning that the highs are well above the numbers listed here. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a good hat!

The Gambia, on the West African Coast, is a tropical paradise, and hot tourist destination. It sits at 28C, with peaks well into the 30s. Aruba is also at 28C, off the coast of Venezuela.

Niger is at 28.3C, and Mali at 28.4C, where you can find the Sahara Desert. But at the top of the list we have Djibouti, with an average temperature, year round, of 28.5C. Now THAT’S hot!

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/incredible-robin-of-sherwood-online-slots/ Thu, 20 Dec 2018 02:57:26 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2786
The Robin Hood story has been around since the 1300s, when he made his first appearance in English folklore as an outlaw with a heart of gold. We’ve seen him as a hardboiled hero, courtesy of Kevin Costner, and we’ve seen him in tights, thanks to Mel Brooks, and now we’re seeing him on slot … Continue reading Incredible Robin of Sherwood Online Slots →

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The Robin Hood story has been around since the 1300s, when he made his first appearance in English folklore as an outlaw with a heart of gold. We’ve seen him as a hardboiled hero, courtesy of Kevin Costner, and we’ve seen him in tights, thanks to Mel Brooks, and now we’re seeing him on slot reels in Robin of Sherwood.

The game was produced by Rabcat, and forms part of Microgaming’s wider catalogue. I knew it was going to be good when I heard this, but, honestly, I had no idea just how good it would be. I hadn’t even started playing it, and was already blown away by the audio and visuals. Disney and Pixar, eat your hearts out.

Instantly-Recognisable Characters

A few of Robin of Sherwood’s merry men, as well as other characters from the story, join him, so you get to see Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marion. Even the goonish Sheriff of Nottingham is around – thankfully he doesn’t stir up too much trouble.

Colourful royal banners, archery arrows, target boards and more abound on the reels, which burst with various animated scenes at different points of the game. Of course, there is more to these online slots than watching a chubby monk quaff ale, or the not-so-little Little John get ready to wallop someone with a wooden stick.

Impressive Action On the Reels

I was happy to discover that Robin of Sherwood has ditched traditional paylines, and replaced them with 243 Ways to Win. Even better than being able to land wins in more generous ways was seeing the Turning Wild feature kick in.

It happens randomly, and can take place after any spin in the base game. Basically, all the Ace, King, Queen, and Jack symbols turn Wild, so if they didn’t form wins of their own with like symbols, they can help the others pay out. Robin’s arrows are also Wild, so they were also able to substitute for a few symbols.

With Robin of Sherwood you’re sure to encounter your fair share of fantastic winning possibilities! Try out this brand new online slots game today and it could just be your turn to walk away with the loot!

Great Free Spins Round

I also got to enjoy 10 Free Spins when 3 of the archery target board Scatters landed, but that’s not all. The Robin of Sherwood slots Royal Clearing feature kicked in after every couple of spins. Initially, I was worried it would be done in the style of the French Revolution, and that I’d have to watch various crowned heads bouncing around, but that was not the case.

Instead, the first time it happened, it removed all the Jacks from the reels. 2 Free Spins later, and the feature happened again, but this time, it removed all the Queens. Later, all the Kings, and then all the Aces, were removed. This meant my last 2 Free Spins had only the high-paying character symbols left – definitely not something I’m going to complain about!

Joining Robin for Target Practice

I’m not usually the kind of player who uses double-or-nothing gamble features. That said, I had such a great time playing the game, when given the chance to try it out after landing yet another win, I couldn’t resist finding out whether Rabcat had used the same old hum-drum Guess the Hole Card gamble game.

The provider hadn’t. Instead, I got to join Robin for target practice! I picked the target, and watched an arrow fly toward it, and miss it. I guess my luck can’t hold out forever – but I would be lying if I said I was upset, because really, what it meant was that I’d have to try all over again!

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/ways-propose-without-ring/ Sun, 16 Dec 2018 02:00:35 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2770
When you think of engagement, chances are the image of a diamond ring pops in to your head. Yes, the tradition of proposing with a diamond ring has been around for a while, but that doesn’t mean you are bound to follow that tradition. That’s the approach being taken by many in this day and … Continue reading Ways to Propose Without a Ring →

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When you think of engagement, chances are the image of a diamond ring pops in to your head. Yes, the tradition of proposing with a diamond ring has been around for a while, but that doesn’t mean you are bound to follow that tradition. That’s the approach being taken by many in this day and age, with a bank account-destroying diamond ring taking a back seat.

Millennials are known for their unique approach to life, so it stands to reason that marriage is another tradition that is being turned on its head. Take a look at some of the new ways people are proposing, and be warned, they don’t involve a sparkling rock in a glass of champagne, or a sunset picnic.

Matching Tattoos

If we’re getting down to the nuts and bolts of what a proposal is supposed to be, it can be defined as a sign of commitment to a lifelong partner. Rings, if you also want to get down to the nitty gritty, may be alarmingly expensive, but can also be taken off and tossed aside. So, really not much of a commitment beyond the financial aspect.

Tattoos on the other hand really are for life – or at least permanent enough to require a laser to remove them! Hence many millennials are getting matching tattoos as a form of proposal. In some cases, even a tattoo of a ring around a finger. A genuinely great idea and perhaps even more of a sign of lifelong commitment than a ring. Agreeing on a design will be just the first step of the deeper bonding.

Donating To A Charity In Their Name

The truth of diamond rings is that they are, plain and simply, a bad investment. They do not hold value particularly well at all, which begs the question as to why they are so favoured in the first place. Some are, therefore, making a charitable donation in their loved ones name as a sign of commitment and respect.

The money will certainly be put to better use, and the donation is still a massive sign that that a connection, and powerful understanding, is shared on a very deep level.

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Custom Artwork

A commissioned piece of artwork, representative of you and your loved one, is certainly a great deal more personal than a ring. The artwork should, ultimately, tell the story of the two of you, and be loved by both in equal measure. It will go a long way to expressing a deep union, and could be displayed in a prominent place that is always in view, offering a reminder of a deep true love.

Of course, even personalised artwork will be drastically cheaper than the average ring, but the cost should be the least important aspect of a marriage. Instead, a true, unifying symbol is created in an artwork that will live on forever, and always be appreciated.

Getting A Pet

There is no question that getting a pet with your loved one is a sign that the two of you are in it for the long run. A pet requires dedication and attention from both parties involved, as well as coordination and agreement on multiple levels. This will likewise go a long way in strengthening the relationship. Plus, pet owners are healthier and more emotionally balanced, which is an added bonus.

The nature of the pet really is a matter of taste and preference, but naturally the most common choices are dogs and cats. More adventurous couples may opt for a snake, lizard, or other interesting pet, and if you want true commitment, a parrot may be the ultimate option, as they can live for over 100 years!

Custom Cufflinks

Lastly, we have custom cufflinks. Some would balk at the idea of proposing with personalised cufflinks, but the simple fact of the matter is that they’re a far cheaper alternative than the traditional ring. So much so that a designer pair of customised cufflinks cost a fraction of what a ring would.

Naturally, both parties could agree upon the design on the cufflinks or even draw it together, and this would add to their sentimental value. Ultimately, they serve the same purpose as a ring, but at a fraction of the cost.

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/worlds-valuable-football-clubs-globally/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 02:00:04 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2745
A quick glance at the football world will confirm without question that there is more than a little money being thrown around. In fact, the immense amount of zeroes paid for players is more than a little outrageous. This begs the question as to which football clubs are in the most valuable in the world, … Continue reading The Worlds Most Valuable Football Clubs Globally →

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A quick glance at the football world will confirm without question that there is more than a little money being thrown around. In fact, the immense amount of zeroes paid for players is more than a little outrageous. This begs the question as to which football clubs are in the most valuable in the world, and just how much cash they have knocking around in the bank.

Let’s find out!

Manchester United

Many probably already guessed that Manchester United would be sitting at the number one spot. The club has been in the spotlight an unusually large amount of late, which is good indication that they’re making all the right moves. Worth a staggering $827.9 million, Manchester United are the Money League kings. Their recent boost in value is due largely to having a total of 12 sponsorship deals, and pushing for improved broadcasting rights.

Real Madrid

Second in the money league is Real Madrid, with a value of $825.9 million. Real Madrid made a last minute jump to second place, with a quick boost in commercial value just before year-end. They are the first team to retain the UEFA Champions League title in the modern format, which certainly helped gather attention, and thus commercial potential.

FC Barcelona

Pushed to third place by Real Madrid, Barcelona has a value of $793.2 million. One point to keep in mind, however, is that the sale of Neymar, which netted an enormous cash exchange, was not factored into this ranking system. So, they really should be at number 2.

Bayern Munich

At number four we have Bayern Munich, who are well known for generating the most commercial revenue of any club. They sit so low on the list, however, mainly due to having failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Manchester City

Still a developing club, Manchester City are predicted to climb the ranks of the money league quickly. Currently worth $646.2 million, chances are they will be worth a great deal more if they manage to appear in the Premier League and take the title, as is being predicted by the experts.

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Arsenal FC

Another club that has hit a record in the money league this year, Arsenal is worth $597.1 million. They won the FA Cup for the third time in four seasons, but likewise failed to make the Champions League. So chances are they will be lower in the rankings, before long, and not higher.

Paris Saint-Germain

The French club made news headlines with its purchase of Neymar, which was for a record-breaking amount. Yet with a value of $595.4 million they are sitting only at 7^th place in the money league. The big purchase shows that the club is looking to regain its position higher up the ladder, but the results of the big money exchanges are yet to be seen.

Chelsea FC

After winning the 2016-2017 Premier League, Chelsea had all the cash-earning momentum that could be asked for. Currently worth $524.3 million, they are bound to be climbing the ladder soon and dethroning a few other names on this list. This will be in no small part thanks to a new sponsorship deal with Carabao, a drinks company that is likely to boost the clubs value by more than a few millions.

Liverpool FC

Yet another big team that saw record revenue generated last year, Liverpool are also on track to climb up the list. They are currently worth  $519.5 million, and a new broadcasting deal looks set to push the numbers through the roof in the near future.

Juventus

Last on the list of top 10 we have Juventus. They would be higher up, with a value of $496.9 million, but for being burdened by the fact that local broadcasting deals tend to have far less overall value than in other parts of the world, especially the United Kingdom. This is a serious drawback, despite that the club have won the Italian championship six times in a row.

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/songs-darth-vader-live/ Tue, 11 Dec 2018 10:45:47 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2737
What would the soundtrack to Darth Vader’s life sound like? He’s such a complicated character. If you follow the chronological order of the first 6 Star Wars movies (as opposed to their release dates), he starts out as a sweet young boy. Then he goes on to be filled with rage and serious homicidal tendencies, … Continue reading Songs for Darth Vader to Live By →

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What would the soundtrack to Darth Vader’s life sound like? He’s such a complicated character. If you follow the chronological order of the first 6 Star Wars movies (as opposed to their release dates), he starts out as a sweet young boy. Then he goes on to be filled with rage and serious homicidal tendencies, before redeeming himself as he dies in the arms of his son.

Stirring stuff. And threading through all of that is his constant struggle between good and evil, the light and dark sides of The Force. Anakin becomes Vader and then goes back to being Anakin in the best tradition of tragic heroes, with a serious dose of teenage arrogance along the way.

Annoying as this hubris is (and I think anyone who has watched Attack of the Clones can agree that it really is), it’s essential for the saga. The young Skywalker’s cockiness means he doesn’t think he can make mistakes. He’s less cautious, and ends up trusting the wrong individuals and making other errors in judgement.

In Shakespearean terms, this hero’s fatal flaw is his arrogance. He’s so evil and yet so human that he is endlessly fascinating to watch. Psychology professors have even used him to explain Borderline Personality Disorder, since he has enough of the required traits to be diagnosed as such. So if you got hold of his iPod and the songs reflected different parts of his life, what would you hear?

I’m Eighteen by Alice Cooper

Unlike Cooper in the song, Anakin thought he knew exactly what he wanted. Did he, though? Would he have chosen the path he went down? The fact that he kills the Emperor in Episode 6 says no. The hard-rocking, ignorant vulnerability of I’m Eighteen captures that perfectly. There’s even a line in there about running into outer space. Also, I can just really see the adolescent, would-be Jedi banging his head along to this.

I Want to Break Free by Queen

A lot of people interpret these lyrics as wanting to get out of a relationship, either because it’s too oppressive or because it makes you vulnerable. But for Anakin, I think it’s about feeling stifled by his tutors.

The line about someone being self-satisfied could have come directly from him, to the Jedi Council. And of course, as a Knight he is forbidden to have any romantic relations. Having already fallen for Padmé, the section on falling in love for the first time and knowing it’s real probably really speaks to him.

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Drop the Mask by Diana Ross

Granted, this is a little on the nose. Darth Vader, after all, wears a mask after his near-fatal battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi. He has transformed from good to evil, and his mask covers the face of who he was before. Even though by this time he is the ultimate supervillain, I get a kick out of some small part of him still needing to express himself and feeling misunderstood.

Cat’s in the Cradle by Cat Stevens

The seminal classic about not having enough time with your son perfectly sums up dear Darth’s daddy issues. Young Anakin was born to a virgin mother so he didn’t have a father figure at all, and then he wasn’t there for Luke. Also, there is significance in the lyrics that say that the boy grew up just like his dad. This skips a generation, but a strong case could be made for this showing that Vader regrets the ambition and dark side allegiance of his grandson, Kylo Ren.

Keep Me in Your Heart by Eddie Vedder

This song was written by Warren Zevon, but Vedder’s performance is definitely my favourite. I also think it suits the fallen Darth Vader best. The wistful lines implore a loved one to remember someone who has passed away, and I think that’s what Luke does when he looks into the sky and sees Anakin’s spirit watching over him.

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/spidermans-top-tracks/ Fri, 07 Dec 2018 02:00:45 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2733
He’s arguably the world’s most popular superhero, and it’s not hard to see why. Peter Parker was little more than a mild-mannered teenager, struggling with the trials and tribulations of high school when a genetically enhanced spider bite changed all of that. Granted superhuman (or rather, super-spider) abilities, Spiderman is able to launch webs and … Continue reading Spiderman’s Top Tracks →

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He’s arguably the world’s most popular superhero, and it’s not hard to see why. Peter Parker was little more than a mild-mannered teenager, struggling with the trials and tribulations of high school when a genetically enhanced spider bite changed all of that. Granted superhuman (or rather, super-spider) abilities, Spiderman is able to launch webs and swing from one place to another, as well as cling to ceilings and walls with ease. But, what tunes might he be bumping up the volume on when he isn’t out saving the world? Below are just 5 of his most played musical treats.

Dancing on the Ceiling – Lionel Richie

It doesn’t matter when (or where) you were born, Lionel Richie’s beloved track is sure to get your feet tapping – every time! When Peter Parker listens to it, however, it has something of a more literal meaning. Given his outstanding ability to climb walls and scale the sides of buildings, it only makes sense that he would literally be able to dance on the ceiling – which he certainly does!

Cartoon Heroes – Aqua

It can’t be easy having your face plastered in every comic book around the world, not to mention TV show and video game. Still, Spiderman knows full well that he isn’t the only one, along with a host of his other superhero friends. When Aqua released their hit single, Cartoon Heroes, it was the song he had been waiting for: finally something he could really relate to. At the end of a long, crime-fighting day, this is the upbeat track to wind down to.

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Tarantula – Faithless

Despite having been granted amazing powers from that famous spider bite, Peter Parker can’t help but feel that his secret is a dark one. Faithless’s sinister ‘Tarantula’ speaks to that shadowy aspect of Spiderman, and is his go-to track when the burden of constantly saving the world becomes a little bit too much. As much as he should be able to sleep peacefully at night, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, in the lonely hours, Spiderman lies awake, soaking in the lyrics of this bass-laden tune.

Poison – Alice Cooper

It can’t be easy, loving a girl who – for her own safety – can never know your true identity. As much as he loves Mary Jane, there is a sadness to his affection, and a poison, if you will – much like the poison that runs in his veins, if you will. Alice Cooper’s powerful song about a love that hurts is the perfect angst-track for Spidey, and is likely to be his go-to in times of frustration.

Overprotected – Britney Spears

Much like the case with Mary Jane, Peter Parker has to keep his identity safe from his family, who still see him as a vulnerable young man in need of constant protection. This can be mightily frustrating for anyone, superhero or not. Every now and then, Spiderman is likely to belt out this tune as a way of expressing his frustration at his double-lived plight!

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/leaving-las-vegas-leaves-impression/ Mon, 03 Dec 2018 07:40:50 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2723
There’s something of a legendary quality to Las Vegas, given its history and its massive role in contemporary culture. Big wins, big losses, big loves. Quick, drunken weddings and tarnished reputations, the casino city of shimmering lights is probably on the bucket list of plenty an individual, for whatever reason. In the face of so … Continue reading Leaving Las Vegas Leaves an Impression →

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There’s something of a legendary quality to Las Vegas, given its history and its massive role in contemporary culture. Big wins, big losses, big loves. Quick, drunken weddings and tarnished reputations, the casino city of shimmering lights is probably on the bucket list of plenty an individual, for whatever reason. In the face of so many films based in this shining location, especially comedies concerning hangovers, the 1995 film, Leaving Las Vegas, brings a poignancy to the screen, with heartfelt performances by Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue.

Leaving Las Vegas is based on the somewhat autobiographical book by John O’Brien, who incidentally committed suicide not long after signing away the film rights to his book. Knowing this fact before watching the film sort of equips audiences with at least a bit of preparation for the gritty (and at times downright raw) nature of what they’re about to witness.

Synopsis

Nicolas Cage plays the role of Ben Sanderson, a Hollywood screenwriter whose alcoholism sees him losing not only his job, but his family and friends as well. With little to nothing left to live for, Sanderson decides to drink himself to death in Vegas, something he will easily be able to do thanks to the sizable severance package he attains from his boss. One early morning, he drives all the way from his LA home down to Vegas, drinking on the way. Upon arrival in Vegas, he almost slams into a woman on the sidewalk, Sera.

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The film focuses on the relationship between Ben and Sera, who happens to be a prostitute working for an abusive pimp, known as Yuri Butsov. The two agree to accept each other the way they are, with Ben insisting that Sera never ask him to stop drinking, and Sera asking Ben to not judge or criticize her occupation. For a while, all is well and the couple coexist quite happily, but before long they begin to get annoyed with each other’s behaviour, and start to deliberately act out in order to provoke one another.

Final Thoughts and Awards

Leaving Las Vegas isn’t one of those films beset with action-scenes and violence, but instead one that hones in on the beautifully complicated nature of human relationships and how, sometimes, the person you least expected to show up when they did, is the one person you actually needed to. The self-destructive behaviour of Cage’s character, and the overall evocativeness of the film, are made all the more poignant by means of the film being shot in super 16mm, which is quite common for art house films, as opposed to the more mainstream movies filmed in 35mm film. One could argue, of course, that Leaving Las Vegas works well as an art house movie, especially considering the tragic ending to the author of the book. In spite of a limited budget, the film fared exceptionally well at the box office, with Nicolas Cage winning the Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as a Golden Globe, and Elisabeth Shue earning an Independent Spirit Award for the Best Female Lead.

All in all, Leaving Las Vegas is certainly a film worth checking off your list, especially if you’re in the mood for something of a heartfelt, dialogue-rich story instead of an action-packed rom-com. The film is one of those that leaves a lasting impression, and definitely calls for a few tissues towards the end.

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http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/how-to-start-your-own-blog/ Wed, 28 Nov 2018 02:00:16 +0000

http://blog.jackpotcitycasino.com/?p=2712
With the power of the Internet now truly penetrating virtually every part of the world, it is more feasible than ever before to run an online business. But this is easier said than done, and requires a great deal of understanding on how the online world operates. Blogging, for example, may not seem like an … Continue reading How To Start Your Own Blog →

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With the power of the Internet now truly penetrating virtually every part of the world, it is more feasible than ever before to run an online business. But this is easier said than done, and requires a great deal of understanding on how the online world operates. Blogging, for example, may not seem like an activity that can generate income. But, with the correct approach, and the right frame of mind, this really is an option in generating regular income.

The question is: how?

We’re here to help you out and these tips will set you on the right track.

Remember though, writing blogs is for the fast of fingers, and those who have a few interesting, flexible ideas rattling around in their heads that they would like to share with the world. Of course if you’re funny that helps too!

Get An Idea

It may seem obvious to point out, but it never hurts to put your ducks in a row. You need an idea in order to get things rolling. But not just any idea, an idea that you feel you can write on, regularly, for an extended period of time. Say, months, or even years.

You may be thinking that the idea that comes to mind is already blogged about by dozens of other writers, but don’t forget that what you have is a unique perspective. So, choose an idea that you are familiar with, say travel for example, and think about what you can say on the topic that is a unique perspective. What angles can you take that are interesting, and will draw interest?

Determine Interest and Target Market

But this in itself is something that needs to be considered. Writing unique blogs about travelling is a good idea, but what if you come up with an area that is less blogged about, and perhaps seems less mainstream? Is there interest, and will Internet users read your blogs?

A quick way to clarify this is to do a Google search on your idea before committing to it, and getting a basic idea how much interest there is in your chosen field. Or if there is massive competition and a vast number of bloggers already doing the same thing.

More to the point, if your idea seems unusual and niche, this may not be a bad thing at all. Niche industries likely have less in the way of regular bloggers, leaving more room for you to operate.

Either way, choose your field wisely, and do plenty of research before getting started.

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Find A Home

It is possible to start writing a blog immediately, with many online options providing free blogging services. But if you’re serious about the idea, you may want to claim a domain. It is, after all, easier to stand apart from the other bloggers if you own your own domain, or website. Owning a domain is cheaper than you may think, with an average price of hosting around $10 annually. Certainly not a cost that is going to break the bank.

But before deciding on a domain that you’d like, you might want to decide on a name for your blog first. Don’t overthink it, and rather just go for something that easily identifies what your blog is about. The perfect name may seem like an important step, but you can change it any time, really, if you feel like it. Aspects that you should keep in mind are a name that is easy to remember, uses fewer words rather than more, and doesn’t involve hyphens or numbers.

Start Writing

Get WordPress or other free blogging software and start writing. Start with whatever comes to mind, play with the idea a bit, find a unique angle, and write. Once you’ve got something interesting, put it up and get it out into the world as soon as possible.

Putting words down, and getting them online is obviously the most important part of this process. Obvious, yes, but what is important to keep in mind is that not every blog has to be a masterful work of art. In the world of blogging, frequency of posts is very important, with the more being better. Try put something new up at least once a week, and stick to the schedule. Your readers will want to know they can find something new regularly, at about the same time, and as your presence grows, so too will your audience!

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