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Elevate Your E-Commerce Game: Becoming an OpenCart Expert

2024.05.01 07:50 complete-gurus-12 Elevate Your E-Commerce Game: Becoming an OpenCart Expert

Elevate Your E-Commerce Game: Becoming an OpenCart Expert
Hashtags: #OpenCartExpert #ECommerceOptimization #DigitalCommerce
Are you ready to revolutionize your online store and take your e-commerce business to the next level? In today's competitive digital landscape, having a powerful and efficient e-commerce platform is essential for success. That's where OpenCart comes in.
https://preview.redd.it/cw3va98h7rxc1.png?width=1042&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b43f2886a9de1287421539998038461460fd56f
At CompleteGurus, we're passionate about helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive in the world of e-commerce. Join us as we delve into the realm of OpenCart and uncover the strategies and techniques to become an OpenCart expert.

Why OpenCart?

OpenCart has established itself as a leading open-source e-commerce platform, trusted by millions of users worldwide. With its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and robust features, OpenCart empowers businesses of all sizes to create and manage their online stores with ease.

Unleashing the Power of OpenCart

Becoming an OpenCart expert isn't just about mastering the platform; it's about harnessing its full potential to drive sales, engage customers, and optimize your e-commerce operations. Here's how you can become an OpenCart expert:

1. Customize Your Store:

One of the key advantages of OpenCart is its flexibility and customization capabilities. Take full advantage of the platform's themes, modules, and extensions to tailor your store's design and functionality to suit your brand and target audience.

2. Optimize for Performance:

Ensure your OpenCart store is optimized for speed and performance to provide users with a seamless shopping experience. Compress images, enable caching, and minimize HTTP requests to reduce page load times and improve site responsiveness.

3. Implement SEO Best Practices:

Optimize your OpenCart store for search engines by implementing on-page SEO techniques such as optimizing meta tags, URLs, and product descriptions. Leverage keyword research tools to identify relevant keywords and incorporate them strategically throughout your store.

4. Enhance User Experience:

Focus on providing a user-friendly and intuitive shopping experience for your customers. Simplify the navigation, streamline the checkout process, and optimize product pages to encourage conversions and reduce bounce rates.

5. Utilize Analytics:

Harness the power of analytics to gain insights into your store's performance and customer behavior. Track key metrics such as traffic sources, conversion rates, and average order value to identify areas for improvement and optimize your marketing efforts.

The CompleteGurus Advantage

At CompleteGurus, we're dedicated to empowering e-commerce entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. Whether you're just starting your e-commerce journey or looking to take your existing store to new heights, our team of experienced OpenCart experts is here to support you every step of the way.
From comprehensive guides and tutorials to personalized consultations and support, we'll help you unlock the full potential of OpenCart and achieve your e-commerce goals. Join the CompleteGurus community today and embark on your journey to becoming an OpenCart expert!

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of e-commerce, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. By becoming an OpenCart expert, you'll have the skills and knowledge to create a powerful and engaging online store that drives sales and delights customers. With the support and resources available at CompleteGurus, you can elevate your e-commerce game and achieve long-term success in the digital marketplace. Let's unlock the full potential of your online store together!
submitted by complete-gurus-12 to u/complete-gurus-12 [link] [comments]

2024.05.01 07:33 unwillingGrond First build - $1,800 (USD)/$2,750 (AUD)

**What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using.**
- Gaming (variety of games spanning between BG2, EA FC 24, Starfield to older, modded games) - Remote office work (lawyer, so mostly document drafting, uses teamviewer)
>**What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?**
$2,750 AUD/$1,800 USD
>**When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.**
ASAP
>**What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ToweOS/monitokeyboard/mouse/etc\)**
CPU
CPU Cooler Motherboard Memory Storage Video Card (pref for Nvidia) Case Power Supply Case Fan (if applciable)
OS
>**Which country (and state/province) will you be purchasing the parts in? If you're in US, do you have access to a Microcenter location?**
Australia, Victoria, Melbourne
>**If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? Brands and models are appreciated.**
Monitor - 32" UR590 Curved UHD Monitor
>**Will you be overclocking? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line? CPU and/or GPU?**
Potentially down the line, for both.
>**Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)**
N/A
>**Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-towefull-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?**
N/A
>**Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? If you do need one included, do you have a preference?**
Yes, no preference as long as it is up to date. Firm runs Windows 10 so will need to be compatible
submitted by unwillingGrond to buildapcforme [link] [comments]

2024.05.01 05:14 corixcal [OFFER]Consume, annotate, summarize or ELI5 Media, Meetings, etc.

Stay Informed, Save Time!
Tired of missing out on the latest books, movies, and TV shows? Introducing our Media Summary Service - your shortcut to staying in the know without sacrificing precious time!
What I Offer:
Concise summaries of books, movies, TV shows, and more!
Expert insights and analysis to keep you engaged and informed.
Quick turnaround time, so you can stay ahead of the curve.
Personalized recommendations based on your interests and preferences.
Books
Movies
TV Shows
Podcasts
YouTube Videos
Articles & Essays
Web Series
Video Games
Music
Theatre Productions:
Business Meetings:
Lectures
Business Reports
Business Presentations
Business Workshops
Business Seminars
Business Training Materials
Business Interviews
Several groups of people could benefit from a media summary service:
Busy Professionals
Book Clubs
Film Enthusiasts
Parents
Researchers
Travelers
Language Learners
Content Creators
Seniors
What type of media content do you need summarized? (e.g., books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, lectures, meetings)
What is the desired length or format of the summaries? Do you have any specific requirements or guidelines?
Are there any particular aspects or themes you want emphasized in the summaries?
What is your preferred method of delivery for the summaries? (e.g., email, online platform, printed copies)
Do you require additional services such as analysis, recommendations, or personalized insights?
What is your timeframe or deadline for receiving the summaries?
Are there any confidentiality or security requirements for the content?
Let me know if you have custom requests.
Let's say about 10$ per 2 hrs of media and 200 words. Will work something out along those lines for longer projects.
submitted by corixcal to u/corixcal [link] [comments]

2024.05.01 02:17 aamnipotent Just finished the series and

This show should be called "13 Reasons Why High Schoolers think they know everything"
Real talk though it was a theme through every season, the pinnacle of each plot hinged on the fact that they all keep secrets out of fear and think that is the right thing to do instead of getting adults or authorities involved. It's funny because as frustrating as it is to watch as an adult, it really does portray the teenage mindset very well, how much high school is their whole world and how they are still learning to navigate fear, conflict, and a whole lot of messy situations. I hear some people say this should have been set in college but I think what made this show so interesting is the fact that it's not. In college they would have been young adults and probably would have been more mature about how they might have handled the same scenarios. But being in high school, it's a learning curve.
On that note I just have to give a shout out to Tyler's character. At the end of the day I think he is actually the one who had the most growth throughout the seasons. By season 4 we see him finally come fully into his own, he is much more mature, self-regulated, and just completely different character than we see in season 1.
I think all or most of the characters had a lot of good growth over the seasons. I'm not gonna lie I found Jessica annoying much of the time. Especially in later seasons with her overly feminist tactics like trying to shut down sports and calling all jocks rapists felt cringy. She also came into her own and continues to show the boss woman stereotype, but also she cheats in season 4 on Diego with Justin, or maybe vice versa and tries to lie to them both about the other and how she's not into both guys. She was clearly into Diego but in love with Justin, which is fine but at least own up to it.
I also got really annoyed at Clay's anger and how they reduce it to Anxiety and Depression. Anxiety may cause some dissociation but his episodes are full blown DID, which is a trauma response. He is a traumatized kid and acts it and I think its funny how again throughout all the seasons everyone talks about helping the people in pain, yet Clay is in so much pain for 2 years and no one seems to notice until he loses his shit. And even then the football team continues to mess with him and Jessica dates the guy who instigated it all? Like come on clearly bully culture didn't change that much did it?
Anyway so many more thoughts but this was a great watch. Probably too heavy to watch again anytime soon but definitely one of the best shows I've seen on Netflix in a while. I enjoyed all the seasons for their own reasons.
submitted by aamnipotent to 13ReasonsWhy [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 18:42 Coolbeansmachines Where do you find comfort/motivation?

I apologize in advance for whining.
I'm a 1L and last semester went very poorly for me. Like bottom of the class poorly. It was, I thought, a combination of personal issues and the wrong study system. As much as people always say 'trust the curve' and insist that people will generally do better than they think, I felt awful about my exams and my results were indeed awful. Let's just say I'm very lucky that we have grade inflation here.
This semester, I took in a lot of different advice about studying and shaped it into something workable. I talked to professors about exams, focused on rules and themes, and finished my outlines early. I took multiple practice tests, reviewed model answers, and read a lot about the best ways to strengthen exam answers. I was in a study group. I worked through practice problems and Quimbee multiple choice questions.
Well... I got to the exam today and I feel even worse coming out of it than I did for any of the exams I took last semester. This was my first exam. I have no confidence that my prediction won't come true based on my experience last semester.
How have you gotten over the doom and gloom you felt about not doing well on an exam? How have you managed to just keep it in the back of your mind and move on? Where have you found comfort in the face of being pretty sure that your grades were going to be bad?
I feel awful about this largely because pre-OCI has already started and my grades as they stand are already an auto-reject for many firms. I know that there's nothing I can do about the exam I just took, but it's hard to let go.
What are your self care tips and bad grade survival stories?
submitted by Coolbeansmachines to LawSchool [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 17:44 Chatkharabykrishan Mastering the Art of Catering: Elevating Your Events with Exquisite Catering Services

Mastering the Art of Catering: Elevating Your Events with Exquisite Catering Services
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, catering services play a pivotal role in shaping memorable events. Whether it’s a wedding reception, corporate luncheon, or a festive gala, the art of catering goes beyond just serving food — it’s about creating a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests. In this guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of mastering the art of catering, exploring everything from menu planning to presentation techniques, and how to ensure your event is a culinary triumph.

1. Understanding Catering Services

Catering services encompass a wide range of offerings, from food preparation and presentation to staffing and cleanup. Whether it’s a full-service catering company or a specialized niche provider, understanding the scope of services available is crucial in selecting the right fit for your event.

2. Crafting the Perfect Menu

The menu is the heart of any catering experience. Crafting a menu that balances flavors, textures, and dietary preferences while reflecting the theme of the event is essential. From hors d’oeuvres to decadent desserts, each dish should tantalize the taste buds and leave guests craving for more.

3. Tailoring to Dietary Preferences

In today’s diverse culinary landscape, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions is paramount. Whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-sensitive options, a thoughtful and inclusive menu ensures that every guest can indulge without compromise.

4. Presentation Matters: The Visual Feast

They say we eat with our eyes first, and presentation plays a pivotal role in elevating the dining experience. The dining From elegant plating to creative food stations, attention to detail in presentation adds an extra layer of sophistication and enhances the overall ambiance of the event.

5. Seamless Execution: Behind the Scenes

Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated professionals orchestrating seamless execution. From kitchen staff to waitstaff, each member plays a crucial role in ensuring that every aspect of the catering service — from food preparation to service — is executed flawlessly.

6. Embracing Innovation in Catering

The culinary world is ever-evolving, and catering is no exception. Embracing innovation in menu development, presentation techniques, and service delivery allows catering companies to stay ahead of the curve and offer unique, memorable experiences to their clients.

7. Building Relationships with Clients

Beyond providing exceptional food and service, building strong relationships with clients is key to success in the catering industry. Understanding their vision, anticipating their needs, and delivering beyond expectations fosters trust and loyalty, ensuring repeat business and referrals.

8. Ensuring Quality: Ingredients and Suppliers

Quality ingredients are the foundation of any delicious dish. Partnering with reputable suppliers and prioritizing freshness and seasonality guarantees that every bite served is of the highest caliber, earning rave reviews from discerning guests.

9. Managing Budgets without Sacrificing Quality

Balancing budget constraints with culinary excellence is a delicate dance for catering professionals. Strategic menu planning, efficient resource allocation, and transparent communication with clients are essential in delivering exceptional value without compromising on quality.

10. The Importance of Feedback and Adaptation

Continuous improvement is essential in the catering industry, and feedback from clients and guests provides invaluable insights for growth. Listening attentively, learning from experiences, and adapting to evolving preferences ensure that catering services remain relevant and competitive.

11. Staying Ahead in the Catering Industry

In a dynamic and competitive market, staying ahead requires constant innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Whether it’s embracing new culinary trends, investing in technology, or expanding service offerings, catering professionals must continuously strive for excellence to stand out in the industry.
https://preview.redd.it/dzdociih0nxc1.jpg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74057acecbc190bfcfc5651ab0ec6ad8172e35ce
submitted by Chatkharabykrishan to u/Chatkharabykrishan [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 17:21 bugzapperbob Man Serpent LVL 25 Invader build

Man Serpent LVL 25 Invader build
Using some snake themed items such as the serpent god curved sword / coil shield
submitted by bugzapperbob to EldenRingBuilds [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 16:54 theplainface007 Saving Escape from Tarkov (Solution Mega-thread)

Genuinely don't want to see Tarkov die. Do I think they deserve it? Yes. But I go out of my way for the few things that bring me joy in this life. I'm not about to let another greedy corporation get away with taking the easy way out. They will give us what we deserve, and they're going to do what we say if they still want that money. I'm a concepts guy and into business. In this thread I'm going to break down how Tarkov should navigate from here on out if they still want to make money and more importantly if they want to save their ass. This is a solution thread, not a peanut gallery. We want answers, since they apparently don't seem to have any. Stay with me, I'm 3 shots in.

Business Model:

Tarkov up til' now has been pay to win (P2W) with nuance. It was a "silent" agreement the player base agreed on. In return for supporting the development of the game you get some rewards. However, a full P2W model has requirements to be successful from what I've observed. These requirements all fall under "consumer value". The main two are: player superiority, and gamblification. In my opinion everything else falls under psychology tricks, such as "Fools choice. Where the company gives you the option to play free but the progression bell curve is so steep that you cannot progress until you pay. This business model doesn't fit Tarkov, in fact Tarkov can't even use this model because of the missing components. I could show it through an OKR or SWOT analysis but I'm not here to do their work. So what does business model does work for Tarkov?
It's a little confusing and I don't feel like drawing, but essentially it boils down to Arena feeding Escape from Tarkov which is exactly the opposite of what BSG is doing right now. Stick with me. Arena should have been "freemium" in order to maximize the amount of micro transactions. Think of Arena as a gateway drug. One that brings you to hell (EFT). Arena should be cross-selling EFT by bundling "X" amount of battle pass' and varying paid micro transactions (skins, cosmetics, etc.) with all editions. You let people taste the fruit to make them chase the fruit. So how does Tarkov implement this?
Firstly, Arena needs an overhaul. Campaign should NOT require online services (servers should be locally hosted P2P), and EFT needs it's annual "Vorführeffekt" (the loosey goosey big "fix"). The bold part is solely for those who are interested in more business talk.
Business Pivot:

Arena Overhaul:

In general, Arena was not received well among the community. Rightfully so. Because BSG has no clear vision for Arena it suffers from lack of realization. They don't understand Area is NOT EFT. Arena is not a survival extraction. From what I can deduce, it was supposed to be an e-sport ready game launch. Operating under that assumption, it is evident BSG hasn't done any research on the e-sports scene. One google search of the top e-sports games and you can see a pattern between games when it comes to features, mechanics and etc. it becomes even more apparent when you focus only on the shooters. BSG needs to conduct an analysis of both direct and indirect competitors in the e-sports scene if that is an industry, you as company would like to become a competitor in. Use the development and feedback of other games adjacent in the market and derive solutions better than your competitors. Determining both of the things aforementioned will drastically affect development and implementation for the better. Now moving on to Arena feedback.
~Setting:~
On top of being a business major I also write for a living. Small things BSG. Consumers weather they consciously or subconsciously notice things, they take in an overwhelming amount of information and if a lot of small things are missing the player will notice. It seems to me that BSG still thinks we are trying to escape from Tarkov. That should not be the setting for arena. It should be in an adjacent area. Somewhere torn between war and a functioning civilization. That gives you opportunity to have these changes I'm going to discuss next make sense to the players.
~Economy & Classes:~
First and foremost. An overhaul of the system is required. Players want autonomy. Funneling everyone into classes leaves a bitter taste in the players mouth. Reflect on COD and Battlefield. At the start, when a player is new they give options for pre-made presets UNTIL you play enough to understand that you can create your own and have things unlocked. This should be no different in Arena. Give the player options. The next set of changes discussed will be in direct reflection to Arena's identity. The game should realistically have two economies. Outside of the game, a currency should be chosen to unlock different traders items. This should be an accelerated version of Tarkov's trader quests. As you complete different achievements playing the game, different tiers of traders along with unlocks in specific tiers will become accessible. Example: As a new player, you can unlock a Car Med-kit with the primary currency from therapist for completing your first match. How does this connect to the second economy? In game, the secondary economy will function like CS:GO. Earning money as you complete rounds to purchase specific things. What can you buy with this secondary currency? Well, upon unlocking items from different traders you will be able to create specific presets that match your play style. When purchasing in the secondary economy you will be able to choose a base version gun and under it, it will list the presets you have for that version, displaying attachments, costs and stats. Presets will be limited for each gun. Not only will you be able to choose from the preset of guns. You will have preset med choices as well as preset classes (like in EFT). This gives the players the ability to be granular in choosing a kit or super lazy. Class restrictions from COD3 should apply here to set realistic and reasonable limits on player ability. In these preset med choices you will, again, have options when you are in game. Low on money? Choose your budget kit. You can ball out? Grab the kit that has a stim, etc etc. These presets will change and grow as you progress in game completing more tasks, playing more games, getting more kills, becoming better. This also applies to armor. There is a trader responsible for armor. You can create maybe three or four presets for in game. As for ammo. This is something BSG needs to work out for itself with the new armor system. Personally, not rocking with it, but that's just me. The choices of ammo should be left up to BSG to balance. Please balance it... NOW, this is where your preset classes should come in. Creating different presets for players to try when they first get into the game, not for the entirety of the game.
~Micro transactions and Consumer Feedback Loop:~
There are a myriad of posts talking about micro transactions and honestly a lot of them hit the nail on the head. The assumption I was operating under was that BSG needed more money so they were going to use Arena as their cash cow to finish Tarkov's development AND fund Arena together. The opportunity for customizable emblems, having skins/war artifacts, customizable gun skins, customizable dog tags (adding a grenade pin, cuts, blast debris etc, exclusive hideout themes, exclusive hideout pets), the list goes on. All accessible through grinding, battle pass' and/or shop. The potential is endless and again not fully realized. I had hoped for a revival of B03s customization but brought up to date and more realistic. I'd also like to make a note, realism is fine but BSG is letting that goal cloud it's judgement, making it both a strength and a weakness at times.
As for the feedback loop. What keeps players engaged? Why should I keep grinding? Just so I can use the next class to unlock the next class and then use that class? BORING. Give players challenges, rewards, prestige's, leader boards, have a space where people can share highlights, have clans or factions (maybe these can affect EFT in some way), maybe even have boss challenges. Where you and group of friends have to clear a building with a boss or multiple bosses to unlock something specific from the traders.
Arena should be the kickoff to EFT. Meaning Arena should be as user-friendly as possible. Think Tarkov-lite. This mean Arena should have a tutorial...
~Game Modes & Maps:~
Do a bit more research on map making. It is very different when it comes to something as unique as Tarkov. COD makes large maps and sections things off for specific game modes, not saying that's something you should do, just saying that there's more than one way to skin a cat and that's what works for them. On top of that, there should be more game modes. I understand they are in development but things like Free-for-all, TDM, Search and Destroy are all basic game modes a majority of games in this space have. A lot of them also have custom lobby's for players to create and tweak game settings. There is a reason for that.
~General Gameplay and QOL:~
TL:DR Now with all that being said, I'd like to close back onto the bigger picture. Imagining how Tarkov would be if they followed this advice, Arena would cross-sell "freemium" users into buying an EFT copy in exchange for the value given, both by access of ETF and Arena benefits (i.e. battle pass). But this cannot happen if they don't overhaul Arena and make it palatable to new people. Once you buy something you are no longer a customer. Meaning I've already made my money out of you. Sure, they can squeeze some more out of you but there is a limit. And those without a limit are called "cash-cows", 20%. The numbers don't add up. Arena is the future of EFT. PLEASE, expand upon these ideas. Tell me why I'm stupid or not. I want to know if there is anything better out there.
Notes:
Will never understand of wanting a pile of money now when you could continuously get that pile and more if you just wait. You would think, with Google free to literally everybody in the world, that businesses wouldn't make decisions like a 90-year old dementia patient. This goes for movies too. Also the mods removed this post???
submitted by theplainface007 to EscapefromTarkov [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 13:50 pohltergiest Q Q Q Fuji Q Highland

Packed and ready to go, we had an efficient early morning to go to Fuji Q Highland, the most intense coaster park in Japan boasting some of the most intense rides in the world. We changed plans to make sure we got there on an off day for attendance and it looked like we picked right. We arrived an hour and a half before opening, in the lightest drizzle.
As we were locking and covering our bikes we saw inspectors walking the tracks of the enormous coasters next to the parking lot. Swelling orchestral music was playing, a theme for Fuji Q. We thought it was a bit more hype than universal studios, but there was more variety at the other park. This one was a relatively short loop that was starting to drive me crazy in line, let alone the staff there.
We happened to be first in line when we arrived, and maybe 50 people lined up behind us for the hour we waited to get in. Not exactly a mob like when we went to USJ. About a half hour before opening, they led us through an odd French villa area that is only sort of part of the park, until we got to a security checkpoint for the coaster park proper. Security was a joke, we put our bags in a basket and walked through a metal detector and were given back our bags, uninspected. Why bother at that point? After the bags, we arrived at our first facial recognition checkpoint, which swiftly let us enter as we had set it up the day before. Not happy to have to give my biometrics to a company, but this is the world we're in. We were dismayed to see they were just corralling us till the official opening time, and they weren't letting us in a moment earlier.
At 9 sharp a line of staff less the accumulated mass of people into the park, avoiding running by not giving us room to move past them. Bryce and I were at the front of the pack, so we quickly walked to the closest coaster, Fujiyama. Fujiyama is 30 years old and is showing its age, but it still looked very thrilling and was once the tallest in the world. The only people in line ahead of us got in early by staying at the park hotel, but besides that we got on immediately, which is unheard of at a major Japanese coaster park. The ride operations were as slow as we read, double, triple, and self checks of all restraints took a huge amount of time per cycle.
We didn't help with the delays either, as when we got to the front of the station platform, I dropped my bottle of orange Fanta from my bag and helplessly watched it roll past the barriers I stood behind, and straight down the gap between the coaster and the tracks. Horrified, several riders called the staff, who missed the event. Good grief. I thought I was going to get kicked out, but the staffer actually offered to buy me a new drink, which I declined saying I don't want to hold things up. A quick inspection later yielded that the bottle just fell to the ground below and was not a problem. When we visited e the next train though, we held things up by still wearing our watches that were prohibited.
Anyways. We finally got up the lift hill and experienced the speed of the 90's, which was fast, loud, and a bit rough. Compared to modern coasters, this had rough transitions from straight to curved sections, a rough jolt each time we went into or out of a turn. We were too busy screaming to give too much criticism, however. Very enjoyable, very fast, very coaster. I give it an 8/10.
Next we went to Zokkan, which seemed like a smaller coaster and a good gap filler between the supermassive coats that we could only handle about once an hour. Inside the queue it was brightly decorated with tvs constantly broadcasting the rules to people in line. The ride would have us ride trains equipped with motorcycle like grips, which was very cool. The ride was brand new and we could see the audio visual effort put in to complement the physical coaster. Once we boarded, the ride started with a very fast acceleration, shooting us out of the station and straight into banked turns which felt awesome in the motorcycle restraints. Music played inside the cars for us to hear, a anime superhero kinda theme which made the ride even better. Bryce's favourite, 10/10. All enjoyment, lots of thrills, no nausea as the superior design eliminated all but the positive G's. Fantastic ride.
Afterwards we decided to brave Eejenaika, the most ludicrous ride we've ever seen. The trains consist of 2 riders on either side of a rotating hub, allowing the cars to flip the passengers independently of the tracks orientation. Bonkers. When we finally got to the front of the line, we listened to an extensive safety talk as this ride could seriously injure someone who can't keep their head pinned to the seat rest. They were quite serious about this, and considering another coaster was just shuttered permanently for breaking vertebrae, we took it seriously as well. The ride had extremely comprehensive restraints, pinning down everything but our arms, lower legs, and heads. I read that the chest restraints are best a bit uncomfortably tight. I hoped so, as I could only get a half breath in.
It was good they were tight. The damn ride pulls you up a lift hill backwards and facing the sky so you can't see where you are, and then as the train descends a perfectly vertical track, it flips you over so you face head first in freefall towards the earth. Insane. There were 14 inversions in total, some just ragdolling us as we corscrewed and rotated at the same time. The ride ends quickly but the screaming takes a second to peter out. We couldn't believe how intense it was, yet quite smooth. Truly a wild ride. 10/10.
Takabisha was the last major ride to conquer and we decided to do it before lunch. This one I had read was going to be a bit rough. It boasted a 121 degree drop, which meant part of the ride was actually past vertical and running on an under hang. When we got on and were strapped down, we were surprised that the prominent lift hill is not at the start of the ride but rather in the middle, the ride starts with a powered launch and propelled us to 100km/h in two seconds, which is pretty fast. I found the ride somewhat too intense, and the subsequent lift made it feel a bit mean. They lifted up straight up, then hung us over the edge for quite a long time. The drop was mental, I just screamed the whole time. At the end I was nearly in tears it was too much. The ride seemed designed to get the world record and be a bit of a bully, I liked the other rides better. 5/10
I will continue tomorrow, we struck camp a little late and we need to be up early to ride at dawn tomorrow, so I will continue the story later. Tomorrow is a rain day, so I can write without limit then.
submitted by pohltergiest to RainbowRamenRide [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 12:01 Astanay-D40 Evolution Gaming Group AB: Elevating Live Dealer Game Standards

Evolution Gaming Group AB: Elevating Live Dealer Game Standards
Evolution Gaming Group AB has revolutionized the iGaming industry, particularly in the live dealer gaming sector. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of Evolution Gaming and its pivotal role in redefining standards within the live dealer gaming sector. Evolution Gaming's innovative approach and cutting-edge technology have set new benchmarks for the industry, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players worldwide.
https://preview.redd.it/wrw6jqhqalxc1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b096a53771aae8ba070c55741531c1d9b81d6fb

A Pioneer in Live Dealer Gaming

Founded in 2006, Evolution Gaming quickly emerged as a pioneer in the field of live dealer gaming. The company's innovative approach to online casino gaming has been instrumental in reshaping the iGaming landscape. Evolution Gaming's early initiatives were groundbreaking, introducing a new level of realism and interactivity to online casino gaming.
Evolution Gaming's live dealer gaming platform offers players a truly immersive and authentic casino experience. Unlike traditional online casino games, which use computer-generated graphics, live dealer games feature real-life dealers who interact with players in real-time. This innovative approach has proven to be immensely popular among players, as it combines the convenience of online gaming with the excitement of a live casino.
One of Evolution Gaming's key innovations is its state-of-the-art studios, which are designed to replicate the atmosphere of a real casino. These studios feature multiple camera angles, high-quality video streaming, and professional dealers, creating an immersive gaming experience that rivals that of a land-based casino. Evolution Gaming's commitment to innovation and excellence has enabled it to stay ahead of the curve, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live dealer gaming.

Technology and Innovation

Evolution Gaming has been a pioneer in the live dealer gaming sector, constantly innovating to enhance the player experience. One of the company's key technological advancements is its use of advanced video streaming technology. This technology ensures that players have a seamless and high-quality video feed of the live dealer games, providing a truly immersive gaming experience.
Another innovation by Evolution Gaming is its development of a dedicated live dealer platform. This platform allows players to interact with live dealers in real-time, creating a more authentic casino experience. The platform also includes features like live chat, which enables players to communicate with the dealer and other players at the table.
Evolution Gaming has also been at the forefront of mobile gaming technology. The company's live dealer games are optimized for mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy the thrill of live casino gaming on their smartphones and tablets. This mobile optimization has made Evolution Gaming's games accessible to a wider audience, further cementing its position as a leader in the industry.

Key Technological Features of Evolution Gaming:

Evolution Gaming has distinguished itself in the live dealer gaming sector with several key technological features that enhance the player experience:
  • Advanced Video Streaming Technology: Evolution Gaming employs high-quality video streaming technology to ensure that live dealer games are delivered in crisp, clear HD. This technology captures every detail of the game, providing players with a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
  • Dedicated Live Dealer Platform: The company has developed a dedicated platform for live dealer games, allowing players to interact with dealers in real-time. This platform enhances the authenticity of the gaming experience, making players feel like they are in a real casino.
  • Mobile Optimization: Evolution Gaming has optimized its games for mobile devices, enabling players to enjoy live dealer games on their smartphones and tablets. This mobile optimization ensures that players can play their favorite games on the go, without compromising on quality or performance.
  • Innovative Features like Live Chat: The company has incorporated innovative features like live chat into its games, allowing players to communicate with dealers and other players. This feature adds a social element to the gaming experience, enhancing overall player engagement.

Game Portfolio

Evolution Gaming's game portfolio is renowned for its diversity and innovation, offering players a wide range of live dealer games that cater to every preference and skill level. One of the company's standout games is Live Roulette, which features a real roulette wheel and a live dealer. The game is streamed in high-definition video, providing players with a truly immersive gaming experience.
Another popular game in Evolution Gaming's portfolio is Live Blackjack, which follows the same rules as traditional blackjack but with the added excitement of playing against a real dealer. The company also offers a variety of other games, including Live Baccarat, Live Poker, and Live Game Shows, each offering its own unique twist on classic casino games.
Evolution Gaming is also known for its innovative approach to game development, with a focus on creating unique and engaging gaming experiences. For example, the company's Dream Catcher game is a live money wheel game that offers players the chance to win big prizes. Additionally, Evolution Gaming has developed branded live dealer games, such as Monopoly Live and Deal or No Deal Live, which feature themes and elements from popular TV shows and movies.
Highlighted Games by Evolution Gaming:
  • Live Roulette: Featuring a real roulette wheel and a live dealer.
  • Live Blackjack: Offering the excitement of playing against a real dealer.
  • Live Baccarat: Providing a unique twist on the classic casino game.
  • Live Poker: Allowing players to enjoy the thrill of live poker.
  • Live Game Shows: Featuring themes and elements from popular TV shows and movies.

Industry Recognition and Awards

Evolution Gaming's commitment to excellence and innovation has been widely recognized in the gaming industry, earning the company numerous awards and accolades. The company has been named Live Casino Supplier of the Year at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards multiple times, underscoring its leadership and innovation in the live dealer gaming sector.
Additionally, Evolution Gaming has been recognized for its responsible gaming practices, winning the EGR Nordics Awards for Responsible Operator of the Year. The company's dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for players has been a key factor in its success and industry recognition.
Evolution Gaming's reputation for excellence has also been acknowledged by players, with the company consistently receiving high ratings and positive reviews from customers. This recognition is a testament to Evolution Gaming's commitment to delivering a premium gaming experience that exceeds players' expectations.

Future Outlook and Expansion

Looking ahead, Evolution Gaming is poised for continued growth and expansion in the live dealer gaming market. The company has ambitious plans to further enhance its technology and game offerings, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.
One area of focus for Evolution Gaming is the continued development of its mobile gaming platform. With the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, Evolution Gaming is committed to providing players with a seamless and immersive gaming experience on smartphones and tablets.
Additionally, Evolution Gaming is exploring new markets and opportunities for expansion. The company has already established a strong presence in Europe and North America, and is now looking to expand into emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.
Overall, Evolution Gaming's future outlook is bright, with the company well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for live dealer gaming. With its commitment to innovation, excellence, and responsible gaming, Evolution Gaming is set to continue leading the way in the live dealer gaming sector.

Road to success

Evolution Gaming has transformed the live dealer gaming industry with its innovative technology and diverse game portfolio. The company's high-quality video streaming, dedicated live dealer platform, and mobile optimization have set new standards for the industry. Evolution Gaming's recognition and awards highlight its commitment to excellence and responsible gaming. With its focus on innovation and player experience, Evolution Gaming is poised for continued success in the live dealer gaming market.
submitted by Astanay-D40 to data40 [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 08:10 henrideveroux Seeking someone to help me build a "Vice" deck. ... I need a lot of help...

So I am an "old school" Magic player. Like 20th Century, Bill CLinton was president OJ Simpson was on trial Old school Magic player. I have only very recently picked the hobby up again, playing 100% online, and has introduced me to Commander.
I'll be the first to admit i know /nothing/ about building a good EDH deck, and my friend loves building decks, so for the most part I let him build my decks and play with him and another friend. For the most part I am okay with this... but at the same I am very aware that /he/ is very aware of every trick my deck has to offer. To the point he's seen me tap a certain quantity of Mana and said "Oh no, he's playing X".
So I'd like to throw him a curve ball. The "theme" of I am really looking for is a deck that punishes the opponent for drawing cards and/or having a large number of cards in your hand such as the "Black Vice". One of my friend's favorite decks had him have 26 cards in his hand last time we played >_< So any and all suggestions are welcome. Again bear in mind my MTG knowledge ended when Crystal Pepsi was still a thing so be gentle.
submitted by henrideveroux to EDH [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 06:20 outlookindia03com Malaysia's businesses suffered due to COVID-19

Malaysia's businesses suffered due to COVID-19
Brokerage Nomura said it was cutting its 2021 revenue estimate for casino operator Genting Malaysia Bhd by 17% due to additional restrictions aimed at preventing the further spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia. The agency now expects Genting Malaysia to report annual revenue of nearly $5.25 billion ($1.26 billion) from its previous forecast of $6.32 billion. 안전한 파워볼사이트
파워볼실시간
Nomura also said it expects the casino company to post a net loss of $651 million in 2021, higher than its previously forecast loss of $184 million. It also lowered Genting Malaysia's adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) forecast for the full year 2021 by 33% to $844 million.
Genting Malaysia is the operator of Resort World Genting Casino Resort (pictured) near Kuala Lumpur. The company reported a first-quarter net loss of 483.6 million yuan this month, down 68.1% from a year earlier.
The company also has casino operations in the United Kingdom and Egypt, as well as in the United States and the Bahamas.
Last week, the group "temporarily closed" its casino in Resort World Genting until further notice due to a new so-called movement control order imposed by the national government as a COVID-19 response measure.
Nomura analysts Tushar Mohata and Alpha Aggarwal said in a note released last week that domestic operations in Genting Malaysia "may remain depressed for at least one to three more months" given the country's "concerning situation with the current COVID-19 curve" and the country's "slow pace of vaccination."
"The more complicated issue is that the government's recent order to close [Resort World Genting] casinos, it's not clear what COVID-19 case thresholds should be seen to allow them to reopen."
Meanwhile, Malaysia's government on Friday announced a two-week nationwide lockdown to curb the latest surge in COVID-19 infections. The government said most businesses, except for the essential economic and services sectors, would close from June 1.
The country's return to a tough lockdown follows a record number of daily infections on Saturday with more than 9,000 cases, according to local health officials.
The Nomura team said in a note that stock investors are "likely to overlook" Genting Malaysia's short-term bumpy earnings as they are "looking through" fiscal 2022 and 2023. Analysts said the company's outlook after 2021 "looks solid," with Genting Skyworld outdoor theme parks "currently set to open in Q3 2021 (official guidance: Q3 2021), vaccine availability in key markets, and some inbound tourism initiatives."
Casino Group told Resort World Genting last week it was "working" to complete the new theme park "in the third quarter of 2021."
submitted by outlookindia03com to u/outlookindia03com [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 02:00 MDsoon007 NBME CBSE 2024 (SGU)

NBME CBSE 2024 (SGU)
NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Exam (from an SGU SOM student)
Due to the recent changes, I'm doing this only to provide some level of help and guidance to my fellow SGU classmates.
In this post, I'll be sharing my NBME practice exam scores! Initially, I was hesitant about posting them, but as medical students, we need to help each other, especially with the implementation of the CBSE, as a requirement before we can sit for STEP 1.
I also wanted to share this with those going through the process now and feel like it's impossible. I started with a FAILING score but improved with every exam I took.
While studying for CBSE and Step 1, I went through a lot and kept asking myself if I wanted to do this anymore. I lost someone very close to me recently and made a promise to myself that I wouldn't give up because I knew she would be proud even though we would no longer have our post-exam celebrations. With that said, throughout this process, make sure to check up on your friends. A simple "Hey, hope everything is ok," or a heart emoji can make a big difference.
Hopefully, by giving you some actual, average scores to reference, you'll restore some confidence in yourself during this difficult time.
Anyway, let's get to it!
PLEASE: I've told a few friends about my experience and how I prepared for CBSE & STEP 1, so please DO NOT identify me; I DO NOT WANT TO BE IDENTIFIED.
At the time I took CBSE, SGU required a 70 to pass. That has since changed, and a 66 is considered passing.
My stats (screenshots included): I took five NBMEs before CBSE because of what Mehlman Medical said in one of his videos. What is the point of saving any of these exams to fail CBSE? Go all out now, pass, then take whatever remains or something like it; it's in one of his YT videos.
NBME 25 - 5 weeks until CBSE\*:** 60%*
NBME 26 - 4 weeks until CBSE\:* 62%*
NBME 27 3 weeks until CBSE: 73%
FREE120 13 days until CBSE: 79%
NBME 28 7 days until CBSE: 77%
NBME CBSE (February 10): 77% (PASS)
AMBOSS day after CBSE\*:** 234*
UWorld Assessment 3 weeks before STEP 1\:* 241*
NBME 29 3 weeks before STEP 1 \:* 80%*
I only took UWSA1 because my scores were going up, and I felt that the last two weeks, I wanted to go over questions I was still getting wrong (BIOSTATS - my least favorite)
March 13th USMLE STEP 1 : PASS !!!!
  • How did I get a consistent score increase?
I spent a lot of time reviewing my NBME practice exams. These practices exams are ~5 hours, 200 questions. I would start at 8:30AMishhhh, and when finished, I would take a break and review the 1st 100. Finish reviewing the rest the following day OR review the entire exam the same day.
Ok, but how did you review it?
If I had a question on Minimal Change Disease and got it wrong for whatever reason: either I read the question wrong, needed clarification, or doubted myself. I would review ALL Globular diseases by reading FirstAid and watching the corresponding BnB and/or Pathoma videos. You can bet your bottom dollar that you'll get a question on one of the Glomerular Diseases or asked a different way on another NBME or the actual exam. It is the same for Renal artery stenosis vs. Fibromuscular dysplasia or Pancreatitis vs. Cholelithiasis or lymph node drainage.
The goal is to avoid making the same mistake again. Reviewing your practice exams shows how NBME asks questions and where you are making the mistakes. Of note, it took me three days to review my 1st NBME, but once I studied more and figured out why I was getting questions wrong, I reviewed some NBMEs the same day I took it. But be patient and intelligent in your approach.
A LOT of people say "well I'm only going to do UWorld" or "ooh I didn't take any NBMEs and passed". Congratulations but that does not work for the masses. Do what works for you. Find out what worked for you to get to this point. You didn't reach this point by simple luck.
RESOURCES: I used the following, but find what works for you. Everyone studies differently; some like Anki, others like Quizlet (don't ask me why), some like Bootcamp, and others like Lecturio. I DON'T CARE; whatever resource you find that works for you, then use that so you can understand the material and get the questions correct.
Seems like a lot, but each served a specific purpose:
1. Pathoma: Chapters 1-3 ONLY (HIGH YIELD)
2. Boards & Beyond
3. DirtyMedicine YouTube: This is fantastic and gets straight to the point. It gives you a quick way of remembering drugs and other topics https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyMedicine
4. Randy Neil Youtube: BIOSTATS Guru, don't spend time with anything unless you're using Board & Beyond https://www.youtube.com/@RandyNeilMD
5. ANKI - Anking deck ONLY!!!!!!!! (Look it up on YouTube)
6. UWorld: I completed 88% before CBSE with a 72% average
7. FirstAid: As I watched BnB, Pathoma, or whatever YT video. I would annotate and highlight the important things like clinic presentation, histology, treatment, etc. This became "easier" as I did more NBME exams and saw the common theme
8. Sketchy MICRO and PHARM !!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Lymph drainage: YES, it sucks, but it free points; YT video I used is below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdudv3l6Oq8&t=249s
10. Cardiac and Vascular Function Curves: https://youtu.be/YayG9i2pvAI?si=OK9Nd_QXevnKH793 OR https://youtu.be/Fj36ruM2RmI?si=tklD0IQF-f8x8xuY
*** NBME (the best $60 you'll spend) NO, the order you do them in does NOT matter. JUST DO THEM
***NBME FREE120 https://orientation.nbme.org/Launch/USMLE/ and explanations https://bootcamp.com/blog/new-free-120-nbme-step-1-explanations
**** UWorld (free from school, includes Qbank & 3 practice exams).
EXAM DAY (CBSE):
Arrived 30 minutes scheduled start time, and checked immediately. The only thing you need to bring is your government ID, printed copy of your exam permit, food, coffee.
  • Each exam has 200 questions broken into four blocks of 50. Each block is 1hr 15mins. Some questions were two sentences; a few were short paragraphs (similar to UWorld). Once the timer ran out, that's it. The following section automatically started.
Break: After section 2, you get a 15-minute break. For some, I was only able to use the bathroom at my Prometric site, with no food or water, but that could be different depending on where you go. I'm unsure if this is SGU or NBME-specific, but we had to wait until the end of the exam window (Feb 5th - 18th) before scores were released. On February 23, we received an email from NBME stating that we could check our NBME account for the score.
You'll hear people say "CBSE has a lot of 1st-order questions", and, "oh, it's so easy, and I didn't use UWorld or do any NBMEs". NO, it's not an easy exam; you need to prepare for it like you're preparing for STEP. It was as challenging as Uworld, and AMBOSS exams and somewhat more challenging than NBME exams in my opinion. During the exam, I was confident in my answers, but you always wonder if C was a better answer choice than D.
I can NOT tell you what was on my exam, but I will say, use the NBME practice exams to guide you!!!! NBME makes the exam, NOT UWorld and NOT your school.
EXAM TIP:
Read the question 1st, then the sentence before that (meaning read the last two sentences, including the question). You often don't need the extra 2-3 sentences above and can get the answer. You already know what you want, even if you need to read the entire vignette. This is why taking practice exams is essential— flag where you need to, or skip the question and return to it.
My study routine:
Starting December 15, I listened to B&B for topics covered during my 1st year of medical school (biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, genetics). As it got closer to CBSE, I started reviewing organ systems, starting with my weakest subjects (i.e., pulmonary, MSK). BnB gives you everything you need for anatomy, so only look further if it's in first aid.
Content review schedule: I only took off the day after my CBSE. Once again, this is a personal decision. Take breaks when you need them
  • 8 am-10 am: Anki reviews (~600-700 cards per day, got up to +1000 3 weeks into studying)
  • 10 am-2 pm: Review material with BnB videos or Pathoma
  • 2 pm-4 pm: Uworld blocks of 30-40 questions (system specific). The reason I did it by systems was because I wanted to make sure I knew the content, instead of getting frustrated and overwelmed. Random order for me was when I took a practice exam. Again, do what works for you
    • I took small breaks throughout the day.
  • 6 pm-8 pm: Break (workout + dinner)
  • 8 pm-10:30 pm: Pathoma, BnB, Youtube, Sketchy or finish Anki
  • THEN REPEAT
  • Took 1 NBME per week with some minor exceptions
** I understand preparing for CBSE & STEP is a lot; I'm with you on that, but take your time and ensure you know the topics. For example, topics I would review together were RBC, Coagulation, Hemostasis & WBC disorders one day. On another day, I would do Biostats alone or Pulmonary. You choose, but spending 3-4 days on Pulmonary or Cardio will NOT fly. These exams ask the SAME questions in different ways. THAT IS HOW YOU FIND OUT WHAT HIGH-YIELD
People ask why BnB, well #1, is a standardized / "board" exam, and secondly, he gives you everything you need to know without the extra bull you get from other resources. In addition, I watched Pathoma sections 1-3 twice. In some way, shape, or form, you will come across various questions on NBMEs and CBSE that encompass this section. Lastly, many people don't use ANIKING......WHY? I don't know, but anyway. The ANKING deck has everything you will need of importance; there is a subdeck called HIGHFIELD, and you may want to spend some time there (wink wink)
WEAK AREAS: FIX THEM NOW, and do not tell yourself, "Oh, there is no way they will ask me this." Walking into CBSE, I was weak in the Auditory and Vestibular system (amongst other topics), and guess what? I had 3-5 questions on that. I started struggling with identifying the location of CNS lesions, and guess what? I had about ten questions on these. So, with that being said, fix your weaknesses; this can be anywhere from ZERO points - to 20 points and could make a difference in whether you pass or fail. Sometimes, I needed to rewatch a BnB video, go on AMBOSS, or look up a YT video. You can't know everything, BUT the things you do know, make sure you know them well.
FIND A FRIEND: SGU classes are pretty big and you must leave the island knowing at least 2-3 people. There is ZOOM, FaceTime, Google Call, and so on. With that said, if you are going to study with someone or a group, it needs to be with people you know who perform well and will push you when you don't feel like studying.
SGU:
St. George's University SOM recently (Dec. 2023) made changes requiring students to take the NBME CBSE before sitting STEP 1. The time I took CBSE, they considered a 70 passing. That has since decreased to 67, and then to a 66. I was SHOCKED that they dropped the grade requirement, but a word to wise: Don't bank on them dropping it again. Hopefully, they do and bring it to a 65, which NBME considers ~90% chance of passing STEP. Regardless of how you feel about the new changes, PASSING THIS EXAM IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE.
Unfortunately, many of my peers did not pass and had to retake it. Please be kind to help one another however possible, as this is NOT easy. Don't let this exam define or stop you from achieving your goals. Even though I passed, I'm still scared of what the future holds, but I think about what I have lost and hope that continuing to work hard and pass will make her proud because she always made me proud, and I'm happy to have had her in my life while I did. We all came to medical school with a goal and mission; on days you don't want to study or feel like a failure, think about what/who/why got you started on this path.
I took the CBSE; now what?
After getting my results, I had to wait ~2 weeks for my USMLE STEP 1 Exam Permit. The earliest I could take STEP is three weeks after my actual CBSE testing date but still after the testing window closed so keep that in mind.
IMPORTANT: Once you get your score report (PASS or FAIL), REVIEW the exam breakdown and REVIEW the topics you missed. I know it's not very specific, but they give you the general issues; for example, some I missed were and documented as:
Diagnosis: Cardiovascular system: ischemic heart disease
Foundation: Behavioral health: substance abuse disorders
Foundation: Musculoskeletal system: traumatic and mechanical disorders
Remember to prioritize self-care. Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint.
Best of luck to everyone !!!
- Thyroglobulin
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submitted by MDsoon007 to NBME_CBSE [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 00:33 EditedJoker Beginner Friendly Factions

Ok Ok... Let me preface this question. Almost a year ago exactly I started collecting Tau and have stuck with them ever since. I started a Tyranid army for fun but Tau is still my go-to. I've read up on lore and enjoy a lot of the different themes in the 40k universe.
When I started collecting, I had a really good friend start a small Necrons army as his complete introduction to the 40k universe. When 10th edition came out, he sold his Necrons and started an Aeldari army that has not seen much love. The problem with said friend, is that he enjoys the game but is absolutely terrible at it which is hurting his desire to play. He started considering another army to play aside from Aeldari due to it's slightly higher learning curve so I've been trying to find other options for him.
Typically, I'll try to search up beginner friendly factions and of course the "Correct" option is whichever is cooler to the player in terms of Lore and themes... Though this friend doesn't really care much about the lore aspect of things and just wants something he can understand on the table-top.
Does anybody have ANY recommendations on factions that have a very low learning curve especially compared to Aeldari? Am I wrong to think Space Marines might just be the best option for him?
submitted by EditedJoker to Warhammer40k [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 00:29 khaalis Better Dice Mechanic Suggestions?

Hey all. I am looking for some help on how best to choose a dice mechanic that fits what I'm trying to do. I never know quite what all to post to give a complete picture so please feel free to ask questions if it would help you reply.
I've currently been looking at 2dd12+Mods either Raw or used to apply to a Success Chart (like Omni System, PBtA, new MCDM) but its not feeling quite right. I can't quite put my finger on why.
The overall theme of the game is dark fantasy in a world where supernatural creatures (Fey, Dragons and Jotun) have ruled for millennia and many others act as behind the scenes powers or even act as small deities. It will play in some ways like a Star Wars and/or Cthulu game can - Rebels vs Empire, Empire vs. Rebels, Scoundrels just out to Survive in the wilds (outer rim), Heroes vs Monster (Kaiju/Horros), etc.
Players can be of many species, so not humanocentric. There is much magic in the world but most os either very limited in function or is very dangerous to utelize (sword & sorcery style). They will be heroes but more on the level of Barbarians of Lemuria or Savage Worlds hero than D&D Superhero.
DICE DESIGN GOALS
* Relatively fast resolution. Results should be quick and easy to decipher from the roll.
* Limited math (limited addition is ok, subtraction is a maybe. D6 System got to be too slow with having to sum upwards of 7 dice.)
* An increase in skill should represent large differences.
Current idea is something like Careers (WFRPG, BoL) ranked 0-5. PCs will have more than 1. Ex: Wizard 0 (Untrained): No working knowledge of wizardly magic. Wizard 1 (Novice): Working knowledge of magic theory and topics, ability to decipher magical text, ability to detect the presence of magic, and the ability to attune and use spell completion items like scrolls, wands, etc. Wizard 2 (Practitioner): Allows the casting of minor magical spells. (effectively "baseline" spells) Wizard 3 (Professional): Allows casting more complex, on the fly spells from Known Traditions/Schools.
You can basically cast anything you can think of if it fits your Tradition(s) but all spells have a "baseline" set of property effects (range, duration, etc.) but the time, cost
and risk go up the more the baseline "properties" of the spell are increased.
Wizard 4 (Expert) - 5 (Master): Increasing mastery (easier to cast biggehigher-effect spells)
* People should be able to trump the result of their randomizer with resources.
The system will have a Push mechanic, as well as a limited metacurrency.
* Skill should be more important than luck.
* Skill should be as or more important than Attributes (attributes = raw base).
* More skilled PCs should be able to trade Probability for better Effect. (e.g. -P to get +E)
* Mod Sources: Similar to many games - "If 'tag' applies, gain a bonus." 
There are two types of bonuses - Flat +1, and Variable +X Flat Sources: Species, Background Profession, Culture/Heritage, Caste, Specialities (aka hard skills) Variable Sources: Attributes -X to +X, Careers 0-5
* Competent characters should be in the goldilocks zone (60-70% success).
* Needs to be able to handle an Advantage/Disadvantage type function. "Talents" will typically give this bonus.
* Perferably some form of Degree of Success mechanism. Succeeding by 1 should feel different than Succeeding by 5.
LIMITS
* Preferably using the same dice all the time (Pool Building mini-games like Cortex are seriously disliked by a few of our players)
* Peferably no Opposed rolls. I'll be trying to make this as Player Facing a system as possible.
* Preferably non-single die (triangle or bell curve die results)
* Not Fate Dice (or any other system that favors Result 0)
* No more than 5 Dice in a roll. Anything else gets too slow and cumbersome.
* No straight PBtA conversions. Our group finds the 70% "Partial Result" outcomes just too mentally draining.
Any thoughts? Am I on the right path or should I be looking at something else completely?
submitted by khaalis to RPGdesign [link] [comments]

2024.04.30 00:22 _Revelator_ Clarkson's Columns: My harvest hymn & An interview with Clarkson and Caleb

My harvest hymn — with added Chinese chemicals
By Jeremy Clarkson (The Sunday Times, April 28)
Many of us will remember that Mungo Jerry song featuring the line, “Have a drink, have a drive. Go out and see what you can find.” And of course we all realise you can’t even think that any more. And nor, really, is it considered acceptable to follow up with: “If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal. If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel.” Times have moved on.
Of course lots of lyrics now feel as if they’re from another aeon. "Clair" by Gilbert O’Sullivan especially. But you might think it’s impossible for the lyrics in a harvest festival hymn to become out of date. “We plough the fields and scatter. The good seed on the land. But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.” Absolute timelessness. It was true ten thousand years ago and it’s true now.
No, it isn’t. God doesn’t water the land any more. The coal-fired Chinese power stations do that. And he doesn’t feed it either. That’s handled by CF Industries, which makes all the chemical fertiliser that farmers use on their fields.
We don’t even scatter seeds any more, because that’s wasteful onanism. We drill them into the ground, at precise intervals and at a precise depth using a computer-controlled, £40,000 seed drill. That’s towed behind a £250,000 Case tractor, which was built in the factory where they used to make Tiger tanks. Not much Goddishness going on in any of that.
There isn’t even any ploughing any more. In the olden days farmers would turn the top layer of soil over using a plough so that the weeds were buried. And because they were deprived of sunlight they died. It was a lovely, natural, rosy-cheeked way of creating the perfect seedbed for the following year’s crop.
But then along came Little Miss Thunberg and her merry band of Packhamites, who decided that 1,500 billion tonnes of carbon is stored in the planet’s soil. And that if you turn this soil over with a plough, all of it will be released into the upper atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. Which is bad. So the lovely, natural method of killing weeds had to stop. And instead farmers had to use chemical sorcery from Monsanto, BASF and the Zhejiang Xinan Chemical Industrial Group.
Farmers didn’t mind, if I’m honest, because ploughing is extremely expensive. You simply would not believe how much diesel is needed to drag a two-tonne land anchor through a muddy field. Using weedkiller instead is much cheaper.
Or rather it was. But weedkiller prices have gone up dramatically in recent years. And from where I’m sitting it doesn’t really seem to work any more. Every year Kaleb goes into the fields like a rural Terminator, hosing down the weeds with his ungodly chemical sorcery and then, a few weeks later, Cheerful Charlie walks me through the same fields, pointing out the brome and the black-grass, which is easy to spot because it’s purple and green and completely immune to anything the world’s chemists can throw at it.
So this year Charlie said we should become medieval and plough the fields instead. Selfish? Well, yes, this will shoot a tonne of CO2 into the troposphere and that’s obviously bad. And I’ll use four times more diesel than I would if I used weedkiller. So that’s not good for the environment either. But here’s the kicker: I wouldn’t be pumping any chemicals into the soil.
So that’s the choice — soil or sky? You have to hurt one of them if you want to eat. I went for the sky and rented a plough.
I settled on an eight-furrow monster for two good reasons. Number one: the bigger the plough, the faster you get the job done. And number two: none of Kaleb’s tractors would be powerful enough to pull it, so we’d have to use my 270bhp Lamborghini. Which would annoy him. Even admitting that it’s better than his tractors gives him a hot flush. Sometimes he vibrates with fury when he goes near it.
The only drawback to this cleverly wrought large plough plan was that, because Kaleb refuses to drive my tractor, I’d have to do the ploughing.
This is something I’ve done before. It was on Top Gear about 200 years ago and I did very well. Partly this was because my competitors in the ploughing competition were James May and Richard Hammond. And partly because one of the two judges was a really good friend of my mum.
In real life, though, things were different. I couldn’t hitch the plough to the tractor without help. I couldn’t do a three-point turn when it was attached. And I couldn’t make the tractor move when the furrows were in the sodden soil. All four wheels just sort of spun. So I had to lift the plough slightly, which meant I wasn’t ploughing. Or wiggle the steering wheel, which made big holes and, when it worked, caused me to set off in a new direction. It began to look as if a drunk, blind man with no arms was doing the ploughing.
All the time I was watching the fuel gauge plummet like the depth gauge in a holed submarine, and wondering if it might be cheaper, easier and kinder to the environment to use chemical weedkiller instead.
This is farming. Only last week I discovered that approximately 18 billion slugs have come to live in the fields where I’ve planted spring barley. If I adopt a live-and-let-live rewilding attitude and do nothing they will eat the lot and, next year, there will be no Hawkstone lager. As that makes no sense, I therefore have to pepper the field with slug pellets, which will kill them. Great. But these pellets will also kill all the worms. So what’s the answer? There isn’t one.
Similarly, I have signed up to the government’s eco-friendly grant scheme and will be planting things that aren’t food in three fields. They’re good for the soil and they’re good for my bank balance. But it means I’m not growing stuff people can eat. I know one chap who has taken 60 per cent of his farm out of food production and he’s not alone. So yippee. All that stored carbon and all of that fixed-in nitrogen.
But what if you want some bread? You’ll have to get a loaf made from wheat that was grown abroad. And how’s that good for global warming? And will it have been grown under the same stringent rules that we have here? Or will it have been fertilised with human faeces? You face a choice then. Do you want net zero in the UK? Or do you want to eat a Mexican’s turd?
Do you want lager or worms? Do you want healthy soil or a healthy sky? Do you want bees or orangutans? These are the questions I’m facing every single day. It’s a multiple-choice world of no right answers.
Which brings us back to another harvest festival hymn.
All things bright and beautiful. All birds that must be plucked. No matter what we choose to do, we’re well and truly.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kaleb Cooper: ‘I’ve taught someone triple my age to do a better job’
The Diddly Squat farmers Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper are back for a third series. We put our wellies on to meet the odd couple of the Cotswolds
By Ben Dowell (The Times, April 29)
During filming for the forthcoming third series of Clarkson’s Farm, Kaleb Cooper drove into work and saw Jeremy Clarkson vacuuming a blackberry bush. While the spectacle was “something I am never going to forget”, the sandy-haired, cherub-faced youngster was so unimpressed that he didn’t even get out of his car to ask what was happening.
These two have grown into one of television’s best double acts. For the show’s executive producer, Peter Fincham, there is an “element of Jeeves and Wooster” about them, a delicious odd couple relationship that is all the more gratifying because the team didn’t need to cast Cooper. He was already working on Diddly Squat Farm when the show started.
Cooper is a farmer to the tips of his muddy wellies and has taught Clarkson most of the practical business of farming his 1,000-acre establishment near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, as well as how hard the job is and the risks farmers take for little financial reward. Cooper may have just completed a sell-out national stage tour building on his popularity and more than two million Instagram followers. He may have been invited to No 10 to meet Rishi Sunak (more on that later), but everyone on the show — the producers, one of Cooper’s “Chippy” friends I spoke to and Clarkson himself — are clear: the 25-year-old hasn’t changed one iota since the show started airing in 2021.
“I think it’s very easy to be grounded if you don’t leave Chipping Norton,” Clarkson says. His girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, who has become another star of the show, agrees. “How Kaleb comes across is exactly how he is. He is very thoughtful and kind and very bright. His use of language is also very easy on the ear. We could have had a monosyllabic tractor driver and that wouldn’t have worked but we were lucky we had Kaleb.”
He has written two books as well: The World According to Kaleb and Britain According to Kaleb, with a third (Life According to Kaleb) on the way. These ruminations are often spoken into a Dictaphone (supplied by his publishers) during the 18 hours he spends each day alone in his happy place, his tractor cab. The books now sit on the shelves that a ten-year-old Cooper and his carpenter father put up in the local bookshop. Though, of course, one of the running jokes in the show is that he has only read one other book in his life apart from his own, and that was one of Clarkson’s.
There is another moment in the new series when Clarkson and Cooper (who are in competition with each other across the eight episodes) are working a field when they spy someone in the distance on another tractor drilling “his” field. He is Andy Cato of the electronic pop duo Groove Armada, and Cooper seems totally nonplussed, not least because he doesn’t know who or what Groove Armada is. The same probably goes for many of his near-neighbours, who include Joe Wicks, Simon Cowell, Natalie Imbruglia, David Beckham and Amanda Holden. When Cooper bumped into David Cameron (now Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton) in a local eaterie, he wasn’t quite sure who he was either. Strangely Cooper is now as famous as at least a few of these people. His appeal extends across the globe — Andy Wilman, Clarkson’s old Top Gear producer who edits the show, tells me that he rarely hears an English accent in the farm shop as tourists flock to see their agricultural idols.
Since Clarkson’s Farm aired, Cooper told his theatre audiences, he has been offered snazzy haircuts from top-level salons, perhaps to stop the constant mickey-taking from Clarkson. But he still goes to the same local hairdresser.
Brilliant moments are not always captured by the cameras and while the team may wake up with plans, farmers and the show’s fans will know that the weather often has other ideas. “Cheerful” Charlie Ireland, the farm’s land agent and adviser, does pop by a couple of times a day, as he does in the series, often to pour cold water on Clarkson’s latest schemes. But many of these moments are not filmed. Is that annoying?
“Sometimes you think, ‘Oh, that would be really good, that’d be funny on TV,’ but actually [the cameras] are not there,” Cooper says. “But you don’t say these things, to make it up for the TV. I may have taken drama in school, but I got a U in it, so actually I’m not an actor.”
Clarkson agrees: “It is [effortless] because I don’t have to pretend to be someone else. With The Grand Tour, Richard Hammond isn’t as stupid as he’s made out. I’m not as bombastic as is made out and James May isn’t quite as boring as he’s made out. And so you’re playing a caricature, you’re playing a role, you’re there to provoke and be stupid. Here, we haven’t got any of that. So we’re just ourselves. You get up and you just have to be yourself, which is incredibly relaxing. And in that regard it is effortless. Farming is not effortless. Make no mistake, the television side of it is a piece of cake because I don’t have to think, ‘Oh I’d better say something idiotic now.’”
“You do that anyway,” Cooper says.
The two bicker in exactly the same way off camera as they do on. At the press conference for the new series they quarrelled with good humour about their dogs. Cooper says Clarkson’s pair of fox-red labradors (named Sansa and Arya after Game of Thrones characters) are “posh man’s dogs” who “never do a thing he says”. Clarkson maintains that Cooper just locks his dog in his tractor cab. They also bicker about the goats Clarkson keeps. Clarkson likes their eyes and thinks they do a good job mowing his grass. Cooper thinks he should breed and slaughter them in the conventional way and sell goat meat in the farm shop.
There is a similar clash of approaches over the pigs. Cooper doesn’t get as emotional as Clarkson and Hogan when things go wrong (and they do go wrong with the pigs this series). When Clarkson holds aloft a newborn piglet, Cooper calls him a “proud parent”, which feels part mickey-take, part genuinely warm compliment — a common theme in their complex relationship.
Clarkson is learning to be more steely and is, Cooper says, actually now a “good pig farmer”. Is the younger man pleased that Clarkson has come on? Or is there a bit of him who would still enjoy showing him the ropes?
“I think there’s a bit of a proudness of teaching someone maybe triple my age … to go out and do a better job … Hopefully I’ve taught him a lot about it. But he’s taught me so much equally about the television industry.” In fact, Cooper says, he has learnt so much that he cannot watch TV now because he knows how it all works behind the scenes.
He is a voice for farmers, showing us how hard the job of people who put food on our table is, and demanding that we respect it. Cooper has arranged two bursaries of £3,000 plus a work placement for young farmers and is keen that more enter a profession where the average age is 59. When he met Sunak last May he was more interested in the PM’s hair than anything, principally because he didn’t expect much from him.
“Let’s put it this way. If someone invited me tomorrow to go to a farm … if I go to that farm and that farmer says to me, ‘Kaleb, you know what, this week I’m gonna plough that field,’ I know for a damn fact that that farmer is going to go out there and plough that field because he said he’s going do it. If the prime minister or anyone from politics goes to me, ‘Kaleb, I’m going to do this next week,’ they’re not going to do it, are they?”
While he doesn’t have much faith in our legislators making life easier for hard-pressed farmers or for supermarkets to pay them more, he must be pleased that people, especially city folk, now know about farming thanks to him, I say.
“Yeah, everyone knows what a tramline is now, right? And let’s face it, I always say this: it doesn’t matter what phone you’ve got, what car you’ve got, what house you’re living in, what matters the very most is what’s coming across your plate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And therefore that is the most important thing to me.”
Cooper is open to offers of shows such as I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! but thinks he probably won’t have the time with all the work he has to do. Clarkson called him “easily the most entrepreneurial person I have ever met” and he is laser-focused on his ultimate goal of having a farm one day, which will have to be local, despite the “extortionate” price of land in the area.
“I want to farm here,” he says. “I don’t want to move away from my family and everything I know. This is where I was brought up and this is where I’m going to stay.”
But the show will be with us for a while. It is hugely popular — series four is being filmed and while viewing figures aren’t available, it is believed to be Prime’s most popular programme in the UK by, well, a country mile.
Cooper is engaged to his partner, Taya (mother to their three-year-old son and ten-month-old daughter), but doesn’t know when he will have time to walk down the aisle. He knows he will “have a great party”, and isn’t yet sure if Clarkson will be his best man. But one thing’s for sure, Clarkson has already found his.
The new series of Clarkson’s Farm is on Prime Video from May 3.
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No Sun column this week, but the Guardian (!) has published a long interview with Clarkson: "'Dismissing global warming? That was a joke': Jeremy Clarkson on fury, farming and why he’s a changed man". Let me know if you have problems viewing it.
Clarkson's columns are regularly collected as books. You can buy them from his boss or your local bookshop.
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2024.04.30 00:18 19635 Let me tell you about the place

I used to work at a rec centre. I had just finished cleaning the bathrooms outside the rink and was about to head upstairs to clock out when I got distracted by the figure skaters. So elegant, spinning and gliding while the light caught the sequins of their dresses in such an incredibly mesmerizing way, I couldn’t help but watch. I had never been that graceful, that beautiful, that talented. I didn’t even notice Tom come up next to me. “Incredible, aren’t they?” He asked and took my hand. Led me to the concession where we got fries and pop. I don’t even remember what we talked about, just that I got in trouble for being home so late. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before; I was completely enamoured and soon spent every waking minute I wasn’t at work with Tom. And he’d often meet me there where we would watch the figure skaters and eat fries and talk for their whole practice. Then we met Them.
She was stunning, long dark hair, dark skin and deep brown eyes. And so funny! Kind and fun she could make any situation exciting. He was one of those people that are just forgettable, you know? Kind of bland. to be honest I kind of forget what he looked like. But She had enough light and life for the both of them. And me! I couldn’t believe it, I had friends, a boyfriend even! I couldn’t have dreamed of being happier. So I went along with whatever they wanted, I wasn’t going to ruin this! About 3 months after we met we went to a fast food place. It must have been very new because I had never seen it before in our small town. It had a really long drive through with the end stretching a long time before exciting onto an alley. “Come on you have to try it!” She called through the window of her car. “Follow us!” So we did. I got a milkshake, Tom a burger. And as we got our food and pulled away from the window the drive through seemed to stretch forever, we couldn’t see their car. “Weird..” Tom muttered, and drove ahead. It felt we had been driving for about 5 minutes, which is a long time in a drive through, when we saw a blue light. It was kind of glowing, kind of sparking, surrounding an endless black hole. “Weird…” Tom said again and slowed down but the next thing I knew it felt like we were being pulled forward. Not just the car but our bodies as well, being pulled into this shining, blinding light.
We emerged in a train station. No car in sight, I still have no idea how we get here. It was an old train station, made of bricks and very dingy. Dark, damp, and strangely cold. To the left tracks ran disappearing around a shadowed curve. To the right a ticket agent behind a shabby wooden desk, at one end of the dreary lobby that seemed to just end in shadowy darkness. There was a single light above him and spider webs and dust covering his desk. Tom looked at me, confused, when we saw Them. “Oh good you’re here!” She practically screamed. “Now we can go! Just sit over here and wait your turn.” So we sat on wooden seats that folded down from the wall. I don’t know how long we sat, no one talking or moving. The ticket agent not moving a muscle, just staring ahead, until he nodded at Them. And They went through the shadow. Still we waited. It felt like hours went by when, finally, the ticket agent nodded at us. And we walked through the shadowy edge of the train station lobby.
We emerged in a place that is hard to describe. It was sort of the opposite of the train station. Colours so bright it almost appeared fake. A carnival? An arcade? A theme park? Maybe it was all of that and more. The only thing I can say for certain is it was fun so much fun. We ran from one place to the next, eating, playing games, going on rides, watching the most amazing shows. At one point 4 horses got stacked on top of each other and were dancing! It was absolutely incredible. I never wanted to leave, and to be honest I don’t know how we did leave. All I know is that eventually we were back in our car, drinking our milkshake and eating our burger and talking excitedly about what we had just experienced. It wasn’t long before we were back through the light. And again and again and again. We couldn’t stop. Every waking moment we just wanted to go through. I quit my job. I stopped talking to me family because they thought I was crazy. And you would be crazy too if you got to do the things I did! We went back and back and back and it got to a point we couldn’t stop even if we wanted to. The pull of the blue light reached further and further, pulling us through. “Let go!” She said. I was tired, sick. I didn’t want to go. “Wow” he said, “after all we’ve done for you, you were nothing before us. You’re nothing without us. And this is how you repay us? How dare you?” He said in probably the longest sentence I had heard him utter in the years we had been together. And he was right of course, so I went. But this time was different. The light felt sticky somehow, like it was pulling me through but I was going through honey instead of glorious, perfect blue light. We got to the train station and took our seats. We had waited before, sometimes days, to get through. But this was different, the train station was somehow darker, dingier. Falling apart almost. But we had never seen an entrance and you couldn’t go through the shadow until the ticket agent nodded. So we waited. And waited. And waited. I started tallying the days eventually. I probably missed about 20 before I started counting. But when I got to 228 tallies the ticket agent nodded at Them. They jumped up and practically ran through the shadow. Still the ticket agent didn’t acknowledge Tom and I. Finally, 456 tallies later, he nodded at us. I swear my bones creaked as I stood up for the first time since arriving, slowly shuffling my way to the shadow.
I came out in front of a hotel. I hadn’t seen a hotel there before but every time we went through there was something new so I wasn’t too worried. We went in and it was like nothing I had ever seen, which was saying something given how extraordinary this place was. There was thick, soft red carpet everywhere. The wallpaper was dated but in good condition everything from the clocks to the front desk to the feet on the sofas was gold. Bellboys in stiff red suits and huge red hats ran here and there, clearly busy but not accomplishing much. We started walking to the concierge, when They saw us. She ran over, hair stringy and greasy, covered in sweat and dirt. For the first time ever She looked horrible. He looked the same as always. “Oh good you’re finally here! You can help us!” She blurted out, rushed and exhausted. “Let’s go, we have to see Mr. Big!” She cried taking my hand and running. We stopped at a solid dark wooden door. “Just follow my lead and don’t say anything” She warned.
We pushed through the door to a bathroom. A luxurious, exquisitely decorated bathroom that had gold stalls, and a miniature red carpet leading to each one. I turned to ask Her what we were doing in a bathroom but She widened her eyes in terror, telling me enough to know I should not speak. Inside each stall was a man on a toilet raised on a platform up 2 or 3 stairs, doing, well, shall we say what one does in a bathroom. She went in to one and quietly said “Hello Mr. Big.” And I went in to the one next to Her and quietly said “Hello Mr. Big.” And I can’t say what we did in that bathroom but I’m sure you can imagine. Or, maybe you don’t want to. Then all the Mr. Big’s in all the stalls started to laugh. They laughed and laughed, big, uproarious laughter that drowned out all other sounds. So we left, her looking down at the floor, dejected. Evidence of what we had done still on her chin. We found him and Tom waiting for us in the lobby. Surrounded by gold and red; bright lights and luxury. We left the hotel together and saw people in the distance. With nothing else to do we walked towards them. The person closest to us seemed to be working on a conveyor belt of some sort. He was wearing a bright red t-shirt and painting something we couldn’t see, occasionally reaching into a large metal drum, containing something we couldn’t know. As we got closer I saw the conveyor belt ferried coconuts from where I don’t know, to where I couldn’t see. The man was painting faces on the coconuts, and the metal drum held plastic googly eyes. I laughed as I remembered the infamous Reddit story about the man and the coconut who.. well if you don’t know it, maybe it’s better that way.
After walking for what felt like hours we got close enough to the conveyor belt to get a good look. And I would give anything to go back and walk the other way. Because the man wasn’t painting coconuts. And the metal drum didn’t have googly eyes. He was using a hammer to crack the coconuts, reaching into the drum and pulling out women. Tiny women, smaller than one of the smaller Barbie’s. But still, women. He would open the coconut just a little bit, pull off a woman’s mouth, stretch it, and attach it to the crack in the coconut. Then he would pull off her eyes and place them just above the mouth. Finally he would affix her arms and legs to the sides of the coconut, where they would dangle uselessly, before sending them down the line to wherever they would go, and start the next one. As I passed I could see their eyes, real, human eyes. Desperate and terrified, pleading with me to put an end to their nightmare. I recoiled in absolute horror and opened my mouth to scream when He pulled my arm hard and shook his head. Best not to be noticed. We moved on and came to a woman. She had beautiful, curly bright blond hair. She was wearing a red dress, and was smiling wider than I thought possible. She was dancing manically, and crying, her insane smile never wavering. On either side of her was a row of men in black suits. They were standing stick straight and still, with no facial expression as they watched the woman dance, twirling her skirt and kicking her legs faster and faster trying to keep up with music only she could hear. Behind her was a pool. Kind of like the ones seaworld keeps their whales in, so not big but huge for a human. The pool was surrounded by bleachers, like a football game. They were full of people cheering and clapping, but I finally noticed that there was no sound. There hadn’t been since we left the hotel and Mr. Big’s terrifying laughter. But this was worse, and I almost wished the laughing would come back. A crane was holding a metal ring, like an areal hoop. A woman was inside performing the most spectacular routine, absolutely incredible the way she could twist her body, making wild shapes while never falling. The crane started to dunk her in the water and the cheering would have gotten louder if you could hear it. The people were going crazy, jumping and clapping with excitement at the woman’s feats. She wasn’t dunked for long, just enough time for her to change position when she came out of the water. It was amazing, I started to climb the bleachers to get a better look. Which is when I saw that it was not water, but raw sewage. The crane dunked her faster and faster and soon she wasn’t able to change positions when she was dunked, and still it went faster. I don’t know how she was even able to breathe. I was close enough to see that her mouth was open in a silent scream, which was a mistake. I couldn’t do anything so I ran. As fast and as far as I could.
I didn’t even notice that no one was with me. I stopped and tried to think. Tom had stayed at the coconut conveyor belt, we lost Him at the dancing woman. She stayed watching the arealist in amazement. Or maybe she was the arealist, getting dunked into sewage over and over. I thought about going back for them but I just couldn’t, you get it right? I just started running again. I ran for hours, until suddenly I was back at the train station. I don’t know how I got here or how long I’ve been here. I lost count of my tallies after 1784. The ticket agent never nods, or even looks at me. No one else has come through the light or from the place. I’ve been writing this on the garbage that sometimes drifts through from the track side. It’s too late for me, but please, I beg you. Do not go through the light.
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2024.04.29 21:24 mesenius 50 Oink Games Reviewed!

50 Oink Games Reviewed!
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My current collection. Some of the games reviewed I don't own but have obviously played them and hope to acquire some of them soon.
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This past weekend I realized I had played 50 different Oink Games. And because I’ve already written comments for so many of them on BGG I decided I would write one for the games that I hadn’t. Since I’ve never quite seen a list like this I decided to compile all mini reviews and present them to you unabridged. Some are silly, some are rather insightful, some are really short and some are long (and could be longer). I apologise in advance for the abuse of parentheses.
For those that don’t know, Oink Games is a Japanese publisher that has been around since the early 2010s. They’re famous for their mini box games with attractive design and high quality components, as well as a tendency to experiment with game mechanics in ways not usually seen in the West.
I’m aware many of these were not originally Oink Games. Friends often say that Modern Art shouldn’t be counted. But if that’s the case then neither should Scout, nor Troll, nor Tricks and the Phantom, etc. That said, these mini reviews are arranged based on year of release of the Oink edition.
Oink Games that are not reviewed: Stray Thieves, Cowardly Bat, Dibdib, Sanrio Speedwolf, People Friendly Game, Kankeri, Dying Message (unreleased). A friend in the city I used to live owns the first three but we never got to play them (I’m particularly interested in Cowardly Bat as I’m a Taiki Shinzawa fan). The next two are available in Japan but I really have no interest in them. I hope to get Kankeri at some point, and I hope Dying Message gets an English release (so far all photos show components only in Japanese).
Without further ado.
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In a Grove 5
I've played In a Grove five times now and have come to the conclusion that despite being excited about it, it just doesn’t work for me. I keep coming back to it because the way the murder scene is set is so inviting, it’s a game asking to be played. But it just doesn't do it for me. It’s a bit of a deduction game with a bit of a bluffing game, but it's too repetitive, opportunities for clever bluffing plays are few, and it outstays its welcome. I also can't believe that for the newer edition they got rid of the token and rule that let you tamper the scene, that was the best part!
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A Fake Artist Goes to New York 9
This is probably my favourite party game. For starters it’s one where you can truly say that no two plays will ever be the same. Even the same clue, with the same group and the same fake artist would result in a different outcome. At surface level it’s certainly the best drawing game there is, it’s super easy to explain, and post-game laughs are guaranteed when you hear your friend explain why they drew that odd looking line with a swirl at the end. Under the surface its name and the collectively created outcome (the “painting” if you will) are a pretty funny commentary on the world of art and the New York scene.
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Saruyama 7
I haven't played the Oink edition, which unfortunately seems nearly impossible to get nowadays, never mind for a reasonable price (someone please sell me one!). That said, I really like this game, it feels like a proto-LAMA, making it way all about managing your hand of cards. While the best decisions in LAMA are not present (push your luck for another card, or cut your losses and quit the round early), setting yourself up as you build the pyramid is also an interesting decision as it's possible that your plan is hijacked by others and now you're left with a narrower pyramid with less options available. It's clever, super simple to teach, plays in less than 15 minutes, and thus is the perfect filler.
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Kobayakawa 8
Mr. Sasaki's Kobayakawa is probably the best version of poker striped down to its basics that I've played. This plays great at all player counts (3-6p) and is truly a great starting point for anyone wanting to get into poker as it gets rid of the added complexity of learning poker hands and how they rank, instead introducing an easy to interpret system of probability while retaining the core bluffing and betting element of poker. I enjoy both the direct simplicity of the original game (in which bet amounts are fixed) and the slightly added more poker-like rules of the second edition (in which you can decide how much you bet). The Oink production is fantastic, the metal coins are great and there really is no reason for a game so simple to come in a larger package (like the non-Oink editions have done).
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Dungeon of Mandom 7
A really good push your luck game, although unless you're a collector or like an even smaller box, there's no reason to have this one instead of Dungeon of Mandom VIII which includes everything in this box plus more.
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Maskmen 9
For how hard a time I had learning this one properly, you wouldn't expect me to have it in such high regard. And yet Maskmen is probably my favourite Oink original. I've become quite fond of Taiki Shinzawa's designs, a lot of them as trick-takers/card-shedders seem to rely on the strength of their gimmick, and while they remain great games, they also lose some of their charm once you get past the gimmick. Not Maskmen. Maskmen treads the (ring's) rope and strikes a harmony between novelty (cards are unranked at the beginning of the round) and tradition (this is a straightforward card-shedder) that I can't say I've encountered in any other design. Unlike Scout, of which my regard drops with every play, my enjoyment and admiration of Maskmen has not stopped increasing.
There is one caveat. From my own experience as someone who struggled with getting all the rules down correctly, to know that we were playing the right way, and from the experience of friends who have taught it whilst having only a 90% understanding of the rules, you would ideally want to learn to play this from someone who already knows how to play it, as it could easily fall flat if you're learning it from scratch and play something wrong. Or maybe I'm just dumb and you're way smarter than I am and won't have a problem at all :)
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Deep Sea Adventure 7
In the words of Jay from Cardboard East: “The game that built the house of Oink.” And indeed the one that started it all for me around 6-7 years ago. After playing 50 different Oinks, beginning to write about this one made me realize how much Oink/Mr. Sasaki loves push your luck games! I love them myself, perhaps why I was so enamoured by this after my first play. Deep Sea Adventure is definitely improved by the expansion die, which opens up the game to more improbable plays happening (specially at higher player counts). While it's nowhere near my top 5 of favourite Oinks, this one just feels like an evergreen, hopefully there's always an Oink around to keep on publishing it.
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Rights 6
Rights is easily overshadowed by its older brother Startups. The problem with Rights is that passing a card for a second time is generally always a bad decision. You're giving the next player a risk-free card AND they get to take the next turn as well. Meanwhile you simply paid AND lost the chance of drawing a card of your own, essentially paid to forfeit your turn to very little gain for yourself. I'll gladly play Rights from time to time, it makes for an even lighter game than Startups because the decisions are simpler, but it’s just nowhere near as good.
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Troll 6
When I first got into Oinks this is the game I most desperately wanted to play. Dan Thurot's review, the theme, and the attractive images on here made it a must have for me. Unfortunately Troll didn't quite live to these expectations I had for it. While it's a fine push your luck game, often turn order will force you into playing certain cards, leaving the impression that your chances have been hindered by no fault of your own. In a way I guess I don’t love this for the same reasons that In a Grove doesn’t work for me. Perhaps this sounds too harsh, because I do enjoy it, it's quick, and when you do manage to pull off a risky x2 play it's so satisfying. If someone wants to play it I’ll gladly play it so it's definitely worth having, but not for the secondary market prices it usually goes for nowadays.
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Nine Tiles 7
An exercise in pure speed, nothing more, and a perfect game because of it. This game can be explained in 10 seconds, probably the only one in my collection I can say that about. Like many games of its kind, it very rapidly pushes away people who are not evenly matched. But finding someone who can match you and taking them on 1v1 is one of the best experiences in the hobby. Alternatively, it can very easily be balanced by handicapping good players and allowing slower players a 10-15 second head start.
I own two copies of this because it includes rules to easily expand it to 8p (which unfortunately I haven't been able to try yet). I'm not really interested in any of the IP editions (I've lost count of how many there are now) (save for the Moomin edition as a gift for my partner), but I would love to be able to find the wooden version. I remember seeing it on amazon jp back in the day but I wasn't really a collector yet and importing it seemed too expensive.
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Twins 7
One of (as far as I know) Knizia's take on poker is unfortunately rather incomplete in its packed form. The extra round scoring cards uploaded by the Dr. himself are a must in order to keep the game from becoming a repetitive amount of rounds that play out the same way. Unlike Oink's other poker inspired game (Kobayakawa) where the focus is on the bluffing and betting aspect of the game, Twins is more focused on the timing, hand analysis/interpretation, and knowing when to go big with regards to the available pot (which is pre-set). Twins changes the luck-of-the-draw aspect as well, which is frontloaded instead of spread out through a hand, which also helps players build their hands in what they believe will give them the best chances at a win. All in all, a very good and underrated and rather obscure Knizia!
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Insider 8
Despite the slightly convoluted flow chart ending, Insider is an all-round fantastic social deduction game that can pretty much be played with anyone. My family loves this, non-gamer friends love this, gamer friends love this. Albeit, the game is better (specially with gamers) when adding the follower role from the Black edition, it's still perfectly playable without it. Also, although gameplay is very similar I much prefer (and it's easier to explain) the theme of an insider sneakily manipulating the group into an answer, rather than a werewolf who knows a word…
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The Pyramid’s Deadline 7
Why is this one held in such low regard!? The answer is probably because an unclear rulebook leaves you wondering about the most important part of the game; what is a valid pyramid? When you have that down (and it really isn't that hard, the info is there) this is a fantastic dice drafting and personal puzzle builder that I would play any day over Sagrada. Yes, it's possible that the group gets super unlucky and the game ends in round one or two (I never said it was a perfect game), but more often than not it's a quick battle of how many risks you can take before it is over, while your neighbour there played it safely with his crappy but simple and effective pyramid and is just pushing for the game to end.
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Startups 9
A strong contender for the title of "Most Knizian Game Not Designed by Knizia". This is probably by 3rd favourite game published by Oink (after Maskmen and Modern). The theme in Rights probably works better (smaller holders have to pay for using a patent to the main holder), but the companies in Startups are so endearing that I've no doubt they've been a factor in this game's continued success. Mechanically, the anti-monopoly tile is one of the smartest design decisions there is, and arguably what keeps the whole game together and prevents it from devolving into a luck of the draw fest. The anti-monopoly tile in combination with the open market effectively get rid of all the problems in Rights, you will never lose your turn while still making existing shares more attractive for subsequent players.
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Dungeon of Mandom VIII 8
One of my top bluffing and push your luck games. And probably my favourite one for 2 players. The variety in adventurers, small box size, and attractive art (going minimalist on the equipment but detailed on the monster cards) make this the definitive version of this game. I love how this game provides you with only the slightest information to help you inform your decision; it's very rare that taking your turn is a total crapshoot. It's so quick and having two different ways of winning (by conquering the dungeon twice or having everyone else be defeated by it twice) is a brilliant design decision that provides for diverse game situations that, again, give you just the right amount of information for you to take a choice. A perfect balance between that and your luck.
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Modern Art 10
In my experience this is a game that brings out the best in people. The amount of hilarious moments I've had from people roleplaying Modern Art probably outweighs every other game. It's possibly the best integration of mechanics and theme that I can think of, although some newer versions have sort of missed the point by including canonical pieces of art with earned historical/cultural value (looking at you DiceTree). The Oink edition strikes a good balance between attractive graphic design, some lesser known artists, and a subtle dig at Mondrian (simply by including him). The genius in Modern Art is that the gameplay itself reflects and informs the theme; that the art pieces auctioned have no inherent value, it’s all created by and for the players.
I guess it’s also obligatory to address the existence of another Oink edition of Modern Art. If you’re an Oink fan you’ve probably heard of Stamps, if you haven’t heard of it look it up on ebay. I don’t think I’ll ever own Stamps, it’s waaaaay too expensive for something I would never dare play, and as much as I love this collection keeping the investment at a relatively sane level has been a part of it from the very start.
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Troika 8
I'm always impressed by how low some of these games are ranked (6.2 atm). Troika integrates rummy-like hand building mechanics with a timer that is relatively managed by the players themselves. Rounds are tense, especially when half of the tiles have been revealed and nobody has managed to get fuel (a set of 3), working with the knowledge of your hidden tiles is crucial to avoid someone taking the tile you needed out of spite (something which happens very often). This is one of my go-to games with my partner, albeit it works much better with 3-4 players as in the 2 player game there's very little chance of someone ending the round without fuel.
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Zogen 4
A very mechanical game that doesn't really elicit any moments of laughter or excitement. It's just meh, not much else to say.
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Moneybags 6
Moneybags gets a bad rep for being a stupid game about guessing where the diamond might be. But it never pretends to be anything else! It's a funny stupid game, that I'll gladly play with a group of slight inebriated friends (gamers or non-gamers). It's not a masterpiece, but it's given me more moments of genuine laughter than so many more prestigious party games have. Plus, the coins and bags are awesome.
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Tomatomato 4
Infamously ranked by SU&SD as the worst Oink game (out of like 10 that they reviewed), this is probably aimed at a much younger audience. Lack of clarity in the rules regarding how quickly or how exactly the word should be intoned make it a very irregular experience. I do have to say, I played this with my mother and brother while the rest of my family was in the room next door. In their words, they were having a blast because of how stupid we sounded.
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Flotsam Fight 5
I have to play this one again and maybe with a different group. Generally well regarded by Oink fans, to me it felt like yet another funky card game in which many of my decisions are taken for me. It limits your options to the point that there’s usually a rather obvious play
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Void ?
I could possibly write a whole essay about this game. If I were still a uni student I would do it for my theory class, with numerous references to Benjamin, Barthes, and Baudrillard. There’s just so many questions that arise from its (purported) existence, and I would love to attempt to answer them and have the paper published. But I digress, I’m pretty sure every board gamer has heard the snobbish comment “it’s not even a game, it’s an activity” used as a derogatory for a game they don’t think much of. Void asks players to entertain this dilemma both in form and in function. There is text on the box asking the question. There is a commanded rule for the components. The rule (as famously uttered by John Cleese in the 2001 classic, Rat Race): there are no rules.
Interacting with the components is an act that relies on players executing their preconceived notions of what a game looks like, this creation of a game being the game itself. Is the game just the container of components then? Does Void become a game in the moment that someone partakes into accepting it’s scandalous proposition? Let’s go back two steps. Is Void a game? And if so can it be rated? Can the same subjective logic that we apply when offhandedly rating any other game be so easily applied to an object that is pushing to break the definition itself of everything that constitutes its whole?
I’m ignoring something of course, and in fact I haven’t been completely honest about one thing. There is in fact one additional rule: to post the simulated final “game” situation online and compete with all the other, potentially limitless, amount of simulations, all from different creators (or should it be manipulators). When you think Void has handed you all the deconstructive blows it can by taking physical board game components to the limit, it hands you yet another one by transporting and transforming the resolutive endgame step of a regular game into an everchanging and never ending phase. Activity or game, they both end, Void persists, secula seculorum. Mr. Sasaki, you’re a genius.
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Tricks and the Phantom 8
This is probably one of the weirdest Oink games even though when you pull apart its pieces it doesn't really seem like it. The way hands are resolved operates a bit like an odd trick taker. Although it's not simply about winning the trick but about being able to identify who won the trick with limited information (the suit) regarding what they played. But then there's an added bluffing element with a card (the phantom) that can be played as any suit in an attempt to make other players believe it's the winner of the trick (something it can never actually do). So, it's mainly a bluffing and deduction game, with rounds that are pretty much tricks played in secret.
This is a good one, if you can track a copy down then don't miss the chance. Attempting to explain it doesn't do justice to how well this game works, especially when everyone already understands well the game and you introduce the possibility of there being two phantoms.
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Mr. Face 6
Mr. Face is a bit of a Dixit clone although I'd rather play this any day. Yes, the scoring as per the rules is not exactly like Dixit's, but it's a tiny tweak to the game to house rule it and it works much better. This one has been a hit specially with younger people who are more attuned to the gargantuan amount of modern emojis and their uses. Always makes people laugh. Definitely wouldn't play it with less than 5 players.
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Dual Clash Poker 5
A simple partnership game that doesn't really bring much to the table. Would rather play any other partnership game before this one again. Very unexciting.
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Nine Tiles Panic 7
Another Oink title with a really random theme (burger eating aliens!?). I prefer this one although I think the OG Nine Tiles is a better design because of its sheer simplicity; it's pretty much an essential game. Yet the large variety of scoring cards and the fact that there's always three different ones at a time make Panic feel more complete (at least gamers will believe this). On top of this, the exciting balance between best city vs rushed city, make this one so much more replayable to me. Nine Tiles is a fine set of bones, but Nine Tiles Panic is the meat on those bones, it just works better because you're never left thinking that you've played the same game over and over again.
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Fafnir 7
Fafnir is such an oddball. It's an auction game, with the most random theme, Modern Art-like scoring, but a strange end of round system that always seems so confuse players in the first round, and which is controlled by what the players are using to pay auctions themselves. It's really easy for people to forget the colour limit when bidding during the game, and this rule is sort of integral to the game actually working. It works surprisingly well at 2p (not as good as Biblios as far as auction games go) and for that alone I rate it highly, although it's still better at 4p.
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Insider Black 8
While the Follower role is essential for my group at this point, and the question restriction cards are also fun, the actual words to be guessed and the shorter timer make it hard to prefer Black over the original. But in the end it's good old Insider, it does have the Follower, and it's a great game. Not to mention that box is so sexy!
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Ninja Catfoot and the Covert Action 7
Where Diamond Swap (more on this up ahead) fails at innovating Ninja Catfoot succeeds. Good dexterity games either rework a classic, or have a gimmick, and the gimmick in this one is quite unique. Yes, it's not going to be a fair game, phone's accelerometers have different sensibility, but it doesn't matter. It's so hilariously inventive to see everyone on the table slowly moving their hands like a cat's paw, everyone holding their breath, amazing experience.
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Durian 6
The game is super easy to explain and has generally been a hit with gamers and non-gamers alike, in game nights and party settings. But it's another one that I like less the more I play it.
There's a few situations I've found really annoying, all of which make me a bit of an asshole because they're all people related. The game's outcome is wildly influenced by where people sit. Often someone will never the ring the bell, and if you never ring the bell the person before you will very likely win. The snowball negative scoring works thematically but I just don't enjoy it mechanically, as it makes it quite circumstantial that you're able to hurt the leading players in latter rounds. Often someone will not ring the bell on the person before them (who is winning) because there's only a small chance that the stock is wrong, despite knowing that by doing so they're condemning themselves and/or the person after them (both of whom are already 99% out of the game).
This reminds me a lot of Sheriff of Nottingham, a game for which I really enjoy the gameplay and interactions, but absolutely hate the resolution.
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Hey Yo 8
The single team variant is great, but the team battle variant makes this one of my favourites Oinks. I love how it pushes everyone in a team to actually collaborate by speaking out on what they have and if they can keep a streak going for longer or not. The tiny speaker is a fantastic component too.
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Dokojong 6
Every play of this has made me like it a little less. It's a fun bluffing and guessing game but the consequences of one's actions are sometimes not very clear; it takes at least a couple of rounds for people I've played this with to really understand what's going on. It's also a bit hard to understand what's the correct play to inch you closer to winning. A strange design that I enjoy but am not desperate to bring out to the table very often.
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Moon Adventure 6
Turning Deep Sea Adventure into a coop game was not on anyone’s bingo card. I'm generally more of the thought that non-narrative coop games need to have some hidden information to be truly interesting. Even as a solo puzzle, there’s too much chance and it’s a bit too long to fit in alongside the Sprawlopolis and Orchards of the world. It’s just not for me but Moon Adventure works quite well, it's challenging, and doesn't outstay its welcome as it has a ver clear build up towards the endgame.
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Scout 6
If Deep Sea Adventure is Matt Busby, then Scout is Alex Ferguson (or Ruth and Jeter for US folks). But okay, this is going to be unpopular. I know I've written this for a lot of Oinks, but the more I play Scout the less I like it. Candy Crush style hand management is an amazing gimmick and climbing games are my fave. However, I do feel like this one has a bit of a learning curve and once that plateaued I lost almost most interest in the game. I still play it rather often because people really enjoy it (again crazy how this has supplanted Deep Sea Adventure as the Oink everyone knows!) but I always find myself playing my hands in autopilot. The really important decision comes at the start of every round, when you decide what path (side of the cards) you're going to take, and after this, I'm simply just executing this plan. For quite some time now, it's lacked the sparks of unpredictability that make games like this really enjoyable to me.
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The Diamond Swap 3
I think the idea and the way the game intends to execute it are brilliant. But in practice our group felt like it doesn't really work at all; the gems are way too similar which makes differentiating them a bit of a random exercise. More than once we even guessed who the burglar was, but it was still of little use in determining what was changed. The larger problem is the notice cards though. In practice, the notice cards with a higher reward, and in theory a bigger risk for the security leader, are actually always a better and easier option for the security leader. The more swaps there are, the most likely it is that you’ll get the right diamond by chance (since you only need to find one of the fakes!). The components and the rules as they are don't create what appears to be the intended gameplay and interactions. A disappointment.
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Tiger & Dragon 6
I've unfortunately only played the non-4p partnership versions of this, which from my perspective (and seemingly from BGG voters as well) is probably the only player count at which this really works. All in all, the 3p and 5p games are not good. There are few decisions to be taken (often none) and they're generally uninformed when you do have them. Really want to try the partnership game though.
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Town 66 6
I'm writing this now that Town 77 has released and officially replaced it (understandably so). Interactive sudoku-like puzzle is good though! The push your luck element of deciding when you should start to shed tiles is interesting, but plays of this are always really close (which I see as a bit of a negative) making it feel like early turns don't have much importance.
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Order Overload: Cafe 8
The premise itself is so good, you’re workers at a café trying to memorize as much as you can of a really large order. This is currently one of my favourite coops and definitely my favourite memory game (although That's Not a Hat is up there!). It's super easy to teach to the point I don't even bother with an explanation anymore; I just use level 1 to explain it on the go.
It took me around 15 plays before one of my groups was able to clear level 7 (and at 6 players nonetheless!) The excitement as that final card was played when 4 players were out of the round already is the kind of rush I live for when playing games.
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Order Overload: Burgers 8
Order Overload: Burgers plays exactly the same as Order Overload: Cafe but players are now employees at a fast food restaurant. Cafe has been a big hit for my group, and I'd daresay it's probably my favourite memory game and one of the best truly intro level hidden information coops. Our group found Burgers to be easier as the menu is a bit less varied and there aren't 50 types of latte and coffee like in Cafe. This is more of a curiosity or a collector’s item but combining the two decks for an even larger menu is awesome.
Note: This game and Order Overload: Insects come in a larger flatter box (you can see images I've uploaded on BGG), the Oink-sized box in the picture of my collection is custom made so it can fit in with the rest of them.
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Order Overload: Insects N/A
After obtaining Burgers (and really enjoying mixing Cafe and Burgers together), the completionist in me sought out Insects. Unfortunately for us folks who can't read Japanese it turns out that the cards in this set don't include any text in English or any language that is not Japanese. I also learnt that it's more of a game version of an insects encyclopaedia, with each card including an illustration and additional information of the insect. The completionist in me still wants to attempt at translating every card using an image to text translator, but that probably won't go very well.
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Quickity Pickity 6
I really like a lot of real time speed games and this one is no exception. The different scoring objectives per round keep it from becoming stale. It seems to have come and gone only two years after being released. Possibly the ugliest looking Oink though, the colour choices and that cover…
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Make the Difference 6
I would not recommend playing this one with more than 3 players, definitely not with 5. With too many people searching for your differences it becomes very likely that they'll all be found, and very likely that they'll be found in the first run of the hourglass. Speed Where's Wally? is a great concept, but so far it just hasn't worked for me.
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Telecraft 8
Telecraft is an extremely amusing experience. While it clearly has rules and steps to be followed, its true joy lies in the minute-long experience of hearing your friends attempt to articulate what they are seeing, and the subsequent 2-3 minutes of seeing them completely butcher what you were sure was a perfect explanation. Without being a party game, this is one of Oink's most unexpectedly social games, in that it truly puts in the spotlight everyone's particular way of communicating. The abstract shapes and the figures they create are but a vessel for laughter and renewed kinship.
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Nine Tiles Extreme 7
Like the original it can still be taught in under a minute, the only added rule being how the theme card has to be interpreted. This small rule change really messes up with by brain. While with the original it only took me a few rounds to sort of memorize the tiles to find what I need, in this one the combinations and the fact that they're never related to each other with the theme card has made it really hard for me to get to know the tiles. It will probably happen eventually, and I'm eager to play Extreme more to get there.
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Whale to Look 8
Although it's considerably more rules heavy (including a handful of mini rules) than most Oinks, it ends up being a really nice mix between a collective light deduction puzzle and a betting game. Like many of Faidutti's designs this feels very classic, way less experimental than what you sometimes get from Oink. Turns are fast, and because you're playing in a shared space your opponents’ turns are always relevant to you. Finally, how the hell did they manage to fit so much stuff in that tiny box!?
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Order Overload: Spiel 23 7
Definitely more of a collector's item, but it's still Order Overload in the end. I think this one is way more fun when combined with the other sets than on its own.
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Town 77 7
It's easy to understate how much better this is than Town 66. The added flexibility of one more colour+shape is just the right amount so that the midgame feels more robust and players have more manoeuvrability with regards to what they can do and how they can attempt to screw their opponents. But the core tension of "when should I begin to discard?" is very much still there, in fact, the added flexibility just makes this decision better as you feel that you might still have a chance and hold out for another turn without discarding. Interactive sudoku ftw!
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Rafter Five 7
This is a solid dexterity game in the vein of Rhino Hero with regards to the gameplay (placing cards with a weight balance, and avoid making the structure fall), and with the same creative inventiveness of Icecool with regards to using the box itself as a crucial game component, both functional (elevate the play area so pieces can fall) and visual (the dramatic effect of seeing pieces elevated from the table is great).
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DroPolter 7
Oink's late 2023 venture into dexterity games has been everything I expected from them. DroPolter is such a quirky game, possibly the best looking Oink (sorry Modern Art), and a proof that you can totally design a game with the random assorted components you have lying around. Although it's clear the ones in the game were specifically chosen to be a pain in the ass when trying to drop them (will the key stop going into the ring!). The little bells are a great balancing tool; being the scoring mechanism and at the same time making subsequent rounds harder for you as there's more things in your hand. And they are so easy to drop unintended, I’ve played hilarious rounds were everyone in the table drops at least one.
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Moving Wild 6
I’ve only played this in its original release Zuuli. And while I think the art in Zuuli is charming, the Oink editions looks like an improvement, especially in making it easier to see how much certain cards with powers score. The meat and bones of this game is a straightforward drafting game. I’m already a big fan of Sushi Go, which is my go-to quick drafting game, this works very similarly except with extra steps and types of cards, which at least for me is not an improvement. I can’t say I love it, it does nothing wrong but it just lacks excitement or anything new to make it stand out. On a different note, animals you drafted for which you don’t have an enclosure simply… go away? Where are they going? D:
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tl;dr this is my tierlist. And before I get hate for some of these placements, I'll gladly play and enjoy anything C and above. I can even play Ds every so often. E and F I'll never play again unless someone really really wants to try them out.
My Oink Tierlist
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If you’ve read all this and you have Void, Saruyama, Kankeri, Cowardly Bat, Stray Thieves, or Dibdib and you want to help a fan out, shoot me a message and maybe we can do some business :)
And if you’ve read all this, I guess thanks are in order as well. ¡Gracias!
submitted by mesenius to boardgames [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 21:04 GiraffesForHigher Can my fellow slasher fanatics pull out your lists of your favorite obscure, lesser talked about and/or relatively unknown slashers!

I posted this exact post on Horror 4 days ago and decided to bring this to slasherfilms
PS. I apologize in advance if most of you guys and gals are on Horror as well and saw this post and/or even commented and suggested some films to me.
I'm a huge slasher fan and I honestly feel like I've seen every slasher film that's worth atleast one viewing. I'm always going through '10 Underseen/Underrated Slasher Films' type lists which usually have the same ones on them. I only recently starting browsing this subreddit but usually spend most of my time on Horror in hopes of coming across a title I haven't heard of yet, which doesn't happen often unfortunately. I either love and own the film or have seen it and felt lukewarm about it. I will give any slasher film that has a 4.0 or higher on IMDB a chance. Hell, if there's one with a lower score that you thought was a fun time then go ahead and recommend it! PS. I'm not a fan of giallo's so try to keep these titles to a minimum if possible! Thanks!
Here's a list of ones I'd like to recommend. Some are more known then others but hopefully there are still some you haven't heard of. All of these are available on Prime, Tubi and/or YouTube. I hope you enjoy!
'Intruder' (1989) - A very fun great little slasher. Set inside a grocery store at night with appearances from Ted Raimi, Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. Gory, fun, campy with some very interesting camera angles (The POV of a doorknob turning and a shot from inside a rotary phone). The kills are fun, the location is creepy and it packs a punch. A favorite of mine
'Dr. Giggles' (1992) - A fun 90's slasher. Very quippy with a fun performance from our killer and the deaths are solid with some being more creative then others. It stars Holly Marie Combs pre-'Charmed' and Becky's dickhead boyfriend then husband from 'Roseanne'. A fun cheesy slasher.
'The Prowler' (1981) - GREAT practical effects. Fun characters, fun look and a good atmosphere. I'm not too into the investigation aspect of this film but the kills, pacing and chase stuff definitely makes it worth it.
'The Dorm that Dripped Blood' (1982) - A gory slasher about a group of college students who stay behind to help empty out an abandoned hall. The kills are gory and the "low budgetness" of this films adds this mean spirited layer to the film. An enjoyable watch.
'Dark Night of the Scarecrow' (1981) - A made for TV slasher that while light on the gore (There's still a good amount of blood) makes up for in acting, atmosphere, and creepiness in both score and feel. A simple revenge slasher film that really does thrive. It's killer is fairly ambiguous but you know if you know! I highly recommend
'The Initiation' (1984) - A fun slasher. The second half takes place in a mall where most of the kills are the atmosphere is VERY creepy. I think it has to do with the phenomenon of places being empty that are usually filled with people. Bloody at times and the acting isn't anything special but a fun little slasher.
'See No Evil' (2006) - Watch Kane the wrestler kill a bunch of 20 something criminals who are at this abandoned hotel to clean it up in exchange for time off their sentences. Characters and performances aren't anything.
'Cheerleader Camp' (1988) - Light on the gore but still a weird fun time. If you like 80's slashers you'll have fun with this one. The film stars Jigsaw's wife! Probably my least favorite on the list but I'd still recommend.
'Girls Nite Out' (1982) - A fun time. I love that the killer's look is this college's bear mascot. Good gore and practical effects and a decent amount of creepiness. Every person in this movie that's in a relationship is cheating on their partner.
'The Final Terror' (1982) - I love this survivalist aspect of this film. The scenery is beautiful and our killer wears a ghille suit with a curved blade attached to their wrist. The performances and characters are serviceable with a good amount of blood and gore. The body count isn't high but it doesn't ruin the film for me personally. Stars Daryl Hannah pre fame.
'Cherry Falls' (2000) - A fun 2000's slasher that I wish hadn't been edited down as much. We still get a lot of fun gory slasher business though. Tragic backstory, cool looking killer outfit and Brittany Murphy (RIP) is great.
'The Pool' (2001) - This film is about a group of international students who sneak into a giant indoor water park after finals only to be stalked by a killer. Gory, with a cool looking killer and a decent body count. This film features early performances from James McAvoy and Isla Fisher.
'Initiation' (2020) - This film takes what 'Black Christmas' (2019) tried to do and does it better. Characters are smarter and more likeable and the performances are good enough. The deaths aren't really creative but they are bloody. I had fun with the last act and thought this film was overall smarter then I thought it would be.
'Next of Kin' (1982) - An Australian slasher 'The Shining'. Good performances, likeable characters, great ambience and atmosphere and a great last act. A classic more people should know of.
'Night School' (1981) - A fun time. A killer dressed in a motorcycle outfit drives around killing female students from a specific college. Solid deaths and gore even if the killer is obvious. Has enough differences from most to warrant a watch and is an enjoyable watch.
'X-Ray'/'Hospital Massacre' (1981) - A fun gory time. Good deaths and lots of blood flowing. There is one naked scene that goes on a little too long, but fun nonetheless.
'The Funhouse' (1981) - Our lead actress is great and the location is cool looking and well used. Some great atmosphere and while the deaths might be lacking, the tone and feel of this film makes it totally worth it. I love this film
'Hell Night' (1981) - Another fun slasher. The cast is fun, the location is cool and so is the atmosphere. Decent practical effects and creep factor. Killer's look grisly and wild.
'Blood Rage' (1987) - Ridiculous in all the best ways. The kills and the ways blood spurts are all great, plus our mother's performance is terrible in a beautiful way. Very fun but tragic.
'Curtains' (1983) - Shot here in Canada! This film feels like a refined adult slasher. The performances are good and while it's a little light on the gore there is still enough to enjoy. Our killer wears a very creepy mask and we get a ten minute long creepy stalk scene. I really enjoy this one.
'Madman' (1982) - I prefer this one to 'The Burning' which might be controversial. Our killer looks good and the low budget feeling about this film adds a fun layer. The performances are "fine" but are still fun. Our lead is kind of boring and there's one other character who's fait I can't believe. A fun time**.**
'The Silent Scream' (1979) - The last act is a little bit of a letdown even though I'm not sure why but I really like our characters, the performances are good and their is some definite artistry to the kill scenes. Good location and atmosphere. So close to being GREAT but still good.
'The Mutilator' (1985) - Very fun. The practical effects are amazing and so gory and brutal. Surprisingly so. The performances are anything special nor are the characters. This movie has it's own theme song and a awkward hide and seek song that goes on a little too long and asks some questions. A quintessential 80's slasher.
'Too Scared to Scream' (1985) - I enjoyed this one. The deaths are mostly obscure off-screen with not too many acts of practical effects but we still get bloody body reveals and the cast is good. I really enjoy the chasing during the final act. This film does act like a TV film but still a fun slasher time.
'Edge of the Axe' (1988) - Another tv slasher film. The practical effects and gore are fun and so is the killer's look. I also really like the ending. This movie feels very gialloesque.
'To All A Goodnight' (1980) - You get to watch someone dresses as Santa kill the left behind students during winter break at a college. The deaths and practical effects are solid with a great sized body count. There is one character who's fate kind of annoys me but still a fun time.
'Fatal Games' (1984) - This film is very similar to 'Graduation Day' but I preferred it. I liked the deaths, the atmosphere and the unconventional motive behind the killer's reasoning. Some artsy shots as well. The performances are fine and the characters aren't really anything. A fun simple slasher with a tight satisfying final chase.
submitted by GiraffesForHigher to slasherfilms [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 17:57 Sufficientlyfun A Stereotypically Spitfire HTT Outfit r/SoftGamine is Open again!

A Stereotypically Spitfire HTT Outfit SoftGamine is Open again!
I’m here as promised to announce SoftGamine is back! After a long hiatus where it’s previous mod had become inactive and the sub had been restricted, I opted to apply to moderate it and finally I’ve (pretty much) finished revamping it.
To celebrate the re-opening of SoftGamine I wanted to create a fun styling challenge. So please put together your Gaminiest, Stuaccato-est HTT outfit and post it under the “HTT Outfit” flair. All Gamines, Soft and Flamboyant are welcome to post - I’d love to see how each of you approach your own unique blend of Yin and Yang!
——
This is my contribution to the style challenge!
I know my HTT Outfits are often a bit if a mystery as to how they can work for a Soft Gamine, so I wanted to create a straight forward and stereotypical staccato Spitfire HTT outfit for you. The key to my outfits is that I always keep things very staccato - knowing my proportions well is what enables me to create looks that don’t conform to the rigid box we often force SG into.
Here’s my detailed break down on the above outfit!
The Dress The mini dress is a vintage piece from the 60s in a bright small, crisp, pastel polka dot pattern. The fabric and cut are crisp, the collar is high, precisely fitted, crisp and rounded. The skirt is micro mini which adds to the staccato effect of the outfit. The sleeves are fitted at the wrists and feature a round button on the cuff. The bodice features a ruffled detail in a rounded shape and a line of round buttons down the center front.
The following is from the Detail section of the Soft Gamine Checklist in Metamorphosis:
“Detail should always be animated, lively, and energetic.”
“Necklines should be clean and crisp, preferably curved. They are best when they are either high or closed” […] “Crisp collars are excellent and should be used profusely. They should be small and very tailored. Or shaped, with contrasting fabric, trim, color, etc., the perfect choice. Curved or rounded shapes are best.”
“Small sharp pleats, ornate trim, applique, top-stitching, epaulets, pocket plackets, etc., are all good touches for the bodice area. Crisp cuffs with contrasting buttons, bands, trim, etc., are always chic.”
The following is from the Dresses section of the Soft Gamine Checklist in Metamorphosis:
“Dresses should be very shaped at the waist with crisp necklines, cuffs, and intricate or animated detail.”
The following is from the Color & Prints section of the Soft Gamine Checklist in Metamorphosis:
“Your use of color should be bright and sparkling, with a multicolor palette of vivid, rich and intense shades played against each other or on top of either a pale or deep background”
“You should use lots and lots of prints that are lively and animated! Bright colors, high color contrast, and outlined colors are all good choices. Shapes should be curved and intricate, but keep them crisp and animated instead of watercolor-blended. Size should be small to moderate.”
The Cardigan It’s coming into Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere so a cardigan is a necessary addition to complete the look! I’ve opted to match the color story by going for a fitted and cropped at the waist, lilac cardigan with a fluffy lapel style trim. It’s a tiny bit too boxy for my liking but nonetheless adds a bit of interest to the HTT look.
The following is from the Seperates section of the Soft Gamine Checklist in Metamorphosis:
“Separates are effective when used with a very head-to-toe "ensemble approach." Mix them together artfully, always picking up their specific theme, (whether it be color, print, or fabric) elsewhere in your outfit.”
“Jackets should be short and shapely with lots of detail and trim. They should always show the waist; they may be cropped above it or flare out into a crisp peplum. Keep them very fitted. Contrasting trim, tapered cuffs, and shoulder detail are all excellent.”
The Accessories I’ve paired the dress with my signature beret which I’ve added a fluffy Pom Pom to match my Pom Pom stud earrings. The bag is a very small (and incredibly impractical) cylindrical shape with gold detailing and a small arched handle. I’ve also paired the look with a pair of knee high white socks and a pair of strappy cream kitten heels.
The following is from the Accessories section of the Soft Gamine Checklist in Metamorphosis:
“Accessories should be small and crisp with a bit of intricate trim for animation. Colorful accessories are always a good choice.”
“Shoes: Lightweight and delicate with tapered toe and heel. Touches of intricate trim. Bare and strappy are good, as are open toes and sling-backs.”
“Bags: Small, rounded shapes.”
“Hats: Should be small and crisp in rounded shapes with minimal trim (veils, feathers, etc.) Crisp caps are also good, but keep the shapes small and rounded.”
Note: Berets are recommended in the Gamine Checklist
“Hosiery: Hosiery should contrast with the hemline at all times, except for a very dressy evening look (when they will be very sheer and silky). General, a "light leg" is the most chic look for you, and you can either blend it with the shoe, which is very elegant, or contrast it with both the hemline and the shoe, which is most charming. An opaque stocking is best for the funky, contrast look”
“Keep earrings crisp and on the ear (or spraying up) as opposed to dangles”
P.S. Please ignore my collar when I have the cardigan on 😅 I did not realise it was sitting like that.
submitted by Sufficientlyfun to Kibbe [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 15:11 ObjectiveContact2104 A Comprehensive Guide to the Top 5 Best Online Casino Canada Reddit 2024!

A Comprehensive Guide to the Top 5 Best Online Casino Canada Reddit 2024!
Welcome, fellow gamers and casino enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to take you on an exhilarating journey through 5 Best Online Casino Canada Reddit 2024 that promise an unmatched blend of excitement, luxury, and winning opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie eager to dive into the world of gambling, these casinos are sure to leave you spellbound. Without further ado, let's explore the crown jewels of Canada's gambling scene!

Best Online Casinos in Canada:

JackpotCity Casino - Best gambling platforms available for Canadian players. Welcome Bonus: 1600 C$
Lucky Spins - Top Mobile Gaming Experience Among Canadian Online Casinos! Welcome Bonus: C$500 + 500 FS on “Book of Dead”
CasinoDays - Big international casino! Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $2,000 + 100 FS
Ruby Fortune - Best Online Casino Canada for Slots! Welcome Bonus: 750 C$
FireVegas - Top Choice for Live Games of All Canadian Casinos! Welcome Bonus: $2000 + 150 free spins
​

JackpotCity Casino

https://preview.redd.it/pihtx1bz3fxc1.png?width=1891&format=png&auto=webp&s=8810a6916ae5be1eee9a98a1eac3c74f716e216f
Pros:
  • Diverse array of games
  • Access to live dealer games
  • Exciting tournament options
Cons:
  • Lack of public dispute resolution for complaints
  • Numerous restricted countries
Interesting Facts:
  • Live chat support utilizes auto-translate for certain languages
  • Weekly withdrawal limit of €4,000 applies to players who withdraw an amount equal to or greater than 5 times their lifetime deposits across the casino group
  • Popular casino destination in New Zealand and Canada
Jackpot City Online Casino Canada is widely acclaimed as one of the premier gambling platforms for Canadian players. Renowned for its extensive selection of Microgaming games catering to all preferences, its establishment in 1998 speaks volumes about its commitment to providing top-tier gaming experiences over the years.
Live Games:
Jackpot City offers a live casino experience, allowing players to engage in table games with live dealers via high-definition real-time video feeds. Their repertoire of live games encompasses the classic trio—blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Mobile Gaming:
Functioning seamlessly as a mobile casino, Jackpot City provides players with the opportunity to enjoy a selection of popular games while on the go. Their mobile offerings feature a variety of options, including progressive slots, blackjack, and roulette, alongside beloved titles like Immortal Romance Slot, Game of Thrones Slot, Avalon Slot, Thunderstruck slot, and more. The mobile platform is optimized for both Android and iOS devices.
Support:
For players seeking assistance with gaming or casino-related inquiries, Jackpot City Casino's support team is available 24/7 via email or phone. Depending on the player's location, calls may be toll-free. Notably, players can also access support through live chat, ensuring prompt assistance around the clock.
Security and Fairness:
Jackpot City Casino prioritizes privacy, confidentiality, and security through their implementation of SSL encryption technology.
Furthermore, the casino holds the esteemed eCOGRA Seal of Approval, signifying a commitment to fair gameplay, responsible casino practices, and expedited payouts.
​

Lucky Spins

https://preview.redd.it/sytzaw624fxc1.png?width=1896&format=png&auto=webp&s=5418690784e341e5e5a139a04696c57e90cc5039
Pros:
  • Accepts deposits and withdrawals in cryptocurrencies
  • Extensive game selection
  • Wide variety of game providers
  • Access to live dealer games
  • Supports multiple payment methods
Cons:
  • Limited responsible gaming features
  • Availability of payment methods varies by country
  • Lack of software provider filter
Interesting Facts:
  • Utilizes a chatbot for customer interactions
  • Automatically adds currency to casino accounts based on player's country
  • Considered a smaller international casino
Virtual Games:
Lucky Spins Casino's games lobby is brimming with video slots, ensuring players find ample options to satisfy their gaming desires. Each game is conveniently labeled by its software provider, providing transparency regarding the gaming experience.
While there isn't a dedicated table games section, players can still enjoy classics like Blackjack and Roulette. However, enthusiasts of table games may need to navigate through the selection to locate their preferred games.
Live Casino:
Immerse yourself in the live casino experience with games sourced from renowned providers such as Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live. Hosted by real-life dealers, these games offer an authentic atmosphere and are available round the clock. Interact with dealers and fellow players to enhance the immersive experience.
Mobile Gaming:
For gaming on the move, Lucky Spins Casino offers mobile compatibility, supporting most devices including the latest iOS and Android models. Players can seamlessly transition between platforms using a single set of account details, ensuring continuity across all devices.
Support:
Need assistance? Lucky Spins Casino provides a convenient live chat feature accessible 24/7 for immediate support. Alternatively, players can reach out via email or consult the FAQs for answers to common queries.
Security and Fairness:
Rest assured, Lucky Spins Casino prioritizes player security by employing robust encryption measures to safeguard personal information and financial transactions. Moreover, the use of a random number generator ensures fair gameplay, guaranteeing unbiased and unpredictable game results.
​

CasinoDays

https://preview.redd.it/4u4149164fxc1.png?width=1885&format=png&auto=webp&s=78bbf2cc4dc037dd4bc5267b02920e6622214cec
Pros:
  • Accepts cryptocurrency deposits
  • Above-average withdrawal limit
  • Partners with over 60 game providers
  • Extensive game library, including a wide range of live dealer games
  • Supports numerous payment methods
Cons:
  • Certain game providers and payment methods may not be available in all countries
Interesting Facts:
  • Recognized as a major international casino
  • Currency automatically added to casino accounts based on the player's country
Virtual Games:
Get ready for an endless array of video slots at Casino Days, thanks to an impressive lineup of software providers. Players will find themselves spoiled for choice, with the option to easily filter games into categories or use the search function to locate favorites.
Table game enthusiasts will also discover a variety of titles to suit their preferences. From different variations of Blackjack, Roulette, and Poker to themed tables adding extra excitement, there's something for every betting budget.
Live Casino:
Step into the live casino at Casino Days for an immersive experience hosted by real-life croupiers. With games available around the clock from top providers like Evolution Gaming, players can enjoy table games in real-time with varying betting limits to accommodate different budgets.
Mobile Gaming:
Casino Days now supports virtually any mobile device operating on iOS or Android systems. Offering a wide selection of games akin to the web version, the mobile casino provides added convenience for players on the move. No app download is necessary; simply use a compatible mobile browser for seamless access.
Support:
Should assistance be required, players can easily reach out to the casino's customer support team. Live chat agents are available 24/7 for swift assistance, while players can also opt to email the casino for further help.
Security and Fairness:
Rest assured, Casino Days prioritizes safety with robust encryption methods in place to safeguard players' personal and financial information at all times.
​

Ruby Fortune

https://preview.redd.it/594le3z44fxc1.png?width=1891&format=png&auto=webp&s=7d86d5098c03ffb54937be2af8290d17d5427ffd
Pros:
  • Extensive game variety
  • Access to live dealer games
  • Round-the-clock availability of live chat support
Cons:
  • Lack of public dispute resolution for complaints
  • Numerous restricted countries
  • Imposition of withdrawal fees
Interesting Facts:
  • Weekly withdrawal limit set at €4,000 for players withdrawing an amount equal to or exceeding 5 times their lifetime deposits across the casino group
  • Backed by a prominent corporate entity, reflecting strong business practices
Virtual Games:
Microgaming enthusiasts will find a haven at this casino, with access to the full spectrum of their games, including an extensive array of video slots. From opulent themes to breathtaking graphics, players are treated to a seamless gaming experience filled with glitz, glamour, and luxury.
Moreover, players will discover an impressive selection of video poker games, featuring user-friendly interfaces based on the classic 5-card setup. Whether it's Jacks or Better or other popular card games, players can relax and strategize as they aim to build their winning hand.
Live Casino:
Dive into the immersive world of live gaming with an impressive suite of games powered by Evolution Gaming. Hosted by real-life dealers, these games transcend traditional casino offerings, providing players with an authentic and engaging experience. Whether in a classic or contemporary setting, cutting-edge technology brings players closer to the action like never before.
Mobile Gaming:
Gaming isn't restricted to desktops; players can indulge in the mobile casino experience as well. Whether on an iPhone, Android, iOS, Blackberry, or Windows tablet, players can enjoy crystal-clear graphics, seamless gameplay, and intuitive functionality across all games.
Support:
For assistance, players can easily reach out to the casino's customer support team. The live chat facility, available 24/7, offers the quickest resolution to queries. Alternatively, players can opt to email or phone the casino for further assistance.
Security and Fairness:
The casino prioritizes security with the latest 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology, ensuring the secure transfer of sensitive data. Additionally, a random number generator guarantees fair and random game results, providing players with peace of mind during gameplay.
​

FireVegas

https://preview.redd.it/23d8tpo34fxc1.png?width=1886&format=png&auto=webp&s=06c141e6c6d24e744d70c192943ce834a4c7eff5
Pros:
  • Extensive range of game providers
  • Higher than average withdrawal limit
  • Access to live dealer games
  • Round-the-clock availability of live chat support
Cons:
  • Bonuses not accessible in all countries
  • Ineligibility of Skrill and Neteller depositors for welcome bonuses
Interesting Facts:
  • Classified as a smaller international casino
Virtual Games:
Dive into the games lobby to explore a plethora of video slots sourced from various software providers, ensuring there's something to cater to every player's taste. Easily filter games by preferred providers for a streamlined browsing experience.
For fans of table games, the casino offers a selection of Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, and more, providing ample options for those seeking classic casino thrills.
Live Casino:
Experience the thrill of betting against real-life dealers in the live casino, reminiscent of the excitement found in land-based establishments. With games available round the clock, players can engage with dealers and fellow players for an immersive gaming experience.
Mobile Gaming:
Take the casino on the go with support for most mobile devices, including the latest smartphones and tablets. Players can log in or create a new account for instant access anytime, anywhere.
Support:
For assistance, players can reach out to the casino's customer support team via live chat, available on both desktop and mobile platforms. Additionally, support is available via email, with responses typically within 24 hours.
Security and Fairness:
Rest assured, the casino prioritizes safety and security with robust encryption and firewall measures in place to protect sensitive information. Furthermore, the presence of industry-leading providers ensures fairness, with game results determined by a random number generator.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our comprehensive review of the top online casinos in Canada, it's essential for all Gambling Gurus to keep responsible gambling at the forefront of their minds. While indulging in online casino gaming can offer excitement and enjoyment, it's vital to maintain awareness of one's limits and play responsibly.
If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or concerned about the impact of your gambling habits on your life, remember that help is available. Don't hesitate to reach out for support and guidance.
Dear esteemed members of the Canadian_OnlineCasino community,
Your voices matter to us, and we cordially invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and any questions burning in your mind in the comments section below. Your valuable insights and perspectives serve as guiding lights for others venturing into the realm of online casinos, aiding them in making informed decisions.
​
submitted by ObjectiveContact2104 to Canadian_OnlineCasino [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 11:12 cheinyeanlim US Post Office phishing sites got significantly more DNS queries

US Post Office phishing sites got significantly more DNS queries
During the 2023 holiday season, shocking data reveals US Post Office phishing sites received more DNS queries than the legitimate website, raising concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Stay vigilant against online threats! 🛡️ Phishing #Cybersecurity #USPS
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends in tech and marketing – join our subreddit community martechnewser today for instant notifications!
https://preview.redd.it/6s3zx19pxdxc1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e631bd492f30a7b6263c2b2c29d889f0b49a5dc8
  • Phishing campaigns targeting USPS users mimic the postal service’s website, deceiving users into handing over sensitive information or making fraudulent payments.
  • Akamai Technologies discovered a significant increase in DNS queries to fake USPS domains, particularly during the holiday season, indicating the high effectiveness of these phishing schemes.
  • The most popular fake USPS domains amassed nearly half a million queries, with two domains alone surpassing 150k each, highlighting the scale of this cybersecurity issue.
  • Consumers are advised to verify package shipment communications by directly visiting the official USPS website, emphasizing the need for caution and skepticism.
  • The article suggests that this is just the tip of the iceberg, as similar phishing operations likely target many other brands, pointing to a widespread threat beyond USPS.
Akamai started investigating USPS-themed phishing in October 2023 after an employee received a suspicious SMS that redirected to a site containing malicious JavaScript code. This real-world trigger for a broader research initiative underscores the prevalence of such cyber threats and their potential impact on individuals and organizations.
"The amount of traffic to the illegitimate domains was almost equal to the amount of traffic to legitimate domains on a normal day — and greatly exceeded legitimate traffic during the holidays." - Akamai
Between October 2023 and February 2024, the most popular malicious USPS-themed domains racked up over 1,128,146 queries, nearly matching the 1,181,235 queries recorded for the legitimate USPS site. This staggering figure highlights not only the sophistication of these phishing operations but also their alarming success rate.
submitted by cheinyeanlim to martechnewser [link] [comments]

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