Hobbies

There are few hobbies that look more glamorous than poker. We’ve lost count of the number of climatic scenes we’ve seen in movies or television shows when a major character has sat at a poker table, bet their house, vehicle, business or significant other on the outcome of the turn of the cards, and lost big time. Granted, it doesn’t look all too glamorous when you’re on the losing side of a bet, but there’s something about the timeless classic of all card games in online casinos or their sister sites which makes us feel sophisticated and classy. We all wish we could be great at poker.

Unfortunately, poker is one of the hardest of all the casino games to learn. Anyone who can count to 21 can learn to play blackjack. There’s no skill involved in roulette. There isn’t really much skill involved in slots. Mobile slots are a little different – many of the games you’ll find on a mobile slots website now have an element of skill involved in them as well as the luck- but for the main part, standard slots in a casino are just a matter of dumb luck. An experienced mobile slots player will likely know one or two small strategies which can improve their chances when they’re standing in front of a physical slot cabinet, but we’re still talking about a type of game that’s 90% luck. It’s nothing like the level of skill and knowledge that’s required to ensure you win at poker more often than you lose.

While we can’t turn you into a seasoned poker professional in the space of a single article, we can point you in the right direction. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be a better poker player than you are right now!

The Flop Should Never Come For Free

If your hand looks moderate to good before the flop comes, you should always back it. Whatever comes with the flop might completely change the balance of power in a game, and so you should never allow anybody to get that chance for free if you feel like you’re onto a winner. When you’re at a table where all the other players want to check, it’s usually a sign that they’re inexperienced. They want to see what comes out before they decide whether their hand is worth backing. If they do, they might get lucky. Their seemingly-worthless and might turn into a straight. You should raise by the minimum bet every single time. If your opening hand is particularly strong, raise by a lot more. You’ll find that the majority of players fold quickly.

An Early Retreat Is A Cheaper Retreat

Rookie players often develop the mentality of ‘once I’m in, I’m in.’ They’ll keep paying to see the whole flop, even if they’re not confident about what they have in their hand. That’s just a surefire way to lose chips, and a strategy that relies on luck more than judgment. If you’re still in after the flop, ask yourself one question:- has your hand improved at all? If the answer is no, get out. You might be holding a pair of 10s, for example, but if there’s a King or an Ace on the flop, chances are one of your opponents is now holding a pair of Kings or a pair of Aces. You should only remain in after the flop in two sets of circumstances; your hand got better, or you’re holding a high-value pair. Even so, beware of pairs which turn up in the flop. They could mean that someone else is now holding three or even four of a kind. If in doubt, get out.

Positioning Is Important

Pay attention to where you are on the table; different positions involve different strategies. The best position you can be in is on the button. From that position, you’re the last person to make a bet at every crucial point of the game, and so you’ll have the maximum level of information available about your opponents when you do so. By contrast, the worst position to be in is the small blind. You’re the person who has to go first at every stage, and you set the tone. If you’re indecisive here, you’ll get eaten alive. If you’re stuck at the small blind, your best strategy is to be aggressive. If you have a promising hand, back it heavily and give everyone else pause for thought. If you don’t, get out as fast as possible.

Fewer Opponents Mean Easier Wins

This is a tip that goes hand in and with never letting people see the flop for free. If you’ve pushed a couple of opponents out by raising the bet before the flop, you’ll hopefully only have one or two players left to face when the flop appears. In this scenario, a moderately strong hand becomes a strong one because the chances of your opponents holding anything better are drastically reduced. Some of the cards which would likely have been crucial to making a good hand out of the flop may well be in the hands of your opponents who folded. It’s generally much more likely to be worth your while to push a strong pair when you’re down to two or three players after the flop.

Pay Close Attention To Other Players

This might sound obvious, but you should watch your fellow players closely, like those big players do in gambling advertisements videos. Unlike in films or movies, though, we don’t mean watching them for signs of a visible tell. The commonly-believed cliches about a scratch of the nose or a twitch of the eyelid are largely works of fiction. Look for patterns in play. Somebody who hasn’t bet more than $20 for the entire game, but suddenly throws in more than double that out of nowhere, is likely holding something valuable. They should be treated with caution. On the flip side, if someone who’s just lost heavily suddenly throws in a huge bet during the next two or three hands, they’re almost certainly trying to bluff to clear their losses. Push them all the way, because if they’re committed to the bluff, they’ll likely see it through to the end.

As Kenny Rogers sang many years ago (if you don’t know who Kenny Rogers is, ask your parents), poker is all about knowing when to hold ’em, and knowing when to fold ’em. We hope that this article has left you feeling a little more enlightened on that front.

 

There’s no better feeling than getting a brand new motorcycle. The single-digit odometers, fresh smell of new tires, and seeing your ride in your garage are just some of the perks of bringing your new motorcycle home from the showroom. But as great as it is to be the proud owner of a flawless motorcycle, there are some things that you don’t love about your new ride.

You may want to make some modifications. But you may also feel unsure about whether it is a worthy investment. There are plenty of upgrades you can make that are worth the money even if your motorcycle is fresh from the factory. Here are some easy and sensible ways to personalize your new bike with the best genuine motorcycle parts.

Air Filter

One of the easiest and effective mods is simply getting a new air filter. This allows your motorcycle to breathe more easily. Go for an aftermarket, performance-oriented air filters. They’re slightly more expensive than the stock paper ones, but they’re a worthy investment and will last a long time with the right maintenance.

Tires

If you have brand new tires, you may not want to waste money on new ones. However, stock tires are substandard and can negatively impact your riding experience. OEM tires can hinder your motorcycle’s handling, personality, and appearance. Thankfully, it’s easy to order new tires and other motorcycle parts online.

Frame Sliders

The last thing you want is to damage your new frame due to a crash or unexpected tip-over. Investing in some frame sliders will protect your frame from any unsuspecting damage.

Engine Guards

If you have a cruiser or big twin, you may need an engine guard too. An engine guard is simply a steel bar that safeguards the engine from the ground if something happens. A guard will help keep your engine free of scratches and dents.

Fender Eliminator

Eliminating OEM fenders is probably one of the most common upgrades of brand new motorcycles. This is because stock fenders tend to be bulky and unappealing. When purchasing a fender eliminator kit, make sure it complies with your local law.

Battery Tender

A battery tender may not be the most exciting modification, but it’s one that will save you from the dreaded “click” when your motorcycle won’t start. Keep your battery in peak condition with this simple upgrade.

Windshield

Manufacturers tend to just slap on windshields that are adequate enough to get it out of the dealership. But they tend to fall short depending on your height, speed, and personal preference. There are various windshields that direct airflow differently. If your windshield is too small or causes the air to hit your face, it may be worth it to get an upgrade.

Exhaust System

Upgrading your exhaust tends to be fairly expensive, but it’s one of the most exciting modifications. If you’re not ready for a completely new system, you can get a new muffler. This gives you some extra performance and a satisfying sound.

You can find aftermarket and OEM motorcycle parts for your new ride online.

 

Anyone that has experienced it knows that there are few things worse as a motorcycle owner than feeling your bike splutter and grind to a halt at the side of the road. Breakdowns can be costly and if your motorcycle is your primary mode of transport, they can cause a major disruption to your life.

If you are travelling on a busy road, breakdowns can be more than an inconvenience. High-speed traffic poses a threat to your safety. But stay calm. These are the four steps to take when your motorcycle breaks down to ensure you, and your bike, make it home safely in one piece.

Make Yourself Visible

If you are by the side of a busy road, you need to make yourself as visible as possible to ensure approaching traffic sees you early. Have your hazards flashing on your motorcycle, or your turn signal, and move your bike as far away from the approaching traffic as possible.

An Easy Fix?

Once you are at the side of the road, you can inspect your vehicle to try and identify the problem. Depending on the tools available and your motorcycle knowledge, you may be able to identify and solve the issue at the side of the road. If this is the case, then providing you are confident that you are in no danger where you are, you can begin working on the issue.

Work Out Your Location

If you can’t fix the issue, you are going to have to get some help. It is worth establishing your precise location at this point. Try to establish what exists you are between so you can give an accurate location to the towing company. If your cell phone has a maps feature, finding your exact location is simple. But if it doesn’t there are other ways of establishing your location.

You can flag someone down and do it the old-fashioned way. People are surprisingly helpful and willing to provide assistance to people who have broken down, particularly other bikers. But while this may be possible on busy roads, if you are off the beaten track it could be more difficult.

If you are on a highway, you can look for the nearest highway marker. These are usually signage with numbers on it at regular intervals on the highway. The number will relate to the distance from a reference point. On interstate highways, this is the distance from the state line. At other times this could be a county border or arbitrary reference point. These numbers will help you determine your precise location before you call for assistance.

Call for Assistance

When you have your location, it is time to call it in. It helps to be prepared and keep the name and number of a respectable motorcycle towing company with 24/7 availability in your wallet or somewhere you can access it if you ever break down unexpectedly. Read more about specialized motorcycle towing companies and how they can help you in a breakdown scenario.

Join the discussion on this topic with Lifestyle Links by visiting our contact page.

Are you tasked with the assignment to write a descriptive essay about your favorite hobby? These types of essays require a detailed description of the subject matter and keep the interest of your listeners.

Before you kick start such a writing project, it’s important you understand your listeners and what they expect from you. From here you can determine the appropriate style of writing and nature of words to deliver your essay.

Writing about your favorite hobby can be fun when you understand the requirements of the essay. Most times you have to convince your listeners your favorite hobby is important to you in a detailed explanation describing such hobby.

To help you come up with a convincing essay, here are 5 exciting ways to impress your listeners when writing an essay about your favorite hobby.

Go Straight To the Point

A lot of students try to write intelligently by using a lot of academic jargon and unnecessary meandering words. Most professors are getting sick of reading papers that are pretentious. Instead of writing things like that, you can go for an active voice and use minute declarative sentences.

Explain confused words in a simpler and less confusing way that any lay reader can totally understand.

Do you know what is far better than the complex sentence structure? That would be clarity of thought and having a clear paper is so easy to read and grade. Stop using literary pretenses and create your paper to be easy and strong.

Think Outside the Box

Feigning wit is far easier than feigning intelligence. A hardworking student can easily make a good deal of research, consult basic sources and read previous essays.

You can try source grammatical words and tutors to end up with a well written and cogent essay. It takes a rare kind of specific talent to write an essay from scratch that is very informative and well written but funny.

By writing informative blog posts on contemporary topics that are new, educational topics or experiences in your life. You should look for ways to involve high humor into your work but you have to do that without involving jokes, creating puns or trying any other cheap ways of getting funny.

A nice wit can enlighten and excite a reader with a smart turn of phrase and a well said quote or facts. Your professors would be glad to discover your utmost sense of humor and be impressed that you maintained a professional and yet humorous voice.

Edit Thoroughly

Editing is a kind of art. Learning how to edit your paper helps increases your writing techniques. Do not just proofread your essay for mistakes and grammatical errors.

Proofreading is just the first and the most superficial way of the editing process. Look for areas that are confusing, have unnecessary words and rewrite them. You can also omit them too.

Pick Your Favorite Hobby without Sentiments

You have to take a moment to brainstorm before you start applying the basics you must have learned from your previous essays or other assignments. If you have been assigned to life-changing essays then you can make a list of life-changing experiences that you can tell your friends.

If you have been given a personal character write-up, you should also make a list of your favorite characters about yourself.  But if the task is just an easy personal statement, you just have to write down anything that comes to your mind about yourself.

Let out your ideas into the page rather than limiting your thoughts, and after a few minutes, just review the list you have made up.

Outline Your Ideas

Probably, you might have made a long list of subjects but now the issue comes back to picking the best for your write-up. We have three steps to help you make that decision easy and make your essay focused:

• Review the essay prompt and consider which idea of yours addresses the goal perfectly and then you can remove the topics that don’t match up. (The second part of this essay is for different types of personal or private essays)

• Look for the essay subject you can write about 4-5 paragraphs or for the specific length of the assignment.
• You can start writing your outline and thesis statement after picking the topic you prefer. If whatever you might have outlined doesn’t match with the topic, then try another topic.

Extra Tips for Writing an Essay about Your Hobby

If you have ideas about how to write good essays and pick a comfortable topic, you might still need some points specifically for personal essays.

The first and most important point is to review essays others have written. Read Samples like a biography or some personal statements or some scholarship essays. (Most universities post-college essays samples from recently admitted students and these are great sources of inspiration for the write-up.)

It is very important to stress different tips in your write-up when working on various types of essays. Accordingly, we have an overview of the various essays you are likely to come across.

However, when you are writing about your favorite hobby, you should paint your listeners the perfect picture that would keep them glued till the last word.

Social media is already a massive part of our day to day lives. We have a tendency to pull out our smartphones and hop onto Twitter to check out DM’s, log onto Facebook, and if we feel lonely and are looking for a partner, we head on over to Tinder. With social media growing at a rapid pace every day, and just about reaching its full potential, it’s not difficult to imagine how social casino gaming is an increasing social trend especially since social media is already a huge part of our daily activities and lifestyles.

Casino gaming, or online gaming niche as a whole, already dominates a large percentage of the online market. So social casino gaming shouldn’t be a new thing to anyone who already has a keen interest in gaming as well as social media.

Most gamers find social casino gaming to more of a lucrative hobby rather than a sole income. But playing online casino games for real money is more rewarding than one may think. With more online casinos adopting social gaming by introducing live casino play options, VR casino gaming and the like, it’s easy to see why the social option is becoming a growing trend among gamers and casino enthusiasts.

The Advantages of Social Casino Gaming

As a relatively new form of gaming online, there are many advantages that are associated with social gaming. For example, a player who is accustomed to playing alone can look to play with others online in a social setting such as Facebook. Online gaming companies offering this type of social option can acquire more members and players are able to expand their gaming options.

Furthermore, players who understand how online casinos operate have the chance to win real cash and do so in a fun and interactive environment, which is encouraging for those who need a little bit of cheer.

The rise of social gaming also creates business opportunities for online casinos as well as potential new ventures looking to join in on the modern market of online gaming. This, in turn, creates more jobs as well as a dynamic environment for players, especially when companies compete for clients. It goes without saying that the players reap the benefits of such competition.

So if you are looking to find out more about social casino gaming, top sites such as NetBet have the perfect gaming platforms for players to become part of the growing trend that is social casino gaming!

 

It starts as a hobby so compelling that you can’t wait to partake in whenever time allows. Before you know it, you’re constantly daydreaming about turning it into an occupation. Then comes the mother of all headaches — how exactly are you going to finance your plans?

While it takes a steady stream of capital to get a business up on its feet, seldom do seasoned pro’s care to help out their startup counterparts. Ideazon happens to be one of the exceptions; having achieved success in the gaming industry, they later branched out to become a crowdfund marketing platform. Why not see if they can provide an answer for your woes?

Can You Trust Ideazon to Help You Access Funding?

Yeah, pretty much. But let’s start with the obvious — nothing can be more fulfilling than transforming a lifelong passion into a tangible business. On the flip side, few experiences are as disheartening as being laughed off the room every time you approach a potential investor. No wonder you’re considering crowdfunding as an alternative route.

The concept is pretty simple: You reach out to the world in an attempt to drum up financial support. Compared to the old-school approach, crowdfunding is more promising because:

-It’s given that for any idea, there’ll be members of the public interested in seeing what it can lead to.

-Your equity position won’t be compromised after you’ve raised the funds.

-Your campaign may end up raising an amount higher than the initial target sum.

Now, back to the elephant in the room: whether Ideazon Crowdfunding is the right fit for your concept. If you’ve developed the impression that crowdfunding is a lot like marketing, you’re right. For one, it’s all about pitching your dream to the world. More crucially, success requires a lot more than just attracting interest — you need to turn that into actual funding.

What makes Ideazon superior is the fact that it provides entrepreneurs with more opportunities and a wider knowledge base. The company leverages its expertise to maximize the reach of a crowdfunding campaign. Here’s what you can expect them to do for yours:

-Evaluate your concept to see how much capital it needs

-Start building exposure way ahead of the launch date

-Utilize a combination of marketing channels throughout the fundraising period

In a nutshell, Ideazon takes the crowdfunding process beyond where other platforms leave off. No matter how much you’re aiming at, rest assured that they can help you raise it. The exposure they’ll generate for your campaign will further fuel the growth of your venture as well.

Are the Truly the Best?

No doubt — how else could you describe a marketing platform that boasts of an 85 percent success rate? Countless testimonials attest that they have the expertise needed to find the best route towards fundraising every time. More crucially, they’re conscientious enough to tell clients when crowdfunding doesn’t seem ideal for their concept. (Source: BizTechRave.com and CoolBuzz.org)

What Else Should You Know About Ideazon?

How about this: They provide free consultations to budding entrepreneurs with no strings attached. So, feel free to reach out to them, whether via phone or company website. In the meantime, why not stay up-to-date with the latest in crowdfunding by following them on social media and their blog (ideazon.wordpress.com)?

 

Buying gold jewelry is much more than a shopping decision; it is more of a long-term investment considering the amount of money that you may need to shell out. Issues such as the ever-rising gold prices and doubts related to the purity of the metal being used in the jewelry are just a few of the challenges that you may come across. Handling these issues is something that you will learn with time but there are some tips that would definitely help the first-time buyers as well as the seasoned ones. Let’s go through a list of dos and don’ts to enable you spend smartly on gold jewelry.

1. Do check the purity

The most important thing to do is to check the purity of the gold that is being used to craft the piece. The best measure is to look for hallmarked pieces as this alone is enough to ensure that you are buying a piece that is pure as claimed. Whether you are buying from a store or online, look for hallmark as the first criteria. A quality certification by a regulatory authority is another reliable means to ensure the authenticity of the product. Do not hesitate to spend a little extra on a certified product if you have to. Ask the seller explicitly about the purity standards of his products. You can have the gold appraised from a third-party appraiser to verify its authenticity.

2. Do verify the pricing

The price of the item will depend on the current market rate and the purity of gold used in making it. Before you shop, start by checking the current gold price to make sure that you are not being overcharged for the piece. Also, understand the fundamentals of calculation of the prices based on gold purity. For instance, the bullion rate differs from the rate used for jewelry valuation because the former is for 24K gold while jewelry is valued at 22K/18K/14K weight. The jewelry valuation depends on the purity of gold being used with the price being adjusted accordingly.

3. Do understand the concept of cost calculation

Another fact that complicates the calculation of the jewelry pricing is that it includes the making charges as well. These charges elevate the cost because labor is involved in crafting the product. Moreover, you will also have to pay for the gemstones used in the design if you are buying a studded piece. It is better to understand the concept of cost calculation before you step out for jewelry shopping. You can do some research online or ask an expert to explain the way that the cost is calculated after adjusting the making charges and cost of gemstones used in the jewelry.

4. Do buy from a reputed seller

Whenever you buy gold jewelry, always choose a reputed seller who deals in quality products. Ask around for recommendations to get genuine advice about the stores in your area. If you want to shop online, look for websites that have good online reviews from the first-hand buyers. It is a smart idea to shop from here as these sites offer several deals to economize your purchase. While you can check out the extensive variety in just a few clicks, you can also avail easy financing options at some of the sites. But before you so shop online, ensure that you check their local address, reviews and exchange and return policies.

5. Don’t make an impulse purchase

With luxury items like gold jewelry, impulse buying is the most common mistake that people make. Never buy any piece unless you are completely sure about its quality and authenticity. You may love a design but buying anything on impulse can land you in trouble and have your money wasted. While a beautiful design matters, the quality of material and strength of the item are equally important. A physical examination of the product with a little tugging and pulling gives a fair idea of its strength. Check the quality certifications as well. Those opting for online shopping should have a good look at the catalog and images and go through the product certifications.

6. Don’t buy from some with no return policy

One thing that you should not do is to buy gold online from someone with no return policy. Many times, products appear different on the virtual store and you may not like them as much when you see them physically. The only solution is to have the product returned or exchanged. But this may not be possible if you buy from a website that has a no return policy. Hence, it becomes essential to go through the return and refund policy before you shop gold jewelry from any site. Be thorough and read between the lines because the seller may take you for a ride by adding some no return or conditional return clauses in the fine print.

7. Don’t forget to compare

Whether you shop gold jewelry online or in store, don’t forget to compare a few sellers before you close a purchase. Use parameters such as pricing (including the gold price and making charges), craftsmanship, product quality and reputation. It is easier to compare the products online because you can browse through various sites offering similar products at different prices. The best thing is that you need not waste time on visiting the stores but can easily compare the in just a few clicks. Additionally, you have the chances to hit a deal online as several sites bring special offers from time to time.

With gold shopping, it’s all about trying and testing. So the best advice is not to buy in bulk from any seller unless you trust them completely. Start with small purchases and get the price and quality appraised so that you can gradually build trust in a seller. Also, it is best to keep an eye on the market price of gold and buy when they are on the lower side. Look for festive deals and discount offers to get the items you desire at lower prices that they would cost otherwise.

 

Technology has progressed at a rapid rate within the last 20 or 30 years. Nowhere has this been seen more than the gaming sector. The internet and newer cloud-based technology have enabled players to enjoy games online now. Compared to the past where you had to play games via an offline console or PC, this is a massive change. It has also seen huge changes in the gambling sector where you are now more likely to play casino or slot games online rather than visit a physical casino.

Why is online gaming so popular?

Online gaming is a massive sector with estimated figures from recent years showing 700 million people globally interacting with it. The main reasons that online gaming is so popular are very simple. Firstly, they allow you access to a whole host of new people to play with and against via multi-player titles. Secondly, they give a far greater choice of games than more traditional methods.

You are no longer limited to the games you have at home for a console or the slot machines in your local casino. The biggest reason of all, though, may just be convenience! Online casinos give you the full casino experience without having to leave home or even change clothes. If you like playing games for money but don’t want the hassle of having to travel, then convenience is a big factor.

How is it likely to change in the future?

Technology is always changing in new ways, and this means online gaming will as well. But just what can you look forward to the next time you log on to have some fun?

• Virtual reality – It is hard to talk about advances in online gaming without mentioning VR. This looks set to be the next game-changer in the sector and has the potential to make your online gaming experiences even more amazing and realistic. The tech involved will hopefully also allow you to play with friends in the VR space for a truly authentic gaming adventure.
• Wearable gaming gear – Online gaming has already begun to see players incorporating this category into their gameplay through the use of headsets and VR equipment. More and more wearable tech is expected to come onto the market for online gaming, from wristbands to neural impulse activators to perform actions in games.
• Better looking, more fluid games – Naturally, one advance that is certain is the way that online games themselves will develop. The next generation of games will look better, play in a more fluid way and be much more immersive. This is due to the processing power that online platforms can offer to game developers. You’ll see this gradual improvement when you play online football games that look ultra-realistic or online slot games with reels that move even more smoothly.

Keep your eyes open for online advances

One thing is for sure when it comes to online gaming – it will always be changing! The technology behind it is developing constantly and makes for exciting times as a player. While some advances are closer than others, it’s only a matter of time before many of the above items become a reality.