lifestyle

Tips to Buying an urban condo in Canada in 2021

Buying a condo, or any other home is very exciting for a first-time home buyer. While townhouses and single-family homes attract a lot of upkeep charges, owning a condo doesn’t. So this is a great way of enjoying homeownership without necessarily breaking the bank. The best part is, you get

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Top 5 First-time Homeowner Lessons

Owning your own home feels like a dream come true, right? However, once the novelty factor fades away and reality kicks in, you may find that you’ve got a little more than you bargained for. It’s not always the case, especially if you’ve owned a home before, but it can

Read More »

A Guide to Buying Bladeless Tower Fans

Hot summers necessitate the installation of a proper cooling system in your house. If you cannot install an air conditioner, fans are the next suitable option. You might find it impractical to install an AC because it can be quite expensive. If you’re renting your house, the agreement may prohibit

Read More »

How to Find an Antique Mattress

An antique bed and mattress can transform your bedroom into a unique and beautiful place. However, due to the uniqueness of the bed, you need to know how to choose a suitable antique mattress. You have various options to choose a mattress for your antique bed. You do not have

Read More »

Five of the World’s Best Casino Designs

Whenever we think of gambling and casinos, we always associate them with old-world elegance and luxury. We imagine James Bond gambling in his tuxedo or an elegant Marlene Dietrich gracing the tables. Norway has no imposing casinos, and the Coronavirus pandemic has limited travel so that we can only gamble

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How to Avoid Common Safety Hazards at Your Home

Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as

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Tech Trends in the Casino Industry

Technological innovation advances every field, taking it a step further in simplifying the process with which a product is made or a service is provided. It’s progress and it’s a continuous occurrence, one that cannot be stopped. While you might think that the casino industry has it all figured out

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

lifestyle

Big Five Personality Traits: Everything You Should Know About Their Importance

Have you ever heard about the five-factor theory and core personality traits that shape every person but still don’t know what it is? If so, keep reading as in this article, you will be able to explore the big five personality traits, their main peculiarities, and how online therapy can help you accurately measure them. Let’s get started! What Are the Big Five Personality Traits? The big five model is the most widely recognized personality theory in the psychology world. Researchers and many people use the acronym OCEAN (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) that stands for each trait and it’s more convenient and easier to remember. Now, let’s look closer at the 5 traits and see what they mean for your personality.  Openness This trait corresponds to your openness to new experiences in life. People with a high score of this trait have plenty of interests, are very curious, and have a wide imagination. They are willing to learn new things, are creative, and adore adventures. On the contrary, people with low scores are more earthy and lack abstract thinking abilities. High Score: high level of creativity openness to new experiences advanced abstract thinking Low Score: are against changes prefer traditional lifestyle with no room for new experiences lack imagination and creativity  Conscientiousness This trait is all about the ability to control impulses and a considerable level of thoughtfulness. People with high scores tend to be more organized, cautious, and detail-oriented. Also, very conscientious people love to plan everything ahead and think in advance about how their behavior will affect others. People with low scores have opposite characteristics. They don’t care about being organized and time- or detail-oriented. High Score: great with time management diligent detail-oriented Low Score: dislike structure and deadlines prefer mess over order love to procrastinate  Extraversion Extraversion defines the way people interact with others and where they draw energy from. The level of extraversion shows the level of sociability, friendliness towards people as well as emotional expressiveness. People with a high score of extraversion tend to be very excited, talkative, love to interact with others, and communication with people gives them the most energy. Those who have a low level of extraversion, or so-called introverts, don’t like to spend time in a social environment and are more discreet. High Score: love attention enjoy meeting new people and social interactions start new conversations and make new friends easily Low Score: love being alone socialization exhausts them don’t like conversations with strangers Agreeableness This particular trait refers to how people interact with other people in terms of kindness, compassion, altruism, trust, affection, etc. Whereas agreeable people cooperate with others much better, are great team players, and are very helpful, less agreeable people are a bit competitive, suspicious, and even often manipulative. This characteristic is a direct demonstration of behavior and attitude towards other people. High Score: soft-hearted trustful cooperative and ready to help empathetic sympathetic Low Score: stubborn don’t care much about people unsympathetic self-centered Neuroticism The level of neuroticism defines the moodiness and sadness of a person and the overall tendency to negative thinking. People with a high score are emotionally unstable, unpredictable, anxious, and easily irritated. This characteristic shows how a person reacts to challenging life events.  High Score: often have mood swings pessimistic stressed-out about difficult situations anxious insecurity Low Score: easily cope with stress relaxed and calm stable mood confident  How to Measure Your Big 5 Personality Traits? Now, with access to the Internet, you can simply browse the big five personality traits test online. Usually, it is the list of 50 questions that you have to answer, and based on it you will get your results. It will take you up to 10-15 minutes to take this test and after this, you will learn more about yourself. Keep in mind that each personality is unique and complex and this test can not be 100% accurate when it comes to defining your traits. They can be affected by many factors in different life situations. How You Can Use the Information About Your OCEAN Score? First of all, it will be useful in order to simply know yourself better as well as to understand people around you. By knowing your main personality traits you can enhance your strengths and improve your weaknesses. Speaking of people around, this info can enable you to become a better communicator and learn to resolve interpersonal problems based on your knowledge. In addition, your OCEAN score is extremely important for employers who are looking for the most stable and reliable person to join their team. Recruiters pay close attention to these personality traits and evaluate candidates based on them to make sure a job seeker is the best fit for a position. Also knowing your personality traits will help you find the right job that fits you as a person and will bring you maximum enjoyment in life and in the workplace as well.  How Does Online Therapy Can Help You Discover Your Personality Traits? First of all, you will be able to explore your own list of personality traits under the supervision of a licensed therapist. You will have a chance to discuss each of these traits in detail and understand better how each one shapes your life and affects your interpersonal relationships. Once you define your core personality strengths and weaknesses, a therapist can help you work on each characteristic and reveal your best qualities. And of course, online therapy is a perfect opportunity for you to simply talk about your life with an experienced professional and get the desired guidance and emotional support. In case you are going through a challenging period in your life and feel lost or confused, a counselor will hear you out and provide support. You will find your way in life and ease your emotional struggles.  Many people opt for online therapy as it’s a great option to have online sessions in the most convenient way for them. There is no

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Tips to Buying an urban condo in Canada in 2021

Buying a condo, or any other home is very exciting for a first-time home buyer. While townhouses and single-family homes attract a lot of upkeep charges, owning a condo doesn’t. So this is a great way of enjoying homeownership without necessarily breaking the bank. The best part is, you get to enjoy the shared amenities. However, before spending your hard-earned money on a new condo, it is important to take a few things into consideration. That said, below are a few tips for buying a condo in Canada. Decide the amenities you want Since you are going to live in the condo, it is important to decide the kind of amenities you want to ensure that you will be comfortable living in the new place. This is not just about the available amenities, it also boils down to the location and the budget of the condo. You want to select a place that is safe for you and likely close to your workplace. Also, even if some amenities like a pool are not a priority for you, don’t overlook them. This will go a long way to ensure that the condo sells faster should you plan to resell the property later.  Inquire about special assessments The condo association might impose additional charges for financing a particular project, this is known as a special assessment. While these special assessments are usually on for a limited period of time, you can’t just ignore them because they affect your budget when on.  Consider your lifestyle Living in a townhouse or single-family home might put you off, especially because of the high-maintenance needs. Some people don’t mind paying $5,000 for roof replacement or mowing the lawn but if these are things that you are not comfortable with, then a condo is a great option. Perhaps you don’t mind sharing floors, walls, or ceilings with neighbors, and you are comfortable with apartment living, go ahead and buy that condo! Work with an experienced realtor One of the best things to do when purchasing your new condo is working with an experienced realtor. Not just any realtor, but one with plenty of experience selling condos. You want to find someone with a good track record in condos to inform you about the developments with great resale values, condo developments in your area, and issues they may have, etc. Evaluate association fees and regulations In addition to your mortgage, you will also be required to pay association fees that will be used to pay for the property and amenities’ upkeep. Review and ask about those extra fees beforehand to avoid inconveniences in the future. Bottom lineBuying new property can be both exciting and terrifying. It is a life-changing decision and anyone would only want to do it right.  If you are wondering where to begin, you will find plenty of real estate news at https://urban.condos/ to help you make the right decision. Before making your purchase, think about your housing needs as well as your financial situation as they play a very big role.

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Top 5 First-time Homeowner Lessons

Owning your own home feels like a dream come true, right? However, once the novelty factor fades away and reality kicks in, you may find that you’ve got a little more than you bargained for. It’s not always the case, especially if you’ve owned a home before, but it can be quite a reality check for first-time homeowners. So, if you plan to buy a house in the near future or you’ve already bought one and it starts to feel a bit overwhelming, here are a few lessons from fellow homeowners to keep in mind. Use a Reliable & Open-Minded Realtor The right realtor can help you discover the house you’ve been dreaming of and he/she may get the right price for you. Moreover, they will know how to make the experience of looking for and then buying a house pleasant and fun. On the other hand, a realtor who is only interested in selling for the maximum profit may invest less in your overall experience. They will still get you a nice property, but they may not bother showing you the downsides or the issues of the neighborhood. This puts a lot of pressure on you, the customer, to do research and check if everything is right. Lastly, keep in mind that paper processing takes a lot of time (depending on the number of institutions involved). Additionally, mistakes happen all the time when the processing is done manually or via outdated software. Therefore, it’s best to look for a broker who uses specialized real estate transaction management software (like Paperless Pipeline) in order to keep accurate track of their customers. This way, the mistakes will be reduced to a minimum, and when they do happen, it’s easy to identify and correct them. Don’t Rush It From the burning desire of owning your own home to the arrival of a new baby in your family, there are lots of factors that may cause you to rush the decision. However, if you plan on living in the new house for the foreseeable future, it’s best to take your time (if possible). Instead, focus on researching the neighborhood and consider any development plans in the area. Also, think about your needs five to ten years from now – will you be happy you chose this location then? A good price and a good-looking property may have you eager to pull the trigger on the purchasing process, but before you do, make sure to run an in-depth analysis of the house and the neighborhood. In real estate, just like in life, if things seem too good to be true, the reality may be a bit different than what you can see on the surface. Inspect the Property Yourself Of course, you will have an authorized home inspector who will inspect the property and assess the overall value of the house. However, they won’t see the property in the same way you do. So, before agreeing with the price, run your own inspection and check for things that don’t fit your standards. When you find them (and you will) run an analysis to understand the costs and see if you can get the owner to lower the price. While it’s true that it may not work, it’s still a method to assess the costs you’ll have to support after buying the property. Don’t Invest Too Much from the Start Unless you have a generous budget, it’s best to tame down your desire to invest in things for your new home. We know, it’s hard to stop yourself from buying those trendy outdoor furniture pieces, but it’s best to restrain yourself until you’re done with the repairs and replacements. Also, once the house is ready to move in, you will have to buy furniture, appliances, and all sorts of other items before you can even start thinking about the garden. Quick tip: try to buy used furniture items, tools, and anything else you don’t need new. You’ll save a lot of money and the chances to find interesting pieces are quite high. Learn to Prioritize You’ll quickly learn that home improvement projects never stop. If today you want to make space for a fitness area tomorrow you may start to think the kitchen needs remodeling (and so on). Not to mention that there will always be something to repair and do around the house. However, you need to learn to prioritize the things that must be done now or in the near future from the things you’d like to do but are not necessary. This way, you’ll save your budget and get things done in time.  Wrap Up At the end of the day, having your own home is a lot of work but it can also be a lot of fun, especially when the entire family participates in a project. So, take things slow and enjoy the time spent in your sanctuary!

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A Guide to Buying Bladeless Tower Fans

Hot summers necessitate the installation of a proper cooling system in your house. If you cannot install an air conditioner, fans are the next suitable option. You might find it impractical to install an AC because it can be quite expensive. If you’re renting your house, the agreement may prohibit you from installing an AC. Either way, a bladeless fan is an excellent option for total cooling during the summer months, during which temperatures reached record levels just last year. There are many innovative designs and models in the market that you must consider before choosing a fan. With an advanced air multiplying technology, bladeless tower fans, for example, are an extremely innovative cooling solution suitable for all spaces. Types of Fans to Consider Before you choose a particular fan for your house, there are some options that you must be aware of. The different types of fans are as follows: Pedestal Fans: Pedestal fans are pretty large and have big blades that help even dispersion. The height of these fans can generally be adjusted, making them quite useful. They have been the classic choice for years and are a good cooling solution. Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are the most common type of fans available in the market and are mostly used to seeing. They are attached to the ceiling and do not cause any obstruction or take up space in the room. They provide uniform cooling all around the room, making them another great choice. Desk Fans: For a more concentrated source of cooling, desk fans are a perfect choice. If you do not want something as big as a pedestal fan because you do not have enough space in the room but want a direct air source, desk fans are a perfect choice. You can easily set them on a flat surface and enjoy the cool breeze. Tower Fans: Tower fans are the most innovative and modern version of fans in the market. These are typically bladeless fans with various features, much more than what you get in a standard pedestal fan. As the name suggests, tower fans are much sleeker and hence fit even in a cramped space. Although they are quite narrow, they provide strong output, making them an ideal solution. How do Bladeless Tower Fans Work Bladeless tower fans are similar to traditional oscillating fans, except that bladeless fans offer better air circulation and distribution. The fans pull the air using the side vents and spin it before circulating the cool air through the front. How to Buy Tower Fans Tower fans are very new to the market and are only produced by a few companies. These fans are very innovative and are popularly known as bladeless fans. When you buy a tower fan, you will enjoy the various features that come packed with them. When purchasing a tower fan, make sure to consider the following factors for a successful purchase: Timer: You will find several tower fans that come with a timer function. This lets you set a timer for how long you want to run the fan. They usually provide an option to set a timer for up to 24 hours. They might even come with a sleep timer that automatically switches off the fan after you fall asleep. Oscillating head: An oscillating head is essential for ensuring that the airflow is well-distributed, thus allowing them to cool large spaces in a short while. You need a good rate of oscillation if you share your room with another person. Heating capabilities: Some tower fans also have excellent heat settings. This way, you can use the fan even during the winter season to stay warm and comfortable. Remote Control: Just like an AC, there are tower fans that come with a remote control. This means that you can switch your fan on and off without having to leave your bed and control other settings without having to get close to it. Why Choose Bladeless Fans Bladeless fans are nothing like the old-school fans. Since their release in the market, these fans have garnered much attention and excitement from tech enthusiasts and homeowners alike. These “bladeless” fans do have blades. In reality, it is just that they remain hidden from sight. They channel high-velocity smooth air, and the airflow is magnificent. These fans are best suited for families with children as the lack of visible blades ensures better safety. They are also much easier to clean and come with enhanced functions. However, tower fans are more expensive than your regular pedestal fans. Tower fans are truly a fascinating opportunity for those looking for a modern and out-of-the-box cooling solution. They come with much better features and are perfectly suitable for houses with smaller spaces!

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How to Find an Antique Mattress

An antique bed and mattress can transform your bedroom into a unique and beautiful place. However, due to the uniqueness of the bed, you need to know how to choose a suitable antique mattress. You have various options to choose a mattress for your antique bed. You do not have to choose an old school mattress just because an antique bed is old school. Here are tips to help you select an antique size mattress. Consider a Custom Mattress Some old-style antique beds come in awkward sizes, making it hard to get a mattress that fits in. However, that should not be an issue since you can get a custom mattress. If you do not know what to change the frame of the bed, consider a custom mattress. A custom mattress comes with flexibility and comfort since you choose a specific style. You can select your desired materials for the mattress and get it the way you expect. While a custom mattress is costly, it is worth your money and time because it gives you value and comfort. Remember, when you approach a company that sells the products, ask questions about custom beds to help you make informed decisions. For example, find out if the mattress will have box springs. Also, ask about the mattress depth and height and any other components to help you choose the right mattress. Choose a Firm Mattress When sleeping, you need to be comfortable to enjoy the night. However, this is not possible if you do not have a firm mattress. The best way to choose a firm mattress is by considering your body weight and comfort. If you like to sleep on the side, a firm antique mattress will be a good option. A medium tension mattress is the most popular type, especially for a couple of variable weight. You can also choose a medium-firm tension mattress if you want a firmer feel. If you weigh above sixteen stone, then a firm tension mattress can be the best option. An extra firm tension mattress is also another option if you need additional support for your back. In short, choose a mattress that suits your lifestyle and needs. Determine the Measurements Knowing the size of your bed can help you choose the right antique size mattress. You may think that looking at the bed is enough to determine the mattress size. But you could be wrong. It is best to get the actual measurements and choose a mattress that fits in well. First, measure the outside corner as you stretch out the tape towards the other edge. Then, when done with one side, move to the next side and do the same thing. Ensure you have accurate measurements for the length and width before you start shopping for a mattress. Inquire about any additional features that come with the mattress. Take a Picture or Video After taking the bed measurement, it is imperative to take a photo or video of your bed frame when visiting the seller. This will help the seller to identify the best mattress for your bed. You can also call the company and send a video or photo if you want to buy the mattress online. The company will help you make the right choice. The Bottom Line When selecting a mattress for your antique bed, ensure you understand the nitty-gritty before making an order. Using the tips above can help you choose the best mattress that suits your lifestyle and needs. You may also want to compare prices and mattress features from different companies before making the final choice.

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Your garden summer proof in no time with these tips and tricks

Summer is around the corner and this means people have to turn to their green fingers again. However, not everyone has green fingers but some do have a garden! How to make your garden ready with minimal effort, while making it a pleasant environment to enjoy those rays of the sun? In this article, we will look at multiple ways to create a summer feeling. Add a palm tree! Sounds like an easy thing to do right? Palm trees come in lots of different sizes and can be placed almost everywhere. The advantage of a palm tree is the fact that it can be placed in a pot which makes it versatile to place. The palm tree immediately gives a summer feeling and does not require any changes to your current garden. Besides that, they are easy to maintain as long as you follow the weather patterns. Oh, there’s an application for that, of course. Garden efficient using applications To continue our trajectory along the road of applications, there is way more to explore. There are simple garden applications that tell you when you need to water your plants and change the soil, to complex and professional apps for the real deal. If you do not have green fingers, the simple app will suffice in keeping your plants alive. Nothing better than having an efficient gardening process, right? Add some plants and flowers Naturally, your garden includes garden plants. However, there are great additions that can make an easy difference. For example, colourful flowers in the summer can change the atmosphere of the garden entirely. They do come with some instructions, but when following them you can be sure to have beautiful colours during the whole summer period. Next to that, there are options such as the French lavender. With their popping purple colour, they are a great addition to almost any type of garden. Time to pick up a gardening hobby? If you are interested in growing green fingers, this might be the one for you. Although it does not have to be placed in a garden, a Bonsai tree can be great among garden plants. Especially in smaller gardens it is a match made in heaven. Bonsai refers to an ancient Japanese technique of taking care of plants and does not refer to a specific plant type. Often, the technique is applied to plants such as Ginseng. The technique requires you to “shape” the plant artistically and calmly, a process that is both labours intensive as well as perfectionistic. In the process, trees can often die. This makes it the ultimate test to becoming a true gardener. Luckily there is the Internet Of course, you are not alone in this. Many social media channels are packed with photos and videos of Bonsai and how to take care of them. These help you to get a hang of it and grow your inner Bonsai expertise.

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The Top Six Most Famous and Prestigious Casinos in the World for Luxury Lovers

Although many gamblers have turned to online games in 2021, many countries are declaring it safe to travel again. Gamblers worldwide are jumping off their couches to enjoy some of the world’s most luxurious casinos.  Norwegian players have very few places where they can enjoy sportsbetting or their favourite casino games. There’s only a handful in the country and only 12 allowed according to recent law changes.  So, where can you go to find the luxury casino experience you’re looking for? We asked our resident casino expert, Benjamin Reppersen, and came up with a list of six of the most prestigious casinos in the world. Casino De Monte-Carlo The Casino de Monte-Carlo is located in Monaco and is almost inseparable from the image of the suave James Bond in his Aston Martin. Everything from the intricate architecture to hand-made tables and kingly service will make you feel like royalty as soon as you walk in. The casino offers halls of slot games and tables of every kind. And when you’re all done playing, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the lounge bar or sate your appetite at the highly acclaimed restaurant.  Bellagio The Bellagio Luxury Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is one of the infamous MGM resorts that offers a wealth of luxury and entertainment. Visit the Club Privé to experience a private and calm atmosphere and enjoy one of the “Lucky 8” spirits. The expansive slots floor offers almost every type of slot you could imagine, along with delicious food and live entertainment from some of the most well-known names in the business. After a thrilling session in the casino, you can enjoy a range of other amenities such as the spa, pools, shops, gym, or restaurant before heading to your room in the hotel. You can even bring your canine pal to share your visit to the lavish Bellagio Resort.  Baden-Baden Casino The Casino Baden-Baden is one of the most famous casinos in Germany. The stunning French architecture and almost 200 years of continued extravagant service prove this casino’s high acclaim among international gamblers. You can’t even walk in without at least a suit jacket, and you can rent one in case your visit is spontaneous.  The casino offers a range of table games with professional dealers and a slots floor that will dazzle you. There’s also The Grill restaurant and Club Bernstein when you’ve had your session on the gambling floors and want to wind down.  Marina Bay Sands The Marina Bay Sands Casino in Singapore has four levels of gaming space with over 2300 slot machines and more than 20 table games. The Ruby, Piazza, and High Limit areas have more than 200 games for you to enjoy in a more private and grand atmosphere on the upper, exclusive floors of the casino.  Along with the grand casino, players can enjoy the array of restaurants, events, pool, spa, and so much more. The Marina Bay Sands is more than just a casino resort; it’s an experience.  Sun City Casino Resort Travel away from the bustle of the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, and you’ll find  a palace of luxury and thrills. Book a stay in the Palace of the Lost City, Cascades, Cabanas, or Soho hotels, all with gorgeous views and plush rooms. Have fun with the family at Waterworld, Kwena, or Valley of Waves. You can even enjoy a game of golf or a safari tour.  Each hotel offers a casino floor with exciting games and that lavish, Las Vegas feel. Have fun in the African sun, watch live shows by your favourite artists, and find out if Lady Luck is on your side at this luxurious Resort.  Conclusion Players worldwide are searching for ways to take advantage of safer environments after being stuck at home for extended periods of time. We’ve come to the rescue with this list of some of the most luxurious casinos in the world. These casinos offer more than just gambling; they offer extravagance and comfort in many forms. It’s time to get out and treat yourself to some luxury. You deserve it.

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Five of the World’s Best Casino Designs

Whenever we think of gambling and casinos, we always associate them with old-world elegance and luxury. We imagine James Bond gambling in his tuxedo or an elegant Marlene Dietrich gracing the tables. Norway has no imposing casinos, and the Coronavirus pandemic has limited travel so that we can only gamble at the world’s casinos online. Online casinos have become more popular because of the bonuses, especially bonus uten innskudd. Still, we would like to see everyday life restored and be able to travel this summer to see the world’s best casino designs.  We asked Alexandra Nereng for some ideas about the world’s best casino designs so we can prepare to visit them. We chose a mixture of old, well-known buildings and newer casinos built with sustainability in mind.  Casino De Monte-Carlo, Mónaco The original Casino de Monte-Carlo was built in the 1850s by Charles Grimaldi, the future Prince of Monaco, on instruction from Princess Caroline. She saw a casino as a way of raising funds for the impoverished Principality and the Grimaldi family.  Although the poor roads and accommodation caused the first attempt to fail, Princess Caroline continued with the project. The famed architect, Gobineau de la Bretonnerie, designed and built the current casino and the neighbouring Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, solving the problem. In 1863, Princess Caroline recruited Francois Blanc to manage the casino. They formed the Societe des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers. Since its completion in 1863, several of the best architects have expanded the buildings, notably Jules Dutrou and Charles Garnier.   The Casino de Monte-Carlo was the setting for Ian Fleming’s book and the later James Bond film, Casino Royale.  Kurhaus Casino, Baden-Baden, Germany The Kurhaus casino is even older. Friedrich Weinbrenner designed the main structure in 1824. Still, it wasn’t until France outlawed gambling in the mid-1830s that it started becoming internationally renowned.  Like Monte-Carlo, Kurhaus has also inspired literature. Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote The Gambler after a visit to the gambling house. The Kurhaus design is reminiscent of a French palace and well worth a visit from any avid gambler.  Sibaya Casino, Durban, South Africa Durban, South Africa, may seem like a strange place to visit. Still, Norwegian settlers on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast made considerable contributions to the area’s development. Jacob Jacobsen Egeland formed the South African Whaling Company in 1907. Many of the Norwegian crews later helped build the South African shipping industry.  The Norwegian influence can still be seen in the local farms and places names like Oslo Beach and Freidheim. The Sibaya casino is also the most eco-friendly and sustainable casino globally. The casino is on the warm Indian Ocean and within easy driving distance of the oldest proclaimed game reserve in South Africa.  Even the expansive grounds form part of the sustainability initiative, and the casino’s staff recycles almost everything it uses. It has its own composting and wormery for food waste and eliminates the use of plastics wherever possible. Even the eye-catching design of the buildings reduces the carbon footprint of this modern casino.  Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Island, Singapore Resorts World Sentosa was the third most expensive resort when the owners finished construction. From the beginning, the owners instructed the architect, Michael Graves, to include eco-friendliness and sustainability in the design.  The casino is a small part of a vast resort on Sentosa Island that offers hotels, fine dining, beaches, and museums. The resort aims to achieve zero waste. The modern design includes towers, squares, and water features pleasing to any patron’s eye.  Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut, USA The Foxwoods Resort Casino is also the third-largest casino worldwide. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation founded the casino on their tribal lands in 1986 as a high-stakes bingo hall. They added table games in 1992, followed by slot machines the following year. The casino resort expanded substantially between 1992 and 2008, reaching its current size. Situated in the Connecticut countryside, the resort hosts two hotels, six casinos, a retail hub, and several restaurants.  Conclusion We’ve covered five casinos over four continents to find the best designs. We looked at buildings more than 200 years old and modern complexes built to compete with a casino online. The common factor of all these casinos is that the designers looked to the future when they planned the buildings. They wanted them to stand as monuments to the age-old pastime of gambling.

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How to Avoid Common Safety Hazards at Your Home

Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as essential as adding furniture and matching decors. If you are not sure how secure your home is, then it is time you start paying more attention to details. Read more to know some of the common safety hazards at home and how to avoid them. Avoiding Electrical Fire According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the US fire department visits around 300,000 homes every year to put out fires. However, by following simple precautionary measures, you can quickly improve fire safety at your home. Check if you have a working safety switch that will turn off the main power when an electrical appliance fails. Look for frayed appliance cords, light switches, and power cords.  Always keep an eye on the power points, which are located close to a water source. Avoiding Slippage and Falls According to statistics, more than one-third of the emergency visits to the hospitals are because of accidental falls and slips. From falling down the staircase to slipping in the shower, sometimes falls can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. To avoid accidental falls, you must stabilize the stairs by testing the steadiness of the handrails, fix them to the floor properly and check whether there is sufficient lighting in the area. Monitoring CO Levels High exposure to carbon monoxide can cause impaired vision, vomiting, and even death. It is impossible to detect CO by smell, making it one of the most challenging threats to see. However, there are ways to avoid carbon monoxide-related injuries at home. You can install a CO detector at your house, which will alert you if the carbon monoxide level reaches a dangerous high. Other than the detector, ensure that you keep up with regular home maintenance by having an expert service the water heater, HVAC system, and other devices every year. Choking and Strangling Hazards Creating a safe environment at home is very important, especially if you have newborn babies or kids with you. In the US, choking is said to be the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths. Small toys are responsible for the most common safety hazards at homes. To avoid this, you must regularly inspect the toys for any broken or loose parts. It is also essential to have a baby monitor to listen in to any signs of choking. Next to choking, strangling by cords from curtains or blinds is the next common safety hazard for kids. Make sure not to place the kid’s crib or bed under or near a window with hanging cords. Secure the electrical cables and trim the hanging lines in the curtains to avoid accidental strangling. If your house is missing out on even one of the safety measures in this list, it is time you immediately check it out and take the required steps. You will never know when anything can go wrong. So, practice constant vigilance and, more importantly, practice all the safety measures.

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Tech Trends in the Casino Industry

Technological innovation advances every field, taking it a step further in simplifying the process with which a product is made or a service is provided. It’s progress and it’s a continuous occurrence, one that cannot be stopped. While you might think that the casino industry has it all figured out and they’re already making enough bank, like everyone, they are trying to implement technology and bring ease of use to the customer while maximizing profits. They’ve always been on the forefront of the economy, so they’re keeping up with the times so things stay that way. The industry’s shift into the digital sphere began back in the mid-90s. Today, online casinos are chipping away at their land-based equivalents, with annual revenues projected to reach $88 billion by 2024. When you look at the options these casinos offer, it’s easy to see why business is booming. After all, they have tons of quality games that players can choose once they register. Roulette is among the most popular categories and the Casimba roulette games are supplied by some of the world’s most reputable game providers. A pleasant gaming experience is guaranteed, but you must remember to play for entertainment purposes only. In just a couple of years, new technology will unmeasurably improve the games even the best online casino has to offer, but it will enhance their real-life versions in different ways as well. Analytics and Data Modeling While on the surface the word data doesn’t sound too exciting, there is no doubt that data is invaluable. The whole online sector is fighting over it. And with so many people playing games online, there are more than enough sources from which data can be mined. These services can track your history, when you played, how much you bet, at what time, what games do you gravitate towards and so on. Remember, they have your info, so they know your gender, age, and location, and they can build models for certain demographics. Concierge Apps This is truly a brilliant idea. You check into a casino and download their app, from then on it serves as your virtual guide and assistant. You can make dinner reservations through it, schedule a massage, or see what shows you can check out. Taking it a step further, you can even be allowed to control your room’s temperature, part the curtains, set the alarm or order room service. The casino can even provide slot games on the app, and if you’re a preferred customer, they might throw a few free spins your way. Today, these apps are the norm in some luxury residential buildings. Facial Recognition While you may think that your laptop and phone have this ability too, you have to understand that there are levels to everything.  There’s always been an eye in the sky on the casino floor, but modern advances have brought forward scanners that can identify perps before they even commit a crime. And, it’s not just their faces they can recognize, and records they can access, they can spot license plates and alert authorities as suspicious cars enter the premises. It won’t be long before they neutralize things like counterfeit-chips and card switching as well.

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