Today we want to show you how to stay safe when gambling on new casino sites. The main challenge that players face when trying online gambling is to beat the house edge. This is a pretty serious challenge and in an ideal world, it should be the only concern for gamers. Finding the right strategy, exercising correct bankroll management, and honing gaming skills requires time and practice. The last thing that players need is to be concerned about their security when gambling online. Having said this, there are multiple risks associated with playing over the Internet and you must know how to stay safe.
The online gambling environment has changed a lot over the last decade and mostly for the better. There is now a multitude of licensed and regulated new casino sites, source here, that treat their players with the utmost respect and professionalism. Many of the dishonest operators have been filtered out and reviewing websites warn readers of rogue casinos. Going over their content and paying attention to what the experts, as well as the players have to say is one way to mitigate the risks.
Just because these guard dogs exist online doesn’t mean that the risk of being mistreated has vanished. New casinos are being founded every month and a fraction of them are not driven by the best intentions. You should be positive and optimistic when switching to online gambling, but you can’t afford to be naïve. Don’t take unnecessary risks and scratch off the list unlicensed and unregulated casinos. Not all of them are bad, but you have so many licensed ones that you simply shouldn’t take the chance.
There will always be bad people and malicious companies out there trying to take advantage of naïve people. Online casino players should undertake research and be extra careful to avoid falling into their trap. At the same time, you have the responsibility of protecting your personal information. When signing up for an account, make sure you choose a strong password and don’t disclose it to anyone. Don’t use the same combination of words and letters for all casino accounts to mitigate the risks of fraud.
Encrypted logins and two-factor authentication are highly effective ways of reducing the risks of being scammed. Such technology is readily available, completely free, and can be used as many reliable online casinos. It has the merit of adding a new layer of security that can prove insurmountable for cybercriminals trying to steal your funds and sensitive data. Some players regard this as a nuisance, as it slightly complicates the login process. However, if you compare the benefits with the shortcomings, you will surely agree that it is worth going the extra mile to stay safe when gambling online.
Today we want to discuss online casinos vs. offline casinos. With the advancement of technology, many events are now possible online, including virtual meetings and casinos. Gambling is a recreational activity where players try out their luck in many games of chance, like slot machines, keno, poker, and more.
Currently, there are 217 physical and over 100 online casinos that Canadian players can access. With many options available, how do you choose where to play?
Advantages of Online Casinos
To help you decide whether to go for an offline or online casino, Kevin N. Cochran has listed the benefits of each, starting with online casinos:
1.Many Payment Methods Are Available
Online casinos offer electronic payments that allow players to connect their bank accounts through debit or credit cards. Other e-wallets, such as PayPal and GooglePay, are also available. Now, even cryptocurrency (mainly Bitcoin) is accepted in some online casinos.
If you don’t want to have problems with depositing and withdrawing money in an online casino, you need to search for the best payout casino canada has.
2.Fast and Anonymous Gambling
Traditionally, people needed to travel to casino hotels to gamble. With online casinos, they can instead just open their computers to play. Many desktop casino games also have an application version. These apps can be accessed on Android and iOS, so users can play anytime and anywhere through their phones.
Also, gamblers can create accounts and register with just an email address. There’s no need to show their faces while playing. Anyone is free to play anonymously and safely.
3.Access to Great Bonuses
Just like any other online game, virtual casinos incorporate bonuses that can be triggered while playing. The bonuses include a welcome bonus, referral bonus, free spins, and other rewards. In comparison, these prizes aren’t readily available when going to a land-based casino.
For example, you won’t get a referral bonus when you recommend a casino hotel to someone. But when you suggest an online casino to your friends and colleagues, you’ll earn a bonus from the referral code you sent out.
4.Wide Game Selection
Online game providers add twists to the traditional casino games by creating fun and exciting versions of them. For instance, you won’t just find classic poker; you’ll find variations, such as “razz Poker” – where the player with the worst hand wins.
If you miss interacting with real people, you can join a game with a live dealer who facilitates the table games. With this, you’ll feel like you’re in an actual casino.
5.24/7 Support Team
Online casinos promise to provide their users with adequate support for any needed help and queries. The support team will answer any inquiries like signing up, making deposits, or other problems you might face.
If you’re planning to start your online casino business, you’ll have to always be connected to your users and be up-to-date on the latest technologies to give them the best experience.
Advantages of Offline Casinos
Online casinos mimic live games through clickable virtual experiences. However, some gamblers still prefer offline casinos where they get to physically play with the machines. Below are some of the benefits of going out and playing in land-based casinos:
1.Real-Life Experience
Some players prefer being in a physical casino and playing games for real to socialize with other people. Having opponents in poker and other card games adds thrill as they compete and win. For them, victory is more fulfilling when they know how they beat the odds to get there.
2.Learn Potential Strategies
Online games are limited to the user only. Because of the anonymity they offer, individuals won’t see how other gamblers play. With an offline game, you get to see the reaction of the players you’re wagering against and note down strategies that could help you win in future games.
3.Get Real-Time Payment
Online casinos take time to process and transfer funds because of security measures. With a land-based casino, players pay in cash in exchange for chips. They can cash out anytime at the counter by exchanging the chips they’ve won. Remember, however, that these chips can only be exchanged in the casino where they came from.
4.No Internet Required
Obviously, you don’t need any internet connection to play offline games. Issues with WiFi connectivity, including slow processing of information that can affect the game, are avoided. You’ll play in real-time with the physical equipment of your favourite casino game.
Conclusion
Because of the recent pandemic, the rise of online casinos became more apparent. However, where to gamble still depends on your preference. If you prioritize convenience, go for online casinos. But if you want to physically interact with people and machines, book a trip to a casino hotel.
Denim Blù, the Toronto-based pop artist with Chinese roots, released his new single, “Extraordinary Feel (feat. Lizzy Clarke)” a hymnal-inspired pop-rock song. This track will be his first of 2021, following his recent entry into releasing original music that began in October 2020 with his single, “Burn” and adjoining remixes.
“Extraordinary Feel” finds inspiration in the Southern US and vibrant African-American church choirs singing gospel and soul music. Both artists came to find strength in each other’s talents when creating the single through a mutual effort.
The single became a magical amalgamation of song creation– crisp songwriting, a powerful vocal, and satisfying production. The gospel elements include prominent organs and splashes of bells over modern synths and classic electric guitar.
Infiltrating almost every component of the song– the lyrics, the production, and the vocal, with religious elements, Denim Blù is able to carry his message of a love that is almost divine in nature. The use of religious themes throughout the track breathes life and gives words to the once indescribable inner emotions.
“‘Extraordinary Feel’ is about the exuberance of falling in love, a love so hard that you’re willing to sacrifice everything for that person, the lyric ‘made a martyr out of me’ is a perfect example of selflessness that comes with this kind of passion.” – Denim Blù
Denim Blù is an emerging Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose identity and music reflect the cultural mosaic that makes Toronto’s music so universally appealing. He is a Chinese-born queer artist whose inspiration is born out of rebellion. Being Chinese, he is not supposed to be making pop music; he is not supposed to be gay; he is not supposed to emote sex. But, he does, proudly.
Denim Blù’s music training and influence span three continents having studied and composed in China, the UK, and Toronto. The product of his music is pure pop fantasy with emotional intrigue, drawing from blues, dance, electronica, and R&B elements, all while being unapologetically queer. His music delivers new-age pop with a story to tell.
New York City-based Pop/R&B artist and songwriter, Hunter Blair Ambrose released her new single, “Alone Together.” The single gives listeners the perfect closing summer bop while they begin preparing for Autumn.
Amid the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and a worldwide lockdown, Hunter Blair Ambrose found solace in songwriting and introspection, using this almost eerily quiet time for creativity and self-reflection.
When creating “Alone Together” she took 1980s bombast and met it with layered synths and soaring melodies after being inspired by The Weeknd’s pandemic era blockbuster album, After Hours. The single came together as a glittering, late summer disco banger with deeply reflective lyrics that a post-pandemic world can certainly relate to.
“ ‘Alone Together’ reflects a universal feeling of isolation, loneliness and melancholia felt around the world during 2020 met with my own reflections of failings in love.”– Hunter Blair Ambrose
Inspired by dark, synth-pop, chilling Toronto R&B, and the melodic hip hop of the 2010s, Hunter has created a sound that has been shaped by the music that has been the soundtrack to her life. Influenced by iconic artists such as Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Ariana Grande, Drake, David Bowie, Prince, and The Weeknd, Hunter creates immersive and well-rounded music along with an image that is equal parts provocative as they are compelling.
By the age of 17, she had immersed herself in the company of industry giants, working alongside Grammy-award winning musicians and producers such as Narada Michael Walden, and working as an in-house songwriter and studio vocalist Tarpan Studios in San Francisco, CA.
Shortly after the inception of her career, she enrolled in Boston’s Berklee College of Music and quickly emerged as one of the school’s many promising, young talents.
Following her departure from Berklee, from 2017 through 2019, Hunter wrote and produced material with her core creative team for her debut EP, Scorpio Rising(April 2020). The project was supported by the singles, “Right Now” and “November” which featured an interpolation of Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro.”
Listeners can look forward to more singles and music videos dropping this year to immerse them deeper into the world Scorpio Season created when released in April.
Is Amazon’s Lord of the Rings at risk of losing viewers in New Zealand? It was recently announced that Amazon Studios will be moving the filming of its Lord of the Rings series from New Zealand to the UK. The first season of the upcoming fantasy epic was shot in the beautiful terrain found in the Oceania country, but the second season will be moving to pastures new. Kiwis have always been proud of their connection to J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle Earth, and there is a chance that this move could risk angering viewers in the country.
Amazon May Have to Change Tact to Attract Viewers
The Lord of the Rings series has long been touted as Amazon’s answer to Game of Thrones. When the HBO fantasy finished airing, other networks quickly scrambled to cash in on the readymade audience and create something similar. The studio may need to copy various other elements from GOT’s successful model if it is to succeed, though, especially in New Zealand.
Many Kiwis will have been planning to watch Lord of the Rings so that they can see the famous filming locations in the country. But now that it is moving, viewers will need a different motivation to watch. One of the reasons for GOT’s popularity was its franchise model, which spread out into related games. Among the most popular was the Game of Thrones slot from Microgaming.
With sites like BetPal New Zealand highlighting the prevalence of gambling in the country, a Lord of the Rings-themed slot game could help to win some viewers over. Aside from the bonuses on offer at the various online casinos in the country, this could be a major draw to bring players in. After playing the game, these people may then want to explore the world in more detail by watching the series and vice versa.
Why did the Filming Location Change?
One of the reasons why Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings took the world by storm in 2001 was down to the choice of filming location. The stunning and varied landscape of New Zealand represented the spots in Middle Earth perfectly, and the country became forever associated with the saga. It went on to be used in the Hobbit series as well, and Amazon kept that theme going with the first season of its series.
Recently, it was announced that after twenty years in the country, New Zealand will no longer be the home of Lord of the Rings. The production company has moved its operations to the UK as part of a plan to expand its studio space in the country. Aside from filming the Rings series, Amazon plans to create several other UK-based films and series over the next few years. The UK has a hilly landscape and vast countryside, like New Zealand, so the shift of locations should be unnoticeable for viewers.
There is a chance that Amazon’s Rings series may lose viewers in New Zealand, who could feel betrayed by the location change. The studio will have to go to great lengths to keep these people interested, and this could be done by releasing related material that will appeal to them.
Can hackers really crack online gambling data. One of the successful areas of the economy that hackers take interest in is the online casino industry. Online casinos in Poland keep popping up as days go by. As the online casinos keep emerging, so does a new class of hackers who work tirelessly to crush the online casinos. The main aim of the hackers is to steal player data which they can use to their advantage.
This is why heavy investment is done by legitimate casinos in Poland in the cyber security department of an online casino to curb hackers. This is why you should carefully analyze an online casino to determine if it is legitimate before registering and placing your money in the casino.
According to our expert Klara Czerwinska (view author), here are some of the ways that hackers use to crack online casino data.
Phishing is simply the use of a fake email that masquerades as a legitimate email. This is perhaps the most common hacking trick that leads to casino hacks. The hacker creates a phishing email with the sole aim of stealing any form of personal data like bank account details and passwords. The phishing email is well written and all indicators indicate that it is a legitimate email either from your bank or your online casino.
The phishing email is sent just at the right time posing as an urgent email to lure you to give your data. For instance, a hacker may send an email posing as your online casino asking that you verify your login details.
The hackers are so smart that they even give you a link that redirects you back to the online casino website. If you fall for the trick and enter your details, all that information goes back to the hacker and not your online casino. The hacker can also provide you with an attachment right after the phishing email. Once you download the attachment, the hacker has gained all access to your account
One of the known ways to detect phishing is carefully checking for grammatical errors in the email addresses. For instance, if a casino website is www.polandcasino.com, the hackers may redirect you to an email under www.polandd.com. Notice the additional d in the second email address?
The hackers will also employ the use of threats that your email will be suspended or your betting account will be blocked. Never fall for such tricks by online casino hackers. The good news is that legit Polish casinos such as betsafe opinie will always display the official email addresses on their sites.
Malware
Malware is simply a foreign software that is configured to compromise a system and access all the data available in the system. Once malware is successfully installed, it can track all user activity as well as steal sensitive data from the online casino website. The common types of malware are
Virus-Program designed to infect software and disable normal system functionality.
Trojan-Program that creates backdoors to your system such that a hacker can remotely access all your information.
Spyware-Malware is designed to monitor all your online activities. Can be sophisticated to the level of secretly recording you from your phone or computer cameras.
Keylogger-Sophisticated form of malware that grants a hacker access to all the keys you press on your computer. After analyzing these keys, the hacker can easily know your passwords and pin codes to your cards.
How to Beat Malware
Install a legitimate antivirus.
Install legitimate online gaming applications.
Be cautious when clicking pop-ups on your casino website.
Hackers are also known to use high technology algorithms to crack passwords. This is why it is advisable to use strong passwords for all your accounts including your online casino login password. It is also advisable to use pin codes that are not related to any occurrence in your life.
For instance, you should never use your birth year as a pin code as hackers can easily figure this out. A strong password contains all forms of symbols, upper- and lower-case letters, and numbers.
Online Gambling data can be hacked into, and this is why you should be extra cautious when playing in any online casino. Casinos are hackers’ paradise. If you notice any suspicious activity on your casino website, contact your online casino before making any move.
Singer-Songwriter and visual artist Lyia Meta, and vocalist Audrey DuBois Harris get together to discuss their influences, creative processes and overcoming obstacles.
LM: What a beautiful voice you have. I’m absolutely blown away by your range!!! Your passion appears to be grounded in songs of faith and inclusion, especially your recent release LIFT EVERY VOICE.
ADH: Thank you so very much Lyia! I am intentional about creating positive, uplifting, loving and spirit-filled music that speaks to all people. LIFT EVERY VOICE is a project that was created with that intention in mind. I wanted to offer a collection of songs of unity and hope for the future.
ADH: What a rich and soulful voice you have! It has been a while since I’ve heard such a deep, beautiful, and smooth voice.
LM: I am humbled by your comments as I’ve always strived at improving my craft.
LM: What would you say is the most difficult part of being a vocalist? How do you keep your vocals well-tuned?
ADH: As a vocalist, my main priority is to maintain the health and vitality of my voice. That means staying on top of my physical health, getting proper rest, staying well hydrated, limited use of my speaking voice when I’m not singing, and dedicating time for vocal warmups.
ADH: Growing up in Malaysia, who were your biggest musical influences?
LM: My biggest musical influence was my father! He was a civil servant and the lead singer in a band. It sounds crazy now but back in those days, most government departments used to have an in-house band and my dad would perform. I was used to having musicians coming and going since I was knee-high! As I grew older, we listened to what was popular on the radio, but my favourite was rock and blues.
LM: We both have performed internationally and are always trying to increase that footprint. How does it feel to have to re-introduce yourself to a new audience? What has been your most rewarding, and most challenging, performance so far?
ADH: As a LIVE performer, I introduce myself all the time to new audiences. I also enjoy meeting new people and appreciate hearing how my music has moved and/or inspired them. One vivid memory is singing for President Obama in NYC. There was a hush in the room while I was singing, then the standing room only crowd erupted in cheers and applause. I don’t give much focus to challenges beyond trying to find a way to overcome them.
ADH: Your music stretches across several different genres. How do you define your personal sound and style?
LM: Like every singer, I’m in the moment and my favorite genre or style is whatever song I’m feeling. I find that doing only one single genre can be very limiting, I’m grateful that a variety of songwriters and producers have approached me to collaborate. I find that different genres help convey different emotions and nuances, but I always have to make each song my own.
LM: How did you manage during COVID? With schedule changes, cancellations and constant uncertainty, how did you keep your body, mind and voice in shape?
ADH: To me, the pandemic reaffirmed that we are all connected. What happens to one person on the other side of the world affects each one of us just the same. I, like so many others, had great career plans mapped out for 2020. Although it was a time of great uncertainty and grief for us all, I made a conscious effort to remain positive, creative, and productive. My full project LIFT EVERY VOICE and the first single from that project We Shall Overcome was both recorded and released during that time.
ADH: What is your writing process like? Where do you find your greatest inspiration for new song material?
LM: My greatest inspiration comes from the world around me and how it affects me physically and emotionally—body and spirit. Spontaneity and inspiration work hand-in-hand for all of my pieces. The creativity road leads me to wonderfully strange outcomes and there’s a feeling of self-accomplishment once I’ve exorcised my demons! When a personal calm sets in, the song (or piece of art) just feels complete.
LM: I saw that you grew up dreaming of becoming the new Mariah Carey but your mother and voice teacher rightfully exposed and steered you to classical music and opera. Do you have any desire to try other genres, either live or recording?
ADH: Actually, that is a misunderstanding. The short version of the story is that when I was a little girl, my mother overheard me singing. She was very surprised by my voice and said that she would find me a voice teacher. To my 8 or 9 year old understanding, I was going to instantly become an overnight Pop star!! My mother encouraged and inspired me the most to move in the direction of opera. It became the foundation of my technique and preparation. My music now is definitely a fusion of differing genres. I’ve always believed that what I bring to the table is uniquely special.
ADH: During the pandemic and global shutdown, what were some of your favorite things to do to remain positive, productive and creative? Do you look forward to returning back to the stage for LIVE performances?
LM: I turned to my visual art to keep me sane. During the pandemic I drew almost a hundred commissioned portraits, two children’s album covers; designed the cover of my Metal single, painted art-glass surfaces; and wrote a few more songs that are now being demoed. I also participated in several online digital fundraisers,created my own home “studio” that I never needed before! I opened my own kitchen and cooked and delivered lunch boxes, pastries and cakes. In the course of this stopgap measure I was named a Eurasian Food Culture Heritage Food Ambassador by Eurasians International. Staying occupied in every way possible helped keep my creative side well-oiled. I am a live performer first. The stage and engaging with an audience will always be my first love.
LM: We’ve both strayed from our music comfort zones to try something new. What will you draw on for inspiration next and how will that affect your song choices? Where would you like to experiment in terms of musical “stretch” goals?
ADH: I draw my inspiration from different sources: culture, art, film, fashion, conversation and life experiences. As an artist, I need to constantly stretch and evolve. In terms of “stretch goals”, I think the next step for me is creating a lot more visual content/music videos for my music.
ADH: In addition to being a singer/songwriter, you’re also a visual artist. Do you consider your paintings and music as one continued form of expression? Or do you view them as separate aspects and forms of your artistry? Is your artwork available to the public for purchase?
LM: I don’t think I will ever be able to not express myself through art. It has become such an integral part of me. What I cannot express through lyrics, I express with my brushes. I dream in colour and I am always humming to new melodies and disjointed lyrics. In addition to my own art, I am a full-time commissioned portraitist.
Alex from the rock group Love District and singer-songwriter Ricky Mendoza got together to chat about musical influences, how the pandemic affected their music, and what is coming up next for them.
Ricky: I really love your music! I love the way the bass protrudes and how the synths vibe out a feeling of the music that I used to listen to when I first fell in love with music. And y’all do all this with a sound that feels new, yet retaining a retro spirit.
Love District: Thank you so much for the kind words! We’ve been working hard through the years and we’re glad that our vision is coming across as intended. We wanted our sound to have a nostalgic feel, but also refreshing and unique at the same time.
Love District: Tell us about your new single, “I Just Died.” I really enjoy the rawness of your vocals and the instruments.
Ricky: Thank you so much for the kind words. It is part of the new album called “The New Hurt” and it’s about a new love in my life. Here I was, inspired by love but the twist is that whenever there is a new love, there’s also a new source of pain. If anything happens to them it’s gonna hurt like hell.
Ricky: I’m really curious about the process of an artist/band and how the music actually gets made, so what comes first, the lyrics or the music? And how do the songs come together?
LD: It really depends on each song. We’ve written songs inspired by a melody, chord progression, a riff, or a phrase/idea. We usually start with a chord progression or a guitar/bass riff that the rest of the instruments would follow and build along to.
LD: Are there any current artists or bands that have recently influenced your music for this new phase of your career?
Ricky: Neutral Milk Hotel and Against Me! have been my north star for a while now. I love how NMH makes their folk songs sound other-worldly and magical, while Laura Jane Grace and Against Me bring brutally honest lyrics and an in-your-face punk rock; it’s inspiring.
Ricky: Can you walk me through the creation of “Feels Like Home”? Specifically, how it came together.
LD: Chris came up with the progression and the melody and brought it to the band. We jammed together for a while and worked out the format and different parts of the song before going into the studio to record. In the studio during the pandemic we were really able to take our time and dive deep into the song and really get the sound we wanted.
LD: As this will be your third album release, how do you continue to evolve your sound and progress from your old releases? Is there a concept to your album or do you view it as a collection of songs?
Ricky: All three albums are about phases in my life. The first one was about hitting my rock bottom and what it felt to be there. The second one is all about getting my shit together and trying to really discover myself and that is aptly named “No One Has Their Shit Together – especially Ricky Mendoza”. And shortly after the album came out, I fell in love and I felt like I was in complete control of my life. I spent five years living and making what is now, “The New Hurt”.
Ricky:Is there a principal songwriter? Do several handle songwriting duties? And do y’all modify the lyrics to fit the music after the lyrics are written?
LD: Chris and myself are the main songwriters in the band. Either he or I will bring an idea or demo to the table and then we would work out the ideas together. We would get the rough draft of the song and then bring it to the band. In the studio, the songs naturally evolve. The rule that I follow is the “best idea wins” and “is it making the song better?”
LD: How has this past year during the pandemic and quarantine affected your ideas on music and being a musician?
Ricky: In terms of being a musician it was great to have time to actually sit and record at my home studio. I’ve recorded all my albums by myself but this one was particularly challenging because I wanted to go deeper as a musician and add different instruments that I had never played (accordions, theremins, trumpets, etc).
Ricky: As with any relationship, it gets tough to decide on certain artistic elements, career choices, lunch, etc. How do y’all make it happen as a band of four?
LD: That is something that we all are continually trying to get better at hahaha. We have been a band for a while now, and have developed a musical trust with each other that can only develop from experiences and failures. We are at a point where we can have honest and open communication as a team.
LD: With live shows being taken away, how were you able to adapt and still move forward as a musician?
Ricky:Live shows are a small part of my musicianship, so not having them wasn’t that huge of a blow. However, I really needed to take the time to record the new album.
Ricky: What habits do y’all attribute to your progress/success as artists?
LD: Keeping an open mind when it comes to creating a product as a band. We all are seasoned vets when it comes to playing music and have opinions or ideas that may differ from one another. It is important to listen and try new things or ideas and evolve.
LD: Talk to us about your band. Have you been playing with the same musicians for a while or do you like to switch things up?
Ricky: For the recording of my album, I did not have a band. Since this was a very personal project, I decided to record all the instruments myself. However, for live shows, we do have a band together and we’re all based in Austin.
Ricky: I see that y’all teach young children about music and its importance and I’m very curious to hear about your perspective on why music is important to our world?
LD: Music has played such an important role in all our lives and we have learned so many life lessons throughout our musical careers. We feel it is important to pay it forward when it comes to the next generation of musicians. We want to show our students that we are playing in bands and making music for the right reasons. There is no better feeling when we see our students start their own bands and create their own music.
LD: Are there any activities or hobbies not music-related that inspires you? Any other sources of creativity that could influence your music?
Ricky: Absolutely! I’m a total nerd when it comes to the science of storytelling, of how we all are connected by stories and the best possible ways to tell stories. Most of my songs are story driven, I want people to see themselves in the songs and relate at a deep level to them. After all, it’s about our human journey and how we fit in this weird, beautiful thing we call life.
LA-based singer, songwriter, and screenwriter Simona, has released her fierce music video for “Hot Fire.” With multi-platinum selling Producer Dakari on the track; “Hot Fire” is about female empowerment, feeling sexy in your own skin, but also about Simona’s struggles of leaving her life/family behind in Germany and pursuing her dreams in Los Angeles. Simona explains, “I tend to be a bubbly person for the most part but I do have a serious side, and I like to mix these emotions together while writing. The way I used to write was very dark and depressing; instead of being sad I realized I should be more positive about certain things, say what I’m really feeling, and turn it into a positive mood with a more serious message tied into it.”
Raised in Bulgaria and Germany, Simonahas always lived her life with passion and perseverance. “It was interesting growing up between two cultures, my mother comes from a family of Doctors and my father grew up in a village, everyone always knew I was an immigrant. Once he moved into the city, my father ended up working at The Embassy but eventually fled communist Bulgaria to provide a better life for our family, and this pushed me to become the hard worker I am today. I’m so proud of my heritage, but still decided to leave the country, just like my parents, in pursuit of my dreams hoping to repay them for their sacrifices.” she states. Even through her father’s initial disappointment of leaving her valedictorian past and Law School studies behind, Simona packed up her bags, moved to Los Angeles, and started waiting tables to get by. She further explains, “I’m my own boss now, I started writing screenplays and going into productions, and would rather go through the struggles to do this than sit in an office working on something I hate.”
Simona, being fluent in four languages [English, German, Bulgarian, French] has excelled her writing skills; which is how she got the opportunity to co-write an independent feature film while also landing a starring role in the movie, opposite Ray J, Denny Trejo and several social media influencers. While promoting her film during a radio interview, Simona met DJ Nasty who introduced her to multi-platinum selling producer, Dakari. Dakari produced her latest EP Addictive, which dropped May of this year and contains four tracks all written by Simona. The duo got along so well in the studio that they’ve continued working together beyond this EP, and currently have more music in the works that’s expected to drop later this year. In addition to working with Dakari; Simona’s undeniable talent has also captured the attention of Austin Brown, Michael Jackson’s Nephew and producer for artists such as Pharrell and Macy Gray, and Brian London [ZAYNE, JoJo], who will both be part of another track dropping later this year.
Toronto- based multi-hyphenated artist, Cameron Philip has released his single, “Arms Tonight,” continuing his five-year streak of very successful releases.
Produced by Good Charlotte’s Billy Martin, who is all too familiar with intertwining genres, “Arms Tonight” contains a rich blend of emo and angst perfectly suited for the teen within each of us.
The single fuses together a catchy pop tune with strong electronic elements that for a second, almost allows you to forget this upbeat track is actually a song about being too sad to continue living.
Canadian multi-genre artist Cameron Philip began his music career making k-pop dub/remix videos on Youtube. Quickly, Cameron amassed a purely organic and impressive following, millions of views, and a feature in Glamour’s “You Sang My Song,” where he caught the attention and several compliments from BTS after toplining “Black Swan” with his own rap verses.
Cameron went on to win 2017 and 2018 “Hip-Hop Artist of The Year” at the Niagara Music Awards, as well as “Song of The Year” in 2019 for his single, “Pretender.”
Continuing with the momentum from the NMA’s, Cameron refused to take his foot off the gas pedal and released his first two full-length albums, Feelings and Failures and The Adventure, almost back to back in 2019. Both albums garnered over one million streams each and left this new artist hungry to continue surpassing any and all expectations.
“When it comes to music, Cameron Philip is no pretender.”–Thorold Today
When it seemed like the world was put on pause because of the global pandemic, Cameron continued working on his craft and released his first EP, Neo: Dreamland, in 2020. Although releasing an album as a somewhat new artist during the pandemic was a risk, it was quickly made clear the seven-track EP was going to be another hit when streams began coming through in the hundreds of thousands.
Cameron’s ability to be vulnerable very early on in his career and use his music to explore his own issues with mental health, love, life, and everything in between, interlocked him to his ever-growing fanbase in a deeply personal and relatable way that has directly led to his success.While still very much in his feelings, Cameron released his longest and most vulnerable album to date, Neo: Dreamworld, in 2021, and to no one’s surprise, it was yet another hit.
Currently, Cameron’s Instagram boasts a casual 123K followers, while his Youtube sits at about 729K subscribers and another 75K listeners/ followers on Spotify, not to mention the couple million streams he’s racked up.
As of now, he shows no signs of slowing down, which I’m sure his listeners are thankful for after the insanity that still very much is 2020 and 2021. Cameron is currently working on his fourth full-length album, Love Punch, which will be released this fall.
The transcontinental Pop Star continues to build a massive multi-lingual discography
Mumbai-LA-based pop singer-songwriter, Nikitaa, has released her latest single and accompanying music video, “Boomerang.” After a successful year of releases and a Netflix track feature, Nikitaa continues to build a massive multi-lingual goddess pop discography.
“Boomerang” was written and produced by Nikitaa and is her cathartic release and declaration of freedom from a delusional ex. After trying to make a friendship work with her ex, Nikitaa realized the relationship was more parasitic than mutualistic and it was time to cut ties.
Using guitar samples that reminded her of motion comics and superhero storylines, she parts ways with her usual upbeat pop sound for this single, choosing to lean more towards the hip-hop genre. Nikitaa collaborated with American rap duo, Flyana Boss, on “Boomerang.” The all-women hip-hop track penned by Nikitaa has also been co-written by Flyana Boss.
Opening up on the collaboration, Nikitaa said: “I went to music school with both Bobbi and Yinka and I’ve been watching them put out hit after hit since they’ve come together as Flyana Boss! They write so cleverly, unapologetically, and authentically. I have their music on repeat on my phone all the time. They were the natural first choice for me! So I hit them up, sent them the demo and they loved it!”
Nikitaa, who describes “Boomerang” as her personal “cord-cutting ritual,” wanted her listeners to hear the lyrics as a story and feel as if they were experiencing escaping this shady character she’s singing about firsthand. Continuing on her path to show her listeners a different side of herself, she put the darker-sounding single and music video together all at once, defying her normal songwriting routine and instead let her anger pour out freely and form itself into the perfect mixture of beauty and pain.
Intertwining cinematic sounds with a true orchestral bass instead of synth also helped her create the contrasting sound she had imagined.
“Overall, it’s an aggressive sound, but the vocals are still pretty, with some sparkle. I fell in love with the contrast and it reminded me of Taylor Swift’s ‘Look What You Made Me Do,’ but with a sonically darker palette.” -Nikitaa
Born and raised in Mumbai, singer-songwriter Nikitaa, who has spent her recent years in LA mastering her art, is poised to be a breakthrough star on the independent music scene, creating a witty blend of sassy melodies, partnered with powerful lyrics that give added depth to each of her compositions. Nikitaa combines ethereal Pop/RnB with a subtle nod to the South-Asian soundscape to bring a new genre she calls Goddess Pop.
In 2020, the transcontinental pop singer has put out more than 4 singles – “Tum Aur Main”, “Universe,” “Goddess,” and “Clutch” and sang for a Netflix film Masaba Masaba and she promises not to stop.
A born entertainer, with the ability to transcend language, culture, and ethnicity, Nikitaa’s self-proclaimed mission as an artist is to break down barriers, shatter stereotypes and bring people together under the universal language of music.
Today we want to discuss tennis star Jimmy Connors and gambling addiction. James Scott Connors, famously known as Jimmy Connors, is a former world tennis champion. Jimmy Connors was born in 1952 on 2nd September in America. Jimmy Connors has been termed as the world’s no 1 tennis player.
Our expert Victoria Oliveira (check profile), takes us through the life of this tennis champion and his struggle with gambling addiction which other Portuguese addicts might relate to.
For over 200 weeks, Jimmy Connors held a record no 1, which is a world record among all male tennis players.
He was the record holder for ATP, a common abbreviation for Association of Tennis Professionals, by holding a record by then of 160 consecutive weeks lasting from 1974 to 1977.
He was the first male player to have the longest career, one that totaled 268 weeks.
He was and still is the holder of three major Open Era Men’s single of a total 109 titles in which he played 1,557 matches and won a whopping 1,274 matches.
The titleholder of eight major titles that include one joint Open Era record five US Tennis Open titles, two Wimbledon titles, and one Australian Tennis Open title.
He was a holder of 17 Grand Prix Super Series titles in three years.
He was the second male tennis player who won three majors in one gaming year of the Open Era dating back to 1974. This led to the board disqualifying him from participating in the fourth French Open.
In 1982, Jimmy Connors won the Wimbledon Open tournament and also the US Open tournament earning him the title player of the year.
In 1974 and 1976, he was also the world’s best tennis player.
Online casino
While gambling at a land-based casino may have been thrilling to the point of addiction for Jimmy Connors. The easy reach and availability of online casinos also make Jimmy Connors’ story relatable to Portuguese gamblers dealing with addiction.
After all these achievements, Jimmy Connors retired as a tennis player in 1996 at the age of 43. Gambling addiction is not something that should be taken lightly. Thanks to the story of Jimmy Connors, you can be able to prove this. The world-famous tennis superstar Jimmy Connors has learned this the hard way.
Jimmy Connors was loved all over the world by tennis fans. They loved him for his exemplary performance at the tennis ground, which is evident in his achievements. His mastering of the tennis game was out of this world. Fans loved his amazing talent and how he expressed himself in the pitch. Though he has many achievements to his name, Jimmy Connors had an addiction.
What happened to the star?
Jimmy Connors was struggling deep down with gambling addiction. All this Jimmy Connors disclosed to the world in his autobiography, The Outsider. He disclosed how through his entire tennis profession, he fought with constant gambling addiction.
The funny thing is there is no real evidence from real money casinos where Jimmy Connors flashed loads of cash, although he discloses that the sum of money he lost to gambling ranged from millions. Portuguese online casino sites such as the reviewed Moosh casino was not yet founded when the star was struggling with gambling addiction.
Jimmy Connors was not the ordinary gambler who would go to the poker table and, when beaten in a few rounds, leave the table. He stayed on the poker table until he could no longer do it.
Jimmy Conner openly discloses in his publications that as long as he had money, he would gamble. The only time that Jimmy Conner left the casino is when he was completely broke, and the bank could not offer him any money. This you can imagine how much he could gamble with, considering he was the world’s best tennis player titleholder.
Never accepted defeat
His problem was that he never accepted defeat, and once-beaten, he would raise his stakes and continue playing. Jimmy Connor became used to betting on himself. He always betted on himself to win and satisfy his gambling rush, not considering the amount he used to play. Jimmy Connors’s highest and most extravagant bet ever recorded was a $1 million bet that he betted on himself to win the battle-of-the-sexes game he played against Martina Navratilova, a game he was nearly beaten.
He admits that his wife saw his problem and hit her with the bitter truth that he was addicted. He admits that he acknowledged he had a problem after this encounter and sought help to remove the addiction. The good news is that he is now a free man from gambling addiction.
Gambling is an addictive sport that can ruin your career. Modern internet users can engage in different forms such as tennis gambling or even play table games. However, you should gamble wisely and know when to leave the casino.
To help you decide whether to go for an offline or online casino, Kevin N. Cochran has listed the benefits of each, starting with online casinos:
Just like any other online game, virtual casinos incorporate bonuses that can be triggered while playing. The bonuses include a welcome bonus, referral bonus, free spins, and other rewards. In comparison, these prizes aren’t readily available when going to a land-based casino.
