LIVE DEALERS: THE REAL DEAL OR ONE BIG CHARADE?

As the world of online gaming continues to dominate the gambling industry, playing online can seem a solitary activity. While technology is forever developing ways of replacing human beings with robots, it seems that the gaming industry is bucking the trend and introducing humans to deal the cards through video link. Live dealers are changing the way online gaming is run – but are they the real deal?

What are the benefits of a live dealer?

These interactive real life players, such as the live dealers at St.Tropez, offer a whole host of benefits that traditional online casinos cannot. Namely, they silence the critics of online gaming software – while those cynical of online gambling sites say that site robots do in fact have the ability to ‘cheat’, playing with a live dealer gives the player the real gaming experience with none of the fear of being outsmarted by a machine.

LV-Playboy

Another advantage of live dealers is speed. While online poker or other card gaming sites can often lag and falter for the user, playing with a real life human being guarantees a quick hand without the possibility of technological malfunctions.

Live dealers also give the gambler the freedom to choose who they want to play with, so just as you can walk into a casino and pick a dealer who looks as if they’d give you a good hand, you can also take your time perusing the wide range of live dealers online.

Similarly, just as you can visit Vegas casinos around the clock, live dealers are also available at your beck and call 24 hours a day, with new games available approximately every 20 seconds. Live dealers help to secure the best of both worlds, guaranteeing the quick turnover of games with the use of high bandwidth internet with the pleasant human interactivity of a real casino.

What is the people’s reaction to live dealers?

The personal and human approach of live dealers has been widely welcomed by online gamblers and other internet users. In a survey by Cards Chat, players said that live dealers were a ‘superb idea’ and ‘provided an added attraction for a niche group of players that will appreciate a live dealer dealing cards to play poker online.’

Can live dealers be compared to the real thing?

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One area that cynics might be critical of when it comes to live dealers is whether or not the online gambler is getting the same ‘casino experience’ as he or she would in a land based casino. Naturally, one isn’t going to get the same waiting service as one would get in a Vegas casino, but the human interaction value is just the same with a live dealer. Live dealers are friendly, willing to chat and can even come dressed as a Playboy bunny if you’re feeling a little more imaginative. There’s also an abundant choice of male live dealers too, so every kind of gambler will be satisfied with a live dealer.

While there are obvious differences between online gambling and jetting off to Vegas, the live dealer experience provides a comfortable halfway house for those who want the convenience of playing at home and the warmth and human interaction of a real dealer.

FIX YOUR BODY WOES THE NATURAL WAY

glycerin beauty secrets

Ever thought about going under the knife to fix your body hang-ups? Theres no need. Well-applied make-up, clever clothing and a few dietary changes can make a world of difference and will come in at zero pain and a fraction of the cost.

Our friends over at Hairtrade.com has put together its seven non-surgical fixes for some of the most common body complaints.

1.     Fuller lips

Some women are lucky enough to have full lips but for the rest of you, instead of pumping them with collagen or botox, try a few make up tricks.

Before applying any make-up, brush across your lips with a toothbrush. It may sound odd, but in fact it increases the blood flow to your lips, making them appear plumper.

To create a fuller look, use a lip pencil to outline your lips – this will help define your mouth – and fill with your favourite lipstick.

2.     Bigger Boobs

We’ve all heard the boob job horror stories and there really is no need to go under the knife to give you a more defined shape.

You can buy good push up bras anywhere – so go out and invest in a decent one. Make sure you’re properly fitted. If you still feel you need a little help, try breast-enhancing fillets.

3.     Slimmer nose

Have you ever wished you had a slimmer, straighter nose? Instead of heading to see the nearest plastic surgeon, try contouring.

By mixing a darker foundation with your natural colour you can create a slimmer shape. Apply a matt finish and then highlight other areas of your face like your cheeks or eyes and you will draw attention away from your nose.

There are plenty of free guides to help you achieve the sort of look you’re after.

4.     Flatter tummy

So liposuction or a tummy tuck may seem an easy way to shed the excess pounds – but no pain, no gain, so cut out all the treats and head down to the gym instead.

There is, however, a cheat’s way to give you a helping hand – control undies. We’ve all worn them at some point and they are a must to give you a smooth, streamlined shape.

5.     Longer, thicker hair

Your hair only grows around a centimetre a month, so if you’re trying to grow out a style or just want longer locks, it’s all about being patient.

Unless, of course, you decide to try a wig or hair extensions. Good quality hair extensions or a well fitting wig can take you from a cropped style to luscious long locks in minutes.

If you suffer from thinning hair, it’s certainly worth trying some of the hair growth shampoos, conditioners and leave in treatments which are available. These help stimulate and quicken hair growth.

6.     Losing dark circles under your eyes

Dark circles and bags under your eyes are all part of aging – but it doesn’t mean we have to like or live with them.

You can opt for laser treatment or injectable filler. However, there are some simple changes you can make.

Getting enough sleep is a must, and cut down on the caffeine and booze. These can cause mild dehydration making the dark circles more obvious. Also try using a concealer a shade lighter than your norm.

7.     Smoother skin

Skin peels are popular among women who want to remove fine lines, prevent aging and achieve clearer skin.

But you can get similar results simply by making some dietary changes. Ditch the sugary treats and white carbs and replace them with wholegrain carbs like brown rice.

So there you have it, 7 simple tips from our friends at Hairtrade.com to have you feeling body confident in no time!

HAYFEVER RELIEF QUICK FIX!

Boots Hayfever Relief Instant-Melts 10mg Orodispersible Tablets Loratadine (14 day supply)

If like me, you suffer from hayfever, you’re gonna love these! Hayfever Relief Instant-Melts from Boots, stick one on your tongue and feel your hayfever symptoms just float away with the pollen. £4.69 for a 14 day supply; and right now Boots have a deal of buy one get the second half price, so stock up while they’re cheap! Available in stores or from Boots.com.

 

FOTO RUTA BRINGS LONDON TO LIFE THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

bethnal green road

Creative photography backdrop startup Foto-Ruta has announced the launch of a London branch in June 2014. Combining street photography with city exploration and creative seeing, Foto Ruta is the self proclaimed saviour of photography, offering a range of experiences, workshops and tours which aim to make inspired photographers of us all through a range of dynamic, sociable and original experiences, opening people’s eyes to their surroundings and encouraging them to explore London in a new and unique way.

Launched in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2011, and now with branches in Santiago, Chile, Barcelona, Spain as well as pop-up events in New York, Foto Ruta’s mission is clear; to enhance the explosion of digital image capturing and sharing brought about by camera-phones and social media, raising the bar on creativity and quality whilst encouraging team-work and social interaction over virtual interaction.

Foto Ruta offers a fresh approach to photography tuition via a range of interactive, informative and affordable experiences that are as perfect for tourists on a first visit as they are for Londoners wanting to rediscover their city.

FOTO RUTA CLUE

A sociable, fun and affordable way to learn about photography and explore the city.

FOTO RUTA IPHONE TOUR

Waging a war against under par iPhone photography, this urban excursion combines the latest iPhone/Android app technology.

FOTO RUTA STREET SCAPE

A journey of urban discovery around some of London’s most visually inspiring and interesting locations.

FOTO RUTA ACADEMIA

Set against a backdrop of authentic, original and inspiring city locations, the Foto Ruta Academia is a street photography tour that brings the city to life and offers participants one to one professional photography backdrops tuition over the course of the afternoon.

To find out more about Foto Ruta and the classes they provide go to foto-ruta.co.uk

5 SIMPLE WAYS TO GET YOUR BIKINI BODY THIS SUMMER

bikini body

Is your summer holiday looming scarily near? Looking into ways to get your body ready for that hot bikini you’ve had your eye on? Or simply want to start wearing crop tops and distressed cut off denim shorts? Well look no further, Laurence Beeken, Food Information Executive at Weight Loss Resources shares with us 5 simple ways to get your bikini body this summer.

1. Avoid Faddy Diets! (In fact don’t diet at all!)

In reality, no matter how many promises they make, quick fix diets do not provide a long term solution for weight loss. The restrictive nature of fad diets quickly leave us craving sugary, fatty foods so that we give up and pile the pounds back on, usually with a few more – just what you don’t want!

2. Be More Active!

You don’t necessarily need to become a slave to the gym. Brisk walking or dancing around your living room will do. Take every opportunity to increase your activity – walk to the shops, walk up the escalators/use the stairs, find the furthest parking space in the car park!

3. Plan Ahead!

Plan every meal ahead to make sure you have the right food available at the right time.

4. Eat Regularly! (Including breakfast)

Regular meals, including breakfast, help you to regulate how much you eat by stabilising blood sugar levels and allow you to recognise natural feelings of hunger and fitness.

5. Eat Slowly!

It’s not hard to eat slowly, but will take a bit of practise and a conscious effort to begin with to make it a habit. Here’s how to do it

  • Take smaller mouthfuls
  • Chew slowly
  • Put your knife & fork (or spoon) down between mouthfuls
  • Try to eat slower than anyone else eating with you

So there you have it, 5 simple ways to get your bikini body this summer that you can start straight away! To go a step further implement some simple abs and squats exercises morning and/or night to get that rocking body you want.