Why it is Suddenly Cool to be a Geek

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I’m sure the majority of you didn’t even raise an eyebrow at that title, because you all know exactly what I mean. The recent influx of Marvel and DC films over the last few years, and their mainstream popularity amongst those who either weren’t interested in the comic books or hadn’t heard of them until now, shows just how popular it’s become to be a geek. This is no bad thing, of course, but it’s a very peculiar U-Turn considering that to be a geek used to be something for which kids were bullied at school. Now kids are probably bullied if they’re not into the latest superhero franchise… Well, it’s probably not that bad, but it’s still an interesting phenomenon.

It’s sociable to be a geek.

I, for one, welcome this new horizon in terms of being ‘cool’. People are welcoming the idea that it’s a good thing to be really passionate and interested in any topic, whether the subject involves a fictional story or even a pastime, which might be a slightly odd and unique niche. It really brings people together when they have a common interest, and I think that’s been the key to changing the idea of geeks as lonely, unsociable weirdos into the idea that, actually, to be geeky is to be part of a community of like-minded people with a similar, exciting interest. It’s boring not to be geeky, because it means you don’t have some hardcore obsession or interest.

We live in the technological age.

Maybe in the 80s it wasn’t cool to spend all your time on a computer, but now that the internet rules our entire social lives, rather than just affording us the ability to play games or simply use ‘boring’ office programs, it’s cool to like all things technological. Geeks are now our innovators, meaning that people aren’t as turned-off by the idea of a computer scientist, because it’s seen as a symbol of creativity in terms of pushing the limits of technology, or web design. Just make sure you’re creating the next Instagram, and you should be able to keep people’s interest.

The geek epidemic infected the world silently.

Those same popular kids, or disgruntled adults who rolled their eyes and dismissed technology 10 years ago have been caught up in the exact same storm as everyone else with the recent influx of new devices promising to connect us more than ever.

Then you have incredible conventions, such as Con Junkies, which have turned the experience of comic books and other fictional media into an interactive, community-based experience. It’s cool to like comics now, because they’ve been turned into Hollywood hits with popular actors. Again, this is a good thing. It’s brought people together.

There’s a common theme throughout all the reasons for geekiness becoming cool, and it comes down to socializing. To be a nerd or a geek was once seen as weird, because popularity depends on social interaction, connectivity and ‘sharing’ what’s cool with your friends. The things which have always been popular are still popular, but now people communicate through means which they once mocked. Films and the internet have given geeky interests new life. Perhaps there is no divide anymore.

Important Announcement Regarding the SAC Podcast

Hello everyone!

Check out this bonus episode of the podcast where I give an update on the future of the show:

https://t.co/XSMlcV4UaR

I don't want to get much into the decision online, so I'm happy to discuss more with anyone interested offline.

Thanks for all of your support!

High Rollers: The Biggest Prize Pools in Gaming

People might still be debating if gaming can be considered a sport yet, but one thing’s for sure: the cash prizes are insane! Almost every big gaming organization, be it Poker or Dota 2, hosts massive tournaments with freakishly large cash prizes that could convince more than a few people to play the games.

Although it’s tempting to start playing a game because of the immense cash prizes, do keep in mind it’s not just a case of trying to win. There are plenty of sponsorships and deals involved, contracts to read and sign, and of course, a lot of practice involved to get good at the game.

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Poker - $82,512,162

Perhaps the most ridiculous prize pool in anything gaming-related is the World Series of Poker in 2006, where the prize pool exceeded $80 million. This record has yet to be broken and still remains the largest prize pool in the history of both Poker and gaming. The grand prize for the winner was Jamie Gold, taking home a delicious lump sum of $12,000,000.

However, that isn’t the largest 1st prize amount in the history of Poker. That award goes to Antonio Esfandiari, winner of the 2012 WSOP Event 55. The prize pool was a total of $42,666,672, and Esfandiari took home a whopping $18,346,673. Talk about incredible money!

Very few professional Poker players have taken home multiple titles, but they do regularly attend even if they’ve won a huge cash prize in the past. They play for the love of the game, and of course, they need to invest money into the game to bet with!

While you may be wondering if you want to get into Poker, you can always try your hand online and play with the help of NetEnt Online Casinos. While the cash prizes aren’t as high as these amazing events, there’s still a lot of competition online and you’re bound to have fun.

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Dota 2 - $20,770,640

The next award goes to Valve’s Dota 2 MOBA game, an online multiplayer game where two teams of five compete on a virtual battlefield with different heroes. The goal of the game is to destroy the enemy’s base, and you do this by utilizing the abilities and items that each hero has access to. Team play is critical in Dota 2 because each character specializes in a different role—a bit like traditional sports. There’s a lot of skill involved to play, but the game is free so you can try it out whenever you want.

The biggest prize pool in Dota 2 goes to Valve’s very own international event: The International 2016. There were a total of 80 players which made up 16 teams, all who battled through regional qualifiers to reach the world stage. First place went to Wings Gaming, a new Chinese team that dominated most of the tournament. They took home a total of $9,139,002 to share among themselves, and that’s not including any sponsorships or other deals they may have been offered afterwards.

Dota 2 currently holds the largest prize pool of any competitive video game. In addition to holding the Number 1 spot, it also holds the Number 2 and 3 spots with The International 2015 and The International 2014. Valve has increased the prize pool each year, and much of the money came from fans who purchased special items and virtual tickets to support their favourite team. The prize pool has been steadily increasing throughout the years. The biggest jump was from 2014 to 2015, where the prize pool jumped to a staggering $8 million.

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League of Legends - $5,070,000

Developed by Riot Games, League of Legends is another MOBA game with similar rules to Dota 2. There are some big differences, but it’s the same style of 5v5 combat with a large selection of champions to pick and many items to help power them up.

Riot Games hosts their own league which is unique to each region that plays the game. The top performers of each league are given an invitation to the world tournament where they compete against other regions for dominance. In 2016, the 1st place prize went to the team SK Telecom T1, and they took home a total of $2 million to split between them out of the $5 million prize pool. SK Telecom T1 won the championship in 2015, making this their second win on the global stage.

Players that compete in Riot’s leagues are also offered a salary because there aren’t many tournaments with cash prizes. This enables the players to focus purely on improving themselves and playing the game instead of worrying about a stable income.

Gaming tournaments can reach ridiculous prize pools, but don’t let that trick you into quitting your job. It takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of skill to become a champion!

Making Time for What You Want to Make Time For

The title of this post is something I say to people often. It can apply to anything (and anyone) and speaks to what we value and what we make space for in our lives. Granted, there is always more that we can do with our time, but often, I find that people suffer from inertia coming from what they've always done or whatever is easiest. Time is a finite resource. When we "save" it, it isn't going into some bank to use later, we have to make the most of the time that is given to us.

An example of this that often frustrates me is people making time for each other. Whether it is friends, colleagues, or family, we have to deliberately make time for whatever we want to make time for, even when that might not be the path of least resistance. We always give each other the pleasantries of wanting to meet up and do something or talk more, but we often don't. After the long days of our busy lives, we end up procrastinating about these sort of things. Perhaps those are efforts that are best left undone, maybe they don't deserve our time, but a lot of them might warrant our attention and we have to push through the inertia to actually make it happen. If we don't then the decision about it will probably be made for us by the people and tasks we're neglecting.

We can do more and be better by spending purposeful energy thinking about what specifically we want to make time for and actually making that time. Schedule time to talk with that person you want to talk to, make a to-do list about that project you want to get done, and figure out what in your life deserves your attention.

Inertia is the enemy of productivity and the enabler of complacency. We can do more and be better to each other by being aware of it and actively working against it. We have to make time for what we want to make time for. Only then will we feel empowered to make positive change for ourselves and each other.

Thanks for stopping by!

Worlds Collide: The Divide Between Gamblers And Gamers

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Obviously, love for games is synonymous with both video gamers and gamblers. So, why is there a divide between these two groups, at all? Well, from years of gaming, it’s easy to see that there are different motivations afoot! With a little snooping, it’s obvious that there’s a difference between the two communities. So, here’s a post to give you an insight into the distinction between and gambler and a gamer.

Of course, there are many similarities between the two communities. For one, without games, neither group would exist. And, with playing a game being both group’s goal, this is the primary connection they have with each other. But, there are other similarities, as well. Both communities are notorious for aggressive behavior in-game, and even out of the game, on forums and social media. Gamblers and gamers are also often looked at as reclusive people, only socializing when their favorite game is on offer. On a lighter note, you’ll also find both groups constantly vying for cheaper or free experiences. You’ll find the free spins guides and tricks to get free games that you find online to be very popular amongst the groups. So, what is really different about these groups?

Well, even though both parties will play games, they will play them for different reasons. For a gamer, there are loads of reasons to play. A lot of games have no competitive edge at all and are played simply for the story or fun factor. Other games, like MOBAs and FPSs, can get extremely competitive. For most gamblers, it’s all about the rush before and after a win. For example, most gamblers won’t be having much fun, if they’re losing.

A lot of the enjoyment both parties get from playing is found in the adrenaline rush the games cause. But, the chemicals in our bodies are triggered by different things. Gambling releases these chemicals because you’re in a position of risk. You have to out think, or out draw, your opponent. Within video games, adrenaline can be present because of many factors. Certain games will cause more chemicals to be released because of the action involved. A lot of games are based on pin point accuracy and reaction time, as well as strategy.

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Different people will play games or gamble for different reasons. But, most people do it all for the rush. Ultimately, your preference between video games and gambling is probably based on your age and social group. OIder generations and people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to gamble. Whereas young people and those considered to be nerdy will tend towards games. It can also depend on what you go hooked on first, as well. Both videos games and gambling require a dependency to remain fun. Whether you do it for the rush or because you want to escape the real world, you’re still dependent on it for your everyday entertainment.

These two communities are very similar. With the only real divides being the reasons for playing, generational gaps, and prejudices that are hard to shake. Whether you game or gamble, you’re still part of an elite community filled with interested people and new friends to make. So, drop the differences, and embrace the similarities.

Reflecting on Six Months at 2U

I recently had my first milestone at my new job; six months on the job in a very different environment still working with students everyday.

It has been a bit of a whirlwind that finally feels like it is settling down. I moved and started this job over the course of a weekend, didn't have a place to live setup, but it was all for the best. I love this company and how it works, the impact we have on students all over the country (and world), the opportunities I am granted, as well as the possibilities of where I could go with this team.

Here are some specific highlights from my time so far:

Every day is a holiday...

Something that has been really great about my experience so far has been that I've been able to have fun and do things I wouldn't be able to elsewhere. We've had several parties for various occasions over the past six months (Employee Appreciation. Impact Report Release, Halloween, to name a few), I went to our company meeting in Orlando, and I've also gotten to go to cool places in DC and will go to NYC next month for our program's student Immersions. I'll have the opportunity to go to other places next year as well as work out of any of our offices across the country if I want to. Just appreciating the awesome things I get to do alongside the work I do everyday for my students has made this time really precious. Our work is hard, but it is important to be mindful and take time to value everything that is given to us. As our CEO says, "Every day is a holiday, every meal is a feast".

A Sense of Urgency

A big change over the past six months has been moving from a campus to a business. We work with students and colleges every day, but our culture and the way we do things is very different. We're a higher ed tech company that moves quick and is always trying to improve. We're in the business of doing right by our students and partners, so that's always a driving force, but we also are trying to grow as an organization. It has been hard at times, but more often than not, I feel like this is the type of vibe I work best in. There is an energy and vibrancy that compels you to do better. I didn't feel that as much at any past institution I've been at, not to say it doesn't exist, but it feels like it is harder at a venerable institution that might be more slow moving.

The Future of Higher Ed

Online education is experiencing a resurgence right now as best practices are solidified and quality is able to scale. We're evolving past MOOCs and simple platforms. We're moving on to replicating what works best from on-campus education, augmenting it with technology, and serving it up to the world. We're bringing amazing institutions to places they've never been and expanding their student base way faster than they ever could on-campus. It's really impressive to behold!

I can talk about 2U all day, so please connect if you want to learn more or apply. We're growing fast and can use all the good people we can get!

Thanks for stopping by!

How Sports Betting Can Be a Walk in the Park

Like all forms of gambling, betting on sports is capable of being both fun and frustrating. It goes without saying that most people will be hoping for more of the former than the latter. The truth is, there is only a certain amount you can do to make that happen - but at least there is something you can do. Betting on sports can be done in such a way as to improve your chances, and make it a more enjoyable experience all round. In this post, we will go through some of the key pieces of advice for ensuring that placing bets is a walk in the park.

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Only Bet What You Can

This first piece of advice is probably the most important to bear in mind. It can be all too easy to find yourself betting away more money than you really can afford to. While this might not be a problem in the early days, it won’t take too long before it is more of an issue. First things first, you should be careful to remember to only place bets that you can actually afford to place. That way, it is much more likely that you will be able to keep your distance and make it more profitable and more fun. If you are unsure about whether or not to make a big bet - then don’t!

Look For The Best Odds

Before you really get into this kind of betting, you need to know what the odds mean. Getting to grips with the odds is essential if you want to make the most of this experience. Beyond that, you also need to know where to find the best odds possible. Different bookmakers offer differing odds, so it pays to know where to look. Mostly, this is just a matter of experience, and as such it will take some time. Eventually, you will know where to look for the best bets in horse racing and the best bets in football. It is just a matter of patience.

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Remember: There Is Always Some Risk Involved

Betting and gambling are not problems in themselves as such. But when you start to get out of control with it, it can quickly become an issue. A key thing is to always remind yourself that there is definitely going to be some risk involved. It is worth remembering this, as it is in forgetting it that real problems arise. Even when you find incredibly good odds, there is a chance that it will not go through and you will end up worse off. So remember that there is always a risk, and you will be unlikely to go far wrong.

Have A Plan

This last piece of advice is something which very few people actually take on board. However, it can soon prove to be particularly useful for anyone who wants to get into betting on sports. If you want to carry on with your sports betting, it is a good idea to have a plan. This simply means that you know how much you intend to bet each month, regardless of what you get back. Having a plan makes it much easier to stay on top of it all.

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Here is Why Gaming is Great for Socializing

A lot of gamers would describe themselves as introverted. Some people think that being introverted means that you don’t enjoy company or that you don’t want to have any friends because you prefer to spend time on your own, but that isn’t necessarily the case. The difference between introverts and extroverts is actually just that introverts also need their alone time to relax and to recharge, while extroverts relax better in the company of others. When socializing is exhausting, it’s sometimes hard to force yourself to get out and meet people – but luckily, gaming is a hobby that’s much more sociable than a lot of people think. Here’s why…

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Gaming can encourage socializing. Researchers have found that players of multiplayer online games were encouraged to socialize with each other thanks to their gaming hobby – gaming didn’t take away from socializing but rather it was something that was done simultaneously as people chatted online at the same time. If you’re a gamer, chances are you’re pretty clued in about what conventions are coming up, about anything from Star Wars to anime. Not only are conventions fun and informative but they’re also an opportunity for people to socialize, to be creative – generally, to be their best selves and to share that with other people who understand.

You can find romance online. Meeting potential partners through apps and on dating sites is how many people do dating these days. Going up to people in bars and clubs isn’t really the done thing as much, meaning that people relying on old methods to meet boyfriends and girlfriends may be missing out. But if you’re used to communicating via screen, you’re much more likely to be able to strike up a good conversation on Tinder or through another app, meaning that you’re more likely to form a solid, long-lasting relationship. It’s also been discovered that a number of people have found love through MMORGs – what you choose to do with your character is often indicative of what you’re like in ‘real life’, meaning that the people you’re playing with are seeing the ‘real you’ even if you’re hidden behind an avatar.

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There are plenty of games that are designed to bring people closer together. This summer, Pokémon Go encouraged people to leave their computers behind and take their phones outside, and friendships were formed as people hunted for Pikachu and shared Pokémon Go tricks in their local parks. Minecraft is also a common hobby and has captured a generation of children. It’s something that a lot of elementary school boys in particular enjoy that builds friendships between them, and it’s also a game that greatly benefits kids with autism as it’s something that they find a lot easier to understand than other forms of social interaction.

Sharing common interests brings people closer together. A lot of friendships are built through online communities. Some might argue that it’s easy to misrepresent yourself online or to build yourself up as someone you aren’t, and although that’s true, you can also build sincere and long-lasting friendships and relationships after you meet online because you game together or you’re a fan of the same band or TV show. Gaming isn’t just a way to socialize – it’s a way to build relationships with like-minded people who you might not otherwise have met.

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Gaming Championships: Everything That New Gamers Should Know

Back in the early 2000’s, when gaming first became a big thing, it was simply seen as being a hobby. Because, surely, playing video games couldn’t be anything more than time-wasting, right? Actually, that’s wrong. Just like any other hobby gaming requires a specialist skillset and knowledge. Plus, it actually is good for you - gaming can relieve stress and, believe it or not, increase concentration.

Today, some of the world’s best gamers not only make money off of gaming but also compete in gaming championships. As there are now hundreds of competitive gaming events held across the world each year, has gaming become a sport? Well, because it doesn’t involve physical exertion, technically it’s not a sport. Instead, it’s been dubbed an e-sport - aka, an electronic sport.

For gaming newbies, the world of competitive gaming can be confusing. Getting your head around the fact that gaming isn’t just a hobby for geeks, but an e-sport that there are competitions held for, can be hard. To give you a better insight into what pro gaming is, below is a list of the things that you should know about this modern sport.

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Almost every game has a championship

The first thing to know is that almost every game has some sort of championship held each year. Some are national, and some are international, it depends on how big games are in certain places. All successful pro gamers tend to stick to just one game, such as World of Warcraft, and specialize in that. Think of pro gamers like athletes. Most athletes only focus on one sport to give them the best chance of being successful at it, and it’s the same with gaming.

So, if you have aspirations to become a pro gamer, it’s important to focus on just one game. Take League of Legends, for instance. If that’s your favorite game, spend as much time as you can improving your play, and learning all there is to know about the game. Use a LoL boost or rent a skilled duo queue partner and watch how they play, so that you’re able to improve your gaming.

There are big payouts for the winners

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Just like sports competitions come with big payouts for the winners, so do gaming competitions. Each gaming competition has a different prize amount, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. So pro-gamers have the potential to earn a good amount just from gaming. As long as they’re successful and win, that is.

There are fans

Just like regular sports have fans, so do e-sports. For this reason, the majority of e-sports events and competitions are held in arenas, and tickets to watch them live are sold. Just like some footballers are sporty kid’s heroes, some gamers, like the members of the LoL KTA team, are idolized by fans.

Gaming championships are becoming so popular that they’ve even starting to be streamed online. There are many sites online that stream live gaming events for fans to access and watch. In some countries, gaming events are even shown live on TV, like sports events are.

Today, gaming is an incredibly popular e-sport, making it a great hobby to take up.

You'll Gamble Like a Pro After Reading This

Do you wish you could gamble like a pro? Maybe you’ve been to a casino before but felt too intimidated to do anything but use the penny slots. People can actually make a living by gambling professionally. You might only want to do it for a bit of fun. Whatever your reasons, these tips can help you to become a better gambler:

Make Sure You Focus And Keep A Clear Head

Keeping focus and a clear head is absolutely crucial if you’re going to gamble. It can be tempting to drink to excess when gambling. Some gamblers even choose to use light drugs while playing. However, this is a quick way to lose focus and lose the game. Having a clear head is the best way to become the best player at the table. Don’t go overboard.

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Ignore All Superstition

There are a few different superstitions that can crop up as you gamble. These may vary depending on where you’re gambling. For instance, some say that touching shoulders is bad luck. Some people refuse to play or be paid with 50 dollar bills. Some people even refuse to walk through the main entrance of casinos. It’s always best to use logic and ignore all superstition in gambling situations. You don’t want any old wives tales affecting your games.

Have Money You’re Free To Gamble With

If you don’t have money that you’re free to gamble with, you shouldn’t be gambling. Gambling with money meant for food or bills will no doubt make you nervous. This will undoubtedly mean that you’re not playing to the best of your abilities. You should always have money you’re free to gamble with. If this is going to become a hobby of yours, you could consider setting up a separate bank account and putting around 10% of what you earn in there for your games. Make sure you have self control. Don’t be tempted to use money outside of the account. This is how problems can start.

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Gamble Where You Feel Comfortable First

Gambling where you feel comfortable at first is crucial. Although you might think that you’re a gambling pro, trying to play with the high rollers straight away is usually a bad idea. Play where you feel comfortable and then build yourself up. Some people prefer online gambling when they are just started out, for example, the casino shown here. This is totally your choice. Make sure you feel at ease. 

Come Up With A Good Plan

Finally, a good plan is crucial. Some people do use blind luck to win when they gamble, but the majority of the time, a good plan trumps all. Many casinos have banned counting cards during blackjack. That’s because if you can count cards, you’re pretty much going to win. Unless you can do this without making it obvious, don’t try it. You’ll likely get kicked out of the casino. Some people like to have a system for certain games, such as roulette. They might go black, red, red, black, red, black black, and so on and so forth. Patterns can sometimes be a smart way to play. Try looking at online forums to get advice on systems and patterns people use when gambling.