How To Elevate The Decor In Your Home

If you are moving into a new home, you want to fill it with beautiful things. You probably have a particular aesthetic you hope to achieve with your decorating intentions. Or maybe you are ready for an overall refresh of your current living situation. There are some fun and easy ways to make a mood change that you will appreciate for years.  

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Buy Some Books

Books have a way of drawing people in. They have a distinct scent. They are tangible and want to be picked up by everyone in the room. Your favorite tome that you long to display in your home may seem out of reach or unavailable, but you have options when wondering how to find vintage books. 

An estate sale is one of the best ways to find old and beautiful books. It is not so much of a “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” scenario. An estate sale is more of a moment in time when one person is ready to pass on their beloved treasures to the next person who will hold them in value. These sales are ripe for the picking, and you get the thrill of the proverbial hunt in the process of tracking down a good book.

Once you have your new-to-you books, it is time to display them. As you have surely noticed lately, there is a trend of showcasing your books by color or size. You can do what suits your aesthetic and sensibilities. Place all of the classics together with their beautiful and rich leather-bound spines. Or lay some books flat and stack them for a unique configuration. Do what looks good and you will appreciate seeing when you walk in the room.

Paint Something

Never underestimate the power of paint. You can hide blemishes, change the entire feel of a room, or remake a piece of furniture. Using the same color for a clean refresh is one way to go. Another option is to select a different color in a contrasting or complementary shade.

If you have new art acquired from an estate sale or a piece you enjoy but do not see in its best light on the wall, some paint may do the trick. Pick up several paint swatches or paint stickers from your local store. Place them to the side of the picture frame and adhere to the wall. 

Now, step back and take a look. Leave the swatches in place for a few days or weeks to decide which paint color enhances the art and works with the rest of your decor. Just by painting one wall that is directly behind the art, you create a whole new focal point and elevate your room in one step.

Watch this video for expert tips on how to paint using best practices from a professional with years of painting experience.

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Whether you are bringing beloved old books that look great and you enjoy reading into your home or making a splash with color, you have many options for changing the look and feel of your home.

3 Ways Gaming Can Benefit Your Life

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Are you thinking about becoming a gamer? Gaming can be a great way for you to relieve stress and anxiety. It has been found that gaming is not just about having fun but it can also be a way to help your mental health as well.

If you're ready to invest in your first gaming setup, you should not hesitate. Here's a closer look at how becoming a gamer can help to improve your life.

Get a Break

For most people life can be very intense. You may have work and school commitments. Gaming provides a way for you to take a break from all the challenges that life has to offer.

Gaming helps to bring you into a more relaxing world even if it is imaginary. You will become enraptured in a story and you have new challenges that you find interesting and exciting. 

At the very least you can take your mind away from any challenges the day may have to offer and at least for a period of time, help you to feel energized in a new way.

Find a Way to Express Your Creativity

Gaming also offers a great way for you to express your creativity. There are certain games that give you creative tools. You can manipulate the world of the game that you are in to create something fun and unique to your personality at the same time.

Gaming in general also help presents you with a challenges. Each time you overcome a challenge it makes you feel more confident. This has a strong psychological impact. 

Whether you know it or not you're teaching your brain that you can overcome challenges and you can transfer this mentality to other areas of your life as well.

Another way to express your creativity is to get stickers of your favorite game. For example, you can get an attack on titan sticker pack and place stickers wherever you like. Place them on tumblers, your laptop and even water bottles. Why not keep your favorite game close at all times?

Socialize with Other Gamers

Gaming can be a great way for you to meet new people all be it anonymously. The social interaction is great for your confidence. It is one of the best ways to find your social circle especially if you are an introvert.

Many people find long-term friendships in this way. Even if you never meet the people that you play with face to face you can still develop a connection with them and this can be a great way for you to connect with others who share your passion.

Start Gaming Today

Now that you know all the benefits you can receive from gaming, there's no need for you to delay getting your gaming set up or as soon as possible. The sooner you get it the quicker you will start having fun.

Of course, everything should be done in moderation. Your gaming habits should not overwhelm your life in any way, it should only add fun and give you a form of self-expression.

Geeky Games on the Horizon in 2023

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If you’re a gaming geek, there is always something to engage your interest, why not dive into the archives for some nostalgia from your gaming past? But if you want some games to capture your imagination again and bring back some of the magic, this year is a great time for releases.   

Starfield 

If you enjoyed the characters, magical worlds, and gameplay of Fallout 4, Doom Eternal, and The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim, you’re going o love the next offering from Bethesda Game Studio - Starfield. Starfield is the first universe-themed title from the developer in 25 years. 

Starfield is set to be a hit with Bethesda fans and geeks across the board, but it’s not the only online game that can entertain you this summer. Casino games offer a wide range of games and chance to win but always play responsibly as gambling businesses are considered high risk. 

Resident Evil 4 

For geeks that loved blasting the undead in Resident Evil 4 back in 2005, get set for a revival. Capcom is set to release a Resident Evil 4 remake this year with certain variations to the storyline and characters. Not only that, there will be enhancements to audio and video quality. 

Resident Evil 4 is famous for its realistic graphics and survival horror experience, so a remake is an eye-popping prospect. If you get a kick out of a horror thriller and you love to battle zombies in the land of Resident Evil, geek out this year with the remake. It’s available on PC and Xbox.   

PayDay 3 

Following on the heels of PayDay 2, the next offering in the franchise sees the gang get back together for another heist. What motivates them is still unclear, but we can expect more bank break-ins, looting, and drug dealing. PayDay 3 is set to be just as popular as its predecessors.  

The PayDay franchise is a first-person shooter that follows the fortunes of a criminal gang operating throughout the US. The gang is made up of 22 individuals, and you can take control of any one of them. The third installment promises to be entertaining and lively. It’s out in 2023.    

Street Fighter 6    

CapCom’s Street Fighter game has been a hit since its first incarnation in the late 1980s. Over the years, the franchise has been updated and revitalized for new generations and audiences. Street Fighter versions offer the familiarity of the characters with the novelty of new moves. 

Street Fighter 6 promises to be yet another hit in the franchise with top-notch graphics, excellent settings, and novel features to make it more entertaining. If you enjoyed any of the Street Fighter versions and you have a Playstation, PC, or Xbox, put it on your most wanted list.      

Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy fans will be happy to hear the next installment in the franchise is just around the corner, promising more classical artwork, tense storylines, and plenty of combat. Final Fantasy XVI will keep fans occupied over summer. It is available to play on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox.

4 Geeky Games That Are More Popular Than Ever

If you are interested in games but are unsure of which ones are most popular then you have come to the right place. You don't even have to play these older versions, not when you can can even decide to use companies to print off your own. Print MTG cards come in excellent quality, allowing you to play with friends, and this helps you to build a deck you can be proud of! Expanding your hobby will be an exciting way to spend some time!

Below you will find four of the most popular games that you can geek out to either on your own or with old and new friends. 

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Pokemon Cards

First, you might want to consider diving into the Pokemon Card trading game. This came to fruition during the Pokemon boom in the 90’s but it still has a mainstream presence. Kids and children alike love collecting these cards. The great thing about this game is that it does have a relatively short learning curve. That makes it far more accessible compared to alternative possibilities. If you’re interested in new investment opportunities, the cards can also sell online for an absolute fortune. However, do be aware that the valuable cards are often incredibly difficult to find. More often than not, it’s a case of pure luck rather than skill. Begin with a starter set and move forward from there to explore this game. 

Magic: The Gathering 

Magic: The Gathering is a card game that has been popular for a lot of years now and still has an active following. You can complete an MTG advanced search online to find the cards that you want and build the right deck. Be aware that there are a lot of rules to follow here with some cards now deemed to be illegal. This isn’t quite as important if you are playing for fun. However, it could be worth noting if you are interested in exploring some of the competitions that are held all around the country. 

Warhammer 

If you haven’t played Warhammer it can be great fun. It’s half art and half a tabletop game with incredibly detailed pieces. The game also has plenty of lore attached to it if you want to dive into the rich story. Why is this game so popular? Some people find painting and assembling the different figures incredibly relaxing and rewarding to see the finished results. However, it does take a certain amount of practice and indeed, patience. Warhammer is expected to become even more popular in the future as Henry Cavill plots a big blockbuster franchise with him starring in one of the lead roles. 

Minecraft 

Finally, if you love online gaming then there is one that you are bound to fall in love with. Minecraft was created as a game that has no particular purpose or end result. It is a game where the player chooses what they do and how they want their gaming experience to go. Minecraft is not only popular among children and adults, it is also used in many schools. The reason schools are letting children play this is because it is a great teacher of physics, geology, and electronics. 

We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on the best geeky games you can join or play. Remember, games don’t always have to involve other people but it is nice if they do.

Why College Students Should Adopt Healthy Meal Plans

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The average college diet consists of sugary cereal for breakfast, fried food for lunch, and pizza topped with all manner of horrors for dinner. Add energy drinks to the mix and you have a recipe for bodily disaster. 

Sure, students are young and most can cope with such things. However, if you're going down this route, you’re not doing the right things for your health, and you could be setting yourself up for trouble. 

This post takes a look at why college students should adopt healthy meal plans and why. 

But first, what is a healthy meal plan? Well, ultimately, it’s a meal plan based on real foods as they come out of the ground. They tend to be nutrient-rich, low in sugar and refined fat, and high in phytonutrients that boost the immune system. 

Here’s how being healthy can be a great bonus for college students. 

Nutrient-Rich Foods Support Good Mental Health

Students’ mental health on college campuses can be quite poor. There is a lot of pressure to perform, and many people drop out before completing their courses. 

Fortunately, research shows that nutrient-rich foods help to fight depression. Students who reduce their intake of sugar and fat, and increase the number of whole foods they eat, tend to feel better about their lives.

Interestingly, men are at the highest risk of depression on college campuses. So make sure you eat your greens. 

Eating Good Food Makes It Easier To Sleep At Night

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College students don’t always get a lot of sleep. And even when they do, they often find themselves waking up in the night to go to the bathroom. 

Fortunately, eating good foods increases the likelihood of sleeping well at night. Studies show that students who sleep the best eat the most unprocessed meals, meaning they cook from scratch instead of ordering take-outs or throwing stuff in the microwave. 

Proper Nutrition Boosts Academic Performance

Eating a nourishing, balanced diet, may also dramatically improve academic performance. For example, students who consume a high-quality breakfast tend to pass exams more often than those who don’t. Simply going on a vegan diet and eating more fruits and vegetables can increase your grade point average by around 0.15. 

It all comes down to how these nutrients impact brain processing power. The more you consume them, the better your cognitive functioning becomes. 

High-Quality Meals Improve Your Mood

Nobody wants to walk around campus looking and feeling miserable. At university, you should be having the time of your life, not wallowing in despair. 

That’s where high-quality meals can help. Research shows that these mood-improving superfoods can beat college stress and increase dopamine levels, lowering the risk of depression. 

You should try to eat fermented foods, too, such as yogurt and sauerkraut. These contain probiotics that help to populate your gut, increasing serotonin levels. You’ll also want to consume plenty of oats since these contain lots of fiber which can also improve gut health. Lastly, eat plants high in phytonutrients, like walnuts, cocoa, and berries, since all of these can have a positive effect on mood.

BONUS Episode #177: Dr. Perry LaRoque on Creating Access for Learners with Disabilities

Welcome to another great episode of the podcast!

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We have a merch shop! Go find tons of cool gear and support the show at our storefront.

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Our guest for this bonus episode is Dr. Perry LaRoque, Founder and President of Mansfield Hall. Perry shares his story and reflections on his recent book, Taking Flight, as well as his podcast of the same name. He also details the ways that institutions can be more inclusive of learners with disabilities.

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Listen to the episode below, or subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify.

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Play These Games If You Want To Be A Genius

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There are a lot of ways to improve your brain’s working and to make the most of your natural intelligence. And one of the most enjoyable ways is to simply play some games. As it happens, there are a few games in particular which are specifically good for brain training, as it were, and which you might therefore want to play or get into playing if you want to work on your brain. Let’s take a look at some of the best examples of those kinds of games right now. All of the following are worth trying out if you haven’t already.

Magic: The Gathering

Despite having a nerdy reputation, Magic also has a very strong reputation as a brain-training exercise. In fact, Mensa considers it more or less the single best game to play for that reason, better even than chess. Part of the reason is that Magic involves a lot of interacting rules which takes some real intellect to figure out, and it really is a workout at the best of times. If you want to try it out without spending loads of money on collectible cards, you can buy some cheaper Magic proxy cards first while you learn the game.

Chess

Of course, this is probably the first game that people think about when they are trying to find a game that’s good for the mind. And there is no doubt that chess fulfills that considerably. If you were to play chess daily, you would probably find that you do indeed gain some intelligence, and if you think about the ideal of someone with a high IQ, a chess grandmaster might be the kind of image that comes to mind. It’s definitely worth learning if you haven’t done so already, or playing more if you have. This article by Misha Solodovnikov talks about what is happening in the chess world to give you a deeper insight into the game.

Go

More obscure than chess is the game of Go, which is another ancient board game that is renowned for being particularly difficult to play and especially to master. A thoroughly mathematical game, Go is one that can take quite a long time to learn, and yet the rules are relatively simple too, so anyone can get into it if they have the time and the patience to do so. All in all, Go is well worth trying out, and it is definitely something that will give you the chance to get your brain warmed up. You might even find you get quite addicted to trying to beat it.

Poker

Although people don’t often think of poker in these terms, the truth is that winning poker requires more than just luck: it also requires a good understanding and use of statistics and probabilities, combined with a keen social awareness. Those are both important kinds of intelligence, so playing a lot of poker is bound to help you develop those somewhat. You might be amazed at how much this helps, and it’s the kind of thing that is definitely worth trying out if you want to expand your horizons somewhat in the future.

Episode #176: Greg Rosenbaum & Julia Shatilo on Getting Involved in SXSW EDU

Welcome to another great episode of the podcast!

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We have a merch shop! Go find tons of cool gear and support the show at our storefront.

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Our guests for this episode are Greg Rosenbaum and Julia Shatilo from SXSW EDU to talk about this year’s event and how folks can get involved. They give an overview of the notable themes and upcoming sessions for the conference as well as how their digital experience took shape.

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Listen to the episode below, or subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify.

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Want to Further Your Education? Here are your Options

If you want to build on your current level of education then you may be surprised to see that there are a lot of different options out there, depending on your general availability. If you want to find out more then the only thing you have to do is take a look below.

Take a Class

If you want to improve your skills, whether it is drawing or using software, you may want to take a class. Taking a class is one of the best ways for you to see where you need to improve, while also helping you to get a better idea of how you can do this. One class might well be all you need to take to find out where you stand, and if you do need extra help, you can easily enrol on a course. A lot of the time you can find educational materials online, on sites such as this one: www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/particle-nature-of-matter-video-for-kids/.

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Degree Program

It may be that you want to change fields or that there is a certain career you feel like you want to pursue. If this is the case then you may want to undertake a degree program. Most people choose to do this if they need a degree to apply for a certain job position. When undergoing this kind of further education, you should know that there are many options available. You can earn an associate degree, which will take you around two years, or you can take a master’s degree. This will take you between one and three years.

Internship

Interning will usually involve you working for an organisation, but in a lower-level role. This gives you the chance to learn about the company or the sector. People tend to intern at well-known companies, such as Apple or Nike. Smaller companies often have openings too, and the great thing about interning is that it gives you a perspective of whether or not you’d like to work somewhere before you delve too deeply into your training.

Broaden your Horizons

Broadening your perspectives can mean a lot of different things. It may be that you want to learn about matters in another country or it may be that you want to take part in a study program that is halfway across the world. Either way, if you can take the time to open up your mind or if you can try to gain insight into how things work then this will help you to further your education.

Volunteer

Volunteering is very similar to taking an internship, but you won’t get paid for it. It’s very easy for you to volunteer when it suits your schedule and most of the time you can decide how much or how little time you invest. If you want to gain experience in things like accounting then you may want to manage the books for a charitable organisation. This is a great way for you to add to your resume, so make sure that you are mindful of this and that you take steps to try and see what options are out there.

BONUS Episode #175: Daniel Kalef on Bringing Cannabis Education to Campus

Welcome to another great episode of the podcast!

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Make sure to fill out our listener survey!

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We have a merch shop! Go find tons of cool gear and support the show at our storefront.

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Our guest for this bonus episode is Daniel Kalef, Vice President of Higher Education at Green Flower. He shares how he got into this unique work and how they navigate the blurry legal status of cannabis nationwide to forge partnerships that create positive results for institutions and students.

• Leafly

• Marijuana Moment

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Listen to the episode below, or subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify.

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