Guides

Gaming with the Big B

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2022

It is, without a doubt, one of the body’s most complicated organs.

Made up of billions of neurons, with each electrical pulse traveling at 268 miles per hour, our brains have seemingly unlimited storage capacity.

That mass of pink, crinkly, blobby stuff hidden in our skull controls thought, memory, temperature, movement, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, hunger and pretty much every process that regulates our body.

It’s a marvelous evolutionary piece of engineering or a miracle from God, depending on which side of the creationist/evolutionary fence you sit on.

But what happens to our brains when we play computer games? Does it, as some studies suggest, increase our cognitive ability or does it, as my mum would say, “turn you into a dribbling wreck with square eyes!”.

Let’s take a deeper look at how gaming affects the pink stuff.

Scientists writing for Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reviewed and summarized 116 scientific studies and found that not only does our brain perform differently when playing video games, but it also changes the structure!

Attention, for instance, is much more efficient in gamers than in non-gamers.

The research also showed that playing video games increases the size of the brain that deals with visuospatial skills – a person’s ability to identify visual and spatial relationships among objects. These are needed for movement, depth and distance perception. Poor driving, for instance, can be a result of impaired visuospatial skills.

But what happens to our brains at a chemical level when playing video games?

The two most popular chemicals released when we play are Dopamine and Oxytocin, both created and released in the brain.

Dopamine creates a sense of joyfulness and pleasure, whilst Oxytocin is known as the love hormone; it plays a key role in social bonding.

Dopamine release is one of the main reasons gaming is considered addictive. You play, you get excited, Dopamine gets released, and you want to feel that “pleasure” feeling time and again.

It’s not the only drawback of too much gaming; sitting behind a screen for too long and not moving can cause obesity, loneliness, isolation, neck and back problems and depression.

Telltale signs of gaming addiction can include intense urges to play, buying games you really can’t afford, neglecting your appearance and lying to yourself and others about how much you play.

These symptoms are very similar to those suffering from gambling addictions, and if you are experiencing any of them, please reach out and talk to someone.

That’s because Dopamine is also released when gambling; every time you hit a spin win, jackpot or win on the roulette table, Dopamine is released.

The problem with Dopamine is that your body develops a tolerance to it. The more you play, the more you build tolerance, causing players to seek out that rush by betting or playing more often.

And that’s only half of the problem. Scientists have found that people with gambling problems have increased connectivity to the Dopamine reward system of the brain PLUS reduced connectivity to the prefrontal cortex. This front portion of the brain controls planning, personality and the ability to process consequences.

In other words, the brain is going, “wooo Dopamine, I don’t care if I lose money I can’t afford to”.

Why does all this matter? Well, both playing games and gambling have become intertwined in recent years. Online casinos have developed interactive gambling and ever more realistic video-style slots to play.

They also constantly use gambling and gaming interchangeably when promoting their products and brands.

Gaming and gambling are becoming more connected than ever. And perhaps, that’s understandable, not just because of the technological developments but also because of the age demographic of those playing. Video games are no longer the preserve of teenagers!

More than 215 million people play video games in the USA, with the average age of gamers being 33 years old. It’s a global industry worth $220 BILLION!

And that’s just video games. Online casino gambling is estimated to have a global worth of $145 BILLION.

And let’s be honest, online casinos want people to bet more and more because they want more and more money.

Making and designing games that appeal to video game players and demarking the industry as more of a gaming environment than a gambling environment are two strategies that have been employed by online casinos for quite some time because they’re looking to tap into the gaming market and attract more and more customers from it.

And informing all of their thinking is how the brain reacts when playing games or gambling.

For instance, gameplay is a classic way to encourage gamers to gamble. Years ago, an online slot machine was similar to those you’d find in a land-based casino, consisting of three reels, probably fruit icons for win lines and three bells for a jackpot.

These days video slots can have detailed animations as introductions, realistic high-end graphics, and interactive characters distributing an array of special features such as sticky wilds, stacked wilds and random win features.

Online casinos have also taken a leaf out of the gaming world when it comes to the sounds and lights of a slot. Not only do catchy tunes and bright flashing lights make it a more immersive experience. Bright lights and sounds are extremely powerful when combined with reward uncertainty. If your looking for an online casino that fits your style, have a look at the selection at casinos.win, each is thoroughly researched and reviewed.

Take Mario, for instance, one of the pioneers of the gaming world; even back then, in the 80s, the repetitive soundtrack pulsed and got louder as the action got wilder, evoking an ever greater thrill and expectation.

Imagine then that you have two bonuses already on your slot and the last reel is spinning faster and faster, the sound getting louder and louder and your expectation of landing that final bonus to get you on the bonus feature gets bigger and bigger. You are about to win big, or so you think.

But it doesn’t stick, and instead of calling it a day, you want to gamble more because you were ‘soooo’ close to getting on the bonus feature. Special sound cues like this when you’re on the verge of thinking you’re about to win increases excitement and your probability to carry on betting. Those electronic impulses in your brain just went into overdrive.

Another type of gambling strategy based on gaming is proving skill. Many new games now evoke games by making them look like games of skill rather than games of chance. There’s been an explosion in the gambling world of battle-style/tribal-style slots where the perception of the game is that there is some skill involved in winning rather than being the game of chance it really is.

But it isn’t all one-way traffic.

Over the years, the gaming world has also lifted some pretty nifty ideas from the online gambling world.

Loot boxes are a classic example. Paying to open a box of treasure, spinning a prize wheel or spinning to win a prize to open a box has long been a staple of online casinos.

Loot boxes, where gamers use actual money to purchase keys to open the loot boxes, chests, cases, crates, or bundles to receive a virtual item and enhance the game play are now a common occurrence in gaming; as is paying to upgrade levels, buy specific items or new download packs.

eSports is another area where the gaming and gambling markets have become indelibly linked with gamblers now able to bet on competitive video game playing.

Social Casinos are also on the rise and once again blur the lines. Normally produced by online casinos, they offer everything a normal casino offers without the wagering requirement. Obviously, the hope from the casino is that you will enjoy yourself and go on to play at a real money casino.

Both the gaming and gambling markets are so successful because they spend vast amounts of time and money understanding every nuance of their target audiences and how their brains tick. They investigate how their audience will think, how they will react, what excites them, what will continue to excite them and so on.

Nothing is left to chance for these global markets; that’s why they are global markets.

So, if you think you’re developing a gaming or gambling problem, please reach out and speak to someone.

There are numerous strategies that can help, including reducing screen time, not playing when under the influence, setting yourself time and deposit limits and many more.

If you don’t want to speak to someone, check out one of the many gambling or gaming support websites that are only a Google click away.

But remember this key point. When things stop being fun, when you are consumed by one thing, when you put it above all else, including health and wealth, then you do have a problem. Seek help and advice at the earliest opportunity, don’t simply ignore it.

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What is DoujinDesu? & Top 10 Alternatives for Manga Lovers in 2024

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

Charles Brown

DoujinDesu is an online platform that caters to anime and manga enthusiasts, specifically focusing on doujinshi—self-published works created by independent artists. The site serves as a hub for fans to explore a diverse range of manga, novels, and art, fostering a community-driven experience. Users can easily access a vast library of content, enabling them to discover new artists and stories while supporting independent creators. However, the legality of content shared on DoujinDesu has raised concerns among users, prompting many to seek alternatives.

Legal Considerations for Manga Lovers

When accessing manga online, it’s essential to consider legal implications. Doujinshi often exists in a gray area regarding copyright laws, as many works may not have official licenses. While platforms like DoujinDesu provide a space for independent creators, users should be aware of the potential legal risks involved in accessing and sharing unlicensed content. To navigate these concerns, many manga lovers opt for platforms that offer officially licensed material, ensuring a legal and ethical reading experience.

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Top 10 Alternatives to DoujinDesu in 2024

Here are ten noteworthy alternatives for manga lovers looking for safe and legal content:

1. Manganato

Manganato offers a large collection of manga across various genres, making it a popular choice for readers. The user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and access to the latest chapters.

2. MangaDex

MangaDex is a well-established platform that focuses on community-driven content. It hosts a wide array of manga, allowing users to upload their translations and enjoy a diverse selection of titles.

3. VyManga

VyManga provides an extensive library of manga titles, with a particular focus on user-friendliness and accessibility. The site is frequently updated with new releases and popular series.

4. CoffeeManga

CoffeeManga caters to fans looking for high-quality manga with a clean interface. It features a range of genres and allows users to browse easily and discover new content.

5. Manganelo

Manganelo is another excellent alternative that offers a vast collection of manga. The site features an intuitive layout, making it simple for users to find their favorite series and explore new ones.

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6. Manga Plus

Manga Plus is an official platform by Shueisha, providing access to popular manga titles as they are released in Japan. Users can read many series for free, making it a legal and ethical option.

7. KunManga

KunManga focuses on providing a wide variety of manga titles, featuring both popular series and lesser-known gems. The site emphasizes user engagement, allowing readers to leave comments and recommendations.

8. Webtoon

Webtoon is a popular platform that specializes in webcomics and digital manga. With a diverse range of genres and original content, it caters to a broad audience of readers.

9. MangaPlaza

MangaPlaza offers a rich library of manga, focusing on providing officially licensed content. The platform features user-friendly navigation and a variety of genres.

10. MangaBerri

MangaBerri is known for its vast collection of manga, with a straightforward interface that makes finding and reading series easy. The platform often updates its library with new releases.

How to Choose the Best Manga Platform for You?

Selecting the right manga platform depends on several factors, including your reading preferences, the availability of titles, and legal considerations. Consider the following when making your choice:

Content Variety: Look for platforms that offer a wide selection of genres and titles.
Legal Status: Prioritize platforms that provide officially licensed content to ensure a legal reading experience.
User Experience: Evaluate the site’s layout and ease of navigation.
Community Engagement: Some platforms encourage user interaction and reviews, enhancing your reading experience.

Why DoujinDesu Alternatives Matter?

Finding alternatives to DoujinDesu is essential for manga lovers who wish to access content safely and legally. By exploring other platforms, readers can discover a broader range of officially licensed titles, support artists and creators, and engage with vibrant online communities. The shift towards legal platforms also helps to combat piracy and promotes the growth of the manga industry.

Conclusion

DoujinDesu has captured the hearts of many anime and manga fans, but its legal implications have led many to seek alternatives. Fortunately, a wealth of platforms exists to cater to manga lovers’ diverse tastes and preferences. By exploring these alternatives, readers can enjoy a legal, enriching experience while supporting the creators they admire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes DoujinDesu popular?

DoujinDesu is popular due to its extensive collection of doujinshi, user-friendly interface, and strong community engagement, allowing fans to discover new artists and stories.

Are there legal issues with DoujinDesu?

Yes, DoujinDesu operates in a gray area concerning copyright laws, as many doujinshi may not have official licenses. Users should be aware of potential legal risks when accessing the platform.

What are the best free alternatives to DoujinDesu?

Some of the best free alternatives include Manganato, MangaDex, and Webtoon, which offer a wide selection of manga and webcomics without legal issues.

How can I safely access manga online?

To safely access manga online, choose platforms that provide officially licensed content and prioritize user safety and copyright compliance.

Which manga platforms are recommended for the UK audience?

Platforms like Manga Plus and Webtoon are highly recommended for the UK audience, as they offer a range of officially licensed content and cater to international readers.

How does DoujinDesu compare to MangaDex?

While DoujinDesu focuses on doujinshi, MangaDex provides a more extensive library of community-driven translations, allowing users to explore a wider variety of titles.

Can I find rare manga on these platforms?

Yes, many of the alternative platforms mentioned, such as MangaDex and KunManga, may feature rare or lesser-known titles, making them great resources for manga enthusiasts.

Guides

How Big Is a Soccer Field? Exploring Its Dimensions and Size

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2024

Olivia

While the game itself is quite simple—score more goals than the opposing team—the environment in which the action occurs is critical to the match’s dynamics. Soccer fields, often known as “pitches,” have precise proportions that ensure the game is both fair and thrilling, though these dimensions can vary within certain limits depending on the level of play and competitiveness.

In this blog, we’ll investigate the size and measurements of a soccer field, the rules that define them, and how these dimensions effect the game.

FIFA Regulations For Soccer Field Dimensions

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the world governing soccer organization, establishes the official size for soccer fields under its Laws of the Game. According to FIFA, the size of a soccer field can vary within a range but must adhere to defined minimum and maximum restrictions. These dimensions are supplied in both meters and yards since soccer is played in both metric and imperial systems around the world.

For adult 11-a-side matches, the dimensions are as follows:

Length (touchline): Minimum 90 meters (100 yards), maximum 120 meters (130 yards)
Width (goal line): Minimum 45 meters (50 yards), maximum 90 meters (100 yards)

These restrictions allow a great deal of flexibility. However, most professional fields, including those used in FIFA World Cup matches, are usually standardized closer to:

Length: 105 meters (115 yards)
Width: 68 meters (74 yards)

This standard dimension is widely used in top-tier leagues including the English Premier League, La Liga, and Major League Soccer (MLS) to ensure consistency between venues.

Also Read: Meet The Hottest Female Footballers Of 2024: Top 10 Picks

Why Is There Variation In Field Size?

You may question why soccer, a sport with stringent rules, allows for such variations in field size. The explanation lies in the sport’s long history and the various settings under which it is played around the world. Soccer has been played for centuries, long before the development of modern, standardized playing fields. Early fields were put out according to the available space in parks, schools, and communities.

Even today, the versatility of field dimensions enables stadiums to fit a variety of constraints, including local infrastructure, land limitations, and climate. For example, certain older stadiums, notably those in Europe, may have significantly smaller or larger fields because they were built before FIFA’s contemporary rules were implemented.

Dimensions Of Key Areas On The Field

While the overall length and width of the field may vary, certain parts of the soccer pitch have fixed measurements regardless of field size. These include the goal area, penalty zone, center circle, and corner arcs.

Goal Area

The goal area, sometimes known as the “six-yard box,” is an important component of the soccer field. It is the area from where goal kicks are taken, as well as where goalkeepers can safely retrieve the ball.

Distance from the goal line: 5.5 metres (6 yards).
The width of the goal area is 18.32 meters (20 yards).

Penalty Area

The penalty area, sometimes known as the “18-yard box,” is a larger box surrounding the goal. This region is where goalkeepers can handle the ball and penalty kicks are taken for fouls committed inside the box.

Distance from the goal line: 16.5 metres (18 yards).
The width of the penalty area is 40.3 meters (44 yards).

Penalty Spot

Distance from the goal line: 11 meters (12 yards)

Center Circle

The center circle is positioned in the middle of the field and is the region that the opposition team must avoid at the start of the game and after each goal is scored.

Radius = 9.15 meters (10 yards).

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How Does Field Size Affect Gameplay?

While tiny variations in soccer pitch size may appear insignificant at first appearance, they can have a big impact on the game. A bigger field advantages teams that concentrate on possession and passing because it allows players to spread out and control the ball. Smaller fields, on the other hand, tend to favor more physical teams since the lack of space makes it difficult to maintain long periods of possession and increases the chance of close, aggressive play.

Larger Fields

Larger fields allow players greater areas to roam, which can lead to more strategic play that includes well-timed passes and off-the-ball movement. Teams with speedy wingers or a strong emphasis on long passes profit from the additional space. This can be observed in clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester City, which have always preferred a possession-based style of play.

Smaller Fields

In contrast, smaller fields promote faster judgments, tighter control, and a more aggressive style of play. Teams that prioritize defense, compact midfield play, or direct vertical attacks may do better on smaller grounds with restricted space and a faster pace.

Stadiums with significantly smaller pitches, such as Anfield (home of Liverpool FC) and Goodison Park (home of Everton), can increase the tempo of play and add to their reputation for physical, fast-paced contests.

Turf vs. Grass: Does It Impact Field Size?

When considering soccer field dimensions, it is also important to examine the type of surface. Most professional leagues and competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, take place on natural grass. However, artificial grass fields are employed in select areas or under specific situations.

While the field measurements are the same whether the surface is natural grass or artificial turf, the playing experience can differ dramatically. Artificial turf causes the ball to move faster, which might affect the tempo of the game. In addition, artificial surfaces may cause more tiredness or increase the risk of injury for players than natural grass.

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Youth Soccer Field Dimensions

Ages 6 and under: 25–35 meters (length) by 15–25 meters (width)
Ages 7–8: 35–45 meters (length) by 25–30 meters (width)
Ages 9–12: 70–80 meters (length) by 45–55 meters (width)

Conclusion

Understanding field size changes and how they affect games gives a new level of appreciation for the world’s most popular sport. The following time you watch a soccer match, you’ll have a greater idea of how the proportions of the field add to the spectacle of the game, and why these spaces are so vital to the sport.

Guides

Spare Some Laughs: Best Bowling Team Names for Your Squad

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2024

Olivia

From puns and wordplay to eccentric pop culture references, these names will likely appeal to any group.

We’ll provide the coolest and funniest bowling team names to keep your team laughing.

Tips For Choosing The Perfect Bowling Team Name

Before we get into our list of bowling team names, here are some pointers to bear in mind while brainstorming:

Puns and wordplay: They are essential components of effective bowling team names. Combining bowling jargon like as “strike,” “spare,” or “gutter” with smart phrases might result in a memorable and humorous name.
Reflect Your Team’s Personality: Is your team relaxed and fun-loving, or are you a fierce competitor? Choose a name that fits the spirit of your squad.
Keep It Lighthearted: Bowling is supposed to be enjoyable, so choose a name that will make everyone grin. A humorous or clever name might help keep things lighthearted even if you’re in a tough league.
Pop Culture References: Including movie names, TV series, or famous personalities in your team name can add a creative touch while also making it readily recognizable.

Funny Bowling Team Names

If you want to lighten the mood and have a good laugh, these amusing bowling team names are ideal. These titles are sure to make your opponents laugh and may even help you bowl a perfect game.

Split Happens
Gutterly Ridiculous
Spare Me the Drama
Livin’ on a Spare
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Gutter
Alley Oops
The Bowling Stones
Pin Heads
Ball of Duty
Bowl Movements
We Don’t Give a Split
Strike Queens
Bowlers on Strike
Lucky Strikes
Rolling Thunder
The Incredibowls
Turkey Club
The Pin Crushers
Spare No One
Gutter Gals/Guys

Funny Bowling Team Names

Pin Pals
The Bowl Busters
Holy Rollers
Mind in the Gutter
The Fast and the Furious Bowlers
Pin ‘Em Down
Bowling Stones
Lane Rangers
Pin Commandments
The Ballbarians
In the Fast Lane
Spare Wars
Pinning Ain’t Easy
Rolling with the Homies
Spare Tire Enthusiasts
Splits and Giggles
The Lucky Rollers
Spare Despair
The Alley Cats
Ballbarians Unite

Puns add a humorous edge to your team’s name, making it memorable for everyone. These names are ideal for teams looking to keep things witty while displaying their bowling prowess.

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Cool Bowling Team Names

King Pins
Strike Force
Rolling Thunder
The Strike Zone
The Pin Droppers
Lane Masters
Bowling Ballers
The Strike Squad
The Rollin’ Rebels
The Alley Avengers
Thunder Strike
Perfect Storm
The Pinfall Wizards
The Strikers
Strikeout Kings
The Lane Legends
Speedy Strikers
Rolling Reapers
Pin Crushers
Elite Bowlers

Pop Culture-Inspired Bowling Team Names

Game of Throws
The Dude Abides (from The Big Lebowski)
Bowlzilla
Pin-dora’s Box
Return of the Spares (for Star Wars fans)
The Big Lebowlskis
Bowldemort (for Harry Potter fans)
Pincredible Hulk
The Rolling Dead
Strikes of the Caribbean
The Pin Thors
The Bowling Dead
Splits and the City
Bowlfinger
Fifty Shades of Strikes
Bowling for Soup
The Big Bang Bowlers
The Spare Rangers
Jurassic Roll
Bowlbusters (for Ghostbusters fans)

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Creative Bowling Team Names

The Gutter Gang
Strike Seekers
Roll Models
The Pin Spinners
Gutter Butter
Knock ‘Em Down
Lane Sharks
Frame Fighters
Alleyway Warriors
Bowling Ninjas
Pin Pushers
Rolling Renegades
Sweeping Strikers
The Splitters
The Rolling Pins
Pinball Wizards
Throwing Shade
The Lucky Frames
The Alley Artists
Striking Gold

Competitive Bowling Team Names

Pin Punishers
Victory Rollers
Strike Masters
Lane Assassins
Spare Masters
Rolling Rampage
Pin Predators
Strike Surge
The Gutter Sweepers
Frame Dominators
Bowling Blitz
Pin Warriors
The Strike Kings
Gutter Guardians
Spare Breakers
Pinhead Predators
Turbo Bowlers
Rolling Supremacy
Full Frame Attack
Lane Invaders

Pop Culture Bowling Team Names

The Bowlfather
Strikes on a Plane
Bowlfinger
Gutter Busters
Stranger Pins
The Pinstripes
Rolling Stones
The Alley Avengers
Bowling Me Softly
The Gutter Minds
Pin City
Star Pin Wars
The Mighty Pins
How I Met Your Bowler
Striker Things
The Rolling Rebels
The Hulk Bowlers
Bowling of Thrones
The Strike Awakens
Rolling Bad Guys

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Quirky and Fun Bowling Team Names

Splits and Giggles
Bowl-ageddon
We’ve Got Balls
Gutter Done
Pin Ups
Rolling with the Punches
Bowl You Over
Split Happens
The Lane Brainiacs
Throwbocops
Pin Voyagers
Bowl This Way
The Pinburgh Steelers
Shiny Balls
Gutter Snipers
Rolling Rainbows
Don’t Stop Believin’
You Gotta Be Striking
Bowl-a-Rama Drama
Pin Pricks

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal bowling team name can make your bowling nights even more enjoyable. Whether your team values humor, creativity, competition, or pop culture, there’s a team name out there that reflects its distinct attitude. From amusing jokes to creative references and cool, confident names, the appropriate team name may make the experience more unified, enjoyable, and cheerful.