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Five different types of game tables

Sam Allcock
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Five different types of game tables

It’s hard to match the pure thrill of a live casino game – especially if it’s played on a game table. There are many variations of games played on a table. Each tabletop game brings its own rush, whether it’s played with a pair of dice or a deck (or multiple decks) of cards.

Exploring different types of game tables can be exciting, especially when looking for new experiences. For players interested in discovering the best slot games and platforms, pokiestreasure.com offers a variety of slot game reviews and casino recommendations.

To take us through the various games available, we’ve enlisted the help of a specialist. Sultés Szilvia has years of gaming experience and has lent her expertise to contribute to this article.

A casino game table usually takes centre stage in land-based casinos, and the glitz and glamour that accompanies it has now been transferred to our online kaparós sorsjegy. This means that you can play your favourite tabletop casino game online.

Here’s a couple of the most popular table games you’d find in a casino.

Poker

Arguably one of the world’s most popular card games. There are three variations of poker games, called “stud”, “draw”, or “community” games. In a stud game, you’re dealt a hand of cards (usually five to seven), and you need to make the best hand out of the cards you’ve been given.

A draw game gives the player the chance to trade some of their cards to provide the opportunity at a better hand. Community games give each player a unique card (called the hole card) and “community” cards to build a winning hand. They’re called community cards because everyone at the table can play off these as well.

People enjoy this game so much that poker game table sets are available to private players so you can recreate the thrill of poker right in your own home.

It isn’t just an enjoyable card game, either. Researchers have proven that poker players are excellent investors as well.

Baccarat

Another card game that is widely played in casinos around the world is the baccarat table game. Its history and origin may be disputed, but its popularity isn’t one of the highest earners for casinos in North America and Asia in recent years.

It’s a comparing card game played between a player and a banker. Cards 2 through 9 are scored according to their value. Higher cards like 10, king, queen and jack are zero scoring cards. Jokers aren’t used at all.

If a beginning draw total is between zero and five, the player will have to take a third card. However, if the original draw is six or seven, the player stands. The croupier uses a tableau for playing rules. The tableau determines the way the croupier deals or confirms winners.

Blackjack

Yet another card game makes the list of popular table games. Although its popularity has waned in recent years, it’s still played in many casinos.

Blackjack aims to have the cards that you’re dealt to add up to 21, or as close to it as possible.

Blackjack is popular because it can be played by novice game players, and mathematicians alike, with an equal chance of being a winner.

Craps

Also called seven-eleven, because throwing a seven or eleven total with a pair of dice will give you a win.

This is a simplistic explanation of the game, but it’s immensely popular with casinos. You don’t have to be a “shooter” to play. Bystanders can bet for or against the player throwing the dice to determine their winnings.

Roulette

The croupier spins the wheel in one direction and spins a ball in another direction around a track on the wheel’s outer edge.

As the ball’s speed decreases, it falls into pockets of red or black numbers.

A win is declared if the bet placed matches the location of the ball on the roulette wheel.

Many claim it can be beaten by science. We don’t know about that, but we do know it’s very entertaining to see the ball bounce around the wheel and come to a standstill in a pocket.

Conclusion

Whether you like a round table card game like poker or to play your favourite hearts game online, there is a casino game table that suits your fancy.

UK Imports Fall as Local Currency Grows in Strength

Claire James
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UK Imports Fall as Local Currency Grows in Strength

Economic specialists have announced that the total value of imports in the United Kingdom have dropped by 8.8 percent compared to 2019. Since the pound sterling was highly competitive against the Japanese yen and the US dollar, the value of imports have also gone down, making it possible for some arbitrageurs to buy large amounts of goods at relatively inexpensive prices. This, in turn, has contributed to the growth of local markets where individual consumers in England, Wales and Scotland are able to purchase goods they might not have otherwise been able to if the market only sold those based on domestic production.

Financial reporters feel that the total value of goods imported into the UK in 2020 was around £445.9 billion, though this figure likely doesn’t include overseas territories. In spite of recent political actions, slightly more than 47 percent of these imports came from members of the European Union. Only 26.1 percent came from Asian markets, which have traditionally been considered the UK’s fastest growing trade partners.

This would seem to suggest a demographic shift not only in the value of goods being imported but also their nation of origin.

The Impact of Shifting International Demographics

Institutional importers that purchase a large number of retail products for sale in stores like Tesco and Carrefour largely buy manufactured goods from China, Taiwan and India. These products are purchased in bulk, which helps to reduce their cost to consumers. Smaller importers, however, aren’t normally able to purchase whole pallets of goods in this way. As a result, they normally work with dedicated mail and parcel services that are also equipped to manage certain import/export tasks. Considering that gems and precious metals represent the greatest amount of imports in the UK by value, it’s highly likely that a sizable portion of the nation’s imports are brought in piecemeal.

Jewelers and financial investors who import gold and silver have contributed a fair amount to the economy, and this sector is expected to continue to grow even as the local currency gets stronger. Assuming that the pound sterling continues to increase in value, some arbitrageurs might still be able to make strong profits in this way. Regulators have reduced opportunities for importers to make a significant amount of money in some fields that would rely on importing small batches of products, however.

How Safety Standards are Closing Certain Import/Export Holes

The durability and safety of certain at-home medical devices have come into question, which has reduced the number of opportunities for individuals to purchase these devices and sell them at a profit. Proponents of this kind of regulatory action say that this is not only needed to protect people from medical scams, but it’s also good for the local economy since it encourages domestic production.

Some imports like those of non-tangible goods and investment products, are difficult to trace. As the demand for these continues to grow, it’s likely that a greater amount of money will be spent on them with little to show for it in terms of traditional statistics. One UK-based investment firm is launching an actual exchange-traded product based solely on cryptocurrencies, which could technically tilt the balance of trade without actually seeming as though it could.

It’s been required to partner with a regulated venue in order to reduce the risk of fraud, but it’s unclear what sort of impact this will have on the overall balance of trade. Increases in the strength of local currencies often have a further deleterious impact on how much gets imported, which tends to in turn be positive for local markets.

The Upside of a Fallen Import Market

Outside of non-financial uses of gold and gemstones, it looks like many UK imports will continue to fall across the board. Opposition to a recent Australian trade deal could lead to even bigger reductions. While some might translate this into meaning that less money will be made by organisations that invest heavily in foreign manufactured goods, it also means that consumers might end up having more money in their pockets to purchase products. Imported foods and other health-related goods from continental Europe don’t have to move as far as those from distant markets, which can also help to further reduce costs related to international shipping.

Most importantly, however, some economists feel that this marks a return to stronger manufacturing and farming sectors in the UK’s home islands. That would translate into many more local jobs being created, which would naturally have a big impact on the unemployment rate as well as the economy as a whole.

Major Benefits of Using Social Media for Education

Sam Allcock
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Major Benefits of Using Social Media for Education

Social media makes the world a global village. It has increased the connection between people tremendously. Today, almost everyone has a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media account. The Gen-Z and millennials connect more on social media than they do in physical interactions. When you want to communicate with them, it’s more effective via social apps than physical means like a memo.

Due to the wide use, different sectors find ways to use social internet forums for their benefit. The academic sector is not left behind. There are numerous ways in which educators can use social media for education. They include:

School-Based Socialization

Since students are already socializing online, it is easier to include school-based discussions on the same platforms. To facilitate this, moderators and administrators can create groups where students can have a class discussion. Social media apps like Facebook allow users to create groups and limit the number of members. Users can open private or public groups. Public groups allow everyone to see the interactions in the group. In a private group, one has to have approval from the admin to get access. Also, many people like to stay in the loop of the school’s happenings even after completing school. They can create graduate groups for different years and departments to maintain communication channels.

Comment Platforms

Twitter is the hub of opinions. Most learners have learned how to share their thoughts freely on the platform. Thus, institutions can use it as a message board, where students can comment on school matters. Twitter has a two-hundred-and-eighty-character limit, which makes it extremely important that students communicate effectively and concisely. This is an important skill, which may come in hand as they write their essays. Moderators can create a class Twitter handle that all students can follow. They can then post reminders, inspirations, and essential links. It is easier to follow up on people’s comments on Twitter through the threads and the hashtags.

Communicating Updates

Social forums provide institutions with a virtual noticeboard. Conventional digital dashboards are not familiar to many moderators and students. Instead of requiring them to learn, you can opt for a platform that they already use, like Facebook. You can create a class or a university Facebook page then ask students to follow for important updates and alerts. This is more convenient as it is easy to incorporate various levels. For example, there could be a class page, a department page, then a page for the whole university. Instructors can share instructions easily with their students. They can quickly provide educational links to help me write my research paper platforms or any extra helpful materials. Instructors offer complementary learning materials more efficiently.

Hosting Lectures

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have features that allow users to have live sessions. Institutions can utilize such provisions to offer online class sessions. Here, students can write their comments and participate in the discussions. They may be more engaged as young people have a huge liking for social forums. Social learning is an excellent way to keep students in learning mode during holiday breaks. This reduces the time and effort teachers need to regain the learning mindset when the holidays are over. When using social forums, it is essential to remember to keep it professional. A moderator should not send friend requests or follow students. They can send the school’s social media link through email or other formal communication.

Digital Picture Galleries

Instagram is best known as a picture sharing platform. People get to document their lives in pictures. In courses such as Art and Architecture that deal with many visuals, class members can create handles and dedicate them to the course. There, they can post pictures related to what they are learning. When they share their work, they get encouragement and critiques. It is easy to see students’ progress from their first post when they start the course to their last when they finish. The posts may also inspire other students.

Marketing Tool

Social forums give institutions a chance to advertise themselves subtly and excitingly. Universities can use their Instagram account to share pictures of the school and what new students can expect. The images should be appealing to draw the attention of prospective students. Institutions can also post about the school’s achievements. For example, if students in a particular department win an award, they can share the news through their Facebook account. This will encourage more students to join the school and take part in the wins. Social media allows people to share a variety of media, which is a robust marketing tool.

Social media offers exciting ways to grow in the education sector. It will revolutionize how schools relate to students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. At the same time, it is vital to take note of the adverse effects of social media. Actions like cyberbullying are more straightforward when people can hide behind a screen. Therefore, there need to be ground rules to control the interactions on the platforms.

10 Reasons Why You Should Try Red Dragon Kratom in 2021

Sam Allcock
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10 Reasons Why You Should Try Red Dragon Kratom in 2021

Kratom has been gaining worldwide attention only recently, though it has been a natural remedy for centuries. It has a long tradition of being a medicinal plant used extensively in South-East Asia, with Thailand and Indonesia utilizing its therapeutic properties. Most consumers in the US credit the product with helping them sleep better, feel more energized and enabling better pain management. There are several strains of the plant, with each having a unique set of properties and medicinal benefits. The Red Dragon variant has been gaining popularity amongst working professionals as it helps them focus better. Here is a look at everything you need to know about Red Dragon Kratom and why you should consider using it in 2021.

What is the Red Dragon Kratom?

Kratom is a medicinal plant that is native to South-Eat Asia. While inhabitants of these lands have used this leaf as a medicine for centuries, American consumers are still unaware of many of its properties. The evergreen tree is a member of the coffee family. However, the cultivation of it as a crop began in the Western world only a decade ago. All its variants have a rich history of use in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Due to its spread worldwide, different markets have access to this miracle worker, helping more people benefit from it.

The Red Dragon is a Kratom variant that originated in Thailand and Malaysia. It is one of the newer blends in the market and possesses potent medicinal properties. As a result, it has become exponentially popular in recent years. The moniker Red Dragon comes from the leaf color, as they exhibit a vibrant and rich shade of red. While the leaves start green, they dry in direct sunlight achieving a deep red color. The harvesting time of the strain also influences its color. Experts often compare this variant to the Red Thai.

Red Dragon Vs. Other Strains

Experts believe that the Red Dragon is one of the most potent and efficient strains in the red-veined Kratom market, thanks to its diverse medicinal properties. The Red Bali variant from the Lesser Sunda islands off the coast of Bali is a close relative of this strain. The leaf contains 7-Hydroxymitragynine, better known as 7HG, which has a potent sedative effect. While both variants share several similarities, the primary difference is that Red Dragon is darker in color and more efficient. It undergoes a unique drying process, leading to a more vibrant hue. When compared with the Superior Dragon, it has more powerful sedative effects.  As a result, the Red Dragon strain is one of the most beneficial and popular ones on the market as it outperforms others in several ways.

Why Try Red Dragon Kratom in 2021?

  1. While it looks and works similar to the Red Thai, as mentioned above, the Red Dragon is more affordable. Hence, it is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t leave a hole in your wallet while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Kratom.
  2. Consumers can buy this variant in several forms, including pills, capsules, tablets, tinctures, and powder. Hence, it is easy for users to incorporate the strain into their daily lives in multiple ways, improving its access and usability. Since all these options offer equal effectiveness, users can opt for a method based on their personal preference.
  3. Another reason why people prefer this product is because it serves as a natural energizer. As a result, it helps consumers feel more focused and productive, helping them do more with their time. In many ways, it acts similar to caffeine in energizing users, enabling them to concentrate on the tasks at hand efficiently.
  4. If you aren’t a morning person, taking Red Dragon Kratom as soon as you can help you kick-start your day with positivity. It works as an ideal solution for those who need a pick-me-up early in the day to get going efficiently. Whether your job is physical or mental, sipping on a drink with extracts of this product will help you stay active and energetic.
  5. Red Dragon Kratom can also influence your mood, helping you stay warm and positive throughout the day. The relaxing and calming effects of the strain help in preventing violent mood swings and excessive stress. Therefore, if you work in an environment that produces undue pressure and tension, ingesting this product can help prevent anxiety by relieving your stress.
  6. Another added benefit that this product delivers is serving up the best balance between tranquility and focus. Such natural remedies soothe you and help you relax. However, they also help you concentrate better, improving your productivity naturally. As a result, the peace and tranquility they cause do not affect your work schedule negatively. The product acts as a concentration stimulant, helping increase alertness and focus.
  7. The analgesic properties of this variant help in alleviating symptoms of pain, joint aches, and inflammation. It works as an all-purpose health supplement that helps relieve pain while allowing consumers to maintain focus throughout their workdays. Whether individuals suffer from chronic or acute pain, products laced with Red Dragon will help alleviate their discomfort.
  8. Since this product is natural and organic, it does not cause any adverse drug reactions or side effects, unlike over-the-counter medication. However, the precise dosage requirement you need depends on various factors, including your age, weight, and health condition. Consumers should consult a doctor before they start a Kratom-based regime to prevent adverse reactions to other drugs. Additionally, users should start with smaller amounts before gradually increasing their intake.
  9. Individuals can increase their energy levels and sharpen their focus with a dosage as low as 2 grams. If you aim to prevent anxiety, relax their nerves or reduce their stress, start with ingesting 5 grams a day before working your way up for better effect. If you want to alleviate chronic pain, you will have to consume up to 6 grams. Start with these doses and then build your way up if you don’t receive the effects you need. The product’s effect lasts up to six hours, making them effective in handling work-related issues with ease

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Red Dragon Kratom can provide relief to all your ailments for a big part of your working hours. As a result, these products can help boost productivity, concentration, and efficiency without producing adverse side effects. If you are trying to excel in your professional life but are struggling with focus and energy-related issues, this might be the perfect option. Revitalize your work life and claim all the benefits of natural medicine by starting a Red Dragon Kratom-based regime. Are you planning on improving your 2021 with the help of this natural remedy? Join the discussion in the comments below and let us know how Red Dragon has helped your life this year!

Run better with compression stockings

Sam Allcock
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Run better with compression stockings

Sports socks are of course better than the regular socks for sports, because they have no annoying seams at the toe or edges at the heel and therefore feel more comfortable when running. And that’s nice, especially if you’re going to cover a longer distance.

The compression stockings go even further.They not only have the same properties as the sports sock in terms of comfort, but also ensure good blood circulation while running. Because of the support of this stocking you have much less chance of cramping and/or straining of the muscles and therefore injuries.

But how does it work?

There are different types of compression socks on the market. You can choose a full sock, with foot or a so-called tube. The principle is the same for both types. The socks provide upward pressure, which is strongest around the ankle and gradually decreases upwards towards the knee. This stimulates blood circulation from the ankle to the heart, which has a positive effect on the removal of waste.

The tight fit also ensures that the movement and vibration of the calf muscle decreases, so that less is pulled on the shin. Because who does not recognize that sometimes stabbing pain in the shin during or after running?

Compression stockings and tubes – what’s the difference?

What is the difference between a tube and the normal compression stocking? This is mainly due to its use. The compression is the same for both. 

Compression stockings

Compression stockings are, as it were, high sports stockings that tightly surround the ankle and calf. The pressure that the stockings exert on the foot and the entire lower leg gives many advantages in running, but also in other sports. By wearing the stockings, acidification in the muscles will occur less quickly. The support socks can be worn both during running and after training. This will speed up recovery after running.

Athletes who keep their compression stockings on for a few hours after running experience a better recovery and significantly less muscle soreness the next day. And with an optimal recovery you can start a new training or competition faster!

Compression tubes

Because the tube has no foot section, it is not suitable for after training. Because you wear footless stockings, as it were, and there is therefore no compression effect on the foot, it is possible that moisture will be retained in the foot after running. That is of course not the intention and that is why the tube must be removed immediately after training.

You only use the tube during your run and NOT afterwards. A tube is slightly cheaper to purchase and you can simply wear it in combination with your favorite sports socks. If you are a runner who steps into his running shoes without socks, this is of course the ideal solution!

Another great advantage of the tube: you can use it several times in a row before you have to wash it. You can wash your sports compression stockings in the washing machine at 30 degrees, preferably in a laundry bag. Just don’t use fabric softener, this will not do the compression in your stockings any good.

They should also not be put in the dryer, because the elasticity in the stocking is lost as a result and the stocking loses its function and therefore its function. Roll your socks in a dry towel to get them a little drier and then let them air dry.

BPO Philippines: PITON-Global

Sam Allcock
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BPO Philippines: PITON-Global

Businesses have been working through the longest period of challenging economic conditions in nearly a century. A record period of sustained economic growth came to a shuddering halt with the 2008 financial crisis, and afterwards, it seems that British companies have faced a succession of challenges that have transformed the business climate. Even if we return to a period of moderate, stable economic growth, the effects of this sustained period of turmoil will remain for a long, long time.

“But businesses do not exist in isolation; customers and shareholders have felt that pain too,” says Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global, an award-winning BPO in the Philippines.  “Together, these create pincer-like pressure on companies. Customers, feeling the effect of more than a decade of wage stagnation, demand low prices while having ever higher expectations of customer services. Shareholders, meanwhile, continue to expect a return, looking for businesses to generate healthy profits despite the pressures they face. Businesses have to find a way to meet these competing demands.”

Ellspermann adds, “Focusing on customer service is likely to be the key to business success. Customers have more choices than ever and are keen to ensure they get as much value as possible; they will rarely hesitate to exercise that choice. A key factor in consumer preference, shown time and time again, is the importance of high-quality customer service. When customers feel they are valued, and their issues are resolved promptly and successfully, they exhibit greater loyalty to a company or brand. Indeed, even when times are tough, good service is so valued that people will pay a premium for it.”

Using third-party BPOs in the Philippines has been a proven way to reduce costs while maintaining service quality. However, when the economy worsened, some businesses followed the instinct to reshore their processes. The desire to have closer control over customer services is understandable; it is a natural reaction to danger to keep close everything that is important. However, for many, this instinct will prove to have been the wrong choice.

“In fact, the reasons for choosing to outsource to BPOs in the Philippines remain as strong today, and during any economic challenge, as when times are good. The most important factor, for many businesses, is the savings that it offers. But while it might be hard to precisely quantify the benefits, the enhanced customer experiences a BPO can provide will have huge long-term benefits,” says Ellspermann. 

Every business has its own mission statement, but at the end of the day, the tendency is to  focus on their core service or product. And while customer service is important, no one starts a business because they want to provide customer service or back-office functions for a product—they start the business for the product itself. The exceptions to this rule, of course, are BPO companies in the Philippines, whose product means they specialise in those very front and back-office functions.

“This is not to say that outsourcing business processes to the Philippines is entirely risk-free,” Ellspermann notes. “It takes time to get the BPO requirements right, working with the provider to ensure they are offering exactly the level and type of service required. There is also the risk that not all providers are equal, so research is required to find a premier provider that has the required specialities. However, the Philippine BPO industry has been seeing renewed interest from Western companies that, after regrouping, are recognising the significant advantages they can get from providers with deep domain expertise and experience.”

The Philippines offers significant advantages over other outsourcing destinations. It is a world leader in BPO services and has surpassed even the long-dominant India as a destination for call centre outsourcing. The country has had a long connection with the West, leading to a strong cultural affinity which, combined with a highly educated population, means that contact centre agents are fluent in English, frequently speaking with little or no accent and understanding slang and idioms. When communication difficulties are the biggest single cause of complaint about contact centres, fluency is critically important.

BPOs in the Philippines can also offer significant savings. As well as offering the savings one would expect from sharing costs like estates, recruitment, training, management, and infrastructure across multiple clients, the country also has a lower cost of living, which is reflected in significantly lower labour costs. This means that despite being an attractive and well-paid career option in the Philippines, BPOs can offer services at around 50% of the cost of domestic providers in the UK and comparable or enhanced levels of customer service. Outsourcing to an award-winning BPO provider such as PITON-Global in the Philippines makes excellent business sense.

5 Ways to Brilliantly Differentiate Your Salon Business

Sam Allcock
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5 Ways to Brilliantly Differentiate Your Salon Business

When you are entering the beauty brand business, know that you have a huge competitive zone ahead of you. There are so many salons that are doing good work with a proper client base. You have to make your mark among all of them, which is not easy. But like any other fields, it is easy to make a good impression of your business if a few things are kept in mind. A few easy tricks and a difference in approach to building a business strategy can differentiate your business from all the others in the competition.

So let us see what are some of the simple yet effective things to do, in order to make your business stand out easily.

5 Tips to Stand Out

1. Bring in the reviews: What can be better for a business than the customers’ word. When you have made it through the initial days and have a steady crowd of customers, ask for their reviews and present them to others. Reviews are a great way to make potential customers have a peek into the kind of services you are offering. This helps them to choose you as a business that provides something besides the usual. Reviews maintain a level of transparency of the business that often works in favour.

2. Expand digitally: It is safe to say that at this point no business can grow without a good digital and social media presence. Therefore, one of the first thing any new salon business should do is to build themselves in a digital space. Go for a catchy name, design an attractive logo using a good barber logo maker that becomes popular with the people. Once this digital presence picks up, more people come to know about your business and quicker. 

3. Choose the younger crowd: For any beauty brand, staying in trend is very important. This means, the first people to attract to the business is the youth. If a salon is making their business more youth-centric, they are attracting a greater customer base. The word-of-mouth from a younger crowd will obviously attract more customers and therefore, make a salon special in its own way.

4. Select an inventory: The range of products and their quality is a key factor in determining the popularity of any beauty brand. When you are buying the different products – be it haircare, skincare, pedicure/manicure, etc. – make sure that you are thinking about the trends of the time and the customer base you are willing to create. A salon is definitely a place for people to have their own choice about products and what they want for themselves. If your salon can provide the right kind of variety, then it is definitely going to stand out against salons that use only specific brands.

5. Offers and giveaways: Customers are easily attracted to any kind of offers and discounts, more so if it is a new business. So a very good chance for salons to differentiate themselves is by these incentives. Discounts, product giveaways, contests and seasonal offers are all good ways to bring in new customers from time to time. The best way to create awareness about these offers is by putting the word out on social media, making pamphlets to go with the bills of the customers who are coming in and also by informing the customers.   

Make It Fun

Your business should be a place that you can create with your own vision and creativity. It is the place to experiment with your ideas and build something that you only had in mind. If you have the ideas in place, it is already possible that you are standing out from the other generic salon businesses that focus only on expanding customers. A potential customer base – especially the young people – are more interested to see what else is out there.

Be sure of the fact that if you have certain quirky ideas as to how your salon should turn out, it is likely to be more appreciated. Along with that, be polite and friendly with everyone who walks in. Because that is the best way to create a long-lasting, loyal customer base in a very short time.

4 Cost-Effective Ways to Treat Thyroid Issues

Claire James
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4 Cost-Effective Ways to Treat Thyroid Issues

More than 10% of all adults in developed nations will have some kind of thyroid problem in their lives. Though there are many health problems that can be caused by the thyroid or affect thyroid function, there are two common issues that millions of people face: hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). In either case, these issues often require therapy, medication, and — in severe cases — invasive surgery.

However, if you’re like most people, you’re probably looking for a way to treat your thyroid condition without breaking the bank. While you should always consult a trained physician before making any changes to your healthcare regimen, there are a few proven methods to treat thyroid issues on a budget. So, let’s take a look at 4 cost-effective ways to treat thyroid issues!

Thyroid Replacement Therapy

If you suffer from an underactive thyroid, it can lead to dozens of other health issues, including depression, fatigue, and weight gain. When you have an underactive thyroid, it essentially means that your thyroid is not producing enough of the natural hormones that your body needs. One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions is thyroid replacement therapy. This helps boost the hormones produced by your thyroid, thereby reducing the risk of experiencing thyroid-related health issues. Before getting therapy, you can take an underactive thyroid test to understand your thyroid activity and decide what actions to take to contain the extent of the problem. If you’d like to learn more about starting thyroid replacement therapy, consider contacting the experts at RCMC Medical Center.

Reduce Sugar Intake

When your thyroid is not producing enough hormones, this can cause major issues with your blood sugar levels. This is because the hormones produced by the thyroid help manage your blood sugar. Thus, when you have a thyroid imbalance, your body will struggle to balance sugar, which can increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes. So, reducing your sugar intake is especially important to help lessen the effects of hypothyroidism.

Iodine or Other Antithyroid Medications

Though these medications will require a prescription from your doctor, they are relatively inexpensive — especially if you have a health insurance plan that covers prescription drugs. Iodine is a common way to shrink the size of your thyroid, which in turn reduces the hormones produced by it. Alternatively, generic antithyroid medications can have a similar effect, though you should always be careful to manage your treatment carefully with your doctor. Taking these medications for too long could even cause your condition to switch from an overactive thyroid to an underactive thyroid.

Take Probiotics

Research increasingly shows that your gut biome has a major impact on nearly every aspect of your health — from mental function to joint strength. It’s especially important to maintain healthy gut bacteria for thyroid health. The thyroid and stomach work in close harmony to provide the body with a sense of balance, particularly when it comes to important hormones. Sadly, the modern Western diet does not provide the stomach with the wide range of bacteria that it needs. Fortunately, a good-quality probiotic can reverse this issue and help build healthy thyroid function.

Looking for more advice to keep your body and mind in shape? Consult some of our other health posts today!

How to Select the Best Gold IRA Companies

Sam Allcock
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How to Select the Best Gold IRA Companies

In the ideal world, people save for retirement as long as they can work and worry about the future. In the real world, market volatility and inflation have made sure that tomorrow is still uncertain. So, the retirement investor should approach every type of savings with caution.

On the page below, find some useful tips on retirement savings:

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/111714/8-essential-tips-retirement-saving.asp

Financial experts suggest allocating risk to several different investments, even when it comes to retirement funds. Sure, you can always keep your 401 (k) and have another additional form of savings in the form of stocks or real estate. Or you can opt for gold.

The traditional 401 (k) doesn’t allow the purchase of physical gold but only shares of firms that trade with precious metals. It’s an indirect and not a profitable way to hedge your money. That is why an increasing number of retirement investors are opting for gold IRA rollovers with the help of specialized companies.

In Short about Gold IRA

If you want to secure your finances with physical gold or some other precious metals, you need a specialized retirement account. You can get it after you do a rollover with your inactive 401 (k) or simply turn your Roth IRA into Gold IRA hedge. Neither of these transfers is taxable.

Specialized IRA companies set these special accounts. They can also be authorized dealers of precious metals. By purchasing these assets, your funds are secured by physical gold. But you can’t keep it at your home. Namely, the IRS obliges you to keep the precious metals in a secure depository (custodians). These are institutions like banks or brokerage houses that will store your gold in secured depositories.

In agreement with a custodian, you can choose a storage location within their network. The IRA company you invest with will take care of the transportation of your assets, logistics, and insurance issue. Your task is to find the right partner to work with.

Track Record

The first things you should check are the reputation and track records of the IRA companies. These are important because you don’t want to put your hard-earned money in the hands of businesses that are not trustworthy.

You may even want to investigate further and talk to people who have invested in this venture. If you know someone who saves in gold, ask what their experience with a specific company has been like.

You can check with the Better Business Bureau to see the company’s ratings and if there have been any complaints filed against it. On this website, you can also check if the selected firm has the necessary licenses and accreditations and how long it has been on the market.

Minimal Investment Requirements

When choosing an IRA company, you need to make sure that you look at its quality and the services it offers. If you pick the wrong partner, you could end up with shoddy customer service or, worse yet, financial ruin.

Before you go ahead and choose a company, you should first ask yourself how much you are willing to turn into gold. Obviously, you shouldn’t invest all your savings. Financial experts suggest dedicating up to 20 percent of your funds to precious metals.

So the information that will be important to you is the minimum investment that gold IRA companies require. Look for those with conditions that match your financial capabilities.

Price Transparency

Find out what is required of you to set a gold IRA. Some companies require that you use gold as the main form of payment. Others ask for a minimum withdrawal amount from your checking account each month. If you only want to buy precious metals as a hedging means, not for trading, then you don’t need to worry about these terms.

Few IRA companies reveal their fees. But this information should be transparent and available to clients. These firms generally charge an initial account setup, annual costs for their services, and administrative or custodial fees.

The account management should be free of charge, given the principle of self-directing. It means that you are the only one in charge of managing your fund and directing your investments.

Gold IRA companies sometimes charge extra fees for taking part in transactions. It’s like a commission for every trade that clients make. This cost can sometimes be quite high, so be sure to inquire to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Customer Support

The final thing you should look for in choosing a gold IRA company is how easy it is for you to communicate with the company. For instance, some people prefer to talk to someone in person when they are investing. Other people prefer to use phone or chat-based customer support.

These companies should pay attention to clients’ desires and try to meet them. You may have a lot of obligations, so a provider that offers account setting over the phone is more suitable for you. Reputable companies allow you to direct transactions over the phone, too.

But whenever you can, do your best to meet with the selected account manager. So you have the opportunity to get a better image of who will take care of your investments. They should be attentive and dedicated to set you best gold IRA to meet your financial needs.

Gold IRA companies should put some effort into educating their clients. If you already entrust them with your financial stability, you should know at least some details about it. Reliable and professional managers won’t keep you in ignorance but will work closely with you to achieve your financial goals.

What are the Main Monetization Models Available to OTT Companies?

Sam Allcock
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What are the Main Monetization Models Available to OTT Companies?

The outburst of Coronavirus has surged the demand for OTT streaming platforms like Disney plus, Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. OTT platforms are transforming the world of entertainment by offering excellent services to users. Netflix added nearly 16 million audiences during the last few months of 2020, which is almost double the number of signups it received in the final months of the past year. Not just Netflix, other OTT streaming platforms including Disney plus, HBO now, and Amazon prime have seen a huge spike in the number of lockdown audiences.

Monetization models of OTT platforms

Considering the statistics in the spike of OTT audiences last year, it is no wonder that the global OTT streaming market is expected to reach $169.4 billion in 2023. What this means for content creators or entrepreneurs who want to enter the streaming industry is extraordinary- You have more control over the revenue you generate.

Launching an OTT platform opens up a wide world of business opportunities and streaming continues to gain popularity. If you are planning to build your own OTT platform, there are 3 main avenues to make money with your OTT content: AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.

  1. Advertising video on demand (AVOD)

AVOD is one of the common OTT platform revenue models, where you offer free content to your audience. Free in a way that there is no money put upfront. But you convert the time your viewers spend on your OTT platform into money. You are basically selling the time of your audience by making money through sponsored content, ads, and commercials through your free content.

How it works

If you choose AVOD as your revenue model, you are allowing your audience to view your OTT content for free, but along with the advertisements. You get paid from the sponsors and advertisers who pay for the number of views and engagement with the content. This works when you are starting out and as you grow free content is always a big draw for the audience. But the downside to it is that to capitalize on this opportunity, you must have a huge audience who regularly tune in to your content. As advertisements can be highly interruptive to the viewing experience, they must be properly executed.

Examples: YouTube and Roku channel

  • Subscription video on demand (SVOD)

Subscription video on demand is a popular monetization model that is similar to traditional pay-TV packages that allow the audience to access ad-free content for a fee, typically paid monthly or yearly. With easy-to-unsubscribe policies, SVOD is one of the most lucrative revenue models and makes up the largest segment of the OTT industry.

How it works

In SVOD, you allow your audience to access your OTT content for an auto-renewable subscription fee. Viewers can access the entire library for free as long as they pay for the subscription- Unlimited content anytime, anywhere, and on any device. To make a good amount of revenue, you can offer multiple plans with various perks that attract your viewers. The freedom to unsubscribe anytime presents a big challenge for SVOD OTT providers but it can be balanced well by adopting strategies to retain users. SVOD works great for OTT platforms that offer great quality exclusive content.

Examples: Netflix, Disney plus, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and a lot more.

  • Transactional video on demand (TVOD)

TVOD is another OTT platform revenue model where the audience pays upfront for the content they are interested in. TVOD also witnessed huge popularity due to the fact that viewers can enjoy the ad-free experience without paying a subscription-free.

How it works

If you implement this revenue model you can allow viewers to pay for the individual videos they want to watch. Users can either buy or rent movies and shows. Buying allows people to own the content indefinitely by downloading it. Whereas, renting allows accessing the content for a limited period for a small fee. TVOD works great for both evergreen content like classic movies, series, and seasonal content like sports events. Offer attractive prices and promotions to users so that they will be back for repeated purchases.

Examples:  iTunes, YouTube Movies, and Amazon’s Rent and buy store.

  • Hybrid revenue model

Many OTT platforms follow a hybrid approach when it comes to monetizing their services. It can be a combination of revenue models by combining AVOD and SVOD, TVOD and SVOD or all three. For example, YouTube offers a hybrid combination of all 3 revenue models by offering free and ad-supported content (AVOD), YouTube Premium (SVOD), YouTube movies & Shows (TVOD). Amazon prime also uses a combination of SVOD and TVOD where users have to pay for a subscription to access Prime video and can also buy new releases of sports events by paying an extra fee.

Which is the best OTT monetization model?

Now, you want to build your OTT platform and you know the three major OTT monetization models, which one you must choose? Ultimately, the best monetization model that you must adopt is the one that best suits your target audience, their needs, and your intended budget. If you think one strategy might not work well for you, you can also go for the hybrid approach to cater to a diverse range of audiences. No matter what monetization model you choose, make sure you implement compelling pricing schemes to attract and retain users. Offering a free trial is also a good strategy if you are adopting a subscription model to successfully attract users to your OTT content.

Conclusion

The OTT platforms have grown rapidly over the past couple of years with billions of beings invested and there are no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Ultimately, the future of OTT companies comes down to creativity and innovation. To remain in the mainstream in terms of popularity and monetization, putting out the best calibre in generating quality content that the audience wants to see will help. Adopting one of these monetization models or a hybrid approach will help you engage a wider audience and maximize your revenue.

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, it’s likely that you’re going to start your own OTT business soon! And this Netflix Clone might be a good place to start – comes with all the monetization models mentioned above!

So, get started then!

Cheers!

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