The Classic Monopoly Now Available Online

November 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

play monopoly online

Everyone loves the classic Monopoly game. It’s been around for years and years, delighting generation after generation of families. While the traditional game is fun, with everything being electronic nowadays, people grow tired of having to keep track of all the game pieces, cards, properties, and money. They want an electronic version that’s easy and free to play without sacrificing any of the fun of the traditional Monopoly. There’s now a classic online Monopoly game that offers the same great traditional game, free of cost and free from hassle. We’ll walk you through all the highlights and potential downsides to the online simulation of the classic Monopoly game.

It keeps track of everything

Positive: With the online game keeping track of everything, there’s no hassle involved in playing this version of the game. No one has to be banker or keep counting their various denominations of money to see how much they have because the game does it for them, displaying the amount of money each player has conveniently and numerically, rather than all the various denominations. You don’t have to worry about losing any of the tiny game pieces or many cards as they are all electronic. The game even keeps track of all the properties you buy for you, taking out rent from the other player’s finances automatically if they land on your property.

Negative: If you’ve always loved being the banker and keeping track of your properties, you probably won’t like this convenient aspect of the electronic version of Monopoly. But, then again, you probably wouldn’t have played the online version to begin with if you had a specific love for playing as the banker and handling the money, making this point unimportant.

It’s monetarily-free and hassle-free

Positive: You don’t have to pay for the initial game, which is around thirty dollars in most stores, currently. If you have missing pieces in your version, rendering it completely useless and unplayable, you won’t have to pay for an entirely new game just so you can play. You also don’t need anything to play this version of Monopoly other than internet connection and some device that can access the internet. This game is available in a mobile version as well as desktop version, so you can play on virtually any device. You won’t have to clean a large enough space for everyone to play or find a seating arrangement that allows everyone to reach and see the game board easily.

Negative: If you had a particular desire to spend your hard-earned money on a board game that would become a completely useless pile of junk the second someone loses property cards, which slide out of the box so very easily or get misplaced during gameplay, then you might not like that you can play it for free. Likewise, if you enjoy the hassle of cleaning and keeping up with all the game pieces, you might hate the online game, but I think that’s highly unlikely.

It’s fun for all ages

Positive: The online version makes it easier for even younger kids to enjoy the fun, classic Monopoly game. They don’t have to keep track of their property or money, count their money to keep up with how much they have, or move their space the correct number of spaces as the game handles all of that for them, easily. This also makes the online version of Monopoly a great method of teaching kids how to play the game for the first time, making it a little easier for them to get used to the game and the rules without as much hassle and difficulty.

Negative: I can’t even think of an over-dramatized negative for this one. The online Monopoly game still has every strategic aspect of traditional monopoly, while still cutting out some of the hassle to make it easier for younger players to enjoy.

The classic online Monopoly game is a longtime favorite of everyone. Generation after generation, families love getting together to play this classic board game, but as more things become electronic and digital, it was only a matter of time before Monopoly did as well. The free, online Monopoly game offers all the same great traditional game play features the classic Monopoly offered but with the added ease of electronic cards, pieces, and the board. All joking aside, there really isn’t a downside to playing this awesome online game; that is, unless you just don’t like Monopoly.

Filed Under: gaming Tagged With: , , ,

People Most Likely to Get the Holiday Blues

November 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

With the holidays upon us it’s easy for us to get caught up in the rush of it all. While we may be cooking, shopping, enjoying holiday events there are others, many of whom are in our very own circles, having a tougher time. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, reveals who are most likely to have the holiday blues and how we can help them make it through.

  1. The newly divorced or widowed.

Loss is a sad, life-changing event at any time of the year.  However, it tends to be harder when everyone around you is joyful celebrating the holiday’s and you feel it’s an effort to get out of bed.  If someone in your circles is going through a major loss and life transition be supportive and understanding. “They are grieving and mourning and are especially sensitive around the holidays. It’s important that they feel included but don’t be offended if they choose to opt out of certain events,” advises Dr. Hafeez. She suggests checking in and offering them the option to participate in whatever they want, when they want. Love them through it.

  1. The busy entrepreneur.

The holidays could be stressful for small business owners because so much rides on the end of year. They may be fretting over their profits (or lack thereof), the goals they didn’t reach, and the many things still to do. They feel overwhelmed and when they are expected to shop, entertain and be present for their families, they may be short tempered and anxious. “The best way to help the busy entrepreneur is to make their life easier in any way possible. If they can’t make it to a family dinner, tell them your door is open for dessert. Oftentimes they feel guilty and obligated which only adds to their frustration,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Also consider that these worker-bees are conflicted. When they are working they miss their families and when they are with family they are thinking of work.

  1. The caretaker of an elder parent or relative (or special needs child/ren or relative).

Adults who are now caretakers to their elderly parents are incredibly overwhelmed and often overlooked. As a caretaker, they always have to consider the well-being of their parent. They can’t just get up and go,” explains Dr. Hafeez.  Caretakers may feel resentful, isolated and stuck during the holidays which leads to conflicted feelings of resentment and guilt. They also believe they have to be hands on managing everything. It’s important to lighten the caretakers load by offering support even if it means asking them how they are doing. Be patient and ask the caretaker what they need. It could be something as simple as having food delivered to their home to free up time for other tasks, Dr. Hafeez recommends.

  1. The recovering substance abuser.

Recovering from addiction is hard.  Period.  But it’s harder when holiday festivities are filled with friends and family drinking everything from eggnog to champagne.  “Understand that those in recovery from substance abuse are hyper-sensitive about being judged. They feel as if all eyes are on them and that pressure may trigger the desire to use drugs or alcohol to soothe their anxiety. When they aren’t fully recovered, they may anticipate possible “landmines” and avoid them. They may choose to stay to themselves and observe more and participate less. They might opt out of larger family gatherings that are too overwhelming,” cautions Dr. Hafeez. Offer an open invitation and remind them they are welcomed when they are ready. A balance of love, support and acceptance is what they are in most need of, suggests Dr. Hafeez.

  1. The children of divorce.

Divorce means two separate holidays at two different places and kids feel overwhelmed having to double up. It’s incredibly important for parents to agree on where the kids are going during the holidays and all logistical details. “Kids want to feel safe and secure. They don’t want to feel as if they are the expected to be rushed here and there because their parents chose to divorce,” says Dr. Hafeez. It could be unsettling to younger kids and teens may isolate and rebel against any family events as they are sorting out their own emotions as they get used to a new normal. You really want to establish a game plan for the holidays and if possible, stick to it every year, advises Dr. Hafeez.

Filed Under: health, holidays Tagged With: ,

BODILY TROUBLES A WOMAN MAY FACE THAT ARE TREATABLE

November 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment
  1.   The Pouch of Douglas

 

The pouch of douglas is an area located between the rectum and the posterior wall of the uterus. It is a long and narrow structure that is found in the lower portion of the peritoneal cavity, and its function is to drain the fluids from the cavity. During the menstrual cycle, some fluid collects in the pouch, but it dissipates spontaneously so it holds no health hazards. Sometimes though, there may be a collection of fluid above the normal volume, and it may indicate these problems:

  •    Ruptured ovarian cyst

Fluid collected may have been as a result of the rupture of an ovarian cyst, a small fluid-filled sac, resulting in the accumulation of fluid within the pouch. It normally requires surgery to remove.

  •    Peritonitis

This is caused by a collection of pus leading to inflammation of the peritoneum. It may result from a bacterial infection (Primary peritonitis), from a perforation in the abdomen (Secondary peritonitis), or from a recurring infection (Tertiary peritonitis).

  •    Pelvic Abscess

It is usually caused by pelvic inflammatory diseases. With this condition, pus accumulation is seen originating from a genital tract infection from earlier on.

  •    Endometriosis

When endometriosis is found in the pouch of Douglas, the patient may experience pain during sexual intercourse. Severe cases of endometriosis are characterized by an obliteration of the pouch of Douglas, as well as the presence of chocolate cysts upon laparoscopy.

Conditions involving the Pouch of Douglas can be managed through various means:

  •    Culdoscopy

This involves insertion of an endoscope through the vagina and in the Pouch of Douglas to further examine the pelvic cavity. After this is done the fluid is drained.

  •    Peritoneal Dialysis

This method involves inserting a catheter into the Pouch of Douglas. The fluid is later drained through the catheter.

 

  1.    Uterine Fibroids

 

These are the most common non-cancerous tumors that affect women of childbearing age. The cause of fibroids is unknown. The symptoms are urinating often, painful periods, pain during sex, lower back pain and reproductive problems.

 

  1.    Gynecologic cancer

 

There are five main gynecologic cancers that affect women. These are:

  •    Cervical cancer which affects the cervix
  •    Uterine cancer which affects the ovaries.
  •    Vaginal cancer which affects the vagina.
  •    Ovarian cancer which affects the ovaries.
  •    Vulvar cancer which affects the vulva.

 

  1.    Stroke

 

Stroke is ranked as the fifth major cause of death. Females are more likely to be affected by stroke than men. About 60 percent of all cases of stroke happens to women. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to some part of your brain is interrupted depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. This causes brain cells to start dying immediately. Luckily, stroke can be prevented and treated thus the mortality rate due to the illness has reduced. These are some of the symptoms that characterize a stroke attack:

  •     Trouble with speaking and understanding.
  •    Headache.
  •    Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes.
  •    Trouble with walking.
  •    Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.

 

Filed Under: health Tagged With: ,

The 5 most common eye problems and ways to remedy them fast

November 27, 2017 by 1 Comment

Sight is one of the top senses of any living being and eyes have to be treated with care. Eye problems might occur anytime. It is important to know some of the most common eye problems and how to treat them. Here’s a list of the top five.

1. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eye condition that involves the inflammation of the eyelids. The eyes of the patients are usually itchy. The sclera (white part of the eye) become red and vision is distorted. The skin around the eyes starts to flake. Causes of blepharitis include bacteria, dust mites, eczema or dry eye syndrome (DES)

Treatment involves prescribed eye drops and maintaining clean eyes and eyelids. One can get in touch with a specialist for further diagnosis.

2. Cataracts

Cataracts result from the formation of a mass that forms in front of the eye, making the eyes cloudy. The mass forms slowly and the eye problem can take years before it’s detected. In some cases, the mass stays small and doesn’t result in any eye problems.

Very few symptoms can be detected and they include not being able to see well since light cannot get through to the retina. Cataracts may appear in one or both eyes, though in most cases, they normally appear in both at different times.

They are common in elderly people and can cause blindness if they are not properly treated. Treatment involves a surgery to remove cataracts.

3. Xerophthalmia

Xerophthalmia is a medical eye condition also referred to as dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis where the eye cannot produce tears. The eye film’s size is reduced. Tears go a long way in the cleaning of the eyes and keeping it lubricated for proper functioning and vision. Some of the most causes of Xerophthalmia include chemical burns, aging, radiotherapy, lack of vitamin A and poor closure of the eyelids.

Common symptoms include night blindness, redness of the eye, corneal xerosis, blurred vision among other symptoms.  The treatment of the condition involves the inclusion of foods rich in vitamin A in the diet such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, dried apricots, peas, tomatoes, and spinach. The use of vitamin A supplements, eye drops with artificial tears,  air humidifiers which prevents eye dryness, retinol injections,  also provide additional treatment.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes the elevation of pressure levels, which can get too high and damage the optic nerve. The open angle glaucoma is the most common, though it does not show any relevant symptoms or cause any pain. Due to this, only regular eye examinations will show if the patient has glaucoma.

Causes include injuries to the eye, eye inflammation and blocked blood vessels. Eye drops or surgery fall under the list of recommended treatments.

5. Floaters

Floaters are small tiny black spots or specks that occur from the breaking of the vitreous. The vitreous gel-like consistency impairs one’s vision. They float across the eyes mostly when in bright rooms, areas with light or during a bright day. Although the condition is normal and not harmful, they can turn into a serious condition like retinal detachment. A specialist should be contacted for examination.

Regular eye check-ups are necessary for keeping track of your eyes. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience anything unusual.

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Small Business Saturday, Extends Lowest Hoverboard Prices of the Season

November 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Celebrate Small Business Saturday in its first season by extending holiday sales prices on its line of HOVERFLY hoverboards.

Highlights include the UL-certified HOVERFLY ECO for only $147 ($199.99 MSRP) and an impressive $70 off the off-road ready HOVERFLY XL, making the high-end all-terrain hoverboard available for only $229.99 ($299.99 MSRP).

The brand launched in Denver in August of this year as a start-up with small business values and big aspirations in the electric rideables market. From its marketing and operations headquarters in the Mile High City, GOTRAX is already dominating the national hoverboard market while remaining grounded in its community and maintaining a brand focus on science and education for children.

The special holiday sale pricing on hoverboards and other GOTRAX hoverboards and accessories is available now exclusively at GOTRAX.com and applied automatically at checkout along with free shipping.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY HOVERBOARD SALE PRICING

The brand also just published “Hoverboards: The Ultimate Holiday Buyer’s Guide,” a multimedia experience designed to help parents make informed decisions when shopping for hoverboards, regardless of brand.

LOOK: EXPLORE ‘HOVERBOARDS: THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY BUYER’S GUIDE’

The guide covers topics like UL certification, performance, what features are important, value, customer service and more with a variety of colorful infographics, animated videos, an interactive HoverboardSafety Quiz and, of course, detailed walkthroughs of what to look for when purchasing a hoverboard and why.

Learn more and shop Small Business Saturday hoverboard prices at GOTRAX.com.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, toys Tagged With: ,

Study Customs Before Visiting The Middle East

November 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Before you travel to the Middle East, it is recommended that you study up on some of the standard customs of the region so that you do not insult your hosts while you are there. What can you or cannot do, while visiting the region could save you a lot of embarrassment and even a lot of trouble.

Here are some guidelines and some of the reasons behind them. Remember local customs are built on ancient beliefs and dogma, so don’t expect to win any arguments over how to dress or how to behave. Even through modern times, some Islamic countries use Islamic law (Sharia), which goes all the way back to “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” If you want to test that, you will be woefully sorry you did. These are the types of laws that allow authorities to cut off the hands of shoplifters or stone adulterers to death.

While this sounds scary, most visitors to the Middle East find the most hospitable, kind, generous people they will ever meet in their lives. The same strict Islamic doctrines hold that you treat people with the utmost respect and help your fellow citizens when they are in need. You will meet people who offer strangers the shirt off their backs – not literally, of course – which is a custom born of the region’s harsh environment.

Meanwhile, modern standards are making in-roads into Middle Eastern cultures. You will not find pork on any restaurant menus in the region, but you will, on occasion, find alcohol served in very measured instances – an aperitif before or during dinner in someone’s home, for example. Rarely, if ever, will you ever see a glass of wine or imported alcohol. But the Internet is available in many places and country’s like the United Arab Emirates are as modern and up to date as their neighbors may be holding onto ancient traditions. For example, search through  https://golfscape.com/united-arab-emirates/dubai-golf-courses and you will find some of the world’s most scenic golf courses in the world, including, that’s right, the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, where it costs about $250 for eighteen holes.

Of course, there’s more than golf available for the modern traveler in Dubai. You can rip up the dunes on a Dubai Red Dunes Safari, which includes a barbecue and sand boarding in the desert. You can also visit the famous Dubai fountains, put together by the same water-sculpting experts as those who created the Las Vegas fountain show.

The world’s tallest building is in Dubai. It stands 829.8 meters high, which translates to 2,722,4 feet, That’s more than half a mile high, taller than many of the Catskill Mountains.

Visitors might also dash off to see the Palm Islands. These are so-called “artificial islands” shaped like palm leaves. I’m sure that “man-made” is a clearer way to say that. Either way, these are feather-shaped strands of sand that include luxury housing (what in Dubai isn’t a luxury?) and a water park.

What does this mean for tourists wanting to be respectful of local customs? For starters, short-sleeved shirts are permitted on the golf courses and on the beaches, but generally, men stick to full-length pant legs during leisure activities, although shorts that reach the knees might be permitted. For women on a golf course in Dubai, signs on the street suggest that you wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders. This, it might be mentioned, is one of the more liberal of the seven emirates that lies in one of the more liberal countries in the region. It might also be mentioned that the same courtesy – covered knees and shoulders – are expected from the men.

So, here is a rundown of some of the local customs and what they mean for visitors.Public behavior is expected to be respectful. You should not exhibit any public affection in the Middle East, so if you are there on your honeymoon or on a date, remember that touching in public is considered very rude.

On the other hand, expect cordial greetings wherever you go. In crowded cities, this will be different, but in isolated areas, expect people to say hello or even park themselves somewhat close to you. The story, as I heard it, was about a visitor in an empty train station at night. An Arabic man came in and sat right beside him and said hello. The visitor wanted some space, so he moved over a few seats and the Arabic man moved over, more or less chasing him from seat to seat during the night. The thing to understand is that in desert regions, people either show their friendliness upfront or they might be considered hostile. Imagine finding – at long last – another person in a great empty desert and that person passes you by without saying hello. You would distrust that person quickly.

Accepting invitations is, therefore, very important in the Middle East and, since you are from out of town, expect to be invited often to tea or coffee. It is considered very rude to refuse such gestures.

Clothing in public does not usually mean women must wear the full covering of a headscarf or a veil is necessary, but each country – and some regions within countries – are different. Women in Iran, parts of Pakistan and in Afghanistan where Taliban etiquette is expected would need to cover their faces. In Saudi Arabia, it is optional but highly recommended.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Visit HGTV’s Santa HQ at Freehold Raceway Mall #SantaHQ

November 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

It is that magical time of year again, where malls across the country are packed with shoppers, including kids and parents of all ages. One of the main draws of shopping at the mall, beyond the shopping, is to see the big man himself Santa. This year HG TV brings you a very special Santa’s HQ, where visitors travel to the North Pole and explore the big man’s abode. The visit starts interestingly enough, with an app download. There really is an app for everything. The app is called Elf-Ray vision, and should be downloaded before you get to the mall.

 

This app gives the user a special insight into the working of the elves. Point your phone at the walls, and see what the elves have been up to. Once activated, the gears show elves working hard behind the scenes or getting ready for the big day. These scenes are dispersed at various places all along your trek, so keep an eye out. The first step is the “Elfie Selfie” in Santa‘s workshop where, after snapping your pic as an elf, you star in your own holiday video (that also features some HGTV favorite stars) that you can share with with your loved one as well- just email it to yourself on the tablet.

 

Next up is the Naughty or Nice O’Meter. Users input their name, then they are measured on whether they have been naughty or nice. My son was just barely nice, according to the meter, but he made the cut…..so far. Then off to the observatory where your Elf Ray vision really kicks in, and you can see an incredible display with twinkling snow and presents. The end of your visit culminates in a family photo, and then a meeting with the big guy himself, Santa. Make sure your kids bring him a list- then you can avoid those post office lines 😉

 

Guests of the mall are invited start to making reservations by visiting www.santa-hq.com.

Enjoy your visit!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, holidays Tagged With: , ,

Rebuilding After Disaster

November 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

There are few things more traumatic for a family than seeing their home damaged by fire or severe weather. The loss of treasured items is compounded by the financial loss and inconvenience of getting things back to normal.

If you have had the misfortune of experiencing one of these events, you already know what a complicated process it is to clean up and repair things. It is also a time when it is very easy to make mistakes because there are many people involved, including insurance adjusters, contractors, salespeople, and even government entities like FEMA and your fire department.

As you get the process underway, try to stay on track with these tips. They’ll help you focus on the right steps to recovery.

Know How To Prioritize

When your home has been damaged, you want to save everything. But in a practical sense, spending hours and hours trying to restore replaceable items in your home is not a good allocation of your time.

Focus on the things that are irreplaceable but salvageable and work on those first. Don’t worry about general belongings like furniture. A couch that is soaked with water from a flood or from firefighting efforts will take days to thoroughly dry, and even then will be filled with odors, dirt, and fungus. Bernhardt Furniture can replace those items, so put your energy into finding and preserving things like heirloom china and family photographs.

Make Sure The Damage Has Stopped

When a disaster strikes, there is an immediate reaction to the problem and then there is a need for longer-term attention. Floods in particular are notorious for creating additional damage even after the water recedes, because it has penetrated into so many spaces that it can be nearly impossible to clean them all.

Remove sources of further damage. Items that are full of smoke odor should be taken outside so that they don’t perpetuate the smell in other items. Get into walls and let water drain out, and be sure that wet floor coverings are taken outside. If your home has been properly protected from groundwater, it should stay dry once flood water is removed.

Prepare For Next Time

It can be so easy to get in a hurry when you’re trying to recover from a disaster. You just want to get things cleaned, repaired, and replaced as quickly as possible and return to the routine you had prior to the event, and that’s understandable.

But during that recovery, it can also be very easy to make some preparations for next time, in case the unthinkable happens twice. If you’ve had a fire in your home and you’re doing extensive repairs, investigate a residential sprinkler system. They have a documented ability to reduce fire damage and contain flames to a smaller area.

If you’ve been flooded, see about improving drainage around the home and possibly installing barriers to divert swollen streams. You might also be able to change floor coverings in the lowest parts of your home to make them more tolerant of another flood.

Remember that much of this work is cheaper, easier, and faster when you’ve already got a mess from the previous damage, so try to slow down enough to check into these options. There may also be insurance incentives to help defray the costs, or at least discounts on your premiums.

Fires and floods are incredibly traumatic. We see the things we have worked hard for being consumed in hours or even minutes. Recovery is the first thought we have when the event is over, but it is very important that you manage that correctly in order to make it the best recovery it can be.

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