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3D Printing Gets Another Boost Thanks to New High-Powered Laser Beams Technology

According to a new study carried out by Lawrence Livermore researchers, a technology that was originally created to smooth out and pattern high-powered laser beams for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) can, in fact, be used in 3D printing. Metal objects can be printed faster than ever thanks to this technology which could revolutionize the industry as we know it.


The team’s finding was published last month in Optics Express as they describe how the new method, Diode-based Additive Manufacturing (DiAM) works. By using high-powered laser diodes, specialized lasers and laser modulators developed for the NIF, they were able to flash print a layer of metal powder as opposed to scanning a laser across each layer, as with conventional laser-based powder-bed fusion Additive Manufacturing (PBFAM) systems.

“By cutting the print time and having the ability to upscale, this process could revolutionalize metal additive manufacturing,” said Ibo Matthews, an LLNL scientist, and the paper’s lead author. “The illumination time savings, we estimate, is such that a one cubic meter build that would require 10 years of raster-scanned illumination to make would require only a few hours with DiAM because you can image layer at once.  Printing with a gray-scaled image may also allow you to reduce residual stress because you can tailor the thermal stresses spatially and temporally.”

By using high-powered arrays of laser diodes and a specialized laser modulator developed for the National Ignition Facility, researchers could potentially 3D print large metal objects in a fraction of the time needed for metal 3D printers on the market today, according to a new study by LLNL researchers. (Photo by Kate Hunts/LLNL)


Matthews says the magic of the process is in the implementation of the specialized laser modulator called an Optically Addressable Light Valve (OALV).  Similar to the way in which a liquid-based projector works, the OALV is used to sculpt high-powered laser light according to pre-programmed images, but unlike these conventional projectors, it’s un-pixilated and can, therefore, take much more power.  It was originally intended as part of the LEOPARD (Laser Energy Optimization by Precision Adjustments to the Radiant Distribution) system at NIF but the team soon demonstrated it could be used for so much more.

James DeMuth, a former LLNL researcher led the demonstration that showed how the light valve could be used to print parts.  “The DiAM project marries two technologies that we’ve pioneered at the Lab – high-power laser diode arrays and the OLAV,” explained John Heebner, the LLNL scientist responsible for heading the development of the OALV.  “Given that we put all this time and development into this light valve, it became a natural extension to apply it to this project.  We went through some calculations and it was clear from the outset that it would work (with 3-D printing). The ability to change a serial process to a parallel process is critical to ensuring that as parts increase in complexity or size that the patterning process speed can be increased to catch up.”


When it comes to DiAM printing, four diode laser arrays and a nanosecond pulsed laser are used to source the laser light.  It’s then passed through the OALV where the image is patterned onto a slice of the 3-D part.  The images get sent to the laser in a two-stage liquid crystal modulation process.  Stage one involves sourcing the images from a CAD model and imprinting them onto a low-power LED source through the use of an ordinary, pixilated liquid crystal projector.  Stage two involves the OLAV’s photoconductive layer being activated by the blue images, creating local conductive patches that transfer voltage across to the liquid crystal layer.  The high-power laser is then modulated by the low power blue images and directed onto the build plane where it sets to work printing a whole metal layer in one go.

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Everything You Need to Know About Cryptocurrencies

Used to be that cryptocurrencies were a term you only heard in tech circles. These days it pops up in the news with regularity and the Average Joe is asking himself, should I get in on this cryptocurrency business? What is exactly and how should I go about it?

This guide has some of the basic answers where you can learn what cryptocurrency is, how it works, where it came from, its benefits, the five most popular cryptocurrencies, and next steps.

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What is Cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital cash, but it is not backed by any government. Instead, they are backed by their supported networks. They are database entries encrypted with highly complex mathematics. Because of this validating, a cryptocurrency transaction takes a lot of work and makes mining a job that’s not for everyone.

Shared over networks, the networks prevent possible errors, like double-spending.  Also, there’s no central server or controller monitoring transactions or generating new currency. The currency is created by the separate networks and generally, not interchangeable or equal.

Cryptocurrency values can change in reaction to a demand or a shortage, just like traditional currencies.

How do cryptocurrencies work?

Cryptocurrencies are shared over networks and then it is proved on a public database in a process referred to as mining. Each mining process is different for the cryptocurrencies.

A cryptocurrency transaction is made between digital wallets. The transactions are sent to blockchain databases and verified through mining, usually overall a 10-15 minute process. Each wallet has its owner’s cryptographic signature that proves the owner of the currency. Owner identities are always private and encrypted. Each owner has a private key that no one else knows or has access to and therefore accounts are secure

What is Mining Exactly?

In order for a transaction to be added to a database, a miner must solve a complex open-source mathematical equation. Anyone with a powerful enough computer can be a miner and in return, they get a fee, brand new coins, and a small amount of renowned. The first miner to add a block to a database, they cannot be added to altered by anyone afterward.

Because of the mathematical prowess behind the encryptions and because whoever mines a block has their name signed to it, it is sort of like a competition between miners to see who can seal, or verify a block first.

Basically, miners keep blockchains working smoothly by creating a block and legitimizing transactions with hash, or the encrypted data of the transaction.

What is Blockchain?

Bitcoin and Blockchain were both created by Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a way to store transactions on a public database, with the blocks acting almost like traditional bank statements, making up a history of previous transactions. Users connected to the nodes get real-time updates shared by thousands. The blockchain is protected from hackers because the data is stored in various locations, not centralized on a single server.

Additionally, Blockchain performs a number of checks for security, like checking to ensure digital wallets are calculating balances accurately and that the owners using the coins actually owns them.

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How did it all begin?

Although Satoshi Nakamoto is the identified inventor of Bitcoin, the individual is yet to be identified and is actually believed to be a group of people. The project was started in 2007 and the website Bitcoin.org was up and running in 2008. The first mining occurred in 2009 and the first transaction took place shortly thereafter.

Originally intending to create a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, rather than a currency, Nakamoto was the first to succeed at creating electronic money. A key part of the currency, especially in digital currency, is to ensure that the coins are not double spent, which is usually kept in check with a centralized server. Since Bitcoin is intrinsically decentralized, the way this is managed is that any duplicate transaction made with the same coins is automatically rejected. It is this unique difference that made Bitcoin viable as the first cryptocurrency.

What are the Benefits of Cryptocurrencies?

One of the main benefits of cryptocurrency is privacy, restricted access, and control. The owner of the currency has ultimate control over their account. Merchants can’t request access, no hacker can uncover your identity, and there are no fees or banking hours or locations to interfere with your access or currency. Your money and identity are as safe as you keep your private and public key.

Additionally, because of the digital nature of the currency, it cannot be counterfeited or forged, another layer of security for the cryptocurrency.

And for more hassle-free usage, a transaction cannot be reversed or altered, unlike a chargeback on a credit card.

The 5 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin; The most valuable cryptocurrency and the first, Bitcoin is a market leader and has a powerful worldwide reputation. Many retailers, like Amazon, accept Bitcoin for purchases.
  • Ethereum; Ether isn’t strictly a currency more like a fully programmable token. Developers are allowed to activate and build applications on the platform and within blockchain technology.
  • Ripple; Ripple is similar to Bitcoin in that it is a currency and works on peer-to-peer networks. XRP is the name of the currency and the network where the transactions occur. The service sees itself as a complement to Bitcoin rather than a competitor.
  • Litecoin; Known as LTC, Litecoin runs on a peer-to-peer network and is considered by most to be a competitor with Bitcoin. And like Bitcoin, it uses mining for security and operates on a blockchain.
  • Ethereum Classic; Ethereum Classic and Ethereum are basically exactly the same. The split happened after the distributed autonomous organization (The DAO) was hacked. Those who decided to pay back the funds stayed with Ethereum and those who did not create a new blockchain but continue to mine the old one.

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How do I get started?

If this has gotten you interested in cryptocurrencies, you can learn more by reading the white papers for any cryptocurrency. Probably best to start with Bitcoin or Ethereum as they are the two most popular kinds. If you’re ready to buy some cryptocurrencies, start at Crypto Head for an exchange. If that service isn’t available where you are, investigate the exchange collection.

Good luck with all your cryptocurrency adventures!

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Steps to Boost Your Macbook’s Performance

Have you been struggling with your Macbook? Things might have been perfect when you first bought it, but it was only a matter of time before the computer’s performance dipped.

There is no helping it as any computer will start to underperform sooner or later. And the solution should not be spending money on a new device. There are certain steps you can take to improve performance.


Step #1 – Clean Dust and Dirt

Start with removing the filth that has accumulated over the years. Cleaning dust and dirt inside the computer should be a regular thing. Leaving it unattended can potentially damage the internal hardware.

You should not wait for the issue to get out of hand. However, if you notice that the Macbook is overheating, or that the internal fans are making a loud noise, clean the dust inside immediately.

In case you are afraid to take the computer apart yourself, hire someone who has experience. There ought to be a service store nearby.

Finally, if the problem with overheating persists, consider purchasing a cooling pad. The accessory can become really helpful, especially when you have to use the Macbook in summer.

Step #2 – Reduce RAM Usage

Macbooks do not have infinite RAM. In fact, the lack of available memory is one of the biggest downsides of the computer.

Take a look at the Activity Monitor tool If you want to reduce memory usage on mac. The app allows you to sort processes by memory usage. 

Applications that are idly running in the background should be switched off. You should also disable visual effects. 

If the problem of memory usage persists, you might need to remove certain applications or look for replacements that are not so resource-hungry.

Step #3 – Optimize Web Browser

Web browsers can cause the most problems. While the computer itself performs relatively well, some users encounter issues when surfing the internet. 

One of the most common causes is too many extensions and add-ons. Some can be useful, like ad blockers, but if you overburden the browser with extensions, do not expect it to perform. Clearing the cache and limiting the number of open tabs should also help with fixing the internet browser.

And if you are still unable to use the internet, consider installing another browser. After all, there are multiple options available, and most of them are free.

Step #4 – Free up Disk Space

Small drive space is another disadvantage of Macbooks. Many users fail to fit every file on the computer and need to find other ways to keep hold of their data. Freeing up disk space will significantly improve the performance of the Macbook. 

You can remove old applications, downloads, email attachments, get rid of temporary junk files, transfer some files to Dropbox or iCloud, and even buy external storage devices

Step #5 – Declutter Desktop

Even if it is convenient to access the files with a single mouse click, it should not be enough to justify having a cluttered desktop. 

Some people have a habit of keeping all of their files on the desktop. But the problem is that it limits the available resources. Every icon on the desktop gets rendered when you switch between it and another window.

Transfer the files to another location. Keep your desktop nice and tidy. And if you are having problems locating files, use the search function. It is available for a reason. 


Step #6 – Scan for Potential Malware

The threats of cybersecurity continue to become a bigger problem in the world. Even if you are an average user who relies on their Macbook for personal use, you should still scan it with a reliable anti-virus.

It is likely that the biggest offender of a sudden drop in the Macbook’s performance is a virus or malware. Check the system and remove any infected files and other threats. 

Step #7 – Update the System

System updates are one of those things you need to install at your earliest convenience. Do not wait around and update the computer.

You will benefit from new features, as well as stability and performance updates. Moreover, new patches for security also helps with malware and virus prevention. 

Step #8 – Prevent Memory Leaks

Applications that have been running for a long while start to misuse memory and distribute it where it should not go. The phenomenon is called memory leaks.

Regular restarts are the easiest solution to the issue. A restart every few hours ought to be more than enough.

Step #9 – Reinstall the OS

With all that said, you may still find that the overall performance is not what you want despite taking all the steps mentioned above. 

Reinstalling the OS is a difficult process, and you will need to look for sources on the internet. Backing up data is also necessary as it gets wiped after the reinstallation. However, despite these challenges, giving the Macbook a fresh start will help with boosting its performance.

Photo by Dmitry Chernyshov

Top 10 Reasons Startups Fail

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Top 10 Reasons Startups Fail

5 Must-Have Search Engine Browser Extensions

If you’re one of the millions of users of the internet, you understand the power of having knowledge at your fingertips. But did you know there are ways to make your search even more efficient, personalized, and useful?

A browser extension is a small text file that tells the browser what information to send to a search engine and how the results are to be retrieved. A browser plugin provides the ability to access a search engine from a web browser, without having to go to the engine’s website first. 

This comes in handy when you need to quickly check on something and don’t want to open another tab and go through the search process in your browser. Certain website plugins also scan the webpage you’re browsing to provide extra insights or analysis. 

Overall, if you’re a user of the world wide web, there’s probably a plugin out there you can benefit from. In today’s blog, we’re counting the top 5 best website plugins available for free today. These are quickly installed via web browsers such as Firefox and Chrome.


  1. Magento Search

The Magento Search extension is your go-to extension for online shopping. It requires no development, integration, or maintenance. Magento is an e-commerce platform that companies use to set up their online stores on the backend. This plugin helps simplify the search process with InstantSearch, a self-learning program that continuously improves search results relevance as shoppers browse an e-commerce store. 

  1. Grammarly 

Even the best writers need a spellchecker. Grammarly automatically detects potential grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes in writing. It was developed in 2009.

Grammarly can be installed as a browser extension to both Chrome and Firefox, a computer program on Mac or Windows, or can be used in conjunction with Google Docs.

Because it is compatible with the web browser, you’ll constantly be receiving suggestions to perfect your writing directly on the page. You’ll get suggestions from Grammarly as you write on Gmail, Twitter, LinkedIn, and nearly everywhere else you find yourself writing. ‘

Not sure about tone? Grammarly’s built-in tone detector helps you figure out how your message will come across to readers. The extension tells you how your phrase sounds. That means you’ll have the opportunity to add a little more confidence, friendliness, or whatever the situation calls for before you hit send.

  1. Wecompress

Do you work with images? Perhaps in graphic design or photography? Whether managing image files on your computer is a daily thing, chances are you’ve done it. You’ve transferred pictures from your camera to your computer and attempted to upload them to a website — only to find out that the file size is too large!

What to do?

Enter Wecompress, your one-stop-shop for all your file compress needs. Wecompress doesn’t just handle image files. It is a free online service for compressing PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, PNG, and JPEG files. The program is offered via desktop as a software or can be downloaded online as an extension to your server. It is used by over 2 million customers in 149 countries.

When it comes to must-have browser extensions, Wecompress is a no-brainer. Simply install and you’re a click away from dragging and dropping your files to be compressed. 

  1. Zest

Zest helps fill the blank space that appears in your web browser when you open up a new tab. Billed as the “marketer’s assistant to maximize productivity,” Zest wields the power of AI to suggest content to the user based on their search history and interests while browsing the extension.

You see, Zest is a marketer’s best friend, acting as a community where writers can submit blog articles that get posted upon approval. These blogs contain rich information, tips, and trends on the broad scope of marketing. More than 50,000 marketers and organizations use Zest.


  1. Honey/WikiBuy

Who doesn’t like a good deal? 

The world of e-commerce is huge and riddled with scams, products, sales, etc. Nobody has the time to scour through the several search engine results pages on Google for the perfect buy. How do you ensure you are getting the product you want for the lowest price on the internet? 

Honey and WikiBuy are designed to do just that. Users who install these extensions on their browsers will have access to the lowest prices on the internet — and they don’t have to do a thing!

Once the user turns the extension on, if you go on Amazon, Ebay, or any other e-commerce website, the extension will give you a notification indicating you either have the lowest price available on the internet, or the product is cheaper somewhere else. 

Users then can click off the page and are directed to where the extension found the lowest price so they can buy. 

Photo by Benjamin Dada

Has COVID-19 Encouraged You to Change Career Paths to Nursing?

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted just how essential healthcare professionals are to the world. While many people have been stuck at home, watching the news and feeling helpless, healthcare workers have been on the frontline fighting the infection, which has been inspirational to watch. One of the potential outcomes of the crisis could mean more people moving into nursing, and if you have thought about a career change to nursing, here is what you need to know.

Career changes may be a necessity to some

Around 9 million people have been furloughed in the UK. Across the world, businesses are dealing with the shutdown in different ways, from paying stimulus cheques to providing a minimum basic income. In an ideal world, once COVID-19 is eliminated, these people would simply go back to work. However, the sad fact is that many industries are likely to struggle, which could mean redundancies and lack of job opportunities.


If you work in an affected industry and have perhaps been thinking about a career change for a while, this may be the thing that pushes you to go for it. While being made redundant is a stressful and awful experience, it can eventually lead to better things, so planning a career change can give you something to focus on.

Do your research now

Being furloughed might also mean you have a lot of spare time, which means you can research a career change. 

There are lots of organizations that offer information about a career change to nursing. You can find out more about studying nursing or what the job involves by reading the websites of nursing organizations, news outlets for nurses, and even blogs written by current or trainee nurses who share their experiences online. There are also social media groups for those thinking of going into nursing, so you can ask plenty of questions.

Some things to consider include:

  • What kind of training you will need
  • The cost to train and how you will support yourself
  • How long it might take to retrain
  • What kind of career path you want to get on

While you do not have to make any big decisions right now, while things are difficult, it can help to read around and think about your future. 

Flexible learning is possible for nursing students

Becoming a nurse is undoubtedly not easy, and it takes a specific type of person to take on the challenge, but some options can make the process a bit more flexible. This is helpful for those who already have a career, family commitments, or other reasons why they cannot study full time.

Most nurses start their careers by doing a bachelor’s degree, and the good news is, you can often do these degrees online or opt for part-time study, which can offer greater flexibility. Already have a degree? There are accelerated courses you can take to help you get registration faster.

Nursing is the kind of job where you never stop learning, and many nurses take further qualifications so that they can take more specialist roles that are interesting and well-paid. Baylor University allows you to do a DNP in nursing online, which means it fits in with other commitments, so there is no telling how far your career could go.

A switch to nursing could boost your salary

Some people assume that nursing is a poorly paid profession, and while it is true that nurses are undervalued, there are opportunities to get jobs with decent salaries.

As a career, nursing has a big gap between the bottom and top paid jobs, and pay depends on many factors:

  • How many years of experience you have
  • The setting in which you work – hospital nurses tend to earn more than those who work in clinics, schools and similar places
  • Your education level – further education beyond a bachelor’s degree can boost your salary
  • Location – it is not just the country you live in that can determine your salary, but also whether you work somewhere suburban or in the city

Nurses may also end up working overseas, and this can lead to a high salary. For example, nurses in the USA earn $73k on average, and specialists earn six figures. There are many other countries you could potentially move to that offer excellent packages for qualified nurses.


Nursing is popular with career changers

Nursing is a career that requires maturity and several other life skills, and while some people can get into nursing straight out of school, others do not find they are ready until later in life. Nursing is a popular choice as a second career, so wherever you have worked before, you could potentially get into it. 

A lot of skills can be used if you move into nursing, from tact and diplomacy to persuasion, so it is the kind of career where you can use your life experience to your advantage.

One question many people ask is whether they are too old to become a nurse. While the retirement age in the UK for nurses is 60, many people continue working in nursing part-time beyond this age, as long as they can physically keep up with the demanding role. Even if you are in your 40s, you could potentially get 20 or so years in service, so it could be well-worth retraining and doing something you enjoy.

COVID-19 is making a lot of people re-evaluate what they do for a living. Whether it is because their industry is in trouble, or because they have a lot of time to think and have realized they are unhappy in their job, so have been researching different options. With healthcare workers all over the news, more people will likely be looking to switch to one of these careers, and now may be a good time to think about it. While nursing is not for everyone, it offers many career options to suit different personalities and experiences, so there is no reason why you could not pursue this kind of career. 

Thanks to Victor He

Curious About Payday loans? Let Us Explain

Sometimes emergencies pop up that can’t be helped, like problems with your car or needing to replace something costly. It’s not ideal to live paycheck to paycheck, but in some cases, we can’t help it. Payday loans are a quick solution to unexpected money issues. They are a way to get fast cash to cover your expenses until you get your paycheck. 

We can’t all meet the criteria to get a more significant business or personal loan, but payday loans are more readily available. It may not be your first choice from our financial tips for quarantine, but if you’re stuck, it can help.


What Exactly Are Payday loans?

The purpose of payday loans is that they are short-term, fast cash for people who get stuck before their paycheck arrives. The lender usually deposits it directly to your bank account, and you must pay it back on the date that you and the lender agree upon. The typical repayment date is on your next paycheck date. The average time frame of a loan is typically around one month.

There is always an interest rate added to payday loans, so the lender has a reason to provide the credit. 

What Interest Rate Can I Expect to Pay?

Your payday loan interest rate will vary depending on which lender you’re borrowing from. However, you can calculate most interest rates and compare them with an APR. Your credit score and your income are usually taken into consideration when calculating the interest rate on your payday loan. It’s typically higher the more time you need to pay back the loan. 

Some payday loans calculate the interest rate daily since the point is that it is a short-term loan. In addition, there are regulations about how much of a daily rate you must pay. These rates all depend on where you live.

How Much Will I Be Able to Borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on a few questions about you. Your credit score, affordability assessment, and your financial history will all come into the equation. The lender’s criteria will also have something to do with how much you can borrow.

In most, it’s a limit of under $1000, but again, it all depends on your history and income. The lender will work with you to provide the amount you need to borrow and set up a payment plan that you can manage.

Once the lender approves your application for a loan, they work quickly to transfer the money to your account. Therefore, there are no long processing times, which is ideal for financial emergencies.


What If I Want to Pay Back Early or Can’t Make the Payment in Time?

For early payday loans repayment, most providers will accept it at no extra charge and often less interest. This is what you should aim to do if you end up getting a loan. The sooner you pay it off, the sooner you can get back on track with your finances.

However, if you are not able to pay back the loan on time, it may put you in further financial peril. The interest will increase every day that you are late repaying.

Photo by Steve Johnson

Slot game review for Rainbow Riches 

The “luck of the Irish” theme is one of the most commonly used aesthetics in the whole entirety of the online slot universe certainly, and maybe that of the wider gambling community too. It is no surprise though, is it? As the myths and traditions of the Emerald Isle are perfectly suited to the world of gambling, something that is proven by the hundreds of slots out there that use this theme. 


The Rainbow Riches series just has to be the most famous example, a sequence of slots that have achieved near-mythical status within the industry. Developers Barcrest really hit the nail on the head when they created the first of these online slots, something that resulted in countless sequels and spin offs. The newest of these is Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix, let’s take a look at how it gets on it comparison to its counterparts. Read ahead and check out Rainbow Riches.

About Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix and its bonus features 

We would be fairly confident that the majority of slot gamblers would have at least given a Rainbow Riches slot a spin or two at some point in their lives, whether that be in a land-based casino hall or the online casino world. For this reason the overall look of Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix is nothing too exciting, but only because it is nothing we haven’t seen before. It would still appear vibrant and exciting to a newcomer, however, as Barcrest really seem to have spent time honing the graphics to be as clear and HD as possible. Upon the standard 3×5 reel grid configuration gamblers can expect to see some of the typical hallmarks of a “luck of the Irish” slot game, with a variety of things on offer such as four leaved clovers, leprechauns, and pints of ale. 

On first glance it doesn’t seem like Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix is that much different from its predecessors, apart from in the graphics department. This all changes, however, when you find out about the new bonus feature on offer, one that actually serves to combine all the bonus rounds from the previous games! Right at the start you are given the choice of 3 different bonuses out of an overall 5. These can grant you a variety of prizes, from the 500.00 credits available in Road To Riches, or perhaps even more than that with the incredibly exciting Fields Of Gold bonus. 


About Barcrest and other slots by them 

You don’t just create a longstanding slot series like Rainbow Riches and remain an unknown presence in the online slot community, the main reason why Barcrest are highly well regarded across the community. It is not just Rainbow Riches that they have lent their hand too, however. Take a look at some of these: 

  •         Jewel In The Crown
  •         King’s Honour
  •         Monopoly Bring The House Down
  •         The Legend Of Big Foot 

Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix: Best in the series? 

There is absolutely no question that Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix is the best in the series to date. Saying anything else simply can’t be true!

Photo by John Schnobrich

Why Washing Your Hands is important to Get Rid of Corona Virus?

Our bodies are very delicate, particularly the skin. And if the right kind of cleaner isn’t used, washing your face can actually be quite damaging. A lot of this comes down to the way in which we are taught to wash and the person’s own view on what cleanliness is. A lot of people are under the misconception that having tight skin after a good wash is a good thing. However, in order to achieve this what people, tend to do is strip away all the dirt and grime that are clogging the pores and then proceed to apply some kind of astringent to ensure there’s no dead skin left hanging around.

While this might sound like a perfectly good cleansing routine on paper in proactive it doesn’t work quite so well. Often, in procedures such as the above, the skin becomes itchy, inflamed, and dry. Is it time to revise your daily cleansing routine?   

Soap – How it Works

Soap has been in use for a very long time (thankfully). And while the composition and ingredients of soap may have changed over the years, their purpose has remained the same – to remove dirt, oil, and sweat sebum from the skin. Nowadays, this is mostly done through the use of chemical agents called surfactants. These agents work by surrounding the dirt and oil and dissolving them. They also help to exfoliate the skin by removing any dead skin cells found on the surface. 

While the aim of these surfactants is to leave the skin feeling clean and revived, that doesn’t always happen. Some of these surfactants have an adverse effect on the skin causing itchiness, inflammation, and dryness. On top of that, they also undermine the skin’s natural barrier abilities. When this happens, unhealthy toxins and bacteria seep deeper into the skin, where they have the potential to cause more long-term damage.

Soap and its Affects on the Skin   

The outermost layer of the skin (called the stratum corneum) consists of layers upon layers of dead protein cells (keratinocytes) that are shed constantly. When these keratinocytes reach the surface of the skin the cell loses both its nucleus and cytoplasm, causing it to become hard and dry. To try and overcome this, surfactants bind to them. The problem is that they over-hydrate the proteins, causing them to swell as a result. 

As the swelling occurs, cleanser ingredients penetrate even further into the layers of the skin. If these ingredients seep deep enough, they could interfere with nerve ending and even the immune system itself, causing more itching and irritation. In addition to that, when the water evaporates from the skin, the dead keratinocytes become even drier. And as a result, when these surfactants are applied, the skin becomes stripped of its natural moisturizing factor (NMF).

Lipids are fat cells that are contained within the stratum corneum that help the skin retain moisture. However, surfactants squeeze their way in between these, causing the cells to become more permeable and therefore more susceptible to damage. The lipid structures themselves also become damaged in the process, causing a reduction in the fats found in the skin. 

As a general rule, surfactants are split into two categories. There are those which are soap-based and those which are detergent-based (also referred to as syndets). The pH level of most soap-based cleaner is around 10, making them much more alkaline than deterrent-based ones, as these come in around 7 or less. The higher the pH, the more irritation you’re likely to see. 

Skin Cleansing Tips     

There are a few things you can do to ensure your skin remains healthy. The first thing you should do is throw away any traditional baes of soap you may have lying around, especially if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin all-natural cold processes soaps will repair the damage and dryness caused by some traditional soaps.

When washing your face, try and avoid using hot water and don’t soak the skin for too long. This will strip the skin’s NMF even further, causing more dryness. When you’ve finished washing, try not to rub it dry vigorously. Instead, gently pat it dry. This will help you retain more of its natural moisture and resilience. 

Finally, to help keep your moisture levels risen and your skin soft, apply a little moisturizing soap or lotion when done, especially after a hot shower or a hot bath.

Photo by Jasmin Sessler

Slots Designed For Beginners 

If you’re reading this, we’re just going to assume that you want to get into online slot gaming, but you just don’t know where to start. Not to worry though, everyone has to start somewhere; you can’t learn to run without getting the walking part locked down initially! You can also enjoy and play a mermaid game. Consider us a guide of sorts, one that could set you up to earn a lot of cash as long as you’re paying attention; let’s begin!


Find The Right Developer 

The first thing you need to know is that there are hundreds, if not thousands of online slot titles out there for you to play with, designed by developers who span the globe and back! When you’re starting out, the best thing you can do is find one specific developer and stick to the slots found within their catalogue. We’d advise sticking with some of the more notable names, NetEnt, Microgaming, Yggdrasil Gaming and Blueprint Gaming are all worthy names for your attention. 

Read Reviews 

Reading reviews on certain slots that you think might be for you will definitely help you in the long run. Reviews tend to not hold back when it comes to highlighting the best parts of certain slots, but at the same time letting you know where it could improve. If a slot doesn’t have a great star/score rating, then you should probably move on to something else as the likelihood of it being worthy of your time is slim. 

So Which Slots Should I Check Out? 

You might think that there is just one slot variation to play right now, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Just because a slot looks like it could be easy to play, does not mean that it will be a walk in the park to spin. Cluster slots, for example, is something you will want to come back to once you are confident in your abilities to spin. 


We would always advise you start at the beginning by checking out some of the many fruit slots there are out right now. Without fruit slots there wouldn’t be a thriving online slot industry right now which is a straight up fact, ask anyone. What you see is what you ultimately get in a fruit slot, there’s no additional features or quirky gameplay elements in there to throw you off your game. 

Practically every developer has a fruit slot in their arsenal, which makes it very easy for a novice to step in and start spinning; which developer you choose comes down to you and your own personal preferences. If in doubt, just take a look at the front page of any reputable online slot site and it should provide you with where you need to go.

Photo by Carl Raw