Stop Gaming Addiction Affecting Your Kids

Sharon Anderson
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Stop Gaming Addiction Affecting Your Kids

Gaming has grown into one of the largest industries in the world and has been like that for at least the last decade. No matter which medium games are played on whether that be a console or a personal computer, one out of every three people game today. Consoles like the Playstation, now in its fifth generation, have become powerful beasts that can render beautiful graphics. capable of fantastic multiplayer experiences. Personal computers are now customizable to the point of artwork and are even more powerful than their console brothers. 

As far as the gaming industry goes, it has surpassed the 200$ billion mark in terms of market value at the moment. In 2016, which seems like an eon ago, 2.5 billion were gaming. Today, that number is much, much bigger. No other industry has grown as quickly and developed so many new branches. To think that billions of people of all ages are gaming across multiple platforms today, either offline or online is mind-boggling. Unfortunately, there is also a dark side that comes with something that stimulates our sensations and perceptions. 

The issue is that gaming addiction is very real these days, where most often younger generations will spend inordinate amounts of time gaming. We’re talking about over five hours a day, every day, on average for some countries where gaming is available and widespread. Gaming is one of the best ways to immerse oneself in alternate worlds, have fun and let off steam. Time can pass very quickly while gaming and having fun. What is more, hundreds of millions of kids and teens are gaming together with others online on huge online platforms where they can also communicate and share data with others while gaming. This presents several challenges ranging from security to mental health, the latter of which we will delve into in this article.

Why is Gaming Addiction a Huge Problem These Days?

Gaming addiction is a serious and widespread problem these days. Digital gaming has been around since the 1950s when simple games used to be played at home where kids were glued to television sets. We have come from basic games to the gaming console boom of the 1990s with the Sega Dreamcast, Playstation, and more. Gaming today is an entirely different beast, unrecognizable from its ancestors.

PC gaming did not overtake consoles until the late 90s and 2000, although both are extremely popular mediums today. There is hardly a person out there that has not heard of the Sony Playstation, the Nintendo Wii, and others. That is just how popular the concept is! 

Back to today, 2022, where we also have another category of gaming and that is mobile device gaming such as on smartphones from Android and Apple with powerful processors and graphics cards that allow for immersive gameplay.

Among younger kids, games like The Sims, Minecraft and Roblox are extremely popular. While, among older generations like teenagers games like shooters, action-adventure, simulations, racing, and e-sports are the first choice. Parents may think gaming is harmless, however when they realize The World Health Organization (WHO) added video game addiction to their list of recognized mental health conditions 3 years ago, a lot of people woke up. Today, psychologists, psychiatrists, academicians, and scientists alike know that gaming triggers the release of happy chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, particularly in young generations. In fact, the effect is much like drugs, alcohol, and gambling!

Over 80% of American teenagers have some sort of video game medium at home, while 97% of boys admit they play games (83% for girls). What is more, internet usage and gaming spiked post-COVID between 2020 and now when people are more isolated and likely to stay home. 

Gaming addiction can cause the following problems;

  • Disorders such as ADD/ADHD
  • Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and hostility
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not allowed to game
  • Overlooked priorities, excessive procrastination
  • Loss of interest in real-world activities and tasks
  • Lack of social interaction with the real world
  • Exposure to cyberbullies and online predators
  • Exposure to cybercriminals and online scams

How to Remediate Gaming Addiction

As you can see, gaming addiction can be treated just like alcohol, drug, or gambling addiction and the science and statistics are there to prove it. So, what can you do as a parent or guardian if someone close to you or in your family has a gaming addiction? Here are some pointers;

  • First of all, creating an action plan as a family or unit to strike a balance between health and gaming
  • Addressing any underlying issues that may be causing young people to 
  • Limiting the time kids and teens are gaming. Staying positive and building positive coping mechanisms for withdrawal
  • Using parental controls and surveillance mechanisms such as Qustodio or Bark which can block certain applications that young children access
  • Monitoring the content that your kids or teens are consuming

Here are more best practices when it comes to kids and gaming;

  • Taking regular breaks
  • Encouraging kids not to play negative games and to find healthy friends online
  • Keeping distance from the screen as it can damage eyesight
  • Making sure kids sit upright and have good posture
  • Gaming before bedtime will disrupt sleep, so minimizing that is a good idea
  • Making chores and homework a priority before games

You can also find several resources such as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the Family Gaming Guide, and The American Addiction Centers. 

At the end of the day, gaming is normal and billions of young people and adults both take part in it. Gaming is not just for kids, you must understand that it has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry that also pays for those that work in the industry. Gaming is no longer a ping-pong game or Tetris. It is no longer passive. Gaming has turned into a giant industry that drives innovation, progress, and technology. Most important of all, enjoy your gaming in a healthy way!

 

Meteorologist and Pilot Die In Horrific Helicopter Crash Along Charlotte’s I-77

Charlotte Stories
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Meteorologist and Pilot Die In Horrific Helicopter Crash Along Charlotte’s I-77

Two valued leaders in our community were killed yesterday in a horrific helicopter crash on the side of I-77 in Charlotte.

The victims of the accident were confirmed to be WBTV‘s news chopper pilot Chip Tayag and WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers.

Tayag is now being considered a hero after witnesses say he made ‘diversionary moves away from the highway’ to avoid any further injuries or loss of life.

According to WBTV, the crash occurred just after noon yesterday near the Nations Ford Road exit on I-77. All lanes were closed for several hours while emergency officials investigated the scene.

Please keep the Tayag family, the Myers family, and the entire WBTV News family in your thoughts and prayers this week.

America’s Longest Pedestrian Bridge Lit Up For Christmas Just A Few Hours West of Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
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America’s Longest Pedestrian Bridge Lit Up For Christmas Just A Few Hours West of Charlotte

The longest pedestrian bridge in North America just lit up over 40,000 Christmas lights over 140 feet in the air to cap off one of the Charlotte region’s most impressive Christmas displays.

The 680-foot-long bridge now includes a 300-foot-long lighted tunnel pedestrians can walk through while dangling over the night sky.

The new display is called “Lights Over Gatinburg” and is now open at the recently constructed SkyBridge and SkyDeck, just a few hours west of Charlotte.

You can learn more about the SkyBridge or to reserver your slot to walk across on their website here.

Guide to Using a VPN for YouTube

Sharon Anderson
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Guide to Using a VPN for YouTube

Since its start 15 years ago, Google’s YouTube has grown to billions of users worldwide.

However, YouTube has the same restrictions on access based on location as any other website. The platform is completely blocked in some countries (such as China), and users in many others can only see a small amount of content.

Luckily quality VPNs work to unblock YouTube from anywhere. You can watch all the videos you want, even if you live in a place with strict geo-restrictions or travel. How do you do that in real life? We’ll break it down.

Do you need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to watch YouTube?

You might have wondered at first if you need a YouTube VPN. In short, it is used to being limited in some areas. For example, China and North Korea block YouTube, and the site may also block content in other places.

Not only are the countries blocking access to the service, but so are many schools and businesses. A VPN is also recommended if you want to use YouTube Red, a paid service only available in a few countries. With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can get around these limits and fully use the service.

How to use a Virtual Private Network to connect to YouTube

Now that you know why it’s a good idea to use a VPN that’s good for streaming to get to YouTube, the next question is how to do it. It shouldn’t be too hard, and you shouldn’t have to spend too much time on it.

  • The first thing you need to do is find a VPN that works with YouTube. The good news is that we made a list of the best VPNs for YouTube in 2020, so you can easily access any content that’s been blocked. ExpressVPN, IPVanish, NordVPN, Speedify, and VyprVPN are the ones that our team recommends.
  • You’ll want to download its mobile app when you choose a service provider. The vast majority of service providers have apps that work well with many devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and game consoles, so you can stream YouTube videos on them.
  • Find a server in a country where you can access YouTube or the video you want, and then connect to that server.
  • Once you’re connected to a server, close the VPN app and open YouTube. Now, you should be able to watch any video on YouTube, regardless of where you live.

Is using a VPN with Youtube beneficial now?

A top YouTube VPN will give you unlimited bandwidth, unlimited data, access to servers in multiple locations, the ability to connect a total number of devices, apps for a wide range of platforms and devices, fast speeds, and compatibility with the video sharing platform.

When you use a VPN with YouTube, you can access any content, even dancing cat videos, and you won’t be sorry. Who wouldn’t want that, anyway?

We test and review VPN services that are used for legal and fun things. As an example:

  1. One using a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
  2. Keeping your online privacy and safety in mind when you travel.

Gallery walls for efficient exhibition space organization

Sharon Anderson
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Gallery walls for efficient exhibition space organization

Every museum or gallery needs to understand the audience and an art zone that captures the attention is a critical component of the existence of any type of exhibition. Who are those people who visit galleries, what do they seek, and how to satisfy their visual, emotional, and mental needs? What do they strive to get from seeing and analyzing those beautiful pieces of art? One way or another the exhibition should not be just a list of exhibits, pictures, or photos with the signatures of the authors. It is definitely something more than just an object. The visual interaction must be created and the key message should be shared with high precision and detail. The museum space must be arranged smartly, accessible, and in an uncomplicated manner, explaining the context and connecting with the viewer. And one of the elements that are pivotal for communication with visitors is the modern and well-designed gallery walls. For example, it can be a set of movable panels that can be of different colors, shapes, sizes, and configurations.

Importance of perfectly created art walls 

It is pivotal that the museum guest is not just a spectator that is emotionally detached but can tune in, find the right meanings of art, and feel the exposition with all the senses. And easily assembled and highly functional modular art wall panels are just about creating a unique experience for each guest of your gallery. Remember that no matter if it is a history museum with old pictures or contemporary galleries with modern art, it is not a stagnant standard place without changes and transformations. Such places must always be enlivened, reshaped, and renewed. It must interest people and bring them back, and highly technological gallery walls promote a comfortable, engaging environment.

Achieve key mission. The gallery or museum is a place for discovery and innovation, where you can learn something new, admire art, and be inspired. The place of interaction is not only visual and at the level of a connection between individuals and objects of art, but also interaction with other people through learning, creativity, and research of the world and cultures. It is a place of exchange of values beyond time and space. That is why with Mila-Wall offered by Art Hanging Systems, the representation of paintings or photos will be unique, flexible, and spectacular. And in combination with an excellently developed lighting system, it is possible to impress the most demanding visitors. 

Proper organization of every inch makes difference. The exhibition should guide the viewer along a certain route, delivering a sense of gallery wholeness, harmony, and unity. But not everyone willingly adheres to this rule and as a result, the pictures are hung in such a way that the light reflects off the glass or picture surface, color schemes merge and it has unwanted effects, and somewhere on the fifth similar picture in a row, it becomes deadly boring, so the art is not rated and valued highly enough. However, with the innovative gallery walls, common mistakes can be avoided, as the art area is properly organized.

Ensure balance. A person comes not just to look, but to learn, to receive impressions, knowledge, and emotions. And this experience is very easy to spoil by the illogical or poorly planned placement of objects or bad lighting. The interior and design of the museum’s exhibition content should be in conformity with the architecture of the room, and a system of modern walls ensures this effect. 

The Definitive Guide To Cryptocurrencies: How Many Are There in 2022?

Sharon Anderson
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The Definitive Guide To Cryptocurrencies: How Many Are There in 2022?

If you’ve been following the cryptocurrency markets lately, you’ve probably noticed that new coins are popping up all over the place. New cryptocurrencies are being released faster than ever before. 

Today, there are over 20,000 different cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap, and that number is growing every day! Why? Some say it’s because cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have gained mainstream exposure and investors want their piece of the pie. 

Some of the known cryptocurrencies are BTC, ETH, XLM, XRP, SOL, LTC, DASH, TRX, XCP, LINK, ADA, BTS, LUNA and many more are all on https://immediateluminary.com/. 

Whatever the reason may be, there are more coins than ever before. But how many exactly? It can be hard to keep track of all these different cryptocurrencies – after all, there’s so much drama in the crypto space! We’ve decided to take a closer look and share what we found with our readers.

What Makes Cryptocurrency Different?

Cryptocurrency isn’t tied to any country or central bank, but instead operates on a peer-to-peer network. While transactions are recorded in a public ledger called the blockchain, personal information about the users involved in transactions remain anonymous—the blockchain only shows their cryptocurrency addresses.

Cryptocurrency is also decentralized, so there’s no third party like a bank that can block or freeze payments if the system doesn’t work. It’s also pretty fast; while credit cards can take days to process payments and charge high fees, Bitcoin can be used internationally with most purchases confirmed in less than 10 minutes and fees as low as 0%!

The Growth Of Cryptocurrency Over Time

Cryptocurrencies have been growing quickly since their inception in 2008. There are a lot of different ones, and it can be hard to keep up with how they’ve been changing over time. The two most popular, Bitcoin and Ethereum, have had some dramatic swings in recent years. 

 The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin in 2009, which was created by a developer named Satoshi Nakamoto (note: the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto is still unknown). Since then, there have been over 900 cryptocurrencies, with more being created every year.

In 2009, one Bitcoin was worth less than a penny. In February 2011, it broke the $1 barrier. In November 2013, it hit $1000. Then in December 2017, it hit $19000 and left everyone wondering what will happen next.

Bitcoin’s value increased nearly 10-fold from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2017, peaking at around $20,000 per coin (it has since fallen back to about $8,500). Ethereum has seen an even more meteoric rise: it began 2017 at just $8 per coin and saw a huge spike in May, hitting a peak of $400 before returning to around $150 in early October. 

Both cryptocurrencies have had their share of falls as well—Bitcoin fell nearly 30% due to the “hard fork” that split it into two coins (Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash) in August 2017; Ethereum dropped by 80% after its own hard fork on July 20th of this year.

XLM is an alt coin that has recently been gaining a lot of attention. The XLM price may also be rising because of all of the other alt coins in the red, and XLM is one of the few in the green right now.

What Contributes To The Fast Growth Of Crypto?

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are growing in popularity. Millions of people use them to buy things, send money, and more. But what are the reasons behind their rapid growth?

Cryptocurrency was created as a way to separate the control of money from governments, banks, and other financial institutions. It uses a decentralized network of computers to track transactions, instead of using a central authority like American Express or PayPal. 

This means that there is no one person or group who can control or manipulate the currency—anyone with access to the internet can use it, buy things with it, or sell things for it.

Some experts say that this free-for-all attitude towards cryptocurrency is the reason for its recent growth in popularity. The digital nature of cryptocurrencies means that they are less vulnerable to government regulation than regular currencies. 

According to its supporters, this makes them an ideal choice for people who want to avoid taxation, controls on how they spend money, and crackdowns on businesses who accept cryptocurrencies.

But while some people use cryptocurrency because they don’t trust big financial institutions, others have come to rely on crypto for another reason: security.

More people want to own them and use them, which drives up demand and raises their value. It’s supply and demand at its finest. The supply also matters because cryptocurrencies have a set limit of coins that will be made (just like with any other currency) and since that number is finite, as demand for it increases, so does the price. 

As long as people keep buying into it because they believe that the price will go up in the future (and all the signs say that this will be true), the demand for it won’t diminish.

The Importance of Crypto

Crypto is important because it will make the world more equal. Some people in this world have a lot of money, while others have very little money. Crypto is a way to change that by allowing everyone to participate in the financial system and earn some money. 

Crypto is also good for the environment because you don’t need banks or other intermediaries to send money. It’s all done peer-to-peer so you can save on all that time and money wasted on those middlemen. 

And, as an added bonus, when everyone uses crypto, the governments can’t just print more money whenever they need more. That keeps inflation down and makes sure your money has value. 

A Man’s Guide to Designing an Engagement Ring

Sharon Anderson
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A Man’s Guide to Designing an Engagement Ring

When you are planning a proposal, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing an engagement ring. This is one purchase that your future wife will hold against you for the rest of your life! If you are planning to surprise your beloved with a stunning ring on proposal day, you will need to do your research and design a ring that you are sure she will love. This can be hard, especially since you will not get her feedback during the design process.

From the right setting for a ring to the type of band, here are some tips to help you come up with the perfect engagement ring for the woman that you love.

Find the correct band size

This is pretty basic but extremely hard to get right. Make sure that you measure your fiancée’s finger accurately before you start designing the ring. This will allow you to avoid the awkward situation of having to get the ring resized before she can start wearing it. The tricky part here is how you can measure her ring size without arousing suspicion. One option is to borrow a ring that she already owns and have that ring sized—make sure it is a ring that she wears on her ring finger. If your beloved sleeps soundly, you can even try to measure her finger with a length of string in the middle of the night!

Choose a precious metal

Traditional engagement rings are often made from precious metals such as platinum or gold. These metals have a classic look that will withstand the test of time. However, they are also quite costly so consider other metals if you have a limited budget. Look at the rings that your fiancée wears to get an idea of the type and color of metal she likes. If she has a mixture of gold and silver jewelry, you can design a mixed-metal band so that her ring will go with all the other pieces that she wears.

Choose a stone

The most important part of an engagement ring is the gemstone. The type of stone that you choose will depend on the type of setting you plan to have as well as your budget. Diamonds are the most popular type of engagement stone due to their classic appearance and durability. If you find diamonds boring, remember that they do not have to be the conventional clear color. Diamonds can come in blue, pink, green, and even black! Should you want to be a little different, choose another type of precious stone such as sapphires or rubies instead.

Choose how many stones

Aside from the type of stone, you can also choose how many stones you want in your engagement ring. The simplest type of ring features only one center stone. However, you can add smaller stones alongside the main stone or design a ring that features several stones of the same size. You can even have tiny stones set into the band for the ultimate shimmer effect. A single, large solitaire stone often costs more than several smaller stones, so your budget will also affect your decision. If your fiancée loves color, having multiple stones is also a good way to incorporate different gems.

Consider the setting

The way the precious stone is set into the ring has a huge impact on the overall look of the ring. Traditionally, engagement rings are set in a solitaire style that focuses on the beauty of the center stone. For a more dramatic look, consider having a halo of diamonds surrounding the center stone; this works well for smaller center stones. Even between these two choices, there are a variety of ways to customize the ring to make it unique. The variety of choices can be overwhelming so take some time to think about it and discuss your options thoroughly with your jeweler.

Consider her lifestyle

One factor that will influence the design of the ring is the type of lifestyle that your fiancée leads. The last thing you want is for your future wife not to be able to wear her ring when she is doing the things that she loves. If she is active and enjoys working with her hands, choose a low-profile setting that can withstand wear and tear and will not easily snag on objects. Similarly, if she works in a non-profit organization or a place of worship, she might prefer a more understated ring. However, if your fiancée is a high-flying corporate executive, an expensive and elaborate ring may be just want she wants.

Get expert advice

When in doubt, talk to her friends and family. You should also work with a trusted jeweler that will provide you with ample advice. An experienced jeweler will be able to guide you through the pros and cons of each choice and help you to select the ideal ring for your fiancée. If you cannot find the perfect ring at a local jewelry store, you can order a custom engagement ring from an expert ring maker. With the intricate touch of a skilled jeweler, you can create a truly unique engagement ring that your fiancée will love to wear everyday for the rest of her life.

How to become a professional streamer?

Sharon Anderson
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How to become a professional streamer?

Have you ever imagined becoming a professional streamer? You might think that you won’t be able to make enough money or be worried that you’re not good enough to make it pro. Here we run through exactly how you can become a professional gamer.

What exactly is a professional gamer?

A professional gamer is a competitive player who gets paid for playing video games full-time. Increasing in its popularity with the increased costs of living around the word and more people than ever looking to find ways to save money in the winter, becoming a professional can help earn the money you need. Professional players usually get paid by teams or sponsors and compete in esports tournaments worldwide. Many of these tournaments give winners substantial cash rewards, which make up a significant part of an experienced gamer’s earnings.

What is a professional streamer?

There are a few differences between a gamer and a streamer. A streamer live streams gameplay content online and primarily makes money from donations, content members and paid adverts. 

Twitch.tv and Mixer.tv are examples of online streaming platforms that enable players to stream live gameplay to viewers worldwide. They allow the audiences to interact in real-time with the streamer and support the player through donations. 

What skills do you need to be a professional gamer/streamer?

To become a gamer, there are specific skills you’ll need to have. These include skilled hand-eye coordination and sharp reflexes, and extensive knowledge of the game you play. 

How to improve your skills

You can sharpen these skills by training rigorously and practising every day, but you must be motivated!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering the possibility of becoming a pro gamer. But thinking about it casually is not enough; you have to make sure you are motivated enough to put in the work! Most professional gamers spend around 12 hours per day practicing and improving their gaming skills.

Why to become a professional gamer

Make sure you want to go pro for the right reasons. A love of the game, competition, and the satisfaction of improving are all solid reasons to play.

You shouldn’t be motivated solely by money or fame. Truly loving the game will make it easier to keep up daily practice and commitment. 

How to pick your game

The next step is to decide on your game. There may be a lot of games that you enjoy but make sure to choose one that you’re ready to spend a lot of time with! You should try several different games and choose the one you love the most. 

You might also consider whether the game is well-established and already has infrastructure and resources in place to support a pro gaming career. Well-established have more opportunities for sponsored tournaments where you may be able to win lucrative prizes.

On the other hand, an up-and-coming game may have more room for newcomers to thrive. 

What equipment do you need?

If you want to go pro, be sure you’re playing on the right equipment. Start with a good gaming mouse and mechanical keyboard. There are many possibilities for peripherals ranging in size, form factor, and sensitivity. But remember to be consistent with the equipment and hardware that you practice with. Also, you should avoid getting into debt to pay for your streaming equipment. Rather, save up and then buy what you need.

How to join the gamer community

Gaming culture is just as important as your skill when it comes to becoming a pro gamer. Engaging in a game’s scene is necessary to advance your career. Forums are one helpful place where players meet. Check out discussions on message boards, forums, and YouTube channels and stay active on Discord servers, subreddits, and Steam groups. The community can also be a solid motivation to stay invested in a game.

Networking and making connections will help get you noticed in the professional community. Building relationships with more skilled players can get you invites to private Discord channels, where you might get seen by a pro organisation. If you’re good enough, a team will probably find you! But, you can also try out for teams. 

Perfect Long-Distance Gift Ideas

Sharon Anderson
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Perfect Long-Distance Gift Ideas

If you are like most people today, you have family and friends who live far away from you. Sometimes it’s easy to neglect gifts for these people because they’re not close by. Other times we want to send presents but aren’t sure of the best long-distance gift ideas. And finally, it can be hard to know which gifts will be most meaningful and show our loved ones that we are thinking of them. If you are looking for some special, personal, and thoughtful gift ideas for people who are far away, here are ten things to consider.

Flowers

Flowers are always a popular and welcomed gift idea and have been used for long-distance giving for years. Whether you send a Hawaiian flower lei, a potted plant, or a traditional bouquet of roses, flowers are a visual reminder of your thoughts and love.

Digital Picture Frame

A digital picture frame is one of the best gifts you could give a distant family member. Especially appreciated by distant grandparents, these frames offer more than digital slideshows. If you choose a wifi-connected frame, you can share pictures directly to the frame from anywhere you might be- on vacation, a school play, or your living room on Christmas morning. You can send photos from your phone or computer, and they will automatically download on your family member’s frame, bringing them surprise updates throughout the year.

Matching Mugs

Matching mugs or other drinkware can be a great “you and me” gift for family members or friends who live far away.  Whether it’s his and hers coffee mugs, best friend wine glasses, or custom water bottles for the whole family, this is a fun, practical, non-nonsense gift that will be appreciated and used. You can buy any number of pre-made drinkware sets or get creative and design your own. 

Family Finger Sign

Have you ever seen those fun finger signs that point to distant towns and tell how far away they are? You can purchase a similar sign for your family, but instead of different towns the fingers point to various family members and tells how far away they live. You can buy a signpost for a yard or garden or buy a smaller wall-hanging version. This gift is perfect for parents or grandparents whose children and grandchildren are scattered across the country. It might also work for close-knit friend groups.

Touch Bracelets

Touch bracelets are a fun gift if you are looking for something simple that focuses on your connection with the recipient. Touch bracelets come as a set, and they communicate with each other. Each time you think of the other person, you simply touch your bracelet, and its partner bracelet lights up, vibrates, or sends a little message via flashes or other code. Touch bracelets are perfect for long-distance intimate relationships or even close parent-child bonds.

DNA Ancestry Kit

A DNA kit makes a fun gift for distant family members and friends. It’s especially fun when family members do the kit together and learn about their mutual heritage. Some people have even found long-lost or unknown cousins and other family members in this way. 

Letter Book Set

You can purchase memory books with letter prompts, special cards and memories to fill out, and scrapbook-type items that you and another person, usually a parent, grandparent, child, or spouse, can work on together. Over time, you both will add material, writing, pictures, and letters to the book until you have created a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Photo Items

A perennial favorite gift, custom photo items make special presents for people who are far away from each other. Gifts such as blankets with grandchildren’s photos, mugs with a special vacation picture, or a yearly calendar with special memories are cherished and useful gifts. Any photo gift will bring you and your distant family members closer and keep cherished memories alive.

Video Greeting Card

If you can’t think of anything to give that special person who already has everything, consider a video greeting card. While many companies help you make a digital video, you might not know that you can also design and send a physical greeting card with a small video screen inside. These greeting cards can be recharged and played as many times as the receiver wants. This fun and simple gift brings a personal and loving message to distant friends, family members, or special someone.

Dual Time Clock

A dual time clock is a great gift for a distant family member who wants to keep you in their thoughts all the time, such as a child or spouse. It’s also a good gift for long-distance intimate relationships. If you live in different countries or are very far from each other, it will be especially appreciated. This kind of clock has two faces which are set to your time and the recipient’s time. Every time your loved one checks the time, they will get reminded of you and of what time it is at your location, as well. 

Distance error costs the Commonwealth champion a European record in Glasgow

Sharon Anderson
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Distance error costs the Commonwealth champion a European record in Glasgow

Sports fans across the United Kingdom celebrated the Great Scottish Run as an incredible success. It was an event with everything far surpassing the expectations and even the hopes of organisers, volunteers, athletes, fans and officials. It’s been a difficult few years for Scottish sport. The various lockdowns imposed by a trigger-happy government in Edinburgh cost millions of pounds worth of damage to the industry and potentially harmed the nation’s top runners. So, everyone agreed that it was good to be back.

The race weekend in Glasgow had everything fans of distance running could have asked for. The jewel in the crown – certainly in the eyes of the natives who turned out in force to cheer on their favourite – was the return of Eilish McColgan. The popular Scot has spent the year cleaning up at major events, and her performance at the Commonwealth Games in England made her the poster girl for sports north of the border. 

Team Scotland performed well in Birmingham, posting their best effort since hosting the Commonwealths in 2014. But there was no denying who the star of the show was after McColgan won to upset traders working at the best online betting sites. The firms that had been stung by her heroics south of the border weren’t in a rush to oppose her this time. Having had their fingers burnt, they knew to afford the Dundee lass more respect.

The 31-year-old McColgan from Dundee confirmed her attendance in the Great Scottish Run 10k, much to the delight of the public. During her preparation, there were rumours Eilish was showing some of the best form of her career, and a homecoming race would fall at exactly the right time. Few expected her to lose the 10k race, with those close to the star suggesting a new record could be in the making. And they were correct. Well, almost. 

Google Images Creative Commons Licences

Delight turns to disaster

The Great Scottish Run in Glasgow was everything we had hoped for – and then some. McColgan did as expected, putting on a show to the delight of her hardy band of followers who had come out in support, facing the harsh Autumn weather in Scotland’s largest city. And they got their rewards, with Eilish winning the 10k in the kind of fearless fashion we have come to expect from her in the big events.

She was the pre-race favourite to win the race and managed it without encountering too many distractions. She had set herself the challenge of beating her 10k record and achieved it with a time of 30 minutes and 18 seconds. That’s a whole second off her previous record. Beating the British and European records is one thing, but beating her times in the process, securing her dominance over her rivals, was the icing on the cake. But then Glasgow’s delight turned to distance running’s disaster.

News broke this week that there had been a blunder in the distance of the races, including that 10k. The course was confirmed as being 150 metres short, confirming the suspicions of some eagled-eyed spectators and rule-makers. That sucked the enthusiasm out of those who had offered their congratulations to Eilish, including the world’s media. Much discussion followed the findings with talk of what would become of the race’s results and, of course, that stunning record-breaking time.

Officials do the right thing

Race officials and organisers had no choice but to scrap the results, making the race times null and void, much to the despair of Eilish, who had worked so hard. Would she have still broken the record if the 150 metres had been added as it was supposed to? We’ll never get an answer to that, unfortunately. It’s the one that got away for McColgan, but her character and determination will ensure she’ll be back stronger, faster and more determined next year.

What does it mean for the Great Scottish Run? It could have done without the bad press ruining what had been such a spectacular and enjoyable event. But they deserve credit for doing the right thing, flagging their concerns to the official bodies and going through the proper channels to put a line through the record. Sometimes, being right comes at the expense of being popular.

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