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3 Sports Stars Who Are Confirmed Card Sharks

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3 Sports Stars Who Are Confirmed Card Sharks

When you’re a celebrity who made a career from your favorite sport, what you choose to do outside that sport for fun tends to become public knowledge. That’s why we know which sports stars moonlight as card sharks when they aren’t setting records in their careers.

Card games demand skill and risk if you want to be good at them, two things that competitive sports stars are well accustomed to. That’s why it’s interesting to know which games they play and how they approach them, arguably more than a celebrity who doesn’t need to outwit others for work. Here are three top sports stars and the card games they enjoy.

Michael Jordan – Blackjack

Michael Jordan is an avid blackjack player, something that has been documented in the documentary The Last Dance (2020) though it’s been spoken about since the ‘90s. Blackjack is an accessible game that anyone can play and there are basic strategies for playing blackjack that anyone with an internet connection can learn. Michael Jordan did more than brush up on when to hit or when to stand, however, spending most of his downtime on planes and the like.

Jordan needs no introduction, being a household name even outside of NBA circles. He’s still the second-highest point scorer in basketball history with six championships under his belt during his electric ‘90s run with the Chicago Bulls. Otherwise, he’s known for being in Space Jam, getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and collaborating with Nike for the Air Jordans, with a movie released about them in 2023.

According to fellow Bulls alumni Will Perdue, Jordan played high-stakes blackjack with Scottie Pippen and other braver Bulls on their jet. Perdue hosted smaller, humbler $1 buy-in games yet Jordan often joined in when he saw them. No doubt his willingness to play with the whole team is admirable but, when asked why he wanted to play with the low-stakes table, he apparently said: “I want to be able to say I got your money in my pocket.”

Martina Navratilova – Bridge

Bridge is one of those less popular card games out there. It may have been all the rage in the ‘30s but now, not so much, though it turns out tennis star Martina Navratilova is a fan. A competitor for the greatest tennis player ever, Navratilova has 18 singles, 31 doubles, and 10 mixed doubles titles. That’s 59, the most since they changed tennis rules in 1968.

Navratilova has been vocal about her love of the card game. She once wrote: “Bridge teaches you logic, reasoning, quick thinking, patience, concentration and partnership skills.” It’s hard to argue with that when other famous bridge players are people like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Studies have supported the idea that bridge helps players improve brainpower, too.

Richard Seymour – Poker

Poker is more famous than other card games for its long, intense games that take nerve and the ability to bluff. It makes sense that a fierce defense lineman like Richard Seymour would protect his pot just as ferociously. You may remember him playing for either the New England Patriots or the Oakland Raiders across a 12-year career in the NFL. With the Patriots, he won three Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady.

After retiring, he became a professional poker player. This started in 2012 with hobbyist games, which are still the bulk of his experience, but he did compete in the 2019 World Series of Poker. Through various tournaments, he has publicly won more than $600,000.

The GlamourBuff Team is a set of experienced writers associated with the Glamour Buff magazine, reporting world news, celebrity lifestyle, and exclusive Hollywood details.

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Netflix Game Installs have Rocketed by 180%

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Netflix Game Installs have Rocketed by 180%

In 2021, Netflix announced that they would be taking gaming very seriously. They ventured into a new business, with hopes of dominating the mobile market. At the time, the mobile market was saturated with titles that were either ad-supported or pay-to-play.

Netflix wanted to change the game by making their titles free to play, without any advertisements or options for in-app purchases. The gamble may finally be paying off, as at the end of 2023, they announced that gaming downloads were up 180%. 81.2 million downloads have been initiated across the world, with the fourth quarter of 2023 accounting for over 53%.

Netflix began with making a small catalogue of casual games, based on some of their many hit shows and originals. They then began to acquire game studios, including Night School Studios in 2021. They then acquired Next Games from Finland and Spry Fox. They aimed to develop a strong portfolio of content that catered to both different tastes and genre preferences.

The Advancement of Smartphone Technology

One driving factor behind Netflix’s success would be the advancement of smartphone technology. Casino gaming in particular has benefited from this, with it being on the rise across the world.

Players can now access their favourite games on the go while taking advantage of unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Canada in particular is experiencing huge growth right now, with the live casino Canada market set to reach US$2.61bn in 2024. The strong gaming market has led to Netflix testing their program in Canada, as well as the UK.

The streaming giant is also working on game mirroring so that their titles can be played both on TVs and PCs.  As the company looks to cloud gaming as being its next frontier, they are gaining a huge amount of traction. Their recent announcements have helped to bolster their game downloads, encouraging them to adopt more popular titles.

Netflix Subscriptions and Game Access

Netflix’s move into the gaming sector is also helping to support their streaming numbers. As the gaming platform is tied in with the subscription, month-over-month downloads tripled.

Those who had a subscription already had access to the latest games and gamers had access to a wide range of originals and shows.  Right now, action is the top gaming genre for Netflix, with the second being lifestyle gaming. Puzzle comes in at number 3, with game rotations set to happen throughout the year.

Netflix is also working on making games based on the shows that they have created, with licensing acquired for titles that do not relate to Netflix programming.

One thing to take note of is that Netflix’s boom in gaming came after months of stagnation. This could indicate that Netflix has to keep releasing regular titles so that it can keep its momentum.

Last year, they released 40 games, while testing gameplay on TVs across the UK, US and Canada. This year, personalisation looks to be the main focus, with suggestions being made based on previous gaming preferences. This feature will become more prominent, as more titles are added.

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Demystifying Crypto Mining: A College Student’s Guide to Starting Small

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Demystifying Crypto Mining: A College Student’s Guide to Starting Small

In today’s digital era, the allure and potential profitability of cryptocurrency have garnered significant interest, particularly among college students. With its complex terminology and innovative technology, the realm of crypto mining often seems intimidating to those just starting.

However, it’s a field ripe with opportunities for learning, earning, and applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. For students balancing the demands of studying, assignments, and perhaps even a part-time job, the prospect of adding crypto mining to their plate might seem daunting.

Adopting the correct strategy can turn it into a valuable experience that enhances their educational path.

Among the plethora of information sources, students often seek reliable guidance on managing their academic workload effectively, sometimes resorting to article review writing service that writes my essay to free up time for other pursuits like crypto mining.

This transition from purely academic activities to integrating practical, income-generating projects like crypto mining can provide invaluable hands-on experience and financial literacy, crucial skills in today’s world.

Understanding Crypto Mining

What is Crypto Mining?

Crypto mining serves as the method for validating and incorporating transactions of various cryptocurrencies into the blockchain’s digital ledger. This task demands the resolution of intricate mathematical problems using cryptographic hash functions associated with a block of transaction data.

The premier miner to crack these puzzles is permitted to append the block to the blockchain, earning a reward in the form of newly created cryptocurrency. This endeavor necessitates significant computational resources and energy. It is a critical component of maintaining the integrity and security of the blockchain network, ensuring transactions are validated and the network remains decentralized.

The Hardware and Software

For college students interested in starting small, understanding the hardware and software requirements is crucial. Originally, personal computers sufficed for mining activities. Yet, with escalating mining challenges, the need for more specialized apparatus has arisen.

For novices, robust GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are now prerequisites for efficient mining operations. Alongside the hardware, choosing the right mining software that connects you to the blockchain and mining pool is essential.

Options like CGMiner, BFGMiner, or EasyMiner are user-friendly and ideal for beginners. It’s important for students to research and invest in hardware that not only meets their current mining needs but also offers scalability for future growth.

Energy Consumption and Sustainability

A paramount concern in crypto mining is the substantial energy demand it entails. For students, this translates into not only an ethical consideration but also a practical one, as the cost of electricity can significantly impact the feasibility of mining projects.

Exploring renewable energy sources or participating in mining pools can mitigate some of these concerns, allowing for more sustainable mining practices. Miners should assess the ecological repercussions of their mining pursuits and explore creative strategies to minimize their environmental footprint while still achieving profitability.

Practical Tips for Starting Small

Start with a Mining Pool

For college students keen on embarking on crypto mining, joining a mining pool presents an ideal starting point. These pools consist of collective groups of miners who pool their computational strength, augmenting their likelihood of decrypting cryptographic challenges and securing rewards.

While this means sharing the rewards, it also significantly reduces the entry barriers, both in terms of the initial financial outlay for equipment and the ongoing electricity costs. It’s a smart strategy for students to pool resources and collaborate with others to overcome the challenges of solo mining.

Budgeting and Managing Expenses

Effective budgeting is crucial for students venturing into crypto mining. Balancing the costs of equipment, electricity, and potential dormitory restrictions with the potential earnings from mining requires careful planning and management.

Employing budgeting tools or spreadsheets for monitoring expenditures and revenue is instrumental in sustaining a lucrative mining venture. Students should also consider the potential tax implications of their mining activities and plan accordingly to ensure compliance with local tax laws.

Learning and Staying Informed

The crypto universe is dynamic and continually transforming. Remaining abreast of the newest developments, technologies, and regulatory adjustments is pivotal for triumph. Additionally, leveraging academic resources, participating in forums, and joining student-led blockchain clubs can enhance understanding and provide support.

Engaging with the crypto community and continuing education in blockchain technology can empower students to make informed decisions and stay ahead in the competitive mining landscape.

Conclusion

For college students curious about the world of cryptocurrency, starting small with crypto mining can be a rewarding venture that offers practical experience alongside academic pursuits. Balancing the demands of school, homework, part-time employment, and mining requires careful planning but is entirely feasible with the right approach.

As students navigate this exciting field, they not only gain financial literacy and technical skills but also prepare themselves for a future where digital currencies and blockchain technology play a significant role.

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Nate Diaz Believes Mike Tyson Can Defeat Jake Paul in Boxing Match

Nate Diaz has picked Mike Tyson to be winner against Jake Paul.

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Nate Diaz Believes Mike Tyson Can Defeat Jake Paul in Boxing Match

Nate Diaz is not afraid to voice his opinions, and this time, he has picked the winner of one of the most anticipated boxing matches between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The veteran MMA fighter believes that the veteran 57-year-old boxer will defeat the former YouTuber and social media influencer.

Paul has been currently enjoying a series of wins after losing to Tomy Fury, and among them, one match was with Diaz himself.

Nate Diaz picks Mike Tyson as winner against Jake Paul

Diaz has picked the winner against Tyson and Paul and he didn’t hesitate picking the veteran boxer. In July 2020, the most anticipated boxing match between them was scheduled in Arlington, Texas.

Nate Diaz thinks Mike Tyson wins against Jake Paul

Nate Diaz thinks Mike Tyson won against Jake Paul. (Credit: Instagram)

At first, Diaz sounded like he didn’t think any of the match was going to happen, but later, he stated that Tyson would be the one whose arms would be raised by the referee. At first, he stated he couldn’t care less, but thinking for just a mere second, said Tyson.

Diaz himself is looking to come back to the ring whether it is in boxing or octagon. After losing to Paul he has not fought in any kind of combat matches.

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal’s rivalry explained

Diaz is looking to get back in the boxing ring, this time with another MMA veteran, Jorge Masvidal.

They are scheduled to compete in a boxing match in Las Vegas this June. Happy Punch first reported the news, which was later confirmed by journalist Ariel Helwani. Previously the match was scheduled for March but now it has been postponed to June 1.

After the announcement, the MMA fighters are going back and forth against each other on various social media. Moreover, there have also been some rumors that the duo have agreed to have their rematch in the Octagon, possibly next year.

Jorge Masvidal calls out Nate Diaz

The upcoming MMA match between Masvidal and Diaz has recently received much attention. Masvidal posted a message challenging Diaz to a fight, expressing his confidence in defeating him.

This has added to the excitement surrounding the upcoming match, as both fighters are known for their intense fighting style. Masvidal’s callout has reignited fans’ interest in the rematch after he had kept quiet about his opponent for some time.

There has been a long rivalry between Diaz and Masvidal and fans are now about to witness two hardcore combat. They are set to fight in the boxing ring and may return to the octagon for the UFC 300 as the rematch for the first thrilling fight between the two.

Has Nate Diaz fought Jorge Masvidal Before?

Fans are excited about the boxing match between Diaz and Masvidal but those who watch the first fight between them are even more excited. The pair first fought each other in the main event of UFC 244 on Nov. 2, 2019, in Madison Square Garden.

In their previous fight, Masvidal was declared the winner over Diaz in the fourth round at UFC 244. Unfortunately, the match was halted by the ringside physician due to a cut on Diaz’s face.

This has led to a demand for a rematch, as both fighters have unfinished business. Masvidal wants to prove himself beyond doubt, while Diaz is seeking revenge. Hence the boxing match is gaining quite the buzz around the MMA audience as well.

Furthermore, if the rematch is announced in recent days then surely it will be one of the most watched events in the world. It is also not known if the event will take place in UFC or Jake Paul’s MMA company PFL.

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