The online casino industry has been growing exponentially in the past few years. Research shows that the market is due to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 12% in the period 2021 – 2026, with online betting set to be the fastest-growing segment of the market.

The barriers to entry into the market have been greatly reduced by advance in technology and legislative changes in markets such as the US, which are starting to become more similar to legislation in Europe, Canada, and the UK, where online casinos are already big business.

Why are online casinos so popular?

1. Increased connectivity
2. Accessible devices
3. Lots of options
4. Easy to learn betting strategies online
5. Free options to test the waters
6. Exciting rewards and bonuses
7. Freedom to play from anywhere
8. Rise of the casual and hyper-casual gamer

With such a heavily saturated market, online casinos are looking to offer more and more to their customers, and prospective customers, to attract and retain players.

Amongst the many tools at their disposal, such as welcome bonuses, daily rewards, and VIP clubs, a large number of online casinos have blended the convenience of the online world with the thrill of live games by introducing live dealer games, also known as Live Casino.

What is a Live Casino?

A live casino offers players the opportunity to experience the feel of a real, brick-and-mortar casino without leaving their homes. Players will play against real people and be able to see a real dealer dealing the cards, and enjoy all the excitement that comes from human interaction.

The dealer is a real person, set up in a studio with video cameras, and the game is broadcast over the internet, allowing the player to play in real-time and ask questions, and place bets.

History of the online casino industry

The concept of live casinos goes back to the 1990s but failed to take off in any meaningful way, primarily because the technology was not keeping pace with ideas and desires.

Even in the mid-2000s when technology had come on leaps and bounds when compared to the 1990s, most online gaming was limited to PCs and unreliable dial-up connections. 

Even though the online gaming industry has a reputation for trailblazing and pushing new technology forwards, players and operators were not prepared to deal with the issues they faced, and the idea of a live casino was shelved, and quickly replaced with the shiny new offerings of simple interfaces and slinky slot machines.

However, the advent of the smartphone made the idea of live casino possible once more, as it offered the required connectivity and streaming capability not seen previously, and further advances in technology, in particular the live chat function which allowed players to chat in real-time, made live casino a reality.

This elevated online casino from a game to an experience and is a (not so) secret weapon that many operators use to have an advantage over their competition.

Why is it so popular?

1. Authentic Atmosphere

Live Casino runs the risk of feeling staged and inauthentic, but operators have invested heavily into ensuring that all the glitz and glamour of a casino translates over the airwaves and into the players’ device.

Cameras are placed strategically, providing different angles of the dealer and the table, as well as a backdrop, and players can zoom in on the table, recreating the views that players would get if they were actually in a casino.

The state-of-the-art cameras and lenses mean that players can see the cards being shuffled, and the ball as it spins round the roulette wheel.

2. Multitude of Games Available

Players can play all their favorite games, and flit from game to game at their will, without having to worry about finding a spot on a table, or waiting for one to open up, as live casinos will have far more available tables than a bricks and mortar casino.

Poker is possibly the most popular game at live casinos, as it is fun and exciting, and live casinos are able to recreate the tension of the game.

Players can still enjoy the side bets available, the different variants of poker, and progressive jackpots, without having to worry about secondhand smoke, wanting a drink, or having to tip the dealer. It really is the best of both worlds.

As well as poker, Baccarat, Blackjack, and Roulette are also popular games.

3. Increased Trust

Some players are inherently distrustful of random number generators (RGNs), and having a real dealer they can see shuffling and dealing the cards means they have more trust in the game, and play more. Additionally, as well as the dealer, there is a whole production team behind the scenes able to intervene if there are any problems and to ensure that iGaming is safe and fair for all involved.

4. The Human Touch

Players feel more connected to others and less isolated when they can see and interact with a real person. Whilst it is not the same as sitting face to face with another person, the chat functionality and being able to see the dealer offers an immersive gaming experience.

The dealers are trained professionals and are engaging and personable. Players can also interact with other players, forging life-long friendships.

Are you looking for new activities and hobbies to try? As a tall woman, there are all kinds of great hobbies and activities to try that could allow you to capitalize on your height or simply be activities that you might find enjoyable in your spare time.

Being a tall woman has its advantages, and you will find that many of the most powerful, successful, and influential women throughout history have been taller than average.

So, if you are looking for a new hobby or two to try, read on for a few suggestions that are worth considering and could improve your life in more ways than one.

Sports

“Do you play basketball?” Is a question that every tall woman has heard and is likely sick of (even those that play!), but there are sports that are worth considering that could allow you to take advantage of your height.

Competitive sports can improve your life in many different ways, and it can also be a chance to meet other tall women (as well as women of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds). In addition to basketball, a few other sports worth considering include:

• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Track and field
• Netball
• Badminton

Hiking

Another activity that tall women tend to enjoy (along with many other people) is hiking. This is a great form of exercise; it allows you to explore nature and enjoy spending time outside and in the fresh air.

Again, taller people often find hiking easier than others, and this is a hobby that can be enjoyed either solo or with others.

Online Casino Games

Of course, not everyone wants to play sports or have active hobbies, and it is important to have activities that you can enjoy simply while relaxing around the house.

Recently, online casino games have become hugely popular, and it is easy to see why. You can play poker, blackjack, slot games, and all kinds of other fun casino games without leaving the house. Places like Royal Vegas Casino have many great games to choose from that you can play in your spare time on any device.

Yoga

Yoga is an active hobby and one that can improve your physical and mental health, but it is also something that you can easily do at home by yourself if you wish. If you want to make it a social hobby, yoga classes can be a great way to make new friends while reaping the benefits that yoga can bring to so many different aspects of your life.

Hopefully, this post will give you a few ideas for activities and hobbies to enjoy. You will find that being tall has its advantages and there are many things that you can do (other than basketball) to embrace this and other hobbies that anyone can enjoy.

Everyone needs to have a few different hobbies that they can enjoy in their free time as a way to improve their overall wellbeing, so if you feel the need for a new hobby, then try one or a few of the above. 

Kanye has always chased perfection, but in the case of his latest album release could it have done more harm than good?

After many iterations, Ye’s much-delayed album ‘DONDA’ is finally and officially out in the public. ‘DONDA’, the artist’s 10^th album, is named after his late mother Donda West.

Kanye chases perfection, again…

Ever since the release, ‘DONDA’ has received quite a load of controversial critics on social media and within the music industry. After multiple adaptations in recent weeks, the album is now settled with 27 songs, which is 1 hour 49 minutes of length in total.

Yet, regardless of the artist’s effort to consolidate his work by fusing all his thoughts in one album, listeners and reviewers remain confused, “Ok, so what is the album trying to say?”

Is it a pure tribute to the late Donda, or the artist’s artistic expression of his religious belief, or his discussion of America’s long-existing incarceration problem?

The messages in the album are a little messy, there is so much Ye wants to include and so much that it requires the audience to digest. But overall, what this album is about really depends on how you perceive and interpret it.

The creation of ‘DONDA’

Nothing is more dramatic than the drop of ‘DONDA’. The artist’s newest baby is finally out in the world after many delayed release dates and three dramatic listening events. Knowing the artist’s volatile personality, the internet does not feel surprised at all.

The album is no one-man’s work though, as we can tell from its collaboration with multiple well-known artists. Artists who have participated in Ye’s ‘Donda’ project include Chris Brown, Pusha T, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, DaBaby, Marilyn Manson, and others.

Controversy already arrived before the new album’s release

Ye’s third listening party was held on a Thursday at Soldier Field, Chicago. The listening event, however, generated criticism. First of all, because of its missing requirement for proof of vaccination or a negative  COVID test upon entry.

The stage in the third listening event was built around a replica of Ye’s childhood home in South Chicago. The house bore a large cross on its roof, which echoed with the religious ambiance in the album’s aesthetics.

Ye finished up his listening with a dramatic stunt by setting himself on fire. His creative stage planning, however, provoked very much polarized feedback from viewers at his listening event and online.

Social media has also reacted critically to Ye’s choice of featuring Marilyn Manson and DaBaby in his album. Ye even brought them on stage at his listening event.

Manson has been accused of multiple sexual assault cases. DaBaby has been criticized for his homophobic comments during the Rolling Loud festival. The public seriously questions Ye’s intent.

Pick a lane and stick with it. Are there too many running themes on DONDA?

Enough with the world’s divisive opinions on ‘Donda’. Let’s talk about the album’s themes and what they are trying to convey.

Besides Donda and Ye’s perspectives of God, America’s incarceration problem is probably the other most important theme in the album. There is no doubt ‘Donda’ has an obvious political conscience.

The idea of separation and broken community that is caused by incarceration is deeply embedded in the lyrics. Songs like “Jail” and “Jail pt 2” are pretty candid examples.

Kanye is known for his efforts to bring on the talks of prison reform and “free the inmates” to his musical performances. Quoting gang leader Larry Hoover’s son’s words and integrating them into his music, therefore, honestly executes Ye’s intention.

“But it’s also an extension of Kanye’s individual grief for his mother, a displacing of his personal sorrow so that it joins with a larger collective sorrow for those loved ones with whom reunification is impossible.”

Aja Romano, Vox.

Not everyone is satisfied with Donda

Kanye is known for his good aesthetics and his stubborn pursuit of perfection in his music and art.

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The album is a product of collective talents and efforts. However, not every guest artist is happy with the final track line-up for Donda. Rapper Soulja Boy, for example, posted on Twitter about his displeasure with being left off a track that he was asked to be a part of.

Ye, additionally, was dissatisfied with the rollout.

UMG gets fed up with Kanye and his obsession with perfection

He claimed on Instagram that Universal Music Group released his new album without his approval. The artist also believed that the music company was responsible for the fact that “Jail pt 2” was not included on streaming.

Interestingly, there are some comments trending on the internet right now and suspecting Ye’s listening parties are “ritualistic” in nature.

Fans, internet detectives, and conspiracy theorists who go into a deep investigation with every detail at the listening events have also further fueled up the suspicion.

They have been talking about the blood-colored drinks handed out at the party, the hexagram symbol on the merchandise, the energy in the seating, and etc.

Well, who knows? Maybe Kanye chasing perfection is simply him channeling and manifesting his inner emotions. Possibly, he is experimenting on a new aesthetic on stage?

But hey, we may never know unless we are Kanye West.

It seems Americans are always wrapped up in the latest trending internet challenges. But what other problems were we ignoring as we engaged in these “not really” fun vibes?

We’ve compiled a list of five trending internet challenges that have hit the web over the last two decades that have distracted us from real-world problems.

1. The infamous Crate Challenge trend

One of the most prominent viral trends of the Summer of 2021 is known as the Crate Challenge and involves forming a makeshift staircase from milk crates and attempting to climb them.

As one can imagine, this action has proven time and time again to be contributable to nothing but injuries to those who attempt it.

This challenge found itself to become viral at a time when our focus and support should primarily be directed to the civilians of Afghanistan, who are once again suffering the consequences of the Taliban’s control of power.

2. We’ll always remember the Tide pod Challenge… SMFH

The infamous Tide Pod challenge was at its peak in early 2018 as children were being dared to consume pods filled with toxic laundry detergent. This can lead to incredibly dangerous consequences, such as breathing difficulties, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or potentially even fatality.

While the younger demographic of America were pressured to gamble with their health, many others around the world were exposed against their will to life-threatening situations.

Some notable political occurrences that stood in stark contrast to the consensual nature of the Tide Pod challenge include the American immigration crisis, the ongoing conflict in Syria, and the #MeToo movement.

3. Are plumper lips really that important?

The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge was attempted in high volume around 2015 for the purpose of altering one’s lips to resemble Jenner’s by becoming plumper after sucking the air out of a shot glass.

Not only was this challenge harmful to the self-esteem of all young children who were exposed to it and subsequently attempted it, but the challenge posed many physical risks as well.

For instance, the shot glass is placed under immense pressure and may break, exposing those who are affected to broken glass. Regardless of the materials used to attempt this challenge, one would be vulnerable to bruising and swelling that could potentially lead to unwanted permanent results.

4. Why did dry heaving on cinnamon changed the world?

The Cinnamon Challenge is yet another internet trend that poses more harm than good to all those who attempt it.

The challenge has been in circulation as early as 2001 and involves swallowing an entire spoonful of cinnamon at once, which can lead to health risks such as choking or accidental inhalation.

The challenge found itself at maximum popularity around January 2012, which was around the same time as current events that should have been given more news exposure, such as intensified protests in Syria following a recent attack on the capital.

5. The Chubby Bunny Challenge, tho?

The Chubby Bunny challenge was at the height of its popularity in early 2012. The trending internet challenge involves attempting to place as many marshmallows as possible in one’s mouth.

Not only is this game dangerous as it leads to choking hazards, but it is in bad taste when one considers the amount of food that is wasted in its attempts as there are and have been many struggling to obtain food all around the globe.

This again was given much attention at a time when Syria should have been at the forefront of our media.

The Crate Challenge or #CRATECHALLENGE has recently gone viral ina series of videos on social media.

Creatives and alike have been filming videos of them walking up and down staircases set up by milk crates; their attempts, however, are often unsuccessful and people ended up falling off the structures and injuring themselves.

As if life is simply too boring to sit around, people just have to create some messiness.

Challenges like this have been all over social media – TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Slightly adapted versions have come one after another. Regardless of the many chaoses around the world at present time, making a crate challenge video seems to be a more urgent concern for many people.

How did this all start?

The #CrateChallenge begins

According to Know Your Meme, the crate challenge first appeared on social media on June 23, 2011. JoyRidersTV Bonus Footy posted a video titled “Gun falls off 6 Milk Crates” on YouTube.

Now, ten years later, Facebook user Billy Joe posted “two videos of people attempting the earliest form of the challenge” before it took off as an official internet trend.

Following Billy Joe, Facebook users Kenneth Waddell and Jordan Browne also posted live videos of people doing the crate challenge in a public park. Both videos have received a great number of views, reactions, and shares.

More and more people are caught up in the challenge across social media. The popularity of the challenge eventually solidified the #creatchallenge trend.   

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As the trend becomes more widespread over time, people have also become more adventurous in their attempts as well. The crates have become higher and participants like Instagrammer  @kizzykeri even did the whole challenge in heels.

@kizzykeri is one of the successful cases in this challenge, but most of the time, people fall off the crates in a not so graceful position.

The worst milk crate challenge attempts

Speaking of the crate challenge failures, you have got to watch these hilarious and bad examples.

This kid just couldn’t wait, so he decided to give it a kick to spice up the process.

What comes along with the failures?

The crate challenge might be fun to watch, but it is not so fun for challengers who have fallen off the crates and hurt themselves.

Often, the injuries are minor, it is simply disturbing to see people crash landing on their faces, chests, or backs. For some people, however, the challenge has turned out bad.

There is no need to repeat the potential damages that a horrible fall could do to the human body. You are no gymnast people, why play with your balance on such an unstable foundation?

Ever since the trend started on social media, challengers usually failed their attempts and fell off the crates. Bystanders in the video just laughed off the failures and moved on. Over time, people’s interest in the trend has grown more likely into this expecting to see the challengers fail and their dramatic landings.

It’s entertaining to see different versions of crate challenges out there. However, some people did end up hurting themselves.

A woman from Dallas, for example, was badly injured after falling off the crates in her attempt. She has sustained severe injuries and remains in critical condition. But no, she has not died.

Another horrific incident also happened at a challenge. A shooting took place during a ‘Milk Crate Challenge’ gathering in Shreveport, Louisiana. Three people were reportedly shot and killed during a drive-by shooting, according to BET.

Bad injuries that may last a lifetime

Dr. Shawn Anthony, an orthopedic surgeon, commented that injuries caused by falling during the crate challenge can include broken wrists, shoulder dislocations, ACL and meniscus tears, as well as spinal cord injuries.

Also, why is it a bad decision to do this to your body at a time like this? As Covid-19 cases are resurging, many hospitals across the U.S have already reported their insufficient space and staff due to the increase in Covid-19 patients.

Therefore, if you do end up going to the hospital to fix your wounds, you might not even be able to receive prompt treatment.

Seriously though, what is going on?

Why is it now becoming a common thing for people to gain pleasure from watching other people suffering? The Crate Challenge is a dangerous attempt, but there are still people doing it every day.

People who watch those who do the challenge, additionally, have no intention of interrupting the event either. Well, I assume, people find it a cool thing to do.

People’s continuous consumption of these dangerous challenge videos on social media, unfortunately, has encouraged the development of online toxic culture.

The crate challenge has unquestionably reflected many problems in the society we live in. One, it reveals this toxicity in social media that it is okay to do things that are unhealthy as long as they are ‘the trends.’

Two, viewers are used to turning a blind eye to what’s been happening because they are just here to consume content.

“Instead of feeling pressure to perform for our friends or family, many crave impressing peers, or really anyone, who’s part of their online community. It’s all about likes, shares, views.”

Kiara Alfonseca, abcnews.

The Crate Challenge is not the only toxic trend out there. Others like the previous “Tide Pod challenge”, in which participants consumed Tide’s laundry detergent pods, and the “Blackout challenge”, in which a person chokes themselves until passing out are also dangerous stunts people do on social media to attract more attention and views.

TikTok banning the content

Yes, TikTok is certainly alerted by what has been happening recently. Realizing how dangerous the attempt could turn out, TikTok has disabled the search for “milk crate challenge” on its platform and removed some videos of the challenge.

“TikTok prohibits content that promotes or glorifies dangerous acts, and we remove videos and redirect searches to our Community Guidelines to discourage such content. We encourage everyone to exercise caution in their behavior whether online or off.” 

TikTok

How are we feeling about this crate challenge, though? It’s silly, right, but people are still going to do it.

There are real issues going on in the world: climate change, the chaos in Afghanistan, the Delta variant… While people here are risking their lives to get some views and attention, there are people out there who would trade everything they have just to be safe and alive.

The worst part about this challenge and alike is that they are numbing our senses. People are so caught up in impressing others on social media trends that they are becoming unaware of the actual crises and chaos happening in real life.

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It’s impossible to stop social media, as it’s so powerful. But what we can do is to be more aware of what we consume and be more conscious of what we post online. Because you never know if a wrong comment would create a wrong impact and kick up another toxic trend.

The first NFT restaurant is coming to NYC and we couldn’t be more intrigued.

Picture this. It’s the year 2022 and the debate rages on revolving around where to eat. You have thrown suggestions out there but none of them will stick. Indecision creeps in, hunger mounts and your patience begins to grow thin.

Could an NFT restaurant solve the food debate?

Rather than letting a back-and-forth carry on between you and your significant other why not try the NFT restaurant?

An NFT restaurant you say? Why yes, opening in Fall 2022 Gary Vaynerchuk and the VCR Group will launch their NFT restaurant in New York City.

Dining at this exclusive establishment will require a membership to access features such as cocktail lounges, private culinary experiences, and NFT tokens.

VCR Group banks on intellectual property

The three tokens associated with the world’s first NFT restaurant each represent a myriad of experiences. These three tokens allow connoisseurs to receive varying experiences based upon which token they select.

Not only do these tokens grant unforgettable access but they exist as an asset on the blockchain which could be sold on the secondary market. 

This NFT restaurant development illuminates the fusion between old-fashioned hospitality and modern era technology. The important part to focus upon when it comes to this newly minted cuisine is its value proposition.

The value offered clearly exhibits meaningful and thoughtful intentions. Since when have you been able to flip and make a profit from eating at a restaurant? 

Success gained from iterating upon a SMART contract

If you choose to HODL this token, your benefits may outweigh a quick flip. That would implicate future dining experiences and perhaps an even greater stake in the market once more investors sink their teeth into this endeavor. 

“Human actions taken into context are a great predictor of human behavior.”

Gary Vee

Indeed, human activity tends to repeat itself with trends and patterns. The VCR group remains firmly aware of this inclination toward repeat performance and results.

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Given the fact that they are able to replicate experience (dining out) and merge it with innovation (NFT) they certainly will generate buzz in order to provide a frictionless, scalable, and sustainable experience.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to pull up to the NFT restaurant. Check out META MASK to get a crypto wallet.

Artists credit for “First Supper” – Shortcut, Josie, Sparrow, mlibty, Vans Design, Alotta Money, Twisted Vacancy, Coldie, Hackatao, XCOPY,Matt Kane, Rutger van der Tas, DiGiTAL

Over a decade has passed since the Inbetweeners took the world by storm. From starring in movies to continuing their British television adventure, the show’s stars have all since moved on. Perhaps the most fascinating of them all is Blake Harrison, as he recently announced his latest project.

Blake Harrison, aka Neil Sutherland

The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison has announced that he will be trading in his acting career for a new job in cage fighting. Before you get too excited, this funny man won’t be the one getting down and dirty. Blake’s role will be that of a podcast host for a new MMA podcast, the MMA Fan Podcast.

Listen here…

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The 6ft actor will meet and interview some of the industry’s biggest stars and will provide fans with an insight into the world of UFC. 

Blake, 35, used to be a pro wrestler fan before discovering MMA and has always had a deep appreciation for the athletes involved in the sport. 

Blake has already expressed his excitement about giving fighters a voice, a chance to tell their stories – from talking about their mental toughness to the sacrifices to train and win against the odds. 

Aside from his new venture, Blake is set to reunite with his castmates from the hit television series later this year in Liverpool. Simon Bird (36), James Buckley (33), and Joe Thomas (37) will meet up and appear together again for one of their few appearances in almost 3 years. 

At the Comic-Con event, the stars will discuss all things Inbetweeners, the two spin-off movies, and their current projects. Here’s what to expect from Blake’s co-stars at the event.

Simon Bird, aka Will

After filming The Inbetweeners, Simon became the creator of a hit comedy show on BBC three called The King Is Dead. He also appeared on Channel 4’s show Chickens and Friday Night Dinner, and the West End production of The Philanthropist. 

In his private life, he married publicist Kerry Anne Lynch, and the pair have two children. 

James Buckley, aka Jay 

The well-known awkward Jay, otherwise known as James Buckley, is also known for featuring in a few other notable British TV shows, including The Bill, Holby City, and Skins.

After the Inbetweeners, James went on to appear on several hit shows. Since the Inbetweeners, he has been on Zapped, White Gold, and will appear in the latest Doctor Who series. 

He made a surprising appearance on the Celebrity Great British Bake Off Stand Up To Cancer, where he smashed the competition in aid to raise funds for vital cancer research.

Joe Thomas, aka Simon 

Joe and Simon met at university and stayed mates throughout filming for The Inbetweeners. The two went on to write Chickens which was a proposed series of the Comedy Showcase. Joe has also appeared on the shows Fresh Meat, Threesome, and White Gold (alongside James). 

His latest project is Tom, Dick & Harry, the movie where he stars in the role of Mike Hunt. 

Joe is currently engaged to his former co-star from the show, Hannah Tointon (aka Tara Brown). 

Many rumors are circulating that the four funnymen will reunite as ‘The Inbetweeners’, but all four have said in interviews that they doubt that there will be more from the series. Fans will be sad to hear that this BAFTA-winning TV series-turned-movie doesn’t look like returning anytime soon, or at least not with the same iconic cast. 

The Inbetweeners Honorable Mentions

Greg Davies, aka Mr. Gilbert, recently announced that he is to host the new reboot series, Nevermind The Buzzcocks. 

The legendary quiz show is making a return to television without Simon Amstell. The music-themed comedy series will move from BBC to Sky, seven years since it was last seen on British TV. 

Greg will be accompanied by Great British Bake Off host Noel Fielding, remaining in his captain role, along with ‘This Country’ writer, Daisy May Cooper. 

Ten years later and the cast of The Inbetweeners have all moved on while the fans haven’t. The guys have all got very respectable careers in the entertainment industry, and are still just as funny to watch. We can’t wait to see these four reunite later on this year. 

If you want to learn more about Blake, you can follow him on Twitter, where he has the tagline ‘Most of what you spend time worrying about will never happen.’

Or check out Blake’s podcast, the MMA Fan Podcast, to learn a bit more about his hidden passion for the world of MMA, where he recently appeared with Ben Shepherd. 

Humanity is at a Code Red status…

On August 9, the IPCC released its Sixth Assessment Report. The latest report details the critical state that our planet is facing right now. It’s an urgent warning.

The IPCC’s first warning, which successfully predicted the pace of global warming, started three decades ago. The second warning in 1995 noted that climate change was largely caused by human activities.

Fast forward to 2007, the IPCC published its Fourth Assessment and used the word ‘unequivocal’ to point out that humans were the main reason to global warming.

Seven years later, the Fifth Assessment came out. But this time, a harsh reality was revealed: “Greenhouse gas emissions were higher than ever, causing an unprecedented acceleration of climate change’s impacts.”

Humanity is at Code Red.

According to the 2021 report, the situation of our planet has gotten even worse. Climate change is altering Earth’s natural systems at every breathing moment. We can just tell from the extreme weather events that happened around the world this year.

Over the past three years, 91 authors from 40 countries gather information from more than 6,000 scientific studies and created the most recent IPCC report. Their research led them to a mutual conclusion that “every fraction of a degree of warming has grave consequences.”

The most important and practical goal right now is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees instead of 2 degrees.

The 0.5 degree of difference is small in number, but it’ll be a life savior to many people; As the report points out, a fewer number of people will be exposed to climate-related risks such as flooding, food scarcity, superstorms, deadly heat, and widespread disease.

A fewer number of people will be susceptible to poverty by up to several hundred million by 2050.

What is happening right now?

Now, let’s recall the disastrous natural events that happened in summer 2021. In later June, western Canada was under a “heat dome.” The phenomenon caused scorching temperatures when hot air is trapped by high-pressure fronts.

As Canada suffered from high temperatures, the U.S states of Washington and Oregon were also affected. The exact amount of death is not yet known but at least several hundred.

Europe was hit by devasting floods after torrential rains in mid-July. Villages in Germany and Belgium were severely destroyed, leaving at least 209 people dead and dozens missing. The damage also expanded to Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

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Let’s also not forget the raging wildfires in the American West. The “Bootleg Fire” in Oregon, according to Firepost, “has burned the equivalent of the city of Los Angeles in vegetation and forests.” The blaze feeds on it and rapidly spread to the neighborhood areas. Across the state of California, wildfires have been an ongoing series.

The wildfire season started in the middle of an ongoing drought and low rainfalls and reservoir levels. The number of fires burned outpaced the 2020 season, making itself the largest season in California’s recorded history.

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Outside of the U.S, natural disasters also struck heavily. In July, the central city of Zhengzhou, China, was flooded because of an unprecedented downpour that was a year’s worth of rain in just three days. Streets, road tunnels, and subway systems were overwhelmed with muddy water.

Natural disasters like floods and wildfires don’t just happen; they are the consequences of the increasing global warming situation and excessive human activities.

TikTok creatives who talk about environmental issues

Do you know TikTok is also a place where a lot of environmental activism happens? Indeed, TikTok is often associated with trends, funny videos, and relaxing content. But climate activists nowadays are taking humanity’s code red status seriously.

Philip Aiken, aka Phil the Fixer, defines himself as a redneck eco-socialist on his TikTok profile description. His videos, however, are not about cute animals or cool life tips & tricks. Instead, he talks about repairing soil sequesters carbon, boosting biodiversity, cleaning and restoring water supply, and making food more nutritious.

@philthefixer

Repairing soil sequesters carbon, creates biodiversity, cleans and restores water supply, and makes food more nutritious. #soil #climatechange #mashup

♬ Trend Mash Up – Phil the Fixer

Against a backdrop of mashup viral sounds, the creator fully executes his creativity while addressing the existing environmental issue. Aiken intends to create more green spaces and most importantly, he hopes to cultivate positive influence and recruit more people to join his action.

“I am NOT a soil scientist. I’m an engineer, activist & creative who is just passionate about soil.”

Philip Aiken, Phil the Fixer

Aiken also co-founded EcoTok on TikTok and the Intersectional Environmentalist on Instagram during lockdown. Both platforms set off to create a resource hub where people can talk about social + environmental issues and justice.

Also, check out other climate discussions like #ForClimate and #globalwarming as well as creators like Climate Diva and Carissa and climate.

Campaigns fighting against our code red status

Besides influencers promoting environmental awareness on social media, companies, and brands have also developed bigger campaigns to cultivate more systematic activism.

Founded on the first Earth Day in 1970, EARTHDAY.ORG is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement.

With its mission to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement, EARTHDAY.ORG has already expanded its positive action to 192 countries.

The organization has conducted multiple impactful campaigns such as The Canopy Project, The Great Global Cleanup, Artists for Earth, Foodprints for the Future, and etc.

At the end of the day, EARTHDAY.ORG urges people not to underestimate their own influence and power; It believes that an individual yields impact as a consumer, a voter, and a member of a community that can unite for change.

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The message of We Don’t Have Time campaign is as straightforward as its name, urging humanity to take action on our code red status.

It is activism for changemakers who want to generate constructive decisions for climate change. Its goal is to influence businesses, politicians, and world leaders and apply their power and influence to motivate more people and create meaningful transformations.

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Check out anti-Ocean pollution-related campaigns such as Surfers Against Sewage, Polar-Ice, and green spaces campaign Trees for Cities to see creative environmental approaches.

How can we make use of social media?

In an article by Yasemin Craggs Mersinoglu in 2020, she talks about how Millennials and Generation Z are becoming the active populations that discuss environmental issues on social media.

Keywords like #moss, #biodiversity, and #native biodiversity scored 84.4M, 12.6M, and nearly 800,00 views on TikTok just in 2020. This year, the numbers have already climbed up to a jaw-breaking 217.7M, 25M, and 1.3M views.

The power and influence of social media upon younger users are undeniable. In the age of technology, we are all avid content consumers. However, it is a code red moment for humanity to change.

Our time is a booming era of content creation. Social media platforms have already proved to us that every person can be his or her own content maker and influencer.  

Right now, we need more voices that speak the issues. Instead of watching other creatives address environmental issues and increase public awareness, you can join the creative wave to make a difference as well.

That way, more efficient changes will eventually take place.

As the summer is slowly winding down, the Delta Variant is increasingly spreading throughout the nation. According to CNN reports, “More than 98% of US residents now live in an area with a “high” or “substantial” risk of Covid-19 community transmission — up from only 19% a month ago.”

We witnessed the economic impacts of COVID-19 in 2020, now with the Delta Variant wave where does that leave low-income communities in America? 

Not to mention freelancing creatives…

Will the Delta Variant dish out similar hardships?

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The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ “The COVID Hardships Watch ” report mentions “millions still report that their households did not get enough to eat or are not caught up on rent payments.”

 According to the report, a little under 28 percent of adult renters said it was difficult to cover expenses back in early July. A over 14 percent of adult renter households said they weren’t caught up on rent while over 7% of them said they do not have enough to eat. 

The Urban Institute, released a report last month called the “2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and Stimulus Measures” which projects the poverty outcomes this year. 

The report stated that “ The projected poverty rates are lowest for children (5.6 percent), higher for adults ages 18 to 64 (8.1 percent), and highest for people age 65 and older (9.2 percent).” 

The report included the radical disparities among Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans Pacific Islander, AAPIs. The report also mentions that “The combined [governement] benefits have the largest impact on children, reducing their projected 2021 poverty rate 81 percent relative to what it would be without any benefits (from 30.1 percent to 5.6 percent).” 

Will that stimulus check ever hit the same way again?

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The stimulus package was the thing that kept many Americans afloat last year. There hasn’t been much talk on Capitol Hill of another stimulus check although many states are putting back COVID restrictions as well as some schools going back to virtual after a Covid-19 outbreak. 

The Center on Poverty & Social Policy at Columbia University has been tracking US poverty rates Monthly. The most recent update to this was in May it was over 10 percent for those with COVID relief resources, while it was over 15 percent for those who did not receive the resources. 

These were the monthly numbers before these recent major spikes of the delta variant in the U.S. If the number continues to rise and another shutdown comes our way, the key things to keep us float by are these government-issued resources.

Many Americans are still struggling through the pandemic and the predictions for this upcoming don’t look too promising. 

The U.S Census Bureau created the Household Pulse Survey which is in week 34 as of recent. This survey was created, “To produce data on the social and economic effects of coronavirus on American households.” This weekly survey captures real-time data on the experiences Americans are having in this pandemic. 

Are the stats are stacked against lower-income communities?

The average American household income in 2019 was $64,324 per year.

As you can see in Figures 2 and 3 those who are making less than $50k per year, the working class, are the ones that are ones experiencing income loss and worried about mortgage payments. 

Understanding how COVID-19 impacts low-income communities it is clear, that this Delta Variant can lead to another wave of Americans in economic distress.

Low-income Americans are the most vulnerable population to not only the virus but to the many levels of hardships, that this pandemic has brought us. They are the people that will be impacted the most by this Delta Variant, and who are experiencing the brunt force of economic destitution.  

Just when we thought the return to college life in the fall was looking rather “normal,” hurdles continue to haunt the future. Plain and simply: the uncertainty surrounding college life makes for a harrowing experience for returning students and especially college freshmen.

Most universities seem to choose their bottom line over the well-being and education of their students. And with difficulties in organization and planning from many colleges, students, especially those that live on campus, are the ones that suffer. Here are the questions universities and students should be asking themselves as the fall semester approaches.

Mask or no mask?

With states lifting all Covid-related safety restrictions earlier this summer, going back to classes in person was looking bright and easy.

Colleges requiring the vaccine for their students to return to campus made it seem like masks would be long gone in classrooms and school halls. But after barely a few months free of face covering, the rising cases due to the Delta variant continue to cause concern.

Indeed, the prospect of a screen-free, mask-free return to classes was rather invigorating for those registering for in-person courses. If not a little overwhelming, after hiding behind those things for over a year, entering a classroom with a visible smile on your face sounded unheard of up until recently.

But just as excitement reached its peak, it’s nerve-wracking to feel like it could all crumble back down.

Housing or no housing?

In spite of disappointing changes to what returning in person might look like, students remain eager to go back. But yet another challenge is arising for colleges that rely mostly on their on-campus housing option: space.

While last spring enrollment rates declined, this year the opposite phenomenon occurred, leaving colleges on a bit of a limb. Truly the uncertainty around college life right now could not be much more severe.

From study abroad restrictions to delayed graduation times following the pandemic, students are returning to campus in greater numbers than colleges anticipated.

This means hopeless waitlists even for students embarking on their senior year and pursuing their thesis who absolutely need to attend classes in person. For students attending colleges where the off-campus living options are scarce and for those on financial aid, the uncertainty is draining.

While some institutions prove to be rather unresponsive, others are trying everything they can to accommodate as many students as possible. And they are doing so in rather surprising ways.

Middlebury College in Vermont is offering up to 50 percent discounts on their room and board rates if students opt for college housing that is further away. Meanwhile, Dartmouth is simply offering $5,000 to students who decide to opt-out of dorm-living.

But after feeling alienated from an environment that once felt or should have felt like home, students’ desire to be where they are meant to be is hard to shake. The enthusiasm of returning to in-person classes, and to life in general, is palpable, making these complications disheartening.

Reconnecting amongst college life’s uncertainty

Whatever way we look at them, these months continue to be a rollercoaster of hope, frustration, disappointment, and back around.

Grateful as ever for the things that are falling back into place, we need to hold on tight. This year has proven to be a challenge in all shapes and forms, and even though it isn’t over, it doesn’t mean that what is to come can’t be better.