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Why Queer Romantics Excel in Online Gaming: The Romantic Advantage
Online casino gaming is a pastime enjoyed by individuals all over the world. People who engage in online casino gaming have the opportunity to connect with a community of online gamers, test their skills and experience the thrill of placing bets. However, there is a particular group that seems to have the edge over their competition in the virtual world of online casino gaming ā romantics. The unique qualities, experiences and perspectives that romantic people have seem to prove advantageous when it comes to online gaming. This article explores why romantics and specifically queer romantics thrive as players.
Theyāre Less Afraid to Take Risks
Telling someone you like them in a romantic way can be a scary experience. However, romantics are accustomed to facing this fear and the accompanying risk of rejection because they believe the potential payoff of a beautiful relationship is worth it. This fearlessness translates into online casino gaming as taking risks is seen as a part of the game. From making bold, strategic mores to taking chances in high-stakes casino games, romantics are oftentimes more willing to step out of their comfort zones and when gambling.
They Enjoy the Thrill
Romantic individuals are known for their appreciation of thrilling experiences. From a passionate kiss in the rain to the sensation of butterflies in their stomach, romantics seek out and savor these precious moments. Similarly, they can find joy in the thrill of online gaming. The adrenaline rush of competing against others, the excitement of unlocking new levels and the sense of accomplishment when achieving their goals all contribute to their enjoyment of the virtual world.
They Know How to Plan Ahead
Planning a romantic date or experience requires time and careful consideration. Because of this, romantics have honed their skills in planning ahead which is crucial in online casino gambling. When playing at a casino online, itās necessary to formulate a strategy ahead of time and stick to it. The ability of romantic people to think ahead and anticipate outcomes gives them an edge in making calculated decisions and increases their odds in a game.
They Are Good People Readers
Understanding the emotions and intentions of others is a skill that romantics are particularly developed in through their experiences in relationships. This ability to read people can prove invaluable when playing live dealer or multiplayer games as observing and analyzing opponentsā behavior provides a competitive advantage. Skills such as making informed predictions about their opponentās next move, bluffing effectively and outsmarting the completion are all aided by having good people-reading skills.
They Tend to Be Financially Savvy
Most romantics aspire to settle down with a lifelong partner which necessitates having some understanding of finances. Being financially savvy is also an important skill in online casino gaming. As financially savvy people, romantics know the importance of planning out their betting amounts, setting a budget and sticking to it. This ability to manage resources effectively helps them avoid getting carried away by the excitement of the game, ensuring a more sustainable and enjoyable gaming experience.
Theyāll Spend Time to Learn the Game
Building a successful relationship requires time and effort spent learning about your significant other. For example, how they communicate, what they like and donāt like and what kind of person they are. Romantics are people who have the dedication to invest in understanding their partners. Many romantics are therefore likely to have the same dedication that is needed to learn the intricacies of a game. They are willing to put in the time and effort to master the mechanics, strategies and nuances of online gaming, which ultimately leads to improved performances and a deeper appreciation of the virtual world.
They Keep Their Eye on the Prize
Romantic individuals are less likely to be distracted by the fleeting pleasures of life because they have their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize ā finding their lifelong partner. This focus and determination translate into online casino gambling, as romantics are less likely to be swayed by small bets and quick thrills. This can mean that romantics are more disciplined and strategic in their casino gaming approach and if they happen to fail, they are more likely to pick themselves back up and keep trying down a different avenue.
They Operate on Emotion
Romantics are driven by their emotions which contributes to their likelihood of falling in love quickly and passionately. In turn, their heightened emotional consciousness means they are better able to find excitement when anticipating something or joy when celebrating something. This means that when playing online casino games, romantics are more likely to experience a range of emotions than their more logically-minded counterparts. The emotional connection that romantic people have to the game can enhance their overall experience and fuel their motivation to keep on playing and improving.
Theyāll Stick It Out Through Hard Times
Relationships, like gambling, have their ups and downs. Romantics understand the importance of perseverance and resilience in navigating the challenging times that occur during any relationship. Queer love stories, however, tend to have more than their fair share of ups and downs due to their existence in a society that is still working towards the acceptance of queer love. Their resilience can translate over to their approach to online gaming as they are more likely to stay committed and determined even when they experience disappointing setbacks or losses. The ability to bounce back, learn from their mistakes and continue to improve their gameplay is something romantics excel at.
In conclusion, queer romantics possess unique qualities that give them an advantage in online gaming. Their fearlessness in taking risks, enjoyment of thrilling experiences, ability to plan ahead, skill in reading people, financial savviness, dedication to learning, focus on the ultimate prize, emotional connection to the game and resilience in the face of challenges all contribute to their good-hand in the virtual world. However, itās also important to remember that online casino gaming comes with a certain level of financial risk, so everyone, regardless of their advantages, should take steps to mitigate and manage that risk for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
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Just Keep Swimmingā: Ingleside Senior Swimmers Share Tips on Healthy Aging through Community and Daily Exercise
A range of community building and wellness opportunities abound at Ingleside, which has been recognized nationally for its inclusivity.Ā
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average human needs about 150 minutes of exercise per week to remain healthy as they age, but 80% of Americans arenāt checking that box.
And while there may be a plethora of reasons why āgetting olderā could impose on your ability to exercise as frequently as you should, three residents of Ingleside at King Farm ā all 95 years young ā are living proof that it is possible, and that there is no excuse.
The three neighbors, Sy Herman, Peggy Adams, and Bob Verkouteren, are using their daily commitment to swim together to encourage and inspire each otherās healthy living choices and well-being. After retiring to the Rockville, Maryland senior living community, Ingleside at King Farm, just outside of Washington, DC, the aquateers became friends through their shared love of aquatic fitness, realizing they also shared the same diligence in being at the pool each day before sunrise, meeting as early as 6:30 a.m. to swim laps.
āOne morning Iām in the water and I find these two rascals here, and now weāre here together every day,ā said Peggy. The friendship among the three seniors grew close over the past year ever since the trio made a deal that they would start each day at the pool before breakfast.
Science has proven that positive social relationships play a role in better health and life expectancy. Unlike forty percent of older adults in the U.S. who report chronic loneliness, Peggy, Sy and Bob, are a prime example of the positive impact meaningful relationships can have on maintaining a personal commitment to physical fitness and daily exercise.
Each morning, the seniors take turns using the fast lane at The Herman Aquatic Center at Ingleside at King Farm, challenging their endurance while also making use of water weights and other strengthening tools. The aquatic trio bonded over a shared commitment to physical exercise, community-building, and philanthropic work ā all factors that health studies have shown contribute to longevity and increased quality of life.
āI took up swimming because it was a sport I could enjoy daily,ā shared Sy. āI couldn’t play tennis and couldn’t play golf. So, I took up swimming, which has added years to our lives and life to our years!ā
Fitness is an essential part of the Ingleside culture of living a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Inglesideās state-of-the-art fitness facilities include a fitness center with robust programming and access to a physical trainer to tailor and support strength and cardiovascular training.
Not only does Sy use the various fitness amenities at Ingleside, but heās also provided financial support and resources back into the senior living community to help better its aquatic facilities. Upon moving to Ingleside, Sy and his wife Sheila donated a gift to the Westminster Ingleside Foundation, with an amount specifically designated for the Aquatic Center. āItās wonderful being here,ā Sy said. āThere are so many opportunities to be involved. I really love this place.ā
A range of community building and wellness opportunities abound at Ingleside, which has been recognized nationally for its inclusivity.
Ingleside at King Farm, and itās sister communities, Ingleside at Rock Creek, and Westminster at Lake Ridge were officially recognized when they received the 2023 SAGECare platinum-level lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cultural competency certification. SAGECare is acknowledged as the foremost comprehensive, national cultural competency training program dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBT adults. Additionally, Ingleside participates in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGEās Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI), earning the designation as an āLGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality High Performer.ā
āIngleside has always been, and will continue to be committed to fostering a culture of health and inclusion,ā said Christine L. Podles, MA, HSE, LNHA, Chief Operating Officer of Ingleside. āWe recognize and celebrate each personās individual uniqueness and strive to help them live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. It is a core value that we continue to ensure is ingrained into the fabric of the Ingleside family.ā
Fitness helps lengthen lives. According to a study in Journal of Aging Research, those who exercise regularlyāeven for as little as three hours a weekācan live up to almost 7 years longer than those who arenāt as physically active. The three swimming seniors made a pact that they would live long, healthy lives, making it to their 100th birthdays together.
āWe will all be turning 100 years old within four months of each other, and Iām already sending out verbal āsave the dates,ā” said Peggy. The aquateer is already planning the party for the trio. āMark your calendars for November 2027 ā everyone is invited!ā
The aquateers plan to have their celebration at no place other than The Herman Aquatic Center. Sy shared, āWeāre going to have a Century Club ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by music, dancing, and a great meal for the entire community.ā
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Itās Official: The Future of Senior Living Is Here
The Matherās apartment homes range from 800 to 3,300 square feet, and feature expansiveĀ views, high-end finishes, and innovative smart-home technology.
A seismic shift in senior living is underway, and the epicenter is right here in Tysons. Earlier this month, The Mather opened its doors to those 62 and better, offering luxury of a different kind in an unprecedented Life Plan Community.Ā
The Mather, situated on nearly four acres at 7929 Westpark Drive, is a $500 million development and 293-apartment-home residence operated by Mather, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating Ways to Age WellSM. The new community boasts 38,000 square feet of amenities, including multiple restaurants and a bar/lounge; a fitness center with exercise equipment, group fitness studio, and indoor pool; a luxury spa; outdoor spaces including a yoga terrace; public/private park spaces; and more.
āWeāre proud to open this ānext-genā Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living looks like,ā said Mather CEO and President Mary Leary. āThe Mather is a bold reflection of our unwavering commitment to provide luxury of a different kind.ā
What sets The Mather apart is the blend of international flair, high-tech services, biophilic design, and wellness-forward experiences woven throughout the community.
International cultures are showcased throughout The Mather. A curated collection of artwork, sculptures, and antiquities from around the world reflect themes of connection, unity, and nature. Additionally, The Matherās amenities are named to celebrate global cultures.
Each of The Matherās three restaurants, as well as its bar and lounge, showcases cuisines from around the world, such as sushi, Berkshire Pork Bao, Mushroom Biryani, and crab cakes with mango-habanero salsita. The Matherās food and beverage program seeks to please the most refined of palettes while adding inspired touches like a hydroponic micro-farm, onsite honey production by Italian bees, and a dedicated bake shop/pastry shop with a German-made, state-of-the-art bread oven.
In addition, The Mather uses technology throughout the community to enhance the experience. Residents can use an in-house app to sign up for programs and classes, request special cleaning or maintenance services, make restaurant reservations, and schedule spa appointments; robots are on hand to deliver restaurant orders to residentsā front doors; and custom Alexa devices support smart-home technology as well as community information.
The Mather is pre-certified LEED Gold and pursuing WELL Building certification. Its biophilic design reflects the intersection of interior spaces and programs, with nature in an urban setting. The overall design provides sustained interaction with the natural environment.
āResidences have open floor plans with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light,ā Leary said. āAnd The Matherās amenity spaces invite involvement with the outdoors to enhance well-being, whether residents are swimming laps in the saltwater pool or relaxing on zero gravity loungers in a Himalayan-sea-salt-infused breath room.ā
A highlight amongst The Matherās many wellness features is its spa, with offerings including the breath room with a Himalayan sea salt wall, a live herb wall for custom teas and treatments, an infrared sauna, a multi-sensory Gharieni Welnamis wave bed, as well as signature spa services.
The Matherās wellness-forward features are accentuated not only in the communityās high-end amenities, but also in its variety of programming. Residents can explore their passions and find new interests through an array of creative, social, and intellectual opportunities. Examples include a salon series with Smithsonian curators, nature immersion programs, creative sessions with area teaching artists, and sensory pool experiences with live music and meditation.
The Mather is surrounded by three acres of green space, offering residents opportunities to enjoy an urban lawn for concerts, a dog park, badminton and bocce courts, and walking paths with seating areas and sculptures.
The Matherās apartment homes range from 800 to 3,300 square feet, and feature expansive views, high-end finishes, and innovative smart-home technology. Pricing includes a one-time entrance fee (starting at $650,000) that is 90 percent refundable to the resident or residentās estate, and a monthly service fee. Prices are based on apartment size, view, service package, and health plan selected.
All of this adds up to a community that has broken new ground in senior living. A place where the gorgeous interiors and breathtaking dĆ©cor are matched by the richness of quality programs, services, and offerings, and all are designed to enhance residentsā lifestyles. That is truly luxury of a different kind.
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New Gilead Initiative Aims to Empower Organizations Tackling the HIV Epidemic forBlack Women in the United States
Gileadās three-year, $12.6 million commitment will increase HIV prevention and health equity efforts for Black women and girls.
By EDWINA EYRE | In the rapidly evolving public health landscape, one stark reality has remained constant: Black cisgender and Transgender women bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic. Black women, who constitute only 14% of the female population in the United States, accounted for a staggering 53% of new HIV diagnoses among women aged 13 and older in just 2021 alone. Additionally, Black Transgender women have the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses among Transgender people and are more likely to go undiagnosed and untreated in comparison to their peers.Ā
Although medicines like PrEP and PEP can help mitigate these disparities, structural and social factors like stigma, discrimination and economic inequality coupled with significant gaps in the delivery of culturally-competent HIV prevention information and care continue to exacerbate poor health outcomes for Black women and girls impacted by HIV.
āSince the start of the epidemic 40 years ago, Black women have borne the brunt of annual HIV diagnoses and premature deaths, largely due to the social determinants of health that impact us long before we even get a diagnosis,ā said Vanessa Johnson, Co-Executive Director at Ribbon ā Center of Excellence, a nonprofit providing support for individuals in need of services for HIV and chronic diseases. āBlack women are the caretakers of our communities, but structural and social barriers like poverty, violence and trauma continue to fuel disparities within HIV outcomes, which disproportionately impact us more than any other population group.ā
Last year Gilead Sciences launched the Setting the P.A.C.E. (Prevention, Arts and Advocacy, Community, Education) Initiative to help address these critical issues. This three-year, $12.6 million commitment is aimed at increasing HIV prevention, anti-stigma and health equity efforts for Black cisgender and Transgender women and girls in the United States.
āAt Gilead, we know that we cannot end the HIV epidemic if we do not prioritize the needs of Black women and girls,ā said Carmen Villar, Vice President, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences. āThe Setting the P.A.C.E. Initiative tackles barriers to care head-on by supporting high-impact organizations working to improve the HIV landscape for impacted individuals.ā
Setting the P.A.C.E focuses on empowering Black women led- and serving organizations on the front lines of this epidemic, providing them with the tools and resources needed to rewrite the narrative on HIV care and treatment. Through its four key focal points āPrevention, Arts and Advocacy, Community and Education ā the program seeks to support projects tackling HIV health barriers for Black women and girls, from expanding programs that provide culturally-responsive HIV care training to leveraging arts and media to engage local communities and address stigma.
Ribbon ā Center of Excellence is one of the 19 grantees that will receive the first round of Setting the P.A.C.E. funding. With support from Gilead, Ribbon will provide capacity-building assistance to other grantee organizations and non-funded groups servicing cisgender and Transgender Black women, focusing their support in the areas of policy, advocacy and convening.
āSetting the P.A.C.E. will allow us to build a network of groups working to advance HIV health equity for Black women and girls, and foster convening spaces for these organizations,ā said Linda H. Scruggs, Co-Executive Director at Ribbon. āThere are a lot of organizations working toward our same goals. Once we create multilevel partnerships at federal, state and individual levels, we can identify gaps in policy and funding, and work toward providing services and advocacy to meet these needs.ā
The programs that are part of the Setting the P.A.C.E Initiative will be either nationally- or regionally- focused. Most importantly, more than 75% of the organizations selected for grants are led by Black women and every funding allocation is directed toward initiatives spearheaded by Black women.
āBlack women are stepping up to lead HIV advocacy and response programs across the country,ā said Scruggs. āFor the first time, we are building the resources and creating the opportunity to forge new paths toward fixing, healing and protecting our own community. Thereās no reason why another generation of Black women, cis or Trans, should be casualties of the HIV epidemic in the years to come.ā
(Gilead: More than Medicine is part of a paid collaboration between Gilead Sciences and the Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade.)