While tackling bias in the media and advertising industries is no small feat — fostering more diverse and inclusive visual content is a large piece of the puzzle. Across its editorial, stock photography and video offerings, Getty Images and iStock are shifting this bias. In fact, Getty Images, which is one of the most trusted and esteemed sources of visual content in the world, aims to elevate diverse, underrepresented communities by ensuring that more accurate, authentic imagery is available and accessible to brands and businesses of all sizes. 

Getty Images and iStock, through its 400 million assets including photos, videos, and music, are working with brands and businesses to better grasp what inclusive representation looks like in practice as well as what will resonate with target consumers.

The industry has made steady progress over the years, slowly working to make stereotypical stock photography a thing of the past, while also hiring and working with diverse photographers and videographers, but there remains work to do and space to do more. The company has determined that they are committed to encouraging the creation of imagery and video which promote authenticity and inclusivity (A&I), while simultaneously working with global brands and major organizations to vet content and then push it out to the world –– sharing best practices SMBs and brands can implement to ensure A&I is an intentional effort, and not an afterthought. 

The stock photography landscape has changed dramatically since 2012, slowly evolving away from the relative invisibility of Black women. As the founder and creator of Black Girl Nerds, I can speak directly to this experience. When Black Girl Nerds first started, the images that populated with a Google search of “Black women” were photos of white women wearing glasses with black frames. Now you see images of Black women as gamers, cosplayers, stem professionals, etc. This progress is a result of intentional efforts toward developing imagery that represents the world as it actually is — Black women should see themselves reflected in all subcultures  — including geek culture. Many marginalized groups wish to be represented, and even more than that, they’re demanding it from the brands they support with their dollars. For instance, Getty Images’ Visual GPS data cites that 63% of people agree with the statement that “I prefer to buy from brands that are founded by or represent people like me.”

For the last decade-plus, Getty Images has remained focused on improving and diversifying visual representation, aiming to use its platform, power and reach to improve the breadth, quantity and quality of resources which are available to the media and brands. This endeavor began with Getty Images’ Lean In Collection, which aimed (and continues to aim) to reimagine gender roles. Lean In was its first collection to intentionally combat stereotypes, showcasing women in business and women in leadership, but it has since spurred and inspired several other collections.

Getty Images’ commitment to diversity and inclusion is not all talk and no action, as the global  company is consistently taking steps to shift the visual language forward, to a more inclusive future. 

In 2019, Getty Images partnered with Dove and Girlgaze to develop Project #ShowUs — the world’s largest stock photo collection depicting women, non‑binary and female-identifying individuals, created by women, non-binary and female-identifying creatives. The growing collection aims to end traditionally narrow definitions of beauty and set a new, global standard for the authentic, diverse and inclusive representation of women across the world. That same year, Getty Images also launched the Nosotros Collection, the first curated collection aimed at repicturing the Latinx and Hispanic communities to help dismantle pervasive stereotypes in the media and once more, positively highlight the incredible diversity of this group. 

So action is underway and efforts aimed at improvement are ongoing… but where do we go from here? While progress has been promising, there’s more to do and that requires active buy-in from brands –– big or small –– and media. Because overcoming bias in the advertising and media industries will require much more than just brands “checking a box” or filling some randomized quota. 

Our collective visual vocabulary is changing, and it’s essential that brands not only evolve with it, but embrace it. Beyond launching collections that more accurately depict underrepresented communities, Getty Images and iStock are committed to having honest conversations with brands and giving them guidance about how to recognize and surface inclusive content. The prominence of Black creators has improved over recent years, but they’re still lacking representation at major media outlets. Media and brands need to step up and challenge themselves to hire, promote, and empower diverse talent.

To celebrate Black History Month, Xfinity is highlighting industry leaders in a three-part editorial series. The series profiles trendsetters in sports, entertainment, and technology who are making history, today. 

We’re here to give them their flowers now.

Black people are still significantly underrepresented in the tech industry, funding included. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Black–owned firm application rates for new funding are 10% higher than white–owned firms, but their approval rates are 19% lower. Despite the technical difficulties, these leaders are still shaking up the industry and you might need their services more than you think! During Black History Month, Xfinity is celebrating Black leaders in the tech industry who are making an impact. 

Entering the chat first is Arlan Hamilton, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital. She has built her venture capital business from the ground up. Once homeless, Hamilton overcame the odds stacked against her in 2015, with the launch of her company and goal of minimizing funding disparities in technology. She is intentional about focusing on founders of color, women, and/or LGBTQ+ people. Her work is paying off. In only 6 years, Backstage Capital has raised over $7 million and invested in over 130 underrepresented founders. She cites people like Oprah as an inspiration and motivation behind her success. “Oprah’s innovation in media and personal branding is inspiring. She is a trailblazer and may be the greatest example of staying true to your values while building a billion-dollar business,” says Hamilton. 

Next is Rodney Williams, who traded in a six-figure corporate salary for six-figures in debt to launch his startup. But the Howard MBA grad was determined not to fail. While unchallenged at work, he launched Lisnr, a software start-up that improves connectivity between electronic devices using [soundwaves]. His technology can help you unlock a building door or even your car with just a phone…and it’s working great! Since the company’s launch in 2012, Lisnr has powered over 100M experiences for Fortune 100 companies across millions of devices and use cases. Williams would go from floating a $30,000 a month payroll for his team out of pocket, to partnering with major brands to control cars with sound. He attributes a key inspirational figure to keeping his vision afloat – Muhammad Ali. ““Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” I listen to his audio recordings weekly – such poise, such confidence, such strength – I’m inspired by his willingness to be himself in the midst of opposition”, says Williams. 

And last, but not least, there’s Tope Awotona, the founder of Calendly, a simple and easy-to-use scheduling app. If you’ve ever requested a meeting from a startup CEO, you might’ve used Calendly to grab some time from their schedule. In less than 5 years, his scheduling tool has served close to 30 million people worldwide. While Calendly is elegant in its simplicity, his success was anything but. Awotona launched three prior startups before landing on his big idea that solved a huge pain point. In early 2012, Awotona realized he sent over a dozen emails back and forth to schedule a meeting – his Calendly now makes it happen in one click. Like his peers,

Awotona too attributes his success to inspiration from others. For this Nigerian-born entrepreneur, it is his mother. “I wish my mom could see what Calendly is now. Parents do so much and sacrifice so much for their kids that I believe it’s the ultimate accomplishment for a parent to see their child be successful. I would give anything for my mom to see what she has done.” 

_________________________________________________________  

Who inspires you to excel? As we celebrate Black leaders in technology we invite you to find inspiration by checking out their favorite icons, like Oprah in 100 Black Fathers and Muhammad Ali in A.K.A. Cassius Clay on the Black Experience on Xfinity content library to celebrate this month and all year long. 

Released in 2015, Touken Ranbu is a free-to-play collectible card browser game that’s been a Japanese exclusive title since its release. But that’s soon to change with the game’s English release on February 23, 2021. Johren, the gaming platform that hosts the game, opened a month-long pre-registration that began on January 25 and will run until the game’s release. 

Touken Ranbu is an online, free-to-play, turn-based, sword-raising simulation game that’s amassed an impressive 1.5 million players a year since its release in 2015. The game is about a sage who is set on a path to battle an evil entity attempting to alter history with the assistance of swords that have come to life and have been transformed into sword-wielding men. The sage’s mission, in addition to stopping the evil entity from altering history, is to gather eight different types of swords or Touken to create unique sword battalions. 

The Touken that players will be collecting are Tanto (dagger), Wakizashi (side inserted sword), Uchigatana (traditional samurai sword), Tachi (another traditional samurai sword), Otachi (large sword), Naginata (pole blade), Yari (spear), and Tsurugi (straight, double-edged sword). The aforementioned battalions will be made up of these swords as they will take the form of men to fight for the sage. It’s advisable to get to know which cards work for your particular play style and use the ones that work best for you to create the best battalion and defeat the evil entity. 

Due to a player base of mostly women, the game has been dubbed a “Joseimuke,” which is a term that describes media targeted towards women. This category includes many types of media such as Yaoi, Otome games, Shoujo manga, and rhythm games. In Japan, the game fell into favor with women through the use of Japanese history, beautifully designed protagonists, and side characters. With such a positive reception, it’s no wonder that Johren is bringing the game to the States. 

At the beginning of the game, players will have six main characters that can be used in battle. Those being Mikazuki Munechika, Kashu Kiyomitsu, Kasen Kanesada, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, Hachisuka Kotetsu, and Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki. Throughout their in-game journey, the player can collect more characters to use and will have the opportunity to pick one that works with their play style. 

As mentioned before, the story is about a sage who is collecting swords that can transform into men so that he can build a battalion strong enough to defeat an evil entity that is trying to alter Japanese history. But it’s a bit more complicated than that. In the year 2205, revisionists seeking to change the course of history have begun to attack the past. To combat these threats, the Chronos Ministry have sent Saniwa the Sage to each age. Saniwa, blessed with the power to arouse an object’s heart and emotions, can bestow these objects with the ability to fight and wield themselves. These objects are known as “Tsukumogami,” and Saniwa travels to the past with the Touken Danshi to maintain history as it should be. The Saniwa is who the players will be exploring the story with and summoning the Touken Danshi in this collect-and-raise simulation game. Keep an eye out for conversations between the Touken Danshi to gather that sweet character development. 

In addition to having your account set up and ready to go on release day, there is also some in-game goodies that players will receive in thanks for registering for the game in advance. Think of it as pre-ordering a long-awaited title and receiving extra armor or a new weapon. So, what is that pre-registered gamers can look forward to on release day? First, 200,000 units of Coolant, Whetstone, Charcoal, and Steel. Players will also receive 100,000 units of Koban, 30 request tokens, 30 help tokens. These items help in smithing or repairing swords. Players will also receive an Omamori, a brown horse, and a black horse. The Omamori (translated to charm) are used to strengthen swords and prevent them from being destroyed in battle. In the game, horses can be equipped to swords to boost their stats. In terms of pre-release goodies, the perks seem worth it. Don’t forget to check out the new trailer for the game here. 

In addition to Touken Ranbu, Johren also has other games under its belt. These titles include Magicami, Kamihime Project, Versus Tales, Meteor World Actor, and over 100 other Japanese titles. So even if Touken Ranbu doesn’t hold your interest, there are other titles to give a look to see if anything does. New titles are added to the platform every month, so keep an eye out for these in addition to pre-registering for the English release of Touken Ranbu. 

2020 was a year to remember, largely in part due to COVID-19. In a time where social distancing is the norm, technology has found a way to bring us together. Cue Clubhouse, the latest social media platform tailor-made for those stuck at home.

Welcome to Clubhouse

Conceived from the mind of Silicon Valley entrepreneur Paul Davison and former Google employee Rohan Seth, the audio-only app has quickly become the most addictive and popular pastime for users who have spent most of their quarantine in an endless blur.

What’s so great about Clubhouse, anyway? First and foremost, is its exclusivity. The app is currently in beta, by invite only, and available to iPhone users. That’s right, only a select few — an estimated 600,000 users as of this writing — are currently registered.

Adding to the app’s appeal is the nostalgia of the party line glory days. Clubhouse gives users the ability to navigate a hodgepodge of pop-up chat rooms moderated by techies, real estate experts, influencers, writers, and celebrities to name a few. Now that we have laid down the groundwork, let’s get into the Clubhouse experience.

The Layout

Once you have received an invite to Clubhouse — which now has the notoriety of a Willy Wonka Golden Ticket — you must set up your bio and avi (profile picture). Secondary to your profile picture is your bio. The idea is to keep it short and sweet while highlighting exactly who you are and what you bring to the table. This app is not just for fun. It is an effective networking and branding tool. Clubhouse currently has no messaging functionality, so in order to connect with people outside of the app, you must link your Instagram and/or Twitter. No social media linkage will lead users into identifying you as an opp (what the youngins call the opposition).

After setting up your bio, you want to start following people. As you are a first-time user, Clubhouse will suggest someone who has similar ties to the person who nominated you. You will also be able to follow people in your phone contacts. This step is crucial because it determines the content that will be pushed to you. Analytics, my dear, are everything.  Once you select your followers (and hopefully someone follows back), you enter a hallway of sorts.  Each hallway is lined with chat rooms that will pique your interest. The more people you follow, the more diverse the room topics.

The Lingo

The first time you enter a Clubhouse room, you will immediately hear words and phrases that are unique to the app.

There are three sections in each clubhouse room: the “stage” with the speakers, the people in the audience who are followed by the speakers, and lastly the audience members who are not followed by anyone on stage. You can request to speak by selecting the “raise your hand” icon.

Leading the discussion are the moderators; they are the people at the top with the coveted “green beams.” A “green beam” identifies you as a moderator, and for some odd reason, the power goes straight to a vulnerable user’s head. Moderators can select who comes on stage; alternatively, they can send you back to the audience (the streets, gulag, or dirt depending on the room). They may also mute your mic and remove you from the room altogether.

A host moderator is the person who “opens” the room and is at the very top of the list, but once “green beams” are handed out, all moderators have the same capabilities, including removing the host. A good moderator is selective of their speakers and knows how to temper the conversation. There is order and everyone has a turn to speak.

While the moderator does have the ability to control the room, there still are certain etiquette rules involved when you are a speaker. Upon ascending to the stage, it is customary to mute your mic (the little microphone button on the bottom right-hand corner) and wait for a moderator to call on you. Depending on the size of the room and the number of speakers on stage, that can get a little dicey. If everyone speaks at once, you will normally hear a moderator belt out “one mic,” which is your signal to hush and let the mod reset the room.

“PTR” immediately throws you for a loop and is yelled out often in the most active groups. PTR stands for “pull to refresh.” Since Clubhouse is audio-only and there is no way to message users, clever moderators have used PTR to set the tone. Example, if you are in a game room, a moderator may change their avi to show the rules of the game so that new speakers on the stage can follow along without having to repeat themselves. As anyone on Clubhouse knows, rooms have a revolving door of speakers and listeners. Another term used often is “ping.” Clubhouse rooms can have upwards of 5,000 attendees. The more followers you ping into a room, the bigger your audience. You ping by selecting the plus button and sending a notification to your followers.

The Vibe

Imagine a podcast that never ends — that is the Clubhouse experience. Clubhouse is best described as a labyrinth of possibilities. You can easily find yourself down the rabbit hole of discussions that can go on for hours, if not days.

On Clubhouse, you will find people from all walks of life. If you want to align yourself with a certain aesthetic, joining a specific club is ideal. Joining a club is akin to the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter universe. It is a badge of honor displayed at the bottom of your bio and shows where your loyalties lie as well as your interests.

Once you become a club member, you will get notifications when a member of that club hosts a room. They are essentially your virtual tribe. Rooms run by an official club are marked by a green house icon. Interested in an intellectual discussion? Join To the Left or the Writers Room. Looking for ways to grow your social media following? Join The Attic. Do you want to discuss Netflix’s Bridgerton at length? Join Binge TV. Want to learn about all things Tech? Join Tech Talks. If you are feeling particularly toxic, make sure you check out Let’s Be Toxic, one of my favorite sophisti-ratchet rooms that is currently pending as an official club but will no doubt be a Clubhouse staple.

“The OG Club” is the largest club in the app. It highlights amazing discussions, events, and shows. Currently, the club is running Dreamgirls auditions that have taken Twitter by storm. “Thank you, Happy New Year,” is now the ultimate dismissal uttered by casting director Leroy Church, a man who rivals the likes of Simon Cowell. This user certainly plans on using the phrase excessively whenever she is displeased.

The highlight of the entire Clubhouse experience is most definitely The Lion King Clubhouse, the predecessor of the upcoming production of Dreamgirls. The Lion King Clubhouse hosted by The Lion King musical was a full production of over 40 cast and crew members performing two live shows on December 26. The performances broke the internet and the app, with over 5,000 attendees for both performances. The production was organized by Noelle Chestnut Whitemore who directed and served as executive producer. The cast, all comprising of Black creatives, delivered a show-stopping performance rivaling the beloved 1994 film, complete with a full orchestra, superb voice acting, ethereal singers, and an awesome PTR team who frequently changed their avis, providing a virtual set. It was a much-needed respite in dark times.

While Clubhouse can be a wonderful experience, it also has its low points. Everyone has an opinion, and now they have another platform where they can be vocal. This user has entered some discussions laced in misogyny, where women, specifically Black women are talked over and silenced. One room pitted dark-skinned women and light-skinned women against each other. If the moderator had simply acknowledged the hurt of our darker-hued sisters, the discussion would have been much more productive. Another room discussed the merits of forgiving abusers and abolishing the prison system at the expense of actual victims.

Then there are the rooms that are a clear scam. Earn a Million Dollars in Three Weeks or Cash Giveaways Every Hour — please do yourself a favor and steer clear of them. Not quite as scammy but still obnoxious are the Follow for Follow rooms — moderated by industry “heavy hitters” who love to “drop gems” while allowing upwards of 500 people on stage with the intent of building followers. In this user’s experience, it’s an easy way for the celebrity moderators of the room to gain a following but not necessarily the average user. Unless you commit to spending 15+ hours in the room for your moment to speak, the idea of gaining a hundred followers is not that appealing.

Clubhouse is whatever you make of it. It is a brave new world of ideas and people from all across the globe at your fingertips. While the app may seem crowded and overloaded with opinions, there is something intimate about having a conversation with someone. It truly humanizes the faces that are usually behind a keyboard by giving them a voice. If you receive the coveted invitation, please remember to hold space, listen, and please mute your mic!

Lamar Harris, the game’s creator, says Black Movie Guess Quiz, is an interactive, mobile
gaming app that tests your knowledge on how well you know Black movies.

“This game is special because it’s entertaining, but it also celebrates black movies, directors, and actors,” said Harris, a tech entrepreneur and black movie buff who was frustrated that there was no game like this available.  “I’m setting out to help promote Black filmmakers and actors who don’t always have access equal budgets or salaries in Hollywood. Also, our game creates new mobile game players! It is a fact that Black viewers gravitate more towards content that reflects their images and storylines so shouldn’t gaming be the same.” 

Black Movie Guess Quiz allows players to guess famous Black movies. The app stands out with
its creative, colorful artistic drawings of movie scenes. Players can guess the movie based on a
simplified drawing of a scene. To earn points, you see a famous face and have to guess the film
by first chance. If you are a Black movie maniac and like movie trivia, this is a game for you. The game is also challenging because there are multiple levels that players can test their skills on.

Here are some screenshots from the game:

Black Movie Guess Quiz is proven to bring nostalgia and joy to new users everywhere. 

Interested players can now download an Android version of the game on Google Play. Development is underway for the IOS version in 2020. You can follow Black Movie Quiz on social media; Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

The smart-phone-only app unveils content in quick bytes such as full shows, documentaries, and movies in chapters, in addition to mini news and entertainment features.

MOVIES

Most Dangerous Game 

Stars Liam Hemsworth as Dodge Tynes, a man “desperate to take care of his pregnant wife before a terminal illness can take his life, he accepts an offer to participate in a deadly game where he’s the prey.” Also stars Christoph Waltz, Sarah Gadon, Zach Cherry, Aaron Poole, Christopher Webster, Billy Burke, Jimmy Akinbola, and Natasha Bordizzo.

#FreeRayshawn 

Stars Laurence Fishburne, Stephan James, Skeet Ulrich, Jasmine Cephas Jones in a story about a young, Black Iraq War veteran named Rayshawn (James) who is set up by the New Orleans police on a drug deal, runs for his life, and takes refuge inside his apartment building with his girlfriend and child, building up a social media and news frenzy. Meanwhile the police and SWAT team outside try to defuse the situation. 

The Stranger 

Stars Maika Monroe, Dane DeHaan (zerozerozero) and Avan Jogia in nail-biting story about a rideshare driver terrorized by a “mysterious” passenger she picks up in the Hollywood Hills.

Survive

Stars Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) as Jane, a suicidal woman who finds herself in a plane crash in the wilderness. As Jane and her fellow survivor (Corey Hawkins) try to make it out, will she have a change of heart? The movie is based on the critically acclaimed novel Survive, by Alex Morel.

When the Streetlights Go On 

Stars up-and-coming actor Chosen Jacobs (God Friended Me, Hawaii Five-O), Queen Latifiah, Tony Hale (Arrested Development), Sophie Thatcher, Sam Strike, Cameron Bancroft, Ben Ahlers (The Village), and Mark Duplass. When a beautiful young girl is murdered in a suburban community, “the victim’s sister and her high school peers must struggle to find a sense of normalcy while coming of age in the midst of the murder investigation.”

Dummy 

Stars Anna Kendrick as “an aspiring writer who befriends her boyfriend’s sex doll and the two take on the world together.” Also stars Meredith Hagner (Search Party) and Donal Logue.

Flipped 

Stars Will Forte, Kaitlin Olson, Eva Longoria, and Andy Garcia in a movie about two house flippers (Jan and Cricket) who “think they have what it takes to become TV’s newest house-flipping couple.” When a Mexican drug cartel fancies their flipping so much that they are asked to renovate their mansions, the two may have to table their dreams and just figure out how to stay alive.

TV 

Elba v Block 

Hollywood A-lister Idris Elba and race car driver (and DC shoe founder) Ken Block go “head to head in a hilarious, action packed rivalry as they pit cars against each other through increasingly outrageous stunts to prove whose car, and which driver, is the best.”

Chrissy’s Court

Who would have thunk it? Okay, maybe a lot of people. Chrissy Teigen has been very vocal and, shall we say, humorously judgmental on social media for some time now. Now she gets to play a judge on TV, except these are real cases and the decisions are legally binding (okay, someone at Quibi has been bribed). In each episode model-turned-TV judge Teigen gets to decide small claims court cases. And, it’s a family affair with Teigen’s real-life mama Vilailuck as bailiff.

Thanks a Million

The 10-episode series is executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and features celebrities and public figures “who kickstart a chain of kindness by gifting $100,000 to an unsuspecting individual who must pay it forward. One of each of these episodes features Lopez, Kristen Bell, Nick Jonas, Tracy Morgan, Aaron Rodgers, Yara Shahidi, Gabriel Iglesias, Anthony Davis, Kevin Hart, and Karlie Kloss.

You Ain’t Got These

Executive Producer Lena Waithe looks at sneaker culture: “Fitting in and belonging to something bigger than yourself.” Episodes feature Carmelo Anthony, Billie Jean King, Hasan Minhaj, Candance Parker, Questlove, Nas, Jazerai Allen- Lord, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Mike Epps, Jemele Hill, Lena Waithe, Josh Luber, and Eric Koston.

Nikki Fre$h

Reality star turned style and beauty influencer Nicole Ritchie executive produces and stars. Ritchie’s self-created alter ego, hip hop/earth mother cum ’gram star, should be funny to watch as Ritchie goes over the top while still trying to bring some eco consciousness education to the public. “Nikki Fre$h will interact with real life seekers and consciousness experts to learn ways to better serve our bodies and our planet,  while comedically exaggerating those solutions to the edge of sanity.”

Singled Out

Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster host this show for young singles looking for love in 20 episodes. The twist? “The main dater is linked to the pool of diverse singles through social media.”

I Promise 

Executive produced by Laker legend Lebron James, I Promise is a documentary series featuring an in-depth look at the first academic year inside the groundbreaking Promise School in Akron, Ohio. I Promise tells the story of James’s efforts to inspire students to set higher expectations as well as “explore the day-to-day trials, triumphs, and life-changing impact of the school staff, students, and families working together in a unique, family-first educational environment.”

Cup of Joe 

Cup of Joe is an eight-part travel series starring Joe Jonas. As a member of the Jonas Brothers and lead singer of DNCE, he has travelled the world. “But between whirlwind pit stops and racing between concert venues, he has only scratched the surface of what these places actually have to offer. Before the Happiness Begins tour, Joe will experience each city like a native, pairing up with celebrity friends at each destination.”

Guests and locations include: (Jonas’ wife and Game of Thrones star) Sophie Turner (Amsterdam), Tina Fey (New York), Matthew McConaughey (Austin), Nick Jonas (Barcelona), Kevin Jonas (Barcelona), Lewis Capaldi (Berlin), David Hasselhoff (Berlin), Nicole Scherzinger (London), Lewis Hamilton (Paris), and Jack Black (Los Angeles).

Skrrt with Offset

This series focuses on Offset’s love of cars (he owns 30 sports and luxury models).  This series follows him as he and his celebrity and rapper friends Quavo, Lil Yachty and T-Pain, exploring all things cars. Episodes also feature Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, Dapper Dan, Jay Leno, Quavo and Takeoff from Migos, Lil Yachty, and T-Pain.

Gayme Show!

Comedians Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni host Gayme Show!, “a comedic competition show that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. In each episode, two straight contestants are paired with a celebrity “life partner” as they battle head to head in physical, mental and emotional challenges for the title of “Queen of the Straights.” Some of the celebrity “life partners” include: Ilana Glazer, D’Arcy Carden, Trixie Mattel, Jon Lovett, Nicole Byer, Rachel Bloom, and Guy Branum.

The Sauce

Executive Producer Usher puts the spotlight on dancers Ayo and Teo as they explore “the unique dance cultures in cities across the United States, finding the freshest online talent to compete head-to-head for a cash prize.” Usher will serve as judge.

Gone Mental with Lior

Mentalist Lior Suchard reads the minds of celebs as he “runs him or her through a string of mindblowing mental stunts.” The show features Kate Hudson, Ben Stiller, Zooey Deschanel, The Miz (Mike Mizanin), Big E (Ettore Ewen), Sasha Banks, Bayley, Rob Gronkowski, James Corden, Ludacris, and David Dobrik.

Let’s Roll with Tony Greenhand  

Cannabis artist and actor Tony Greenhand and his smokable creations have attracted an A-list clientele. “In each episode, Tony connects with a different celebrity weed enthusiast to make their wildest joint dreams come true.”

In 2020, online casinos are among the fastest expanding forms of entertainment. Casual gamers value the simplicity of casino games, which have always been popular. Smartphone technology has made online casinos even more accessible and enjoyable. Because of this access, the demand for casino games has skyrocketed in recent years. 

Perhaps the biggest benefit mobile technology has introduced to the casino realm is the ability to play anywhere. Users are no longer restricted to their desktop PC or laptop and can now play casino classics on their sofa, on the train to work, and anywhere else. In 2020, when playing a casino online, you have complete freedom to play what you want and where you want. Importantly, online casinos also allow you to play for free. 

Image credit: publicdomainpictures.net

However, it is in the mobile space where online casinos are reaching a new audience… the casual user. Moreover, game developers have created a whole new genre that is known as the social casino game. 

Social casino games speak directly to casual gamers who may not understand the ins and outs of the traditional casino experience. For example, many people still don’t know it is possible to play online casino games for free with no betting. Social casino developers avoid this misconception completely by focusing entirely on fun and the gaming experience. 

So, what are social casino games? Well, in terms of design and rules they are exactly the same as the classic card and table games you know (poker, blackjack, roulette). While developers will add their own flourishes and features, the core game experience is largely identical. Certainly, the differences in mechanics between traditional online casino and social casino games are minimal. 

However, there is something that differentiates social casinos, and it’s all in the name. Yes, social casino games are completely focused on fun and the social aspect of gaming. In other words, you don’t even have the option to play for real money like you would on an online casino. So, with social casinos, you will be playing purely because you love these games and against other people.

Like so many apps on Android and iOS, social casino games are built on a freemium model, which means they are free to download but include ads. There are also in-app purchases that allow developers to monetize their games. Players can buy higher valued chips to play in games that have higher stakes. 

This means players are effectively still taking part in every aspect of the casino experience without using any real money. Interestingly, the social side of the casino experience also extends to online slots. There are numerous social slot applications available that provide the high-concept fun we expect from good slot games. 

Again, it is worth remembering that you can play casino games for free and just for fun on regular online casinos. However, if you are a casual gamer and never plan on betting, perhaps a social casino is a good option for you. Games on social casinos tend to be faster paced and there is sometimes more energy because you are playing against real people. 

Then you’re ready for some TV viewing. With a room so small, how do you boost your TV to create the ultimate cinematic experience? Let’s take a quick look at seven ways to enjoy your favorite TV shows in a dorm.

1. Install a VPN and Safely Watch Blocked Movies

With all the connected gadgets at your disposal, your room could become a digital feeding ground for hackers. If you want to stream your favorite TV shows in your dorm, then install a virtual private network to your computer, phone, or tablet. You can also install them on other devices.

A virtual private network (VPN) protects your devices in three different ways:

• It masks your IP address so that other people cannot identify your location.
• It shields all information and data in your incoming or outgoing messages.
• It encrypts all data so that no one else can read it.

Furthermore, you can access TV shows and streaming services that your school administrator might otherwise block access to. The same goes for websites and other places online. A VPN keeps you anonymous from the university, internet service providers (ISPs), government agencies, and hackers. A VPN allows you to access Netflix anywhere. Some of the top VPNs out right now are Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.

2. Get an All-Inclusive with a Roku TV

For as low as $200 (or less), you can get nearly all of your favorite streaming services built into your TV – your Roku TV, that is. Except for Apple, Roku gives you a near-complete streaming experience, including Netflix, Showtime, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Now, Sling, Disney, ESPN, and Vimeo. Keep in mind that you still have to pay for most of these streaming services.

However, what you don’t have to pay for is an additional Roku box. The average cost of a Roku TV 32” is less than $200. 40” TVs will run right at $200. If you want to spend a little more, the 50” TVs cost around $250. Most TVs are easy to set up and come with mounting equipment for easy installation on the wall.

3. Next-Gen Streaming Services: Here They Come

Apple just released its streaming service, Apple TV+, this week. Initial reviews cite limited library, but incredible viewing quality and easy user interface. At only $4.99/month, it’s perfect your college budget and has plenty to offer off the diving board. Plus, Apple will fulfill its promise of adding to the library as you go.

Apple TV+ is just the beginning. Streaming enthusiasts can expect a new wave of streaming services in 2019 and 2020 from several companies including:

• Disney
• Peacock (NBC)
• HBO Max
• Quibi
• Discovery/BBC Collaboration

Right now, the buzz is Disney’s new streaming service set to release on November 12^th. Viewers can choose between the $7.00 subscription or bundle with ESPN for $12 (think about college sports). Most streaming services will be available on both Apple TV and Roku. Make sure your TV or device is compatible.

4. All Those Boxes and Sticks: Which is Best?

Apple has one. So does Roku, Google, and Amazon. We are talking about a box, stick, or, in Google’s case, that weird looking round thing. Of all the streaming devices out there, which one is best for you? It depends. Let’s take a quick look:

Apple TV (Avg. $149 – $150)

This is the ultimate device for Apple geeks, and those who don’t mind buying or renting their movies and TV shows a la carte. Apple TV+ will sweeten the deal. Top streaming services include CBS, Cinemax, HBO, Showtime, Starz.

Roku (Avg. $29-$99)

The best thing about Roku is that you can add and delete streaming services according to your preferences. Viewers can pick from dozens of streaming channels including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling, YouTube, Spectrum, AT&T, Vudu, and a lot more.

Amazon Fire Stick (Avg. $40)

The Amazon Fire Stick (or Fire TV) offers many of the same streaming services like Roku and Apple TV, including Amazon Prime. If you’re a gamer, then the stick provides a ton of memory that allows you to store your games, movies, and TV shows on.

Google Chromecast (Avg. $35)

You will quickly notice that Chromecast offers many of the same streaming channels as its competitors. So how does it differ? You can mirror the screen from your computer, smartphone, or tablet onto your TV. As a result, you can use it as an additional computer screen.

5. Projector: Watch Your Movies on the Wall

Quality dorm room-sized projectors – at least the ones you want to use for HD viewing – are a bit pricey. However, if you can afford one, then they are great for cramming your friends into your dorm room and watching a movie on the wall.

When choosing a projector, go with a home theater projector and not a business projector. Theater projectors have excellent image quality for large-screen viewing. They also come with a quieter fan and HDMI ports to hook up to your TV. A typical projector can produce images up to 36 times larger than a 50” HDTV. Your dorm guests will have an incredible viewing experience.

Something to keep in mind: Home theaters are specifically designed for environments where you can control the level and type of light. In other words, turn down the lights to make the most of what the projector offers.

6. Add Some Speakers to the TV

If you are not satisfied with the sound coming out of the TV, then you can accent your sound with some exterior speakers. Prices range from $50 to $5,000. There are lots of speakers to choose from, so you need to decide what type of experience you want to create before you purchase a speaker.

For instance, if you want to project the sound in front of you, then you may want to opt for a soundbar. A soundbar can give your TV a fuller sound, and boost the volume. You can get decent soundbars for $100 to $200.

If you want a real cinematic experience in your dorm room, then consider purchasing wireless surround speakers. Start with the subwoofer to fill out your bass or low-end, and then fill in the higher ranges with smaller speakers. Wireless speakers allow you to place your sound wherever you want it and create a powerful surround sound environment in your dorm room.

7. For Instant Viewing, Just Add Cable

Every student on campus with a laptop should own an HDMI cable. A cable can give you instant viewing no matter where you are. Simply pull the cable out of your backpack, hook the USB side to your computer and the HDMI side to your TV. A few quick configurations should mirror the computer screen onto the TV screen.

From there, you open your computer’s app or browse online to fetch your favorite TV show or movie. You can also play games straight from your computer. Although all HDMI cables are mostly the same in quality, gold-plated connectors with bare copper conductors and foil-and-braid shielding offer premium connectivity.

Although all these devices can put a strain on your budget, they can also enhance your weekend viewing experience and create memories with your friends and dormmates. Remember that an essential item when using your TV is making sure you connect your devices to the Internet safely. So, you may want to consider your first purchase to be a dependable VPN service. That way you can enjoy your TV shows with peace of mind.

In terms of Black female video game characters, there have been many popular and powerful women who raise the bar in terms of fighting prowess, intelligence, and presence — women who give their male counterparts a run for their money and give women, both young and old, someone to look up to.

But here, we want to focus on the melanated beauties. These are the best Black women in gaming.

Lisa aka La Mariposa: Dead or Alive

Dr. Lisa Hamilton is one of the most versatile and acrobatic fighters in the Dead or Alive series. She’s also one of two Black characters, the other being Zack, and the only Black woman. She’s a former DOATEC scientist who’s known for working on both genetic projects, Project Alpha and Project Epsilon.

Lisa is also a celebrated and successful Luchadora under the name of La Mariposa. She began wrestling when her childhood friend, Tina Armstrong, convinced her to join the business. She uses the Baji Quan fighting style, and her moves are as flashy as her iconic Lucha costumes that she’s known for.

Lisa stands out in the character roster while being one of the more subdued as far as story goes. She’s someone who’s always working in the background of the overall narrative, but to the Black girls who love the Dead or Alive series, Lisa is nothing short of magic.

Jade: Mortal Kombat

When you think of Black women in video games, it’s hard not to have Jade come to the forefront of your mind. She’s not only an icon in the Black gamers community, but she’s also an icon of gaming to begin with.

Introduced as a secret character in Mortal Kombat II, Jade has made her mark in the MK series. She’s not only an amazing fighter and strong woman, but she’s also the general of the Edenian Royal Army and the best friend of a fellow iconic character, Princess Kitana. The two have been friends since childhood, and for Edenians, that’s no small feat since their lifespans can stretch to be thousands of years.

In fact, most of Jade’s motivations stem from her wanting to protect her best friend. She’s as loyal as she is powerful. At one point, she even borrowed her weapons from Kitana’s lead. She used steel fans in her first appearance in MK II. Since then she’s switched to her large magical steel bōstaff that she uses to spear and subdue her opponents, along with her bladed boomerangs, named razorangs.

Outside of the games, Jade is a popular cosplay for wearing around Halloween time and to conventions. She even represented Mortal Kombat in G4’s Video Game Vixens, a special focused on the sexiest characters in video games. Looking at the roster of Mortal Kombat, that’s quite a feat. Overall, Jade means a lot to the Black girls who play Mortal Kombat, and she’s quite the representative for dark-skinned women. This is why her return in Mortal Kombat II was met with such excitement when the initial trailer for her dropped.

Clementine: The Walking Dead Video Games

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like for a child to grow up during a zombie apocalypse, pick up the entire TWD game series and play through all four main seasons. In the first episode of Season 1, we’re introduced to a little girl by the name of Clementine. She’s the character who sticks around for the entire series.

Clementine starts off as an innocent 8-year-old who the player has to protect through the main character of Season 1, Lee. By the end, not only has Lee created a bond with Clementine but the player has, too. In the spirit of not spoiling the end to Season 1, let’s just say, when Clementine is faced with the last choice of the season it’s not just her who’s in tears.

Throughout the rest of the seasons, we pick up with Clementine through different stages of her life, from a strong but naive 9- to 11-year-old in Season 2 all the way until Season 4 when we pick up with Clementine at the end of her teenage years where she’s a hardened but still loving young woman. 

Seeing Clementine journey from where we first meet her to where we can end our journey with her at the end of Season 4, it’s no wonder that fans of the series can’t help but have a soft spot in their hearts for her.

Karui: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series

Though the Naruto fighting games include characters from the popular anime, it’s still never a crime to show some love to these characters as far as their depictions in these games go. We’re here to show some love to Karui, a dark-skinned woman from Kumogakure, the village hidden in the clouds.

Karui can come off a bit hot-headed at times, with one famous scene being of her punching Naruto in the face repeatedly until dragged away from him — something that sticks in the heads of series fans. She’s also known as the woman who stole the heart of Choji Akimichi, a feat worth mentioning as Choji is one of the most pure-hearted individuals of the series.

Karui made her video game debut in Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 and brought along her great sword skills, also known as Kenjutsu, with her. She highly skilled with her chosen weapon, having been trained in the art by the Raikage himself, Killer Bee. She’s also able to use lightning release. This makes her a very capable and skilled fighter.

As far as how Karui handles while playing as her, she handles very well, with her sword fighting lending itself well to quick attacks and slashes. For those who are drawn to a quicker playstyle, it’s worth it to give Karui a try and see how she feels.

One of those programs is Google Docs. Like with all things that Google does, Google Docs is designed to be streamlined and easy to use – in other words what you may sacrifice with the feature count when switching from Word to Google Docs, Google service supposedly more than makes up for it with efficiency. That said, it is important to explore if Google Docs really does have the ability to replace Microsoft Word, or if Word’s dominance is still as true today as it was so many years ago.

When it comes to improving writing, there are a lot of features in Google Docs that mirror Microsoft Word. For example, there is a spelling and grammar check function along with the same formatting options as well. You can also collaborate, which is one way that you can use Google Docs to improve your writing in a way that is much more convenient than Microsoft Word. The bottom line is Google Docs is quite a formidable competitor to Microsoft Word, so let’s look at the features that make it such a great program and how it stacks up to Word.

Use Google Docs to Collaborate

The best thing about Google Docs is the collaboration capability. For organizations and teams that are not located in the same geographic area, Google Docs makes collaborating on assignments extremely easy. Instead of having to send versions to Dropbox and wait for revisions while having to download a document, everything is edited in real time. So, if you are sitting in Des Moines and your partner for a project is in Nashua, you both can work on the document and make changes at the same time. The best part is that there are not several different versions flying around – the document you are working on is the main doc.

Here’s the thing, if you are using Word for collaboration, you are probably paying either ten bucks a month or paying a year subscription. Google Docs is free and what is better about it, collaborating via Google Docs is so much easier. You will work on the same document as the rest of your team, and the document will always be the latest version. There is only one document floating around, and that makes life much simpler. 

Downloading with Google Docs

There is good news and bad news when talking about downloading with Google Docs. The good news is you can easily download doc, docx, rtf, and PDF files from your Google Doc. However, this is where Microsoft Word is really handy, because now when these docs are offline you need to edit them and what do you need to edit them? A word processing program like Word. Now, the reality is if you are downloading to collaborate, this defeats the main purpose of Google Docs. Why would you download something if you can make changes in real time? The only reason would be if you need to make changes to the document but don’t have internet access – that also seems like a really odd scenario. 

The reality is if you are downloading a Google Doc, most likely it is a finished product. This means whether it is any of those files, the collaboration and editing has finished. This makes Google Docs a bit easier to use. You can also print the docs from the Google Doc file without downloading as well, so in reality downloading is such a small part of what you would do with Google Docs it does not make much of a difference.

Google Docs as Attachments

If you need to work on a Google Doc and want to send it to someone, sending it as an attachment is pretty much the last thing you would do. Here’s where Google Docs provides a great advantage – if the person is not on the doc, you can give them permission to edit right in the doc, and once you insert their e-mail address the invitation along with the link is sent out. Their Google account attaches itself and it’s that easy to adjust. This beats the save-attach-send inconvenience of Microsoft Word. Now, as far as sending a Google Doc as an attachment, the way to do it is to download the doc first, then attach and send. The reality is this is way more of an extra step than what is needed to have someone edit the doc. Within the permissions tab to send the doc, you have a choice between allowing the person to see the doc as a viewer or edit. If they need to edit, they can send you a request for permission and as soon as you approve, they have access. This makes Google Docs easier for sharing than Word.

Other Features for Google Docs Including Tracking Changes

The bottom line is there are far more features available in Microsoft Word for writers than in Google Docs. That said, if you have used Word, how often do you use these features? One thing Google Docs has that is similar to word are the Comments and Suggestions. You can do a lot with this via collaboration, but unlike Word where you can track changes, you will not be able to do that with the same ease in Google Docs. That said, there is an area on Google Docs where you can see a log of the changes, but it is not nearly as convenient as what Word offers.

Verdict

If you are looking for a simple word processing program that allows for easy collaboration with some basic features, then Google Docs will work very effectively for you. If the goal is to have a feature-rich word processing program and collaboration is a secondary concern, then trust Word with your writing.