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Best Video Games with Celtic Themes & Settings

by Shane McDonald | Sep 18, 2023 | Lifestyle

When it comes to different cultures, some regions are home to highly distinct traditions and, as globalization takes its course, these traditions are coming into even starker focus. Those who live in Ireland or have visited are well aware that this island has some far-reaching cultural imagery, from pots of gold to fields of stunning green pastures.

But locals are just as aware that these symbols are only the tip of the iceberg. Behind easy-to-recognize icons like rainbows and shamrocks are more complex notions, such as the hawthorn or oak tree, along with the Celtic knot and Dara knot. Projects that explore the heritage of Ireland usually incorporate one or many of these symbols—but to varying degrees of success.

Recently, international filmmakers have started to take a closer look at their source material for these projects. Overwhelmingly, scripts are starting to be more inclusive of the diversity of Irish traditions, folklore, and heritage. But this trend seems to fizzle out when it comes to video games. Looking back, have there been any stand-out video game projects that have touched on the living culture of Ireland?

Short-Form Shout-Outs

Before we dive into the world of established PC and console titles, let’s explore the world of short-form games, such as slots and casual mobile titles. For fans of casino games like slots, there are tons of options that include Celtic themes and myths.

For example, many real money slots touch on symbols like the pot of gold and the rainbow, both of which might be attractive to players who enjoy Irish mythology—and feel like they have luck on their side. Other times, slots might take another approach to Celtic themes by adding music that features the harp, fiddle, and even bodhrán. These include titles like Lucky Emeralds and Slots O Gold Megaways.

Other games take a more literal approach. For example, racing games are an incredibly popular category in the sports simulation world. Titles like Need for Speed: ProStreet are now available for mobile gamers. This iteration takes players straight onto the track at Mondello Park in County Kildare. They’ll race around the hyper-realistic course where the annual British Superbike Championship and Rallycross takes place each year.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)

The latest installation of the Assassin’s Creed franchise took players back in time to the Viking invasions of England. As the story advances, they must further the protagonist’s presence in Britain. Eventually, this led to the action on the shores of Ireland. The game deals primarily with Norse traditions and history—but researchers also spent their time crafting a realistic look at Ireland in the 9th century.

The chapter ‘Wrath of the Druids’ includes clan dynamics that many will find familiar, along with plenty of Dublin-based action that sheds light on the city’s earliest years.

Ireland Hills and Hay - Celtic Themes and Settings

Clive Barker’s Undying (2001)

This video game is based on the horror story Undying by master writer, Clive Barker. While this PC game flew under the radar for many, it’s become a bit of a cult hit for horror fans. The storyline takes players straight to the coast of Ireland back in the 1920s. Players navigate as Patrick Galloway, a paranormal Irish investigator who must help uncover the reason behind a slew of supernatural horrors. In terms of storytelling, historical accuracy, and thrills, it’s a fantastic title that has stood the test of time.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (1996)

Opinions on the accuracy of Broken Sword diverge greatly. This point-and-click game takes players into the shoes of a conspiracy theorist researcher who’s on the trail of a Knights Templar-sized mystery. Over the course of his adventure, he stops over in Lochmarne. During his time there, players will recognize quite a few stereotypes at play—along with a few particularly well-placed exchanges.

For example, players are educated on the inaccuracy of phrases like ‘top ‘o the morning’. Similarly, the game benefits from having an Irish illustrator on board, Eoghan Cahill, who was able to bring even more realism to the table.

Folklore (2007)

This action role-playing game is regarded as the most developed video game that draws on Irish mythology. The game is set in Doolin, a small village that’s hiding a big secret. Players navigate with two protagonists, both of whom must wander to the Netherworld to find the answers they seek. Along the way, there are tons of folktales, cryptids, and other callbacks to the island’s longstanding traditions—plus a really well-played metaphysical twist.

Best of all, the game includes a highly dynamic and memorable visual design. This truly lets players immerse themselves in the game-play experience. Keep in mind that not all of the monsters and folk creatures in this tale are part of Celtic mythology, while its Netherworld also seems to bear a lot of inspiration from East Asia. However, this game is still a top choice thanks to its more nuanced look at life and mythology in Ireland.

Connecticut Native brings his Queen Tribute Band to his Home Town

by Shane McDonald | Sep 8, 2023 | Lifestyle, Music

Bristol native Jeaux Archambeault also known as “J.J. Midnight” is excited to return to his hometown of Bristol to bring the music of Queen to the Rockwell Theater on Saturday, September 9th. The Connecticut Queen Tribute band has been going for many years and now runs out of Las Vegas, so this Connecticut Queen Tribute show is a return and a homecoming for Midnight and his brother Carl.

Archambeault’s fantastic Queen Tribute band, “Celebrating Queen”, will perform this Saturday, September 9th at 8 p.m. in the Rockwell Theater on Memorial Boulevard. This is the first concert in the newly refurbished theatre and is part of the “Downtown Live” series of concerts and performances scheduled for this year.

Connecticut Queen Tribute Band – Find out how to get tickets

Celebrating Queen Live at the Rockwell Theatre is the first concert by Celebrating Queen since performing a high-profile showcase gig at the Silverton Casino in Las Vegas on August 19th.

The Celebrating Queen show at the Rockwell Theatre will be a show full of Queen hits, back-to-back; with all the Queen hits that you might expect from an awesome Queen Tribute. Songs like Now I’m Here, Don’t Stop Me Now, Bicycle Race, Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Somebody to Love, One Vision, Hammer to Fall, We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions, and many more. There are not too many Connecticut Queen Tribute Bands so this will be a wonderful show for Queen fans and classic rock music lovers alike.

Celebrating Queen has performed its Queen Show in Connecticut many times before but has also performed across the world since 2007. They are the Foremost Tribute to the Music of Queen. This is a homecoming Bristol natives Jeaux and Carl Archambeault as Celebrating Queen bring their show to their hometown. You can get your tickets for Celebrating Queen in Bristol Connecticut by visiting https://www.celebratingqueen.com/bristol/

Celebrating Queen Live in Bristol Connecticut 9/9

Celebrating Queen at the Rockwell Theater on September 9th

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The Everybody Sings Project

Recently, Jeaux has found a much higher and greater purpose for performing music after he was seriously injured after being struck by an SUV and knocked off his bicycle in Sarasota Florida. This led to him having some serious brain injuries, the symptoms of which include depression, anxiety, and memory issues.

Jeaux has recently stated in a TV interview that “Singing releases an incredible amount of natural endorphins. Singing makes you feel good, it lifts depression, it helps with your memory. If I didn’t have singing, I don’t know what I would do”.

Jeaux and his brother Carl Archambeault also run the 501c3 Everybody Sings Project charity. With the Everybody Sings Project, they have been able to go to different schools and social projects across the nation to promote the health benefits of singing. Jeaux put it as follows, “We may not be curing cancer, but we are doing some great things to help people improve their lives.” We are delighted also to have Shane McDonald on the team as a member of the Board of Directors. The motto of the Everybody Sings project is Singing is Breathing. More information on the Everybody Sings Project can be found at https://www.everybodysingsproject.org/

About Celebrating Queen

The Celebrating Queen band is comprised of Jeaux Archambeault aka JJ Midnight on lead vocals, his brother Carl Archambeault aka CJ Midnight on Voicestravarius, Darrell Craig Harris on Bass, Steve Burchell on Guitar, James Sloan on Percussion, and Queen Keyboard player Shane McDonald on keyboards & as Musical Director for our shows.

Loko Waterford – Dog Friendly Restaurant Waterford

by Shane McDonald | Sep 7, 2023 | Lifestyle, Restaurant Review

Loko Waterford, Restaurant Review: Dog-Friendly Restaurant, Waterford

Loko Waterford is located on the Dunmore Road about 10 minutes from Waterford city centre in Ireland. The restaurant is located on the same retail park as Ardkeen Quality Food Stores. Loko is quite a large restaurant which spans over three floors. The decor is very trendy indeed with lots of quirky and interesting items decorating everything from the ceiling to the lampshades. You will also find some great pieces of art hanging on the walls.

I had been to Loko a few times before but I recently heard that they allowed dogs. With the recent change of legislation in Ireland, more and more restaurants are allowing dogs inside. As a dog owner, this is great as there is no more having to leave the dog at home, eat in the freezing cold in the outside area of a restaurant or just having to eat a take away in the car (all because a restaurant won’t take a dog … well done to Loko on that stroke of genius). Some restaurants treat you as if you wanted to bring your pet rat inside … those restaurants need to change with the times! Some restaurants say ‘we are dog friendly’ and then put you in a covered outdoor area but Loko actually bring you inside.

Booking a Dog-Friendly Table at Loko

So we booked a table for 2 humans and one dog. On arrival, we were greeted and shown to the doggy friendly area downstairs. We were given a water bowl for the dog and menus. You will find lots on the menu for you to enjoy. I do like seafood, and there is normally quite a selection on their menu. On this occasion, we had the monkfish scampi and the roast chicken. The Roast Chicken was superb as it came on a bed of mash, with onion gravy and large dumpling style balls of delicious stuffing. The scampi was light and perfectly cooked with a really crunchy panko style coating.

During the meal, the owner came down to see if our dog would like to try some doggy beer. “Bottom Sniffer” is an alcohol-free, non-carbonated doggy beer. Apparently, the label says that it is the ultimate doggy refreshment which will help make your dog the leader of the pack and will have other dogs sniffing their bottoms with jealousy! (a marketing text which would work for this beer but probably would not work for Budweiser)

Of course, we enjoyed dessert afterwards, Bread and Butter Pudding and a brownie as far as I recall.

Loko is a very trendy and very enjoyable place to eat, with a menu which will suit almost every diner and welcomes everyone, including the canine members of the family. We really enjoyed our meal and we will certainly be back again soon.

The only thing is that the portions are on the larger side and for me, I would need to be hungry, even for some of the brunch items. (but hey, that’s just me)

On other occasions I have also enjoyed the PoBoy Seafood Baguette, the Sting Onion Rings and also the most amazing cinnamon rolls with icing that you have ever tried in your life. The staff are very friendly and there is a lot to enjoy and savour at Loko Restaurant Waterford.

Loko – Photo Gallery

Contact Loko Unit 1 Ardkeen Shopping Centre Dunmore Road Waterford Phone: 051 841 040 Twitter: @loko_ie Facebook: facebook.com/LokoWaterford Instagram: @lokowaterford

Loko, Ardkeen, Waterford

10 Strategies for Reigniting the Flame When Your Relationship Feels Challenged

by Shane McDonald | Sep 7, 2023 | General, Lifestyle

Everyone acknowledges that maintaining a relationship can be a complex endeavor. While there are instances filled with sheer delight and happiness, there are other moments where it seems like the bond is on the brink of breaking. During such testing periods, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or consider giving up. However, it’s crucial to remember that with dedication, empathy, and hard work, many couples emerge from tough times. They are even more connected. Here are ten strategies to guide you through the stormy phases and restore your relationship.

Engage in Genuine Conversations

Communication breakdowns are often at the root of relationship problems. When something weighs on your mind or feels off, initiate a discussion. Steering clear of essential talks can result in misguided judgments.

Consider Professional Help

Experts like therapists or counselors specialize in helping couples find their way back to each other. Engaging in therapy sessions, be it as a pair or individually, can offer priceless advice and strategies.

Rekindle Old Memories

Think back to the initial stages of your relationship. Re-experience those early moments. Recall beautiful memories. And participate in shared hobbies. All this can spark the passion anew.

Make Time for Each Other

With life’s constant hustle, it’s all too easy to neglect special moments together. Ensure you schedule regular moments. Be it a cozy home-cooked meal, watching a film, or even spontaneous trips.

Focus on Personal Growth

Enhancing oneself often results in improving the relationship’s dynamics. Reflect on aspects where you can grow, your approaches, and how you might be contributing to the current issues.

Set Clear Boundaries

Recognizing each other’s personal space and preferences is paramount. These could pertain to private time, communication methods, or dealing with external relationships. Honoring these boundaries minimizes potential bitterness.

Embrace the Power of Forgiveness

Nursing past wounds can lead to further rifts. Embrace forgiveness. Not only for your significant other but also for your own peace. It is vital. Shift your focus from what’s behind to what lies ahead.

Always Be Inquisitive

Never fall into the trap of believing you’ve entirely figured out your partner. As individuals grow and evolve, their preferences and aspirations do too. Keep the curiosity alive. Regularly catch up and understand each other’s evolving facets.

Balance Through Compromise

A relationship is a dance between two distinct individuals, each with their own aspirations and views. Always agreeing isn’t the aim. Rather, it’s about finding a middle ground without compromising on fundamental beliefs.

Strengthen the Trust Foundation

Trust is the cornerstone of any robust relationship. Uphold integrity, remain open, and show consistency in behavior. If trust wanes, it can be rebuilt with time, sincerity, and mutual effort.

When you are with someone, you’re betting on the relationship. It’s like going on https://tonybet.com/ie and betting on your favorite team. You bet because you believe in them. Same for your relationship.

To wrap it up, every partnership faces its set of trials and triumphs. Central tenets of a thriving relationship, however, remain the same across the board. Always recall the highs and lows every couple navigates. No matter how grim the current scene might seem, there’s a silver lining. Armed with resilience, understanding, and patience, you can bridge any divide. Hold onto the affection, mutual respect, and cherished moments that initially drew you close. Rather than viewing troubles as colossal barriers, consider them as avenues to evolve, enrich knowledge, and fortify your connection. After all, the most captivating tales are those of perseverance through the most daunting challenges.

Relevance of Engaging Online Websites by Students

by Shane McDonald | Aug 30, 2023 | Education, Lifestyle

Many students access online websites for different reasons. Some people will complain that online engagement can negatively influence your educational performance and progress. In as much as this can be true, there are many benefits you can get. These will include:

1. Quick Access to Online Studies

Are you looking to enroll in online studies? Today, online learning has become the norm as many schools offer online courses to students. Accessing such websites can be a quick way to enroll in a particular course and graduate while still at home.

What Are the Advantages of Online Learning?

Online Learning Is Affordable for Many

The cost of education is high in many academic institutions. Various things contribute to this rise. Transportation cost to and from schools is one factor that increases the cost of education. However, through online studies, individuals can avoid such expenses because they don’t have to travel to school to learn.

Also, students tend to spend more when they move from place to place. While accessing online studies, many such individuals can avoid much spending, which raises the cost of education.

Quick Access to Relevant Courses

Are you passionate about any career course and wish to secure college admission to study that? It has become easier to access any career discipline you admire today. You can apply for the course online and attend classes through that channel.

Various platforms charge different prices when providing such courses to individuals. Google, for instance, offers free courses from different career disciplines. Individuals can access such courses and achieve certification after completing their studies. Other websites will charge a reasonable amount for their courses. When you compare the total cost, you will realize that it is cheaper than the physical approach of attending classes when learning.

2. Facilitates Time Management

Time management has been a major challenge for many students. Due to the multiple comments students encounter daily, it might sometimes become difficult to engage rightfully with your educational papers. However, online learning websites have proven otherwise. These reliable platforms can work on your essays as you engage other commitments. A good essay writing service should enable you to manage your time appropriately.

With regular interactions with online websites, individuals can secure a trustworthy assistant always to manage their papers. This should enable you to accomplish targets on time, hence easily managing the remaining time.

3. Reduced Congestion

Congestion is common in various places, including public and public schools. Most institutions get crowded if the population of students increases on different occasions. Luckily, the introduction of online studies has reduced such congestion.

Congestion can occur in libraries when students engage in research when managing their academic documents. As such, it becomes challenging for various individuals to access enough resource materials or space.

Today, you can easily research through various genuine web platforms to access valid educational data. There is no congestion on the internet. Therefore, people can interact simultaneously when researching similar academic data.

4. Availability of Variety of Study Materials

Where can you secure a variety of websites offering academic data? The internet hosts multiple platforms where you can research data for your writing. The various websites can be confusing because you might find each one attractive and relevant to your essays.

With a variety of learning materials present online, companies will constantly improve their services and service delivery to attract new and returning users. The various changes are essential to students because you will constantly consume relevant but current data for your reports.

Physical libraries can sometimes misplace resourceful materials, which will necessitate data loss. With online websites, companies can store their materials in a virtual space. The amount of data might not determine how much info you can store online because virtual space is unlimited. With such advantages, students can access and store scholarly.

5. Timely Services

How much time do you spend researching physical resource materials for data to include in your documents? Many online websites are trustworthy for academic services where you can pay for essay writing aid.

When engaging online websites, users can easily send and receive feedback within the shortest time possible. Timely deliveries are essential in ensuring you don’t exceed the deadlines for your assignments. Individuals can easily request help for urgent orders with stringent deadlines from a genuine platform.

6. Favors Multiple Engagements

With an increase in the cost of education, individuals have to engage in side hustles to secure a source of income. However, this can only be possible if you are certain your education is not at stake. The rise in genuine platforms has made engaging in multiple commitments easier for many students without compromising their education.

Besides expert help, individuals can also use online websites and tools to manage scholarly work. Grammarly, for instance, is one useful website and tool to assist students in proofreading their documents for grammar mistakes. BY Relying on such websites, students can manage numerous academic tasks and achieve their targets on time.

Today, online software can generate an entire essay within the shortest time. You will only input the instructions to the website tool. A bot will generate an entire text. Most of these AI-generated texts are valid because the software uses higher levels of intelligence to research various academic websites by narrowing down the search to particular subjects you command.

Remember, you can generate multiple texts quickly because the tool doesn’t tire of researching and compiling your requests. However, you’ll need to review and check your pieces for plagiarism. With the increase in the number of websites offering bots to generate your text, there has been a rise in plagiarism accusations because the tool doesn’t consider filtering plagiarized work.

Remember always to make fair use of the available academic assistants to manage your papers. Always be quick to review your documents for blunders and plagiarism control.

Students have the task of managing their education regardless of the daily challenges. This has been possible with the help of the different assistants, online and physically. Always work with genuine assistants; you’ll be ready to expand your academic knowledge.

12 Ways Academic Websites Boost Student Engagement and Learning

by Shane McDonald | Aug 30, 2023 | Education, Lifestyle

In today’s ever-evolving landscape of education, the significance of academic websites has come to the forefront. This shift has redefined how students engage with knowledge and participate in learning. These digital platforms have become central to modern education, propelling students to new levels of acquisition and engagement. With many innovative tools and resources, academic websites serve as information reservoirs and catalysts that spark curiosity and intellectual development.

As we embark on this enlightening journey, this article explores twelve effective approaches academic websites use. These strategies are carefully curated to align with students’ diverse needs and learning styles. They work harmoniously to cultivate an environment where engagement thrives and learning surpasses traditional boundaries.

Venturing into educational technology, we delve into the intricate world of interactive multimedia components. These include captivating videos that bring abstract concepts to life and mesmerizing animations that immerse learners in complex phenomena. Through this immersive experience, students become active participants in their cognitive growth rather than passive recipients of information.

In the era of digital interconnectedness, the traditional confines of classroom discussions have expanded into lively online hubs. These discussion forums, nestled within academic websites, provide a platform for students to connect, collaborate, and share their viewpoints on a global scale. Intellectual discourse flourishes in this digital realm, fostering critical thinking and equipping students with skills to navigate a multifaceted world.

Academic websites serve as digital treasure troves, offering a wealth of resources that transcend the limitations of traditional libraries. From scholarly articles and research papers to immersive case studies, students are encouraged to embark on quests for knowledge. This empowers them to uncover insights that enhance their understanding and inspire further exploration.

In scientific inquiry, the traditional laboratory finds its digital counterpart in virtual labs. Students can conduct experiments and test hypotheses within a controlled digital environment. This virtual experimentation bridges geographical gaps and equips students with practical skills that lay the groundwork for real-world application.

Academic websites intricately weave real-world applications into the fabric of learning, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By incorporating real-world examples and case studies from various industries, students are presented with a tapestry of relevance, enabling them to envision the practical implications of theoretical knowledge.

This captivating journey continues as we explore the allure of gamified learning elements, turning the educational process into an immersive adventure. Through quizzes, badges, and progress tracking, academic websites motivate students to embark on a quest for knowledge, transforming learning into an exhilarating expedition.

Peer assessment emerges as a pillar of collaboration, where students evaluate their progress and contribute to their peers’ growth. This symbiotic relationship fosters critical analysis, empathy, and shared responsibility, enriching the educational experience.

In virtual study cohorts, academic websites extend an invitation to connect, collaborate, and create. These digital communities serve as incubators of creativity, providing students with a virtual space to discuss and collaborate on projects that transcend traditional classroom boundaries.

As we conclude this introductory exploration, the horizon of knowledge expands further with the promise of expert insights. Academic websites like essay service often feature guest lectures from industry veterans and esteemed scholars. These sessions expose students to perspectives that enhance their academic journey.

Dynamic Multimedia

Academic websites harness dynamic multimedia elements like videos, animations, and simulations to simplify complex concepts, making them more accessible and engaging. These visual aids cater to diverse learning preferences, enhancing understanding and retention.

Engaging Discussion Hubs

Discussion hubs on academic websites offer students a digital space to interact, share ideas, and engage in insightful conversations. This collaborative environment nurtures critical thinking and exposes students to various viewpoints.

Immediate Feedback Loops

Real-time quizzes, tests, and assignments with prompt feedback empower students to instantly assess their grasp of the subject matter. This rapid feedback cycle enables them to identify areas for improvement and adapt their learning approach.

Personalized Learning Paths

Many academic websites provide adaptive learning tools that create personalized learning journeys based on each student’s progress and performance. This tailored approach ensures that individual learning needs are met.

Access to Abundant Resources

From digital books and scholarly papers to research materials and real-world case studies, academic websites offer many resources that complement the learning process, encouraging in-depth exploration of topics.

Virtual Laboratory Experiences

For subjects requiring practical experience, virtual labs on academic websites replicate real-world experiments, allowing students to practice and refine their skills in a controlled digital environment.

Applying Learning to Real Life

Academic websites bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications by showcasing real-life examples and case studies across various industries. This contextual learning deepens students’ understanding of how concepts extend beyond the classroom.

Gamified Learning Elements

Incorporating gamified elements like quizzes, badges, and progress tracking turns learning into an interactive and rewarding experience. Students are motivated to complete tasks and achieve milestones, fostering active participation.

Peer Evaluation

Students evaluate and offer feedback on each other’s work through peer assessment tools. This process hones their critical analysis skills and cultivates a sense of accountability and collaboration.

Virtual Study Groups

Academic websites facilitate virtual study groups, allowing students to connect with peers for group discussions, study sessions, and collaborative projects. These interactions foster a sense of community and mutual support.

Insights From Experts

Certain academic websites host guest lectures by industry experts and esteemed academics. These sessions expose students to diverse viewpoints and current trends, enriching their learning journey. Additionally, seeking support from online services, such as “write my essay today,” allows them to deliver high-quality academic papers.

Continual Learning Opportunities

Beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, academic websites offer avenues for ongoing learning. Students can access content and resources even after completing a course, ensuring they remain up-to-date in their chosen field.

Final Thoughts

Academic websites have transformed student learning dynamics by presenting various tools and techniques that enhance the educational experience. By embracing dynamic multimedia, personalized learning paths, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, these platforms empower students to take control of their education and excel in an increasingly digital world.

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