Khan Lawson’s huge success at blackjack is due to a number of smart moves, the most important of which are always coming up with new ideas, doing lots of study, and being brave enough to question what everyone else thinks. Khan has spent his entire illustrious career constantly seeking new ways to challenge the way the game is usually played. Through hard work and determination, he has come up with strategies that not only help him win more often but also help him understand the game’s complex dynamics better, giving him a unique view of how to play it.
Laying the Theoretical Foundations
Khan started his work by studying probability theory and game theory in great depth. He did this because he was very interested in finding the hidden and complicated patterns that govern the game of blackjack. Khan went on a truly new path of discovery, which was very different from many of his peers who stuck to tried-and-true methods that had been passed down from generation to generation.
International Women’s Day Event to benefit women of Kosovo in Deptford, NJ
3 Brothers Entertainment will host the first annual International Women’s Day Dinner at Adelphia (1750 Clements Bridge Road, Deptford, NJ) March 9 at 5 p.m. The dinner will benefit women across Kosova in partnership with Emina’s Hand Foundation.
The event, which includes a 5-course dinner and wine (for those over 21), will feature Albanian musicians Alberije Hadergjonaj, Kristina Marku and Shqipe Kastrati performing their favorite songs and celebrating woman around the world.
Albanian-American model and Humanitarian Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian as well as Advisor to the President to the Republic of Kosava, Donika Kadaj Bujupi, will be the guest speakers for the dinner. The ladies will discuss their journeys and how they got to where they are, as well as continued efforts they are making to help those in Kosova.
“We want to be able to support the woman of Kosova,” says Jim, Leo and Pep Osmanollaj, the owners of 3 Brothers Entertainment. “Being here is the United States where women have more help to get what they need to succeed is vastly different to what they have in Kosova, and we want to be able to help the women have the same assistance.”
In addition, 3 Brothers Entertainment have chosen to include Emina’s Hand Foundation in the event. The foundation is a national and international non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the communities, families and women in need. Their goal is to empower, support and provide aid in hopes of extending a hand through a collective impact. To learn more about Emina’s Hand Foundation, visit https://eminashand.org.
Progressive jackpots continue to swell until a fortunate player triggers the grand prize, creating tremendous excitement and hopes of a huge payday. But the same features that produce massive jackpots also come with drawbacks you should weigh. This article explores the pros and cons of playing such games at https://playfina-pokies.com/ and other renowned platforms to help determine if pursuing progressive jackpots aligns with your budget, temperament and priorities as a player.
Progressives Grow Large
Progressive jackpots accumulate across multiple games, allowing the top prize to routinely reach seven or even eight figures from players’ bets. A small percentage of each wager feeds into the towering jackpot. The more action a game or group of interconnected games receives, the faster the progressive meter climbs upwards. This creates enormous prize pools from the collective deposits of many players. But it also impacts the games in other ways.
Pros of Playing Progressive Slots and Table Games
Progressive jackpots offer thrilling gameplay and anticipation as the top prize continues growing. Even if you don’t win the grand jackpot, there is excitement watching the meter increase across games.
Life-Changing Payout Potential
The chance at a mammoth jackpot understandably generates excitement. Even small local progressives frequently eclipse $100,000, while wide-area progressives across multiple casinos routinely hit seven figures and beyond. These virtual lottery tickets allow you to dream big.
Constant Excitement From Ever-Growing Prizes
Watching the progressive prize ticker inch higher with every wager builds anticipation that the next spin could unlock a flood of virtual coins. This exhilaration adds entertainment value and makes progressives fun to play beyond just profit potential.
Good Publicity for Casinos
Big jackpot payouts also benefit casinos through free word-of-mouth publicity. Winners proudly share their windfalls, which generates organic interest from other players. Casinos therefore actively promote progressives to attract customers.
Downsides to Keep In Mind
Now let’s examine the flip side – how progressives impact gameplay through lower returns outside the jackpot and higher variance:
Lower Overall RTP
To counterbalance swollen grand prizes, progressive games logically offer lower returns outside the jackpot. A small cut from each bet feeds the towering top prize. This adjusts the prize distribution by siphoning more money away from the general prize pool. So when the jackpot doesn’t hit, the game is tighter than average.
Bigger and More Frequent Losses
With a lower overall RTP percentage, you’ll endure longer dry spells without wins. The higher variance means you have to withstand bigger and more frequent losses chasing the major score. Bankroll management becomes more important.
Multiple Jackpot Triggers
Read progressive rules carefully – mega jackpots often have more than one trigger point. A minor jackpot might pay if only some of the requirements align. This still pays nicely but not the advertised grand prize.
Must Bet Max for Main Jackpot
To qualify for the headline progressive jackpot, you usually need to place the maximum possible bet. Lower bets remain eligible for smaller fixed prizes.
Evaluating If Progressives Work for You
With higher potential rewards also come downsides to manage. Deciding if they are worth playing requires honest assessment of:
Your Gambling Budget – Can you withstand long dry spells and bigger losses from lower RTPs without breaking the bankroll? If funds are limited, avoid progressives or bet small.
Your Temperament – Do you mind swings between big wins and losses? If you prefer steadier play, traditional games with higher RTPs are better options.
Your Priorities – Entertainment or profit driven? Progressives are fun but hit the sweet spot for those playing mostly for entertainment who see bigger bets on jackpots as paying for extra thrills.
Use the general guidelines below to decide if chasing bloated progressive jackpots matches your gambling goals and style:
Limited Budget – Avoid progressives or bet small/occasionally
Prefers Consistency Over Volatility – Rarely worth playing
Entertainment-Driven – Good fit played casually for thrills
Profit-Focused – Typically better options with higher RTP
The lure of life-changing progressive jackpots is strong. But thoughtfully weigh the pros and cons outlined here against your finances and playing preferences to determine if they are worth making part of your gaming strategy.
The Philadelphia Eagles reached their second Super Bowl in three seasons after a comprehensive victory in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles soared to a 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders. In doing so, Philadelphia became the first NFL team to rack up over 50 points in a Conference Championship game since the Buffalo Bills in 1990-91.
In fact, the Eagles’ 55-point rout over the Commanders eclipses the previous scoring record in a Conference Championship game. In the 1990 AFC Championship game, the Buffalo Bills scored 51 in a thrashing of the Los Angeles Raiders. The points record for the NFC Championship game was previously set by the Carolina Panthers, who scored 49 points en-route to victory in the 2015-16 season.
Eagles indebted to Hurts and Barkley once again
It was the Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley show at Lincoln Financial Field, with both players scoring three rushing touchdowns to leave Washington trailing in their wake. The Commanders put in an error-strewn performance, posting a hat-trick of expensive fumbles, before suffering an interception in the closing stages. Each turnover resulted in a Philadelphia touchdown, with Washington masters of their own downfall.
Saquon Barkley was the main beneficiary for the Eagles, with his trio of touchdowns, along with his 15 carries and 118 yards completed making him Philadelphia’s MVP in this contest. Barkley will almost certainly be on the radar of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) gurus in the days leading up to Super Bowl LIX.
The 27-year-old running back is in the form of his life at present and could pose serious problems for the Chiefs in New Orleans. With the Super Bowl LIX pick’em contests already ramping up at Sleeper Fantasy, which is offering a play $5, get $55 deal for first-time players ahead of the big game, Barkley will surely be the first Eagles player picked by most DFS players even though quarterback Jalen Hurts may be even more influential on the biggest stage. Hurts put in a star performance in their loss to the Chiefs two years ago, completing 304 passing yards, as well as a touchdown. After being on the losing side in 2023, Hurts will be desperate to go one better at Super Bowl LIX.
Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX opponents looking to make history
The problem for the Eagles is that the imperious Kansas City Chiefs and their legendary quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, stand in their way of landing their second Lombardi Trophy. The Chiefs are bidding to do what no other NFL franchise has done before by winning three Super Bowls in successive seasons.
Eagles’ head coach, Nick Sirianni, has already intimated that he could look to make some tweaks ton his roster based on the team’s experience of facing the Chiefs at the Super Bowl two years ago. Sirianni alluded to a “couple of tweaks here and there”, although wouldn’t be drawn on any specifics.
If the uniform match-up is anything to go by at Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles may just have a chance. Philadelphia have been nominated to wear their home green jerseys, with the Chiefs set to play in New Orleans in their white away uniforms. Despite having home advantage in their uniforms, the Chiefs wore white when defeating Philadelphia 38-35 in 2023, so it may not be such an omen after all. All eyes will be on the Caesars Superdome on February 9, with the Super Bowl LIX kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Virtual entertainment has revolutionized the way people connect, interact, and engage with technology. Over the years, the digital landscape has evolved from static websites and basic online chats to immersive platforms that blur the lines between real-world communities and technological innovations.
This evolution has not only reshaped how we consume entertainment but has also created avenues for fostering connections across borders, cultures, and interests. The combination of technology and human interaction is nowhere more evident than in the world of virtual entertainment, where platforms continuously redefine how communities are built and maintained.
Virtual entertainment has revolutionized the way people connect, interact, and engage with technology. Over the years, the digital landscape has evolved from static websites and basic online chats to immersive platforms that blur the lines between real-world communities and technological innovations.
This evolution has not only reshaped how we consume entertainment but has also created avenues for fostering connections across borders, cultures, and interests. The combination of technology and human interaction is nowhere more evident than in the world of virtual entertainment, where platforms continuously redefine how communities are built and maintained.
Basketball incorporates a sport’s skill, strategic elements, and athletics. Scoring may bring the most attention, but playmaking is the glue molding together great teams. The ability to create easy buckets for teammates has shaped the NBA’s greatest dynasties. From bouncing passes to awe-inspiring alley-oops, assists highlight a player’s vision, intelligence, and ability to put others first. Assists have undergone a transformation over the decades due to changes in rules, new offensive strategies, and the emergence of analytics. Let’s explore this captivating evolution and discover how playmaking has changed the NBA.
The Role of the Assist in NBA History
Since the beginning, the assist has played a major role in the NBA. Teams in the earlier years focused on playing inside out. Big men were the primary scorers. Bob Cousy, who played for the Celtics in the 1950s and 1960s, was the first true playmaker. During his time, he led the league in assists for eight seasons and changed how the ball was moved around. During the 1980s, Magic Johnson took playmaking to an entirely different level, with his career average of 11.2 assists and his gold level of passing. And although there are now no less advanced players on whom you can even place bets by visiting online betting, Magic Johnson has already entered history once and for all. But the development of assists did not end there.
The 1990s were all about assisting players like John Stockton. He holds the record for most assists in his career with 15,806. He averaged over 10 assists a game for nine seasons. He usually assisted Karl Malone, who scored with ease. Because of his elite court vision, Jason Kidd was able to control the game and is now ranked second all-time in assists. Their skill in breaking down defenses to assist stars kept offenses on the go.
Playmaking principles have changed completely due to an evolution in offensive strategy and changes in rules. Here are four key ways it has evolved:
Increased Pace: The pace at which the NBA operates is tremendous when compared to previous decades. In prior decades, like the 1980s, teams averaged around 100 possessions per game. Today, this is around 110. With higher possessions, the opportunity for assists also increases.
Three-Point Revolution: With the rise of the three-point shot, more and more assist opportunities have come from outside the paint. Kick-out passes to three-point shooters became an integral part of the offense with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Positionless Basketball: In the modern-day NBA, you no longer have to be a point guard to be a playmaker. The primary playmakers are now forwards and centers, such as LeBron James, Nikola Jokić, and Luka Dončić.
Advanced Analytics: Assists-to-turnover ratios, potential assists, and secondary assists are tracked and documented, highlighting the importance of effortless ball movement and intelligent passing.
As a result, assists are now more plentiful and valuable than ever before. The matches, in turn, have also become more dynamic, and by visiting https://www.facebook.com/melbetmong, you can even find out the schedule of the nearest ones! There, you will also find a lot of useful information, as well as funny memes that will not let you get bored and can brighten up your evening.
From Pass-First to Score-First Point Guards
In past years, primary defenders concentrated on assisting. The best-known, Magic Johnson, John Stockton, and Steve Nash, expertly distributed the ball and, at times, even shot the ball down in favor of creating scoring chances for their teammates. Some of the most successful assist-first guards in basketball history have dominated the assist leaderboard, showcasing that remarkable assists could give a team a lift in standing.
In the modern game, there is a welcomed change in shooting-first point guards. Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving have turned the job on its head by offering scoring and assists in equal measure. A prime example is Curry, who has an average of 6.5 assists a game but is also a phenomenal shooter of the ball, forcing defenders to open up lanes to score via assists. Another example Westbrook, a contemporary version of this trend, exemplified scoring and playmaking. While leading the league in assists three times, he also averaged over 20 points a game.
The Impact of Analytics on Assist Strategies
The use of analytics has changed how assists are tracked and managed by coaches. One major change is the focus on “potential assists.” This stat counts passes that logically should result in scoring, regardless of scoring success. Chris Paul, known for elite passing, is known to have one of the highest potential assists out there. His impact is greater than just his stats. Another important stat is “hockey assists,” which are defined as an assist that precedes another assist that leads to a basket. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, tend to lead the league in secondary assists because they focus on ball movement.
Furthermore, analytics have shown that three-point shots from assists are much better than isolation plays. This has created a more offensive scheme centered around quick passing, off-the-ball movement, and good team play. An example of analytics changing the current style of offense is the emergence of Jokić as a playmaking center.
Legendary Playmakers Who Changed the Game
A lot of players have left a unique imprint on the world of sports. These four have dramatized the art of assisting remarkably well:
Magic Johnson: Without a doubt the greatest showman, Magic’s no-look passes, full-court assists, and majestic alley-oops are unrivaled. His defensive anticipation was astounding and defined the Lakers’ “Showtime” period.
John Stockton: The most dependable individual in the game, Stockton’s 15,806 assists may remain unmatched forever. His pick-and-roll combinations with teammate Karl Malone will go down in history as one of the most potent offensive combinations ever.
Steve Nash: A two-time MVP who spearheaded the Phoenix Suns’ fast-paced offense during the 2000s and showed the world how exceptional passes could carry a team to victory even in the absence of spectacular athleticism.
Nikola Jokić: The modern-era model of a passing big man, Jokić, has reformed the understanding of playmaking at the center position. His incredible imagination is why Denver possesses one of the most efficient offenses in the league.
These athletes raised the bar for assists and transformed the term “playmaker” entirely.
The future of the NBA is in the hands of multi-talented scorers and playmakers. Luka Dončić and Tyrese Haliburton exemplify why assists will continue to be a core part of the game. With analytics focusing on efficiency, the emergence of new positions, and the need for faster ball movement due to the three-point revolution, assists are more important than ever! The game of basketball reaches its peak when players move the ball freely, creating amazing team plays. The next generation of ‘assist kings’ is just warming up, so buckle up!
Valentine’s Day might be all about kissing, but not if you’ve just had a lip treatment. Hate to break it to you, but you’ll need to hold off on the smooching for a bit. Before you kiss and tell (or, more aptly, kiss and swell), NYC-based plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS, is breaking down exactly how long you should wait post-procedure, whether you’ve had a lip flip, filler, or even a lip lift. Of course, expert advice can vary, but here’s what Dr. Vyas had to say:
Lip Flip Wait time: 1 day
Why: The lip flip involves muscle relaxation rather than added volume. Swelling and bruising can occur, and you should avoid pressure on the treated area for a short period.
💋 Lip Filler Wait time: 1-2 days
Why: The filler needs time to settle, and there may be some swelling, bruising, tenderness, or bumps in the first few days. Kissing could irritate the lips or impact filler migration if it’s too soon.
💋 Thread Lift Wait time: 5-7 days
Why: Thread lifts involve inserting threads under the skin to lift and tighten the area. It’s essential to avoid any excessive movement or pressure on the treated area while the threads are integrating and settling in.
💋 Lip Blush Wait time: 5-7 days
Why: Lip tattoos require time to heal and the skin on your lips to fully regenerate. Kissing may cause irritation or affect the healing process if done too soon. Avoid rubbing or touching your lips while healing.
💋 Lip Implant Wait time: 1-2 weeks
Why: Since this is a more invasive procedure, with a foreign object being implanted, you should wait longer for full recovery to avoid displacing the implant. The lip tissues will need time to settle and form around the implant before engaging in activities like kissing.
💋 Lip Lift Wait time: 2 to 3 weeks
Why: A lip lift is a surgical procedure where skin is removed to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip, so you’ll need more time for healing. Kissing too soon could disrupt the incision site or cause pain.
(The Center Square) – As the housing crisis continues in Pennsylvania and homelessness continues to rise, policymakers are considering strategies to reduce barriers to obtaining housing.
In his budget proposal last month, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a plan to seal eviction records that don’t actually lead to an eviction. As it stands, any eviction filing goes to a tenant’s record, regardless of whether the issue goes to court and what the final outcome is, a policy he says “makes no sense.”
“Let’s deploy our commonsense mentality and fix this together by sealing those cases from public records,” said Shapiro.
Records of evictions appear on background checks, which can not only impact a person’s chances of securing housing but can also compromise employment prospects, compounding challenges faced by many who are unhoused.
Advocates say that expanding access to eviction counsel could be a step in the right direction. A 2021 report from Regional Housing Legal Services estimated that for every dollar invested in universal access, there is a cost savings of $3 to $6.
In most eviction cases, landlords have legal representation while tenants do not. Housing services also emphasize the benefits of landlord-tenant mediation to keep people in their homes.
Shapiro posted a video to X in which Pittsburgh resident Haley Passione described her experiences securing housing with an eviction on her record.
“A landlord can file an eviction for a lot of reasons, whether it’s legitimate or not. We see landlords make mistakes – they’re human, too. They don’t always file because someone actually owes them money, sometimes it’s just an accounting error,” said Passione.
Even when evictions are legitimate, with federal funding for housing programs in peril, the pressure is on to find solutions to the crisis, which may mean a culture shift between landlords and tenants.
“When I am able to find somewhere where I have a good landlord, and I feel like they care about me as a tenant and take care of maintenance requests and things like that in a timely manner – I definitely want to keep that as long as possible. It makes it hard when you do have an eviction filing to be able to even find that relationship,” said Passione.
While requirements vary from landlord to landlord, many in Pennsylvania are looking for a clean background without evictions or criminal charges, a credit score of 650 or higher, an income of at least 300% the monthly rent, and first and last month’s rent for a security deposit.
The steep expectations combined with soaring costs of living mean that even families with steady employment can find it nearly impossible to find housing once they’ve lost it.
Many families are forced to move into hotels. In these circumstances, not only is income going toward room rental but additional funds go toward prepared food and laundry facilities without a kitchen or home appliances.
Making matters worse, people living in hotels or staying with friends don’t always meet the qualifications for homelessness that would grant them entry into assistance programs. Out of safety concerns, regional housing authorities prioritize those living on the street. Even then, beds and services have long waitlists across much of the commonwealth.
Last year, the state counted 14,088 individuals, or 11 per 10,000 people, who experienced homelessness throughout 2024, both sheltered and unsheltered.
Among them, 4,564 were in families with children and 690 were unaccompanied youth. 719 were veterans.
A new bill would allow medical cannabis dispensaries to begin selling recreational weed without municipal approval, a sign that state lawmakers are seeking to push back on some towns’ resistance to hosting dispensaries.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate President Nicholas Scutari, includes a number of other provisions aimed at the state’s cannabis industry, including one that would allow medical cannabis dispensaries to redesignate their product for recreational sales. But its aim to allow medical dispensaries to shift to the recreational market without municipal approval is the one that could raise the hackles of some local officials opposed to cannabis sales.
New Jersey’s recreational cannabis law allowed towns to opt in or out of sales by August 2021, and most of them opted out. Only about a third of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities allow cannabis businesses, and some of those towns limit sales to medical cannabis only. Five of New Jersey’s roughly 200 dispensaries sell only medical cannabis, according to the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
Joshua Bauchner, attorney and chair of the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics practice group at Mandelbaum Barrett in Roseland, said the bill appears to be lawmakers’ response to struggles the cannabis industry in New Jersey has faced because of the municipal approval process.
“They’re trying to circumvent the home rule issue so that they don’t have to go back for municipal approval, because that’s been a real challenge and caused a lot of trouble, delays, and litigation,” said Bauchner.
Dispensaries were slow to open across the state — recreational weed sales began in April 2022 — in part because applicants need municipal approvals before launching. Lawmakers have blamed the state’s cannabis agency for acting too slowly to approve applications to sell and distribute weed.
The new measure would bar the cannabis commission from requiring municipal review for certain medical cannabis dispensaries that seek a retail license. This could help at least two medical dispensaries located in towns that bar the sales of recreational marijuana — Breakwater Treatment and Wellness in Cranbury and Rise Dispensary in Paramus — begin selling recreational weed without seeking municipal approval.
Scutari and the Cranbury and Paramus mayors did not respond to requests for comment. The dispensaries also did not return calls requesting comment.
Under the bill, the municipality would not be able to prohibit a medical dispensary from selling recreational cannabis as long as the dispensary has been operating without any violations for at least 180 days. The bill would also bar municipalities from capping the number of medical dispensaries allowed to operate (towns would still be allowed to limit the number of recreational dispensaries.)
Bauchner said a big aim of this bill is to expand the number of dispensaries quickly. Under current law, the commission has up to 90 days to approve applications to sell cannabis, but can give itself indeterminate extensions. Scutari’s bill would limit extensions to 30 days before the commission must approve or deny an application.
“They’re trying to force the CRC’s hand not to delay things,” Bauchner said.
Ken Wolski is the executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana — New Jersey. He supports the measure, saying it would help medical dispensaries that are suffering due to a dramatic decrease in the number of cannabis users seeking medical marijuana. When recreational sales launched in April 2022, more than 128,000 people were enrolled as medical marijuana patients. As of January 2025, that number was just over 65,000.
Dispensaries have patient-only hours, but the state cut them because dispensaries were empty, Wolski said. He called the bill a sign that lawmakers are adapting to New Jersey’s cannabis market.
Wolski said the bill’s push to allow medical dispensaries to redesignate their product would be helpful. Currently, cannabis is either designated to be sold to medical marijuana patients or to recreational customers, and you can’t sell one to the other. Under the bill, dispensaries would be able to reclassify their product, allowing them to offload some of the medical-exclusive product they may not be able to sell to the limited number of patients.
“To me, it sounds fair because you put all these restrictions on medical cannabis dispensaries, and then you made it impossible for them to do the kind of business that they expect to do,” Wolski said. “It would certainly help those facilities.”
Newtown-based cannabis attorney John D. Williams said the new bill, if passed, would make the application and review process smoother for both business owners and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The measure would remove some requirements, like one that mandates the commission give special consideration to applicants working with higher education institutions, and would require the commission to create a website with information on each town’s cannabis-related ordinances.
“It’s a practical response to the realities of the application process,” Williams said. “It’s intended to truncate the time and compel more prompt review and broaden the access to licenses for new applicants.”
Lip Flip