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Entertainment

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Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing great and keeping well.  

I haven’t been gaming for quite a while now as I am juggling between work and parenting but when I do have pockets of time to play some games, I would take out my iPhone and start gaming. 

The issue I have with playing free-to-play mobile games is that they aren’t exactly free. Yes, the games are free to play but if you want a good chance of winning the game, you would have to purchase add-ons to improve your character and the gameplay experience. Although there will sometimes be in-game ads that will give certain boosts and enhancements to your character, they do take up a fair bit of time and it can ruin the entire gameplay. 

Recently, I was introduced to GameTop and I am simply amazed at the wide collection of free pc games that I could download and play. Now, I haven’t been gaming on my personal computer (pc) for ages, and with all honesty, GameTop’s website user interface did seemed quite dodgy to me at the beginning. However, after testing it for myself, I am confident to recommend GameTop if you are looking to download free games to play on your pc. 

One really awesome thing about the free downloadable pc games on GameTop is that they are full version games with no trials and time limits. As there are hundreds of games available on GameTop, it can be quite difficult to go through all of them. Hence, your best bet is to go right to their list of top 100 games or to select the genre of games that you are most passionate about. 

At this moment, I am playing two games that I downloaded from GameTop; Airport Madness 3D and Goodgame Big Farm. They are pretty fun if you like games that challenges and stimulates your brain. Well, since I am mostly on my computer, I suppose it now gives me more reason to game on the pc. Oh and one more thing that I almost forgot to mention, GameTop is a registered company in Singapore and they have supported the gaming industry for more than 10 years! 

What pc games are you playing now? If you have download pc games from GameTop and you will like to recommend a game, feel free to comment below!  

An event space isn’t a place where people sit to listen to someone talk, or a place where people just dine and share a drink. It’s a significant part of the experience and if you get it wrong, your party could start on the wrong foot. Sure, you want your party to be unique, but using predictable locations will lead to the familiar sameness people are accustomed to. To make your party epic, do something different with the location to add zest.

These tips will give you a hint on where to start.

1.      Add Oomph to Familiar Places

Break the preconceived notion of party location by not following the same standardised ideas. Every party goers want new experiences and doing something out of the norm will make your party rocks. Instead of having it at your house, plan a pool party at your cottage in the woods, or a beach party with friends if you have or can rent a beach house. If you can’t afford to go so far, book a pub with a function space and have your drinks and menu customised. You can have anything from an industrial-style space with raw brick flooring and leather baguettes or a brewery setting complete with massive stainless-steel tanks, Tramsheds graffiti, and classic brewery pictures that create the illusion of a real brewery. Although you will still be at a pub, the different settings will make the difference in creating the ambience while maintaining the familiarity of a party.

2.      Escape Room Thrill

An escape room is a great way to have some stimulation and get your adrenaline running before you hit the club later. You and a couple of friends will have fun figuring out the clues to escape before you run out of time. Find the clues, keys, and codes to aid in your escape. It doesn’t cost much, but if you like some competition and a nerve-wracking experience, this could be it.

3.      Take a Food Tour

A food tour is fun and will have you try different food in various shops and restaurants while hearing about the food and how it fits into the city’s culture. You should expect to walk around, but that’s fine because you’ll have enough time to digest and spread the meals. The multiple course meals are spread out a few hours apart in several locations, mostly between six to seven stops. Don’t overeat on breakfast, and plan to miss dinner because you will be full.

4.      Entertainment Complex

Entertainment complexes are full of game options that you and your friends can enjoy. You will get anything from pool tables, bowling, and arcade games. Entrance is usually free, but you must buy a party park or individual games. Have friendly competition by dividing yourself into groups, and punish the losing team with something fun or dorky.

How your party turns out will largely depend on where you host it, but your friends’ anticipation for a good time will also play a role. Make sure you inform everyone on time, so they are ready for some fun.

Thanks to the kind folks at Filmgarde Cineplexes, we were privileged to have been invited to the Singapore Gala Premiere of Fagara and truly, we had such an enjoyable and emotional experience at the theatre that we just have to share our personal view and opinion of the movie.

Fagara, co-produced by Ann Hui and Julia Chu, is the screen adaptation of Amy Cheung’s novel “My Spicy Love.” The movie is written and directed by Heiward Mak and stars Hong Kong’s Sammi Cheng, Megan Lai from Taiwan, Li Xiaofeng from mainland China, and a guest appearance by Andy Lau.

Fagara will be released in the theatres on 12 September 2019.


Our Personal View & Opinion of Fagara

After the movie, we asked ourselves this question, “Would we have spent the money to watch this movie if we haven’t been invited?” Our honest answer would be, “No” and it’s not because the movie isn’t great. We swear the movie is really excellent but because there hasn’t been much attention given to films like these; we would have instantly overlooked it and gone for the usual blockbusters instead (think Disney, Marvel, DreamWorks, Universal, Warner Bros).

Hence, Fagara is like a hidden gem that’s competing for the world’s attention alongside the big industry players and we feel compelled to share about this movie because there are just so many valuable lessons within the short time span of close to 2 hours. If Fagara was available on mid to long haul flights and accompanied with a brief write-up on the in-flight magazine, I’m pretty sure I would have watched it. In fact, if Fagara was available on Netflix or the likes, its reach might be even greater.

For us, we personally like the movie because of its heartwarming and candid storytelling approach. We were fully engaged throughout and it was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride that left tears rolling down our cheeks. Though the movie is mainly in Cantonese and Mandarin, English subtitles are available.

Our Personal Rating

4.5/5

Movie Trailer

Movie Synopsis

After her father died, a Hong Kong girl discovers she has two hitherto unknown sisters, one in Taiwan and one in China. To settle her father’s debt, she must reunite with them to run the family’s hot pot restaurant. While the androgynous Taiwan sister is plagued by her toxic relationship with her mother, the fashionista sister from China is trying to fend off her grandmother’s pressure to get married. Meanwhile, she is striving to unshackle herself from her ex-boyfriend in order to start a new relationship.

SoundCloud is an online platform that facilitates audio file sharing for various purposes. Many musicians have benefited from this entertainment website in terms of follower-ship (building a fan base) and the availability of many money-making opportunities. There have been breakthrough stories, where some upcoming acts have been discovered via the site. You can also make it work for you, if you understand how it works and its many interesting features.

Generally, platforms like SoundCloud enable users to upload, download, promote, and share audio files, while also offering other features which include comment sections, re-post buttons, and so on. Music sharing sites facilitate the dissemination of songs and music videos online, which can be downloaded from anywhere in the world with internet connection. Read more about that here.

File sharing can be done through various means. It involves the use of networks, networking, removable media, documents, servers, hyperlinks, and so on. There are many web-based applications that have been created to enable sharing online. One of them is cloud-based technology, which is very important in the industry because of its storage and accessibility features.

When files are uploaded and stored, there are many processes that take place based on the features that have been provided. In terms of functionality, some platforms are more complex than others. You can visit the website or download its mobile application in order to use its features; though some mobile apps may have less functionality.

Mobile apps have made the use of audio sharing sites more convenient. Apart from mobile apps, many sites distribute audio files with the aid of widgets.

Features of Online Audio Sharing Sites

The key features that you will find in sites used to promote music and other audio works include the ability to access uploaded files through uniform resources locators (URLs). URLs are also known as web addresses (colloquial term). The use of URLs facilitates the embedding of sound files in shared posts and URLs contain information like the location of the server, resource, and so on. Read more about that here.

SoundCloud is a good example of platforms that make use of waveform motion graphics. The motion graphics helps you keep track of the progress of the song as it plays and can also be of help when you want to pause, rewind, and perform other related actions when streaming music.

Some sites enable their visitors to have unlimited access to the files uploaded. For the artistes, access may be granted to upload music freely (depending on the platform). Some may actually require subscription fees for the use of all their features. This is where visitors are given the options to use the free or premium packages and the like. Many websites offer more than two packages.

Subscriptions: Paying for Promotion

As a musician, you will have to think about this carefully by taking your budget into consideration. It is important to utilise the best strategies to your advantage. Share your work online and spend some money to promote it effectively.

You need to ensure that your music is heard by as many people as possible. Paid promotion and marketing should be among your success strategies. A good promotion and marketing plan will not leave you staring at how low your fan base is for a ridiculously long time.

Lazy marketing is when you share the link to your music to each person that follows you on social media. This approach does not yield tangible results because if you do enough research, you will find out that this strategy has not really been of significant help to any upcoming artistes. You need to invest in promoting or marketing your songs, especially when you want to make serious money from your passion.

If you are an upcoming artiste, you have to work more to get discovered and grow your fan base. This is because people are getting very choosy in a world where millions of musicians are seeking global recognition for their craft. It is not just about how good you sound, but how your uniqueness appeals to the senses of the listener. If you are looking for some inspiration, you can check out what other musicians are doing and even buy beats.

As an up and coming artiste, you should not focus on just one strategy in your quest for gaining popularity. Online courses have a lot to offer and bloggers can also be of great help; although you should also keep in mind that money is involved.

Whatever strategy that has worked for others and has given them success stories to tell should be employed. Avoid procrastinating when you have made a decision about which strategy to adopt.

If you are not getting enough following and plays, you should think about having a good music business model. Your model should feature options like what you can find on SoundCloud plays so that you can have a real chance at getting a breakthrough. Continue your research on the world of online audio file sharing with emphasis on how you can compete favorably.

File sharing is a good way to get heard. Just make sure you do not put all your music out there for free. You can upload a few good tracks for users of the sites to “sample” them. If they really like your music, they will surely want to pay for the ones that have been put up for sale. Snippets are also good ideas for promotion, instead of having to post the complete song for free.

If you’re prone to using any excuse for a party because you love gathering your family and friends in one place, then you know it is incredibly challenging to host one if you’re doing it all by yourself. If you’ve planned more than a few this year, then you are an experienced organiser and know the things that make a party successful. How about those looking to plan one of their own for the very first time? If that’s you, you’re in the right place.

So you wanna throw your first party but unsure how to do it? You need to first define what kind of soiree you want to do so you can plan accordingly. There are elements in some types of party that would be out of place elsewhere. In contrast, there are components that apply to almost all parties. Here are the things that you need to know:

Mind the Food

No matter what kind of party it is, there is no doubt that food is one of the highlights. And as such, you should take special care when deciding what foods to present to guests. First off, occasion-appropriate foods are a must and you need to prepare enough and maybe more in proportion to how many people are attending. It would be out of place to have chocolate pudding at a rave-party where guests could potentially drip all over their outfits in the dark. Similarly, it is inappropriate to provide greasy food like pizza for brunch at a baby shower event.

You will also need to know if you’re serving full meals or just snacks because food can take a huge portion out of your budget if you’re not careful. If the party is in a grey area, you can tell your guests ahead of time what kind of foods will be available so you can set expectations. It’s not ideal to let guests go hungry or else the party will be over before it’s halfway because most of them will be going home to grab some grub.

Cracking a Cold One with the Boys (or Girls)

Wines and beers are great for any occasion just as long as kids are not given access to it. When the gathering is tame and everyone’s had their fill of food, it’s perfectly normal to follow it with the above alcoholic beverages. They are the easiest to pour and there is no mixing involved.

For parties that are child-free, it’s time to bring out the big guns. If you have a cocktail reception, make sure it can accommodate everyone on the guest list and if you need to, hire more bartenders so that everyone gets served faster. Tastes can vary so have the basic liquor on hand as well for those who prefer to sip, sit, and talk.

Create the Right Atmosphere with Lighting and Sound

The party’s atmosphere can be set with the right sound and lighting even if it’s at night. Leaving it to silence and the occasional chatter could kill the party and can result in guests going home early. It is ideal to create a playlist for the party as it can move people to dance or energize them back to liveliness. If you have the budget or an aspiring DJ, a DJ system of your own is a worthy investment so you can impress your guests with your mixing skills. If you love throwing parties then you can reuse it over and over again.

As for the lighting, what good would a party be if everyone is literally in the dark with little to no way of seeing anything? It can be dangerous for your guests and there’s a chance they won’t ever come to one of your parties again. If you have a stage, proper lighting is essential because otherwise, no one can see anything up on the stage.

Location & Decor

If you’re having a party at home, you’re not renting anything bur the least you can do is to put up some form of decorations. Party decor can be done in a lot of ways; you can either buy pre-made stuff or make your own. If you go for either one, make sure it fits with the theme and age bracket. There are a lot of Pinterest tutorials that you can check out for inspiration.

For parties that are on rented locations, you should look out for venues that have packaged deals that include the place and food. This is useful if you want to stay on budget. Additionally, it’s best to read up on the inclusions and exclusions of the place so that you can make an informed decision.

End The Night in a Grand Way

Ending the party in style is a surefire way to get your guests to keep talking about in the next few days. Fireworks is certainly a grand exit but make sure that it’s safe for everyone.

What other things do guests look forward to in an event? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Broadway sensation Aladdin will make its Singapore premiere at Marina Bay Sands, with performances that begin from July 21, 2019. This English-language production will play its first and only Asian stop at Sands Theatre and tickets are available via Marina Bay Sands ticketing and SISTIC.

Boasting the most lavish sets and spectacular costumes ever to be seen on the Sands Theatre stage, this production is certainly not to be missed. Just so you know, this spectacular production boasts a cast of 34 and a staggering 337 glittering costumes, which feature 1,225 different fabrics, 712 different styles of beads and almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals!

40 tonnes of exotic flying scenery and 60 tonnes of automation and staging have also been transferred to Singapore in more than 30, 40’ sea containers to recreate the fantasy city of Agrabah including the colourful marketplace, the lush palace of the Sultan and his princess daughter Jasmine, and the legendary Cave of Wonders.

The talented principal cast features Gareth Jacobs in the role of the Genie, Graeme Isaako as Aladdin and Shubshri Kandiah as Jasmine.

Here are some fun facts about Aladdin the Musical that you probably might not know about!

  • Agrabah is a mythical city.
  • The musical includes new characters: Jafar’s lackey Iago and Aladdin’s friends and fellow thieves (Babkak, Omar and Kassim).
  • There are 4 touring musicians and 10 local musicians in this production.
  • 120 pieces of gold come together to form the Cave of Wonders in this production.

This production of Disney’s Aladdin opened in Sydney in 2016 and has travelled to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland and Adelaide before making its way to Singapore.

& Because Disney’s Aladdin will play in Singapore as the only and final stop in Asia, this is truly a musical not to be missed!

We are almost certain the tickets will be sold out pretty fast so get your tickets here today!

Seasons are changing, and summer is fast approaching. Adventures, new things to learn, and the sea are just a few things to get excited about during this sunny season. Before venturing forth, don’t forget to prepare accordingly because the blistering heat of the sun can get pretty intense. Ah, summer! One of the most anticipated seasons for both the young and the old. The bright sun, the clear blue sky—no wonder it’s the best time to get out and try out new things. With that said, here are five things to try this summer!

Going to an Amusement Park

Amusement parks are a summer staple for anyone, so for the people that haven’t tried yet, this summer may be the best time to do so! There are many amusement parks in the United States that you can go to, like the ever famous Disney parks! There are twelve of these across six different resorts, so one is sure to find a favourite park to go to.

On average, an amusement park will likely have around ten rides that are perfect for the thrill-seeking individuals. Amusement parks are also the perfect places to try new food as they will sometimes have themed food that is perfect for the summer season. There are also many stalls filled with minigames that anyone could enjoy. Try to visit an amusement park near you and experience the thrill that summer can bring!

Learn to Surf

When it comes to summer, the big blue ocean also comes to mind, so why not try surfing? Although surfing has a huge learning curve, trying to get into it is pretty easy since experiencing your first wave is just as exhilarating as you think! Learning the basics of surfing may sound complicated, but do not fret since there are many surfing classes available at known surfing spots. Don’t be afraid to test the waters!

With so many islands known for being great surfing beaches, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to travel around to these known spots too. Choose a country to go to that is known for beaches, and you are bound to find a great surfing spot there.

Take Up a New Hobby

Summer is also a great time to start taking up a new hobby. From learning how to cook to creating new art, there are many hobbies to choose from that are pretty easy to get into. One such hobby is photography. Since summertime is one of the best times to travel, taking photos is one of the best ways to make memories of these trips. Any photo-taking device can capture great moments, especially now that smartphones can do as much as DSLRs can; so take those aesthetic photos to your heart’s content!

Another hobby that is sure to be a big hit in the summer is swimming. With a number of beaches, lakes, or even pools to choose from, it wouldn’t be hard to get out there to take a swim.

Try Out Golf

Golf is another sport that you can learn during the summer season. With so many amazing beginner courses offered at golf courses, it wouldn’t take long for a prospective golfer to learn the ropes. Another great thing about golf is that you can ride around golf carts, making it easy to traverse from different parts of the field. Some people consider riding golf carts to be just as calming as it is to play the actual sport. Having a handy club car battery charger during these long cart rides will prove helpful too—you wouldn’t want to be stranded too far from your destination now, would you?

Finding a golf club that will help beginners is a great start, so don’t be afraid to try it out! They will teach you how to choose your club, find the right ball, and as well as the basics of the golf swings and stances.

Take a Road Trip

Road trips are also a great way to spend the summer outside the house. Take a ride with a group of friends or family, and enjoy the journey toward your destination! A cross-country road trip around the United States is a great way to bond with family and friends, especially since the time spent with each other will be long.

Before you set off on your adventure, don’t forget to check the vehicle as this will be where you spend most of your time. Make sure that the car is cleaned up and that the gas is full. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and lots of entertainment options, from music to movies. Lastly, don’t forget important documents like passports, licenses, and registrations. Better to be safe than sorry!

Summertime is a great time to try new things especially for doing activities outdoors. So jump out of the couch and go straight out to experience summer in full force!

The world’s most popular musical, The Phantom of the Opera makes a triumphant and long-awaited return onto the world stage and truly, it is still a classic musical that never fails to captivate the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Phantom of The Opera is the tale of one haunted man who is battling with obsession and jealousy and seeking love from a woman after being shunned away for so long. Its dark past mixed together with fascinating music will completely entice you. From the costumes to the sets and the beautiful singing, Phantom of The Opera is truly mesmerising.

When Christine performed her rendition of “Think Of Me”, you could feel the emotions in her voice, and “The Music Of The Night” places an emphasis on the Phantom’s struggle with loneliness and how he relates it through his music.

Phantom’s obsession with Christine was rather extreme, especially when it resulted in unlawful crimes such as murder and kidnap. To some, it may be a romantic tale of unwavering love but for me personally, it portrayed a sign of unsoundness in one’s mind and heart.

After the show, we were given a chance to tour the backstage and it totally opened up my eyes because I saw firsthand the huge amount of effort and coordination that is required for the show to perform smoothly. Citing an example, we were told it requires almost 20 men to safely place the stairs in time for the masquerade scene! Working in tandem with the stage crew, the actors and musicians put their entire heart, mind, and soul into the production as they bring the audience through a wave of thrills, excitement, and anxiety.

Throughout the show, you’ll definitely be feeling all sorts of excitement and anxiousness as to what comes next. You would also come to understand why The Phantom of the Opera is still one of the best musicals in the history of theatre since its opening in London’s West End in 1986. It is truly a show not to be missed!

Show Times and Venue

The Phantom of the Opera is now showing at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from now till 8 June 2019, Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm and Sunday at 1 pm and 6 pm.

Ticket Prices & Discounts

Ticket prices start from SGD$75 (E Reserve tickets) and if you purchase your tickets through the Marina Bay Sands Box Office, you can enjoy a 30% Discount off all A Reserve, B Reserve and C Reserve tickets. *Applicable to Single seats only (i.e one ticket per transaction)

I have been a big fan of British Author Roald Dahl ever since I started reading his book novels more than 2 decades ago and his books never fails to captivate me. Some of Roald Dahl’s works which I have read include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Danny, The Champion of the World, The BFG, and Matilda. Hence, you can imagine my excitement when I had the privilege to attend the Gala Premiere of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical at Sands Theatre @ Marina Bay Sands.

Musical Synopsis

The musical follows Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves reading and learning but is suppressed by her TV-obsessed parents who pay her little attention. As she grows up, she begins to resist the challenges and obstacles presented to her, learning that sometimes you have to be a “little bit naughty” in order to get through life. As she begins to master living with her family, her world is thrown into disarray as she starts a new school under the tyrannous grip of Headteacher Miss Trunchbull. Seeking solace in the library in a world of her imagination and creation, Matilda forms strong bonds with adults such as Librarian Mrs Phelps and her class teacher Miss Honey. Together they give her the confidence to embrace her special gift and individuality which is needed to reclaim her life.

My Personal Thoughts

I truly enjoyed Matilda The Musical; so much so that I found myself humming to the tune of “When I Grow Up” even after the show! The meticulously-crafted lyrics of the musical numbers by Olivier Award winner Tim Minchin unfold the story through songs like “Naughty” and “Miracle” and the production sets and costumes by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell are intricately designed. Coupled with the dazzling lighting by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, the whole stage comes alive.

Matilda The Musical Live In Singapore 2019
Image Credits: Matilda The Musical

With an incredible cast of young performers, Matilda The Musical inspires and delights audiences both young and old. The timeless story of a small girl’s determination to challenge those above her for the greater good, combined with Roald Dahl’s signature wit and naughtiness, makes this an unforgettable musical.

Reasons to Catch Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical is a winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical. Currently in its seventh year of running in London, Matilda The Musical continues to delight audiences of all ages and has been seen by more than 8 million people.

Matilda The Musical Live In Singapore 2019
Image Credits: Matilda The Musical

The Singapore season marks the first time the hit musical has ventured to Asia, having toured to Australia and New Zealand from 2015-2017 and it will be showing here from now till 17 March 2019 for a limited time only. Also, if you’re a Passion Cardholder or a SingTel Subscriber, you can get the tickets at a 10% discount (terms & conditions apply).

Just so you know, tickets for weekday shows are cheaper than weekends and if you’re wondering which category of tickets to get, we would suggest getting either the Category C Reserve or the Category B Reserve tickets as the seats are decent enough for a great vantage point.

Lastly, even if you have not read the novel before, the story and plot is easy to follow and you will definitely be enchanted by the spellbinding scenes.

Tickets are available on a first-come-first serve basis so be sure to book your tickets early!

When the nights are getting longer and you feel like you don’t want to get out of the house after you got in from work, your main challenge will be to find some quality entertainment. Whether you are gaming, catching up with the latest series, or would like to entertain your friends after work; there are several new releases to look forward to this winter. Below you will find a few tips on creating the ultimate experience at home.

Your Theater and Entertainment Room

One of the things you can do when you are planning your winter entertainment is creating a stunning entertainment room or movie theatre. If you are good at DIY, you can set up the sound bars, the wiring, and upcycle some cinema chairs so that you can have a space other than your living room to escape to. Don’t forget about soundproofing and acoustics when you design your home theatre.

Your Movie Platforms

Next, you will need to discover entertainment platforms that will deliver the content you want and not get you into trouble. While Amazon and Netflix are the obvious choices, there are other movie sites out there that are worth checking out. For example, if you would like to watch anime at night and catch up with the latest storylines, you might want to find a themed entertainment channel that you can stream on your devices.  

Genre Collections

Of course, collections are also great for passing time. With the rise of catch-up TV, you can now watch a whole series in one sitting. However, you will often find it hard to locate older series that are no longer available on the apps. This is why you might want to subscribe to a collection that will give you access to the genres that you are interested in instead of some irrelevant results.

Viewing Plan

It might also be a good idea to have a viewing plan, so you can make sure that you are not missing out on an episode. You can add the dates and times on your online diary and make a plan to record the series that are clashing in time with each other. You don’t want to miss an episode and wait for months to catch up with the series online again.

Testing the Latest Games

Of course, if you need even more adrenaline in your life, you can also start testing the latest games at home. Improve your sound system and invest in noise cancelling headphones to make the most out of your entertainment and experience. You might even give virtual reality headsets a go. Whether you are into Deadpool or GTA, you will notice the difference when you surprise yourself with some new gaming gadgets.

There are plenty of things we can do at home to improve our nights and make the most out of the gadgets and devices we have at home. Catch up on series, discover new interests, genres, and games, and make sure you create a great environment for your nights in.