Torstar Corporation, the company that owns the Toronto Star, recently announced plans to launch an online casino brand later this year. The move has yet to be approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Corey Goodman, Torstar’s Chief Corporate Development Officer, put out a statement explaining the decision.

He stated that the Ontario-based media business has been a trusted brand for more than a century, putting it in a position to offer a unique and responsible gaming brand. Currently, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is the only approved online gambling operator in the province. However, the state’s government has pledged to expand the market to provide more options for residents.

Torstar Corporation’s venture into online gambling seems like an unusual business move for a newspaper company, but its success in previous pursuits earns it the benefit of the doubt. Aside from the Toronto Star, the most prominent daily newspaper in Canada, the firm also runs six regional daily newspapers and over 70 weekly community newspapers in Ontario. Several novel arguments support this Torstar digital investment, including;

• Keep generated revenue within Ontario’s borders

Canada is among the most massive gambling markets globally, and Ontario is a huge contributor to this accolade. It is estimated that gamblers in the province spend around $396 million in casinos online (mostly on online slots) However, most of this money is spent on offshore websites thanks to the country’s open-ended regulations. Canadian law states that players can only access games from licensed gambling dens, but it does not limit internationally licensed casinos from accepting their residents. A lot of these funds also go to unregulated, grey-market offshore websites.

An online casino that targets the locals will ensure that the gambling dollars stay in the province. This will generate revenue to support important programs in Ontario, aligning the company with the Atkinson Principles that govern it. The principles hold that a progressive newspaper should aid in society’s advancement by pursuing social, economic, and political reforms.

• Prop up the news business

The online casino’s ability to prop up the news business is among the main reasons Torstar is pursuing the venture. Players engaging with the newspaper casino will help to support and expand quality community-based journalism. Torstar has a chance at reaching an audience they never had a chance with if all they had on the table was news.

• Save the company from going under

The new digital era is currently dominated by giant media companies like Google and Facebook. These firms take the lion’s share of digital advertising, causing most North American media outlets to go under. This issue has been propelled even further by the emergence of the COVID-19 crisis. The chair of the Torstar board, John Honderich, has been open about the Star’s uphill struggle to innovate and succeed with such giant competition. With an online gambling business under its belt, the company can generate enough to not only stay in business but also progress to new innovative heights.

• Diversify ways to fund and pay staff

Ontario’s online casino business is worth millions, and tapping into it will allow Torstar to diversify its revenue model. The organization is already looking at ways to fund and pay for columnists, editorial staff, and reporters serving its newspaper subsidiaries. While these employees will not work directly with the casino, they stand to benefit from its revenue-generation.

• Create new jobs

Launching a new online casino automatically creates a pool of new jobs for locals. Creating a gambling den requires a team of designers to open and optimize the website, software developers from whom to source games and the platform on which they will run, and a client care team to help players with any issues they run into when indulging in the casino’s services.

• Offer market-targeted casino games and sports betting options

Torstar has been clear on its intentions to open a casino suited for the Ontario market rather than creating a generic gambling site. Therefore, the gambling club will likely be curated to fit the needs of Ontario gamblers. The website will focus on the games that players mostly interact with and table options that spark their interests. The same will go for bonuses and promotions, such as free spins, match promotions, and cashbacks. Rivett said the casino will offer a range of casino games from slots to table sets and sports betting.

Objectivity Concerns

The Toronto Star is famous for being part of advancing progressive causes like civil liberties, worker protections, and social justice issues. With its parent company, Torstar, venturing into online gaming, there are concerns on whether the newspaper will maintain impartiality on these issues. The company has been adamant that its novel arguments for launching the casino, including revenue generation, job creation, and diversifying its funds. Nonetheless, objectivity concerns are rooted in the fact that Torstar is now tied financially to an outside business.

One Richmond Hill official stated that if a gambling den were to open in Ontario communities a few months, Torstar’s local newspapers would have run a concerned local story. Now that the papers are tied to the industry, there is uncertainty on how they will cover such stories in the future. Previously, Torstar has been active in covering gambling, organized crime, and the Mafia’s involvement in running the gambling black market and vice rackets. Now that the federal government is propping up the media with casinos on top of tax dollars, many are questioning how the news and media industry will remain independent of external influences.

Closing Thoughts

Torstar has yet to go into detail on its expansion into the gambling market, making it hard to predict how things will go. While its fair-mindedness around reporting gambling issues is concerning to many people going forward, the company maintains that trust is still the core of its relationship between its news organization and audiences. The casino is likely to take off successfully, judging by the massive Ontario market it seeks to exploit, but it is unclear how much revenue it will generate.

Description: If you don’t have much money to buy expensive branded clothes, you still can look posh if you know certain tips and tricks on how to dress up trendy. 

Most young people are huge fashionistas who want to stand out from the crowd with their outfits and look like real celebs. However, their incomes often leave much to be desired even if they combine studying with a part-time job thanks to the online essay service. How can they look posh on a budget? Is there any secret, or they are doomed to look mediocre until they graduate and find a high-paid job? Well, when you come across a good-looking person, the first thing that attracts you is their confidence. If a person has low self-esteem, they will look cheap even if their outfit costs several thousand dollars. Thus, before choosing clothes that will help you look different, you should work on your inner state. Celebrities are far from perfect in most cases, so you don’t need to torture yourself with diets and exercises. We will share some secrets that will help you highlight your personality and best features. It’s what all famous people do even when they put on clothes from the mass-market category.

Find your style

You might have noticed that all celebrities dress up differently and don’t try to imitate others. It is worth following their example in this regard. Even though it may seem a trifle at first, you may struggle to achieve the desired result. If you find attractive looks on Pinterest and buy alike clothes, you will hardly look the same posh. Thus, it makes sense to work on your style to reflect your personality and send the right “message” to everyone around. You should know what suits you most to determine your style aesthetic and choose comfortable clothes that will add confidence. Pay attention to celebrities whose style vibes with yours to get inspired.

Buy high-quality essentials

If you ask a stylist about pieces of clothes you should buy in the first place, the chances are high they will start talking about some basic things that create the foundation of any wardrobe. Thus, it is worth postponing the purchase of shoes that will cost you a fortune if you lack quality essentials. These items will help you achieve the celebrity style aesthetic since you will combine them with anything you want. Remember that simplicity is the key to success, just make sure to purchase essentials made of natural and high-quality fabrics, so your clothes will not wear out after several washes. You either buy nice or buy twice, so it is up to you to decide. The modern market offers many affordable brands that create pretty quality basic clothes. Of course, it is better to go shopping offline to feel the fabric and make sure the chosen t-shirt looks great on you. And the professional essay writing service will help you find several free hours in your tight schedule.

Practice minimalism

If it is not about some serious events and shows, celebs are usually minimalist in their outfit choices because simple styles always look great. Ordinary people often overdo it with “attractive” looks, making them too bulky. Thus, if you adhere to the minimalist concept in clothes, accessories, and makeup, you will look more sophisticated. If you put on an ordinary white t-shirt with blue jeans of the right size and complete your outfit with sneakers and a suitable watch, you will already look wonderful. Just make sure to consider your body type when purchasing clothes. Of course, it can be a challenge to find the perfect fit, but the result will be worth all the effort.

Invest in several designer items

Celebs and fashionable bloggers adore luxury and world-famous brands. One expensive accessory, for example, a Tiffany chain, Dior sunglasses, or a Gucci bag, can move your basic outfit to a new level. Luxury items can cost you a fortune, and if you are on a budget, you cannot afford such purchases. However, there is a way out. You can opt for some more modest yet visible and posh accessories. For example, you can pick up a wallet of a famous brand or trendy sunglasses. Besides, bear in mind that you can grab them on sale for a pretty affordable price or try your luck on resales.

Choose high-quality shoes

Many people judge someone’s whole image by their shoes, so it makes sense to pay special attention to this piece of your wardrobe. If you opt for heels to look more feminine and posher, make sure you feel comfortable in them. Modern trends suggest wearing sneakers and flats to make images more relaxed. Most celebs wear affordable shoes you can easily purchase even on a budget. For example, Converse sneakers are still in vogue and can fit various outfits. However, if you decide to spend a penny on leather shoes, make sure to choose some branded and high-quality options that will help raise the price tag of your whole look.

Grooming is a key

Even if you have spent all your money on clothes to look great, your efforts will be in vain if you seem messy. It is important to pay attention to your makeup and hairstyle since they affect how people perceive your image. Celebs are no exception, and that’s why their haters become more active when they come across pics in which fashionistas look weird due to the mismatch between appearance and clothes. Don’t forget about a skincare routine, personal hygiene, and the importance of a perfume you wear. 

Meta Description: Are you a member of the Army looking to be married but confused about the traditions and ceremony? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. 

Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting moments one can savor. However, due to the additional layer of procedures and etiquette that must be followed during the ceremony, preparing for a military wedding can be even more stressful. It’s possible to get frustrated and worked up during the planning process because of certain formalities, such as invitations, seating arrangements, etc. Additionally, bear in mind that various branches of the military have different wedding traditions and rituals that must be observed. Military weddings, however, can also be very elegant, and their elegance distinguishes them from conventional weddings.

All these details can mess up your mind and leave you feeling overwhelmed. So we want to help you out. In this article, we will talk about all the things you need to look out for before planning a military wedding and go through the traditions as well, so sit tight and get the altar ready.

Consider a Military Chapel or Academy Grounds

Numerous military weddings take place in chapels or on the premises of academies of the military. If you want a different venue, try to see your options. Like other common ceremony locations, most military chapels require at least a year’s notice to reserve, which is usually done by writing to the chaplain’s office. There are chapels at all service academies. You must be a graduate of one of the following to marry in a military chapel at a service academy: a graduate’s dependent; an officer or enlisted person stationed at the academy, their dependents, or staff under them. 

Book a Military Wedding Venue in Advance

A military wedding is commonly held in a military chapel or on academy grounds, but many couples prefer a more conventional setting. If you wish to use the military chapel, you must make a reservation in writing to the chaplain’s office well in advance, preferably a year in advance. Doing so will ensure the availability of the venue. These chapels are usually for free to use, but they accept donations and amendments. 

Seat Guests According to Their Positions

This is an important one to note. When planning the seating for a military wedding, special considerations must be made. At both the ceremony and the reception, all high-ranking officials (lieutenants, colonels, and above) must sit in honorable roles. Furthermore, the bride and/or groom’s commanding officer should be given a special seat.When their guardians are not present, it is customary to put the commanding officers as well as spouses in front. Military guests should be seated according to their rank after that from Higher positions to lower. 

Choosing your wedding attire

The service members getting married are expected to wear their official ceremonial uniform. It’s one of the traditions. If the groom is a service member, he must also wear white gloves and a saber or cutlass. Flowers and boutonnieres cannot be worn with ceremonial outfits. But they can wear military reenactment accessories to complement the look. The groom will, however, change into his normal tux for the reception after the wedding ceremony. Military brides may hold a bridal bouquet while wearing either traditional wedding dresses or their ceremonial outfits. The sword is part of the groom’s ceremonial attire. To prevent the sword from hurting the bride, she should stand on the right-hand side of the groom. 

Make use of the discounts that are offered to you!

Businesses around the country are proud of you and willing to pay tribute to our country’s veterans and active-duty military personnel. To you, what does that imply? There are exclusive offers! Don’t forget to inquire about discounts while shopping for a wedding gown, cake, flowers, or anything else you’ll need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might also go a step further and make a spreadsheet with different vendors for anything you’ll need to buy, as well as the average price for the options you’ll most likely choose. Then call each one to see if they offer a military discount and, if so, how much it costs. Don’t forget to inquire about your eligibility. Do the math and mark down the discounts! You will be amazed at how much money you will end up saving doing just that. 

Now that we have covered the planning, it is important to know the traditions of a typical military wedding compared to a normal wedding. Let’s take a brief look at some of them listed below.

Some Essential Traditions For The Military Wedding

Military Recessional Music

While most non-military couples opt for a classical or contemporary song for their wedding recessional, many military members opt for their service branch’s song. Most of the time, the official song for each Army is played, and sometimes the war song too. If both members of the wedding party are in the military but serve in separate branches, they can opt-out of the tradition or select another military song of any kind. Likewise, during the reception, they can play patriotic music as well. 

Cake-Cutting With a Sword

One of the most well-known military wedding rituals is cutting the cake with a sword. If the bride or groom is a military officer, they will cut their wedding cake with a ceremonial military sword instead of a knife or a cake server. Before cutting the cake, the military spouse traditionally hands over the sword to their newly-wedded bride. The bride then puts her hand underneath the groom’s on the sword’s handle, and the two cut the cake together (though this can be changed to suit the couple’s preferences).

Groomsmen in White Gloves

very individual of the wedding ceremony who possesses a cutlass or saber, whether an official or appointed member, must wear white gloves. For most ceremonial occasions, military personnel is usually expected to do so. However, since they will be handling the rings, the groom and best man are excluded. If the groom wields a saber or cutlass, the bride may stand to the right of the groom at the altar, rather than the left as is customary in non-military weddings to avoid the sword.

A Flag on Display

A flag, as well as the bride and groom’s group uniform, are usually shown throughout the service as a sign of respect. When the invited guests are staring at the officiant, practice specifies that the officiant’s left should be displayed. Other patriotic decorations and colors are used in the ceremony and reception in addition to the flag. However, suppose the ceremony is to take place in a military chapel. In that case, they must first obtain permission from the chaplain to decorate the chapel with their significant colors, flags, etc. 

The Arch of Saber

One of the most awaited aspects of a military wedding is the arrival of the bride and groom. If this is your first time, you can practice during the wedding rehearsals. The people can form an arch with their sabers, and the bride and groom walk through it, symbolizing the beginning of their new life together. The last two ushers will lower their sabers, and one of them will gently ‘swat’ the bride as she enters the army life. This step is skipped if the bride is a military person. The arch for a Navy wedding must be exclusively indoors, while the arch for the Army and the Air Force may be indoors or outdoors. The guests and officers present in the ceremony are usually the ones to hold their swords for the ritual to take place. 

You can have a memorable military wedding with meticulous planning. If all of this sounds a little daunting, contact the installation chaplain or the protocol office. They may provide advice on how to approach and accommodate service members on a schedule, an invitation, or a seating chart, and protocol at a ceremony. You may also consult the protocol instruction, which is the written standard for all protocol-related issues. Finally, you should seek the help of a planner. When you consider all of the details that go into a military wedding, you can have an unforgettable celebration. 

However, the bottom line is, there is no official protocol for military weddings. Hence, you can simply customize the level of military traditions you’d like to add to your ceremony and reception. Choose your theme and colors accordingly. Go all out or add a small touch to honor the service of the bride and/or groom. There is no right or wrong way to do this. However, please take precautions and keep everyone’s sentiments in mind since these traditions are important. I hope this article helped you get ahead of your plans. Do not stress, act on our advice, and you’ll have a great occasion planned in no time! 

Jeans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in the world right now. As a lady, there are numerous ways to style the jeans to fit any occasion or look books. Here are some of the versatile ways to style your jeans.

Skinny Jeans

These are a staple and a fashion statement that works in many ways. You can pair it up with a white t-shirt, high heels and a blazer for a professional look. If you are not comfortable in heels, swipe them out for a pair of comfortable sneakers or converse rubber shoes for a 21st millennial start up vibe look. You can wear this outfit anywhere official e.g., to an office or to college. Accessorize this look with a metallic watch or bangle on the hand and either studs or small earrings. For the official look, wear monochromatic pieces like white, blue, black and grey. It makes it look smoother and more professional.

For a more casual look, skinny jeans pair up perfectly with a crop top. The jeans hug the figure perfectly and the crop top accentuates everything more. Depending on your style, you can go for a tight-fitting or a loose crop top. Pair the look with a pair of clean sneakers or some open flats. You can also wear it with a hater or vest stop for a more flowing look. For this look, get a pair of boots and roll with it. Add a chunky sweater or a sassy leather jacket for a complete look.

Mom Jeans

Mom jeans were popular in the 90s and made a full comeback three years ago thanks to their great fashion presence. These womens jeans are great because you can wear them anywhere. Because of their design that bulges a little but pinches up at the waist, you need to tuck in your top. The highlight is in the waist, so you need to wear something that can be tucked in for the perfect look. The jeans can be paired up with a great bulky sweater and rubber shoes for a chic, urban look and some bangles. You can also wear them with a baggy t-shirt and open shoes for a casual weekend look. Ensure you pick a fancy or an elegant belt to accentuate the waist.

Ripped And Acid Washed Jeans

‘Destroyed’ jeans are a trend that has been timeless. You can wear ripped jeans or acid-washed jeans can be paired up with a nice pair of boots and a monochromatic top so that the focus can be on the jeans. You can go with a white tee for the classic look. Wear a leather jacket for the cool chic vibe. Ripped jeans work perfectly for casual vibes such as a brunch with the girls, a nice trip or a girl’s night out. If you cuff them at the ankle, you can bring out the cool millennium chic. Cuffing them brings some attention to your feet and the trendy boots you have on.

Having a pair of jeans in your closet can save you a lot of style stress. Pair them up differently to achieve a variety of looks that could last you days.