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Best Casual Games of March 2014

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Another month has passed, another set of great games has been made available over at Big Fish Games and we are here once again to highlight the best of the best. With a great focus on high quality hidden object adventure games, but also some other genres, the month of March 2014 has been filled with great titles. Below you have 10 of the best launched during this time, all considered must play titles, so check them out!

Dark Parables: Jack and the Sky Kingdom

01 dark parables

The legendary Sky Kingdom suddenly appears and a destructive barrage is unleashed upon an unsuspecting town. Play as the Fairytale Detective and embark on an investigation to rescue the townspeople. In this quest, you will meet Jack – an infamous treasure hunter who shares a secret past with the Kingdom – and discover the tragic history behind the chaos. Click here to check out the game.

Mystery of Unicorn Castle: The Beastmaster

02 beastmaster

The Beastmaster, Lord of all Beasts, kidnapped a young girl by the name of Sophie. You must use your skills to emerge victorious in this battle and save the girl. Make your way past the ingenious traps of the Castle and overcome the beasts to restore the Unicorn for a victory over the forces of evil! Can you solve the Mystery of Unicorn Castle – The Beastmaster? Interesting location and unusual puzzles will keep you on the edge of your seat! Download the game here.

The Others

03 the others

A local toymaker and all his factory workers mysteriously vanished on the same night. It’s up to you, ace reporter Mary Bingham, to delve into the town’s hidden mysteries to discover the truth. But first you’ll need to understand the strange inhabitants to solve the riddle of the shuttered toy factory. Is the ominous figure in black trying to help you, or is he leading you into certain peril? What lies beyond the elaborate labyrinth? Uncover a new world of shocking secrets as you hunt for clues in this heart-stopping mystery-adventure! Head over to Big Fish Games to download this game.

Mind Snares: Alice’s Journey

04 mind snares

Alice Dahl has found herself stuck in an occupation that makes her very unhappy. She knows that her only shot at happiness is to leave her job behind, but past fears are holding her back. After rushing to meet a client, Alice’s car careens into a river. She wakes to find herself in what looks like a hospital, but turns out to be a strange shadow world. Her only means of escape is to overcome her fears in Mind Snares: Alice’s Journey. Check out the game here.

Danse Macabre: The Last Adagio

05 danse macabre

Your sister’s invited you to attend the biggest performance of her life: she’ll debut as Donatella di Fiore, every ballerina’s dream role. She tells you to meet her after the dance but never shows up! What’s happened to your sister on this fateful night?

Get into the theater and find a cast of ghosts all trying to tell you something. Some of them are better at playing music than talking, so this could take some digging on your part… Save your sister from a decades-old curse so this doesn’t become her last encore. Click here to check out the game.

Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher

06 dark tales

You and your colleague, Detective Dupin, have accepted an odd case at the ancient House of Usher – to find the twin sister of Roderick, who has vanished without a trace. As you delve deeper into the mystery, the connection between the twin’s malady and the old estate appears even more entwined. Why are townspeople disappearing? What secret is locked in the forbidden library? And can you and Dupin find the answers before more innocent victims are claimed? Head over to Big Fish Games to download the game.

Gardens Inc. 2: The Road to Fame

07 gardens inc

Jill & Mike’s gardening business is booming! All this Sunnyvale duo needs now is to win a contest that will award them lucrative contracts all over the world! But when dastardly Cliff Gold escapes from prison, his thirst for revenge might just soak up any chance they have at winning. Help Jill & Mike uncover Cliff’s evil scheme and win the contest! Click here to download the game.

Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride

08 grim legends

Within the shadow of an ancient forest, on the bottom of the foggy valley, stands the lonely village of Ravenbrook. Its perimeter is protected by the villagers’ charms, but beyond the legends and the magic, the gloomy forests and wailing wind, lies a chasm so deep and feared, it is known by the villagers only as The Abyss. No one knows what lies within, but when a strange visitor arrives in Ravenbrook just before a young bride is kidnapped, the villagers find justification for their superstitions… Get the game here.

Nightmares from the Deep: Davy Jones

09 nightmares

Nightmares from the Deep: Davy Jones is the final chapter in the pirate trilogy Nightmares from the Deep, and tells the story of fearless museum custodian Sarah Black and her daughter, Cory.

After discovering mysterious notes confirming the truth of the Davy Jones legend, Sarah calls a press conference to reveal to the whole world that the old sea-devil and his mythical treasure are real, hidden away on a mysterious island. Click here to see for yourself how this amazing series ends.

The Adventures of Perseus

10 perseus

Journey back to the time of Gods and join Perseus on his exciting adventures through the mythical world of ancient Greece. Help Perseus defend his honor by mastering Match-3 puzzles as well as a variety of mini-games. Challenge yourself to different game modes and difficulty levels to make yourself part of the myth. Collect heroic gear along your way and help build an ancient city. Will you be able to win the favor of Gods and use their patronage to overcome the obstacles in front of you? Check out the game here.

And this is it! These are our top 10 picks for the best casual games launched during March 2014 over at Big Fish Games. Which of these great titles is your favorite?

Browser Games

The Best of Both Worlds: Relaxation Meets Excitement in Online Gaming

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The Best of Both Worlds: Relaxation Meets Excitement in Online Gaming

Imagine coming home after a long day, sinking into your comfiest chair, and just letting the world fade away as you dive into a game online. It’s like you’ve got a personal amusement park at your fingertips, one that helps you chill out but can also send you on a thrilling ride with a click or a tap. That’s the sweet spot of online gaming—it wraps you up in a cozy blanket of fun that can also get your heart racing.

The cool part about playing online games isn’t just that they’re a blast; it’s how they help us unwind too. With the right game, you can kick back and experience that awesome feeling when you’re right in the zone – the worries of the day slip away, and it’s just you and the game. And yet, there’s this undercurrent of excitement because at any moment, something in the game could change, and bam – you’re on the edge of your seat!

Sorting the Dazzling from the Duds: How Casino Reviews Help

But with so many games out there, how do you know which ones bring that perfect mix of Zen and zest? Cue the heroes of the online gaming world: top casino reviews. Top casino reviews are the trusty guides that help you navigate through the endless sea of games, showing you where the treasure is—and where you might hit some rough waters.

Reading a solid casino review is like getting a tip-off from a friend who knows all the best spots in town–they help you find the games that are worth your time, the ones with the smoothest gameplay, the coolest graphics, and the best chances to win. They’ll point you in the direction of games that are relaxing to play but also pack just the right amount of punch to keep things lively.

A Little Light Reading for Big-Time Fun

Tapping into these reviews before you play can save you a bunch of time. The experts  writing these reviews have spent hours checking out all the features of a game, figuring out all the details. They do the legwork, so you don’t have to–and let’s be honest, who doesn’t like getting the inside scoop?

Jumping into a game with a good review backing it up gives you that snug feeling of knowing you’ve made a smart pick. And with a reviewer’s expert advice in your corner, you can settle in and start playing with confidence. It’s about getting to the good stuff, the games that satisfy and surprise, without the trial and error of finding them yourself.

Comfort Gaming: Choosing the Right Fit for You

Just like finding the right pair of sneakers, it’s about finding the games that fit you just right. Some folks might be into the snazzy, fast-paced slots that get your pulse jumping. Others might prefer a laid-back round of poker that lets you take your time and soak up the game. Reading up on reviews helps you find your gaming ‘just right’—the games that feel tailor-made for your style of winding down.

It’s about figuring out what games hit that sweet spot where you feel comfy and excited all at once. Maybe it’s the game’s visuals, maybe it’s the soundtrack, or perhaps it’s just the way the game feels. Whatever it is, when a game is just right for you, it turns your downtime into the kind of high-quality leisure time we all deserve.

Your Gaming, Your Way: Reviews Lead the Way to Personalized Play

In the end, what makes a game great for kicking back and having fun is how it fits with your vibe. And that’s precisely where those top-notch casino reviews come in. They take what could be an overwhelming choice and whittle it down to a handpicked selection, just for you. Thanks to the reviewers’ expertise and attention to detail, it’s like having a personal guide to the gaming galaxy, leading you straight to the stars that shine the brightest for you.

So, before you fire up the laptop or tap open an app, take a moment to explore what the casino critics have to say. They help light up the path to the games that offer the best of relaxation and exhilaration, ensuring your playtime is time well spent. With the right game, your online adventures can be the pause-and-reset button we all sometimes need, spiced up with just the right amount of thrills to keep things interesting.

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Business

Cost Optimization Strategies in Google Cloud

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Cost Optimization Strategies in Google Cloud

In the dynamic and competitive world of cloud computing, effective cost management is crucial for businesses leveraging the power of the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). While GCP offers scalability, flexibility, and powerful features, navigating its cost structures can be complex. Understanding and applying targeted cost optimization strategies is key to harnessing the cloud’s full potential without incurring unnecessary expenses.

Google Cloud Premier Partner

Engaging with a Google Cloud Premier Partner can provide valuable insights for businesses looking to optimize their cloud costs. As a consultancy and advisory service, they focus on guiding companies in their strategic planning for cloud utilization, offering expertise in cost optimization without directly implementing cloud technology solutions. Their role is instrumental in helping businesses understand and navigate the complexities of Google Cloud cost management.

Identifying Cost Drivers

A fundamental aspect of cost optimization is identifying the main cost drivers in your Google Cloud setup. This includes evaluating resource usage patterns, pinpointing underutilized resources, and recognizing instances where resources may be unnecessarily deployed. Businesses can pinpoint areas where costs can be trimmed without impacting performance by conducting a comprehensive audit of these factors.

Right-Sizing Resources

Right-sizing is crucial to ensure you use the most cost-effective resources for your workload needs. This means adjusting the size and type of your Google Cloud resources – like Compute Engine instances – to match your actual usage requirements. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these resources can lead to significant cost reductions.

Commitment-Based Discounts

Google Cloud offers various pricing models, including sustained use and committed use discounts, which can benefit long-term cost savings. Businesses can take advantage of these models by understanding and forecasting their resource needs. Committed use discounts, for example, offer lower prices for a specified usage level over a set period.

Storage Optimization

Proper data storage management is a key area for cost savings in Google Cloud. It involves selecting the right storage classes and managing the data lifecycle effectively. Businesses can use different storage classes for data based on access frequency and retention requirements, significantly reducing storage costs.

Network Optimization

Optimizing network usage in Google Cloud is a critical step toward cost savings. Strategies include leveraging Google Cloud CDN for efficient content delivery and reducing latency and bandwidth costs. Additionally, strategically selecting network regions can significantly impact data transfer costs. Placing resources in regions closer to the end-users can minimize latency and reduce the cost associated with data movement across regions.

Furthermore, implementing custom network topologies can optimize traffic flow and reduce costs. For instance, using Google’s Premium Tier network for high-priority traffic and Standard Tier for less critical traffic can balance performance needs and cost efficiency. Adopting performance routing and load balancing also ensures traffic is managed efficiently, reducing unnecessary load and associated costs.

Monitoring and Reporting

Effective cost management in Google Cloud relies heavily on continuous monitoring and regular reporting. Utilizing tools like Cloud Billing Reports and Cost Management, businesses can gain comprehensive insights into their cloud spending. These tools provide detailed breakdowns of expenditures, allowing for precise resource usage tracking and cost trend identification.

In addition to these tools, setting up custom alerts for budget thresholds ensures that spending does not exceed planned limits. This proactive approach enables businesses to adjust their usage and strategies, preventing budget overruns quickly. Moreover, integrating cost management tools with existing business analytics systems can provide a holistic view of cloud spending in the context of overall business performance.

Regularly scheduled reviews and audits of cloud expenditures are also vital. These reviews should assess current spending and forecast future usage patterns and needs. By doing so, businesses can make informed decisions about scaling resources up or down, choosing the right pricing models, and identifying areas where cost efficiency can be improved.

Conclusion

Optimizing costs in Google Cloud is an ongoing process that requires continuous assessment and adaptation. With the expert advice from a Google Cloud Premier Partner businesses can develop a more efficient and cost-effective cloud strategy. Remember that each organization’s needs are unique, and strategies should be tailored accordingly. By staying informed and responsive to the dynamic nature of cloud computing, businesses can ensure they are getting the most value from their investment in Google Cloud.

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Casual

8 Ways to Fix Over-Extrusion and Under-Extrusion in 3D Printing

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8 Ways to Fix Over-Extrusion and under-extrusion in 3D Printing

Are you sick and tired of trying to fix problems every time you print a 3D object? Tired of under-extrusion, when your printer doesn’t produce enough material, or over-extrusion, when it deposits too much and causes untidy, distorted prints?

Don’t stress! This article delves deep into the issues that plague 3D printing and provides eight crucial methods for overcoming under-extrusion and over-extrusion. Prepare to take your 3D printing to new heights and produce immaculate works of art like never before!

Understanding Under-Extrusion and its Causes

So, you’ve got a 3D printer, and you want to make some amazing stuff, like toys, gadgets, or even miniature statues. However, the 3D printed product isn’t always what was expected. The layers may appear thin, and you may not get a complete print. This condition is known as under-extrusion. This occurs when the 3D printer fails to use sufficient material to construct each layer.

There are a number of potential causes of under-extrusion. One of the most common reasons is that the tiny hole in the printer’s nozzle gets blocked, like when a sink gets blocked. This hinders the easy movement of the material (often a unique plastic known as filament). 

Incorrect printer configuration is another possible cause. To put it another way, it’s the same as ordering the printer to use too much paper. The printing process might potentially be ruined if low-quality filament is used.

However, rest assured! Under-extrusion might be fixed using our fantastic strategies. Here are eight simple methods guaranteed to improve the quality of your 3D printouts. Let’s jump in together and learn everything there is to know about fixing under-extrusion!

8 Simple Ways to Prevent Under-Extrusion

Does your 3D printing lack detail and strength? Here are 8 simple ways to prevent under-extrusion and produce better 3D prints.

Nozzle Cleaning: A clogged nozzle is typically the cause of under-extrusion, which is fixable by cleaning it. The melted filament can flow freely through the nozzle, which acts like a little tunnel. However, it becomes difficult for the substance to come out correctly when it becomes clogged with dust or residue. If you want better prints, you should clean the nozzle on a regular basis using a needle or other specialist equipment.

Make Changes to the Slicer Settings: The slicer software is what converts your 3D model into printer commands. It is essential to check that your printer’s settings are correct. Make sure that the diameter of the filament, the print speed, and the layer height are all compatible with your printer. Correct slicer settings optimize filament flow, avoiding under-extrusion.

Temperature Tweaking: Adjusting the temperature is crucial for successful 3D printing, just as it is when baking a cake. Find the “sweet spot” where your filament flows best by experimenting with different printing temperatures. Making this change can drastically improve your print quality by preventing under-extrusion.

Calibrate Extruder Steps: Steps in the extruder need to be calibrated in the same way that a chef measures out ingredients for a dish. If you calibrate the extruder steps, your printer will always utilize the correct amount of filament. Adjusting this metric helps eliminate filament waste and improper extrusion.

Using Quality Filaments: If you want professional-looking prints, you need to make sure you’re using high-quality filament. Spend your money on reputable brands’ high-quality filament. Using broken or low-quality filament might cause uneven flow and underextrusion. Superior print quality and material consistency can be achieved using high-quality filament.

Understanding the Extruder Mechanism: To understand your 3D printer, you must first understand its extruder. Look for misalignment or wear and do regular checks. Make sure everything is in working order and positioned properly so that the machine runs smoothly. Your printer’s output quality and reliability will both increase if broken or misaligned parts are replaced.

Regulating Cooling Temperature: Optimal cooling requires careful temperature regulation, just as with the heated nozzle. To get the best results from your printer, experiment with different cooling settings. Under-extrusion can occur if the filament does not adhere properly due to excessive cooling, while deformed filaments result from insufficient cooling.

Using Filament Dry Box: Use a filament dry box because filament, like a sponge, enjoys soaking up atmospheric moisture. When not in use, place your filament in a dry box to prevent it from drying out. Filament degradation due to moisture can cause under-extrusion and poor print quality.

Understanding Over-Extrusion and Its Causes

When 3D printers utilize too much material, over-extrusion happens. This causes deformed prints with bulging layers. The superfluous material stacks up, ruining the prints’ shape and detailing.

Over-extrusion has many causes. The printer’s settings can mislead the machine into using more material. Imagine trying to bake cookies using a recipe that asks for quadruple the sugar—they’ll be overly sweet! Prints are untidy when the printer utilizes too much material. A damaged or misplaced extruder may be another cause of over-extrusion. The extruder controls material flow via the nozzle like a gatekeeper. Over-extrusion results from improper flow control. The print speed is also an important factor. Printing at the improper pace can induce over-extrusion, just like driving too fast or slow on a rocky road might cause a car to lose control.

Don’t worry! We’ll discuss over-extrusion fixes in the next section. Understanding these solutions can help you become a 3D printing pro, making faultless and spectacular designs that reflect your creativity and skills! Let’s tackle over-extrusion with 3D printing!

8 Simple Ways to Prevent Over-Extrusion

It’s normal to be frustrated by over-extrusion, so don’t worry! Here are eight foolproof strategies for avoiding this problem and producing excellent 3D prints:

Optimize Slicer Settings: First, make sure your slicer software is optimized for your printer by double-checking the parameters. To get the best results from your 3D printer, tweak the filament diameter, print speed, and layer height to your liking. Over-extrusion can be avoided, and the amount of material utilized can be managed in this way.

Calibrate the extruder: This is similar to measuring out ingredients; it tells your printer how much filament to use. You can get better prints and waste less material if you tweak this parameter.

Check Extruder Health: Inspect the extruder of your printer for evidence of wear or misalignment, then move on to Check Extruder Health. Get rid of any broken or misaligned pieces and replace them. Over-extrusion can be avoided by maintaining a healthy and properly aligned extruder that regulates the flow of material.

Test Different Filament: Not all filaments are the same, so it’s important to try a few out. To find the filament that works best with your printer, you may need to experiment with a few different brands and types. The risk of over-extrusion is decreased, and material flow is maintained using high-quality filament.

Adjust Printing Temperature: Play around with printing temperatures until you discover the sweet spot for your filament. When the temperature is just perfect, the material can flow more freely, lowering the possibility of over-extrusion.

Change the Printing Speed: Modify the print rate until the desired results are achieved. Over-extrusion is possible at faster print speeds, while printing slowly allows each layer to cool and solidify properly.

Utilize Cooling Methods: Adequate cooling is crucial for 3D printing. For clean prints free of dripping ink, check the condition of your printer’s cooling system.

Fine-tune Retraction Settings: Over-extrusion can be avoided by adjusting the retraction parameters so that the nozzle doesn’t ooze as it moves across the print.

You can stop over-extrusion and start getting the most out of your 3D printer by following these 8 easy steps. Have fun learning how to make perfect 3D prints that will wow people and demonstrate your talents around the globe. 

Best 3D Printing Software

Design anything from simple sketches to intricate masterpieces with SelfCAD, an easy to use 3D CAD software. With powerful tools for sketching, sculpting, rendering, and 3D printing, SelfCAD provides a comprehensive solution for your design needs.

Whether you’re a freelancer, a business professional, or a student, SelfCAD has got you covered. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners while offering advanced features for professionals. Plus, it seamlessly integrates with industry-standard 3D formats, ensuring a smooth workflow.

SelfCAD is convenient and accessible, with flexible storage and a web-based or offline PC version. Best part? It’s cheaper than other CAD products. No more Pro account pricing increases or software updates.

Printing Perfection Achieved!

Finally, with these 8 strategies to fix over- and under-extrusion in 3D printing, you can make perfect prints. By understanding the causes and applying effective remedies, you can eliminate sloppy and weak prints and confidently embrace 3D printing. Optimizing slicer settings, calibrating the extruder, verifying filament quality, and tweaking print rates will transform your 3D printing experience. So, unleash your creativity and create stunning 3D prints that highlight your skills and ingenuity. Print well!

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