Is Fortnite Addictive?

fortnite

With its massive popularity, fortnite has become the go-to example when people talk about addictive video games. Parents may be concerned that this game is so addictive for children that they will spend all their time playing it. While there are some concerns that fortnite is addictive, it is not as harmful as other popular online games like League of Legends and Minecraft. However, if you are concerned, you can limit your child’s play time on fortnite by setting strict gaming rules.

Fortnite is a free-to-play multiplayer game that launched in 2017 by developer Epic Games. It is available on the latest consoles (Playstation, Xbox and Switch), PC computers running Windows and Mac and Android mobile devices. Its most popular version is Fortnite: Battle Royale, in which players are dropped into a battle zone and compete to be the last person standing. Its first version, Fortnite: Save the World, is a cooperative survival game in which players try to protect human characters from computer-generated zombie-like creatures.

While it’s free to play, fortnite does have some in-game purchases that add cosmetic enhancements and unlock new weapons. It also includes a Battle Pass, which can be upgraded through in-game currency called V-Bucks that is earned by completing weekly or seasonal challenges.

The main reason for fortnite’s success is that it’s accessible to a wide range of gamers. The game isn’t a technical heavyweight that will push your custom-built gaming PC to its limits. Instead, it runs well on phones and tablets. It’s also designed to allow cross-platform play so that people can play with their friends no matter what kind of machine they have.

Another reason for its broad appeal is that the game is constantly updating and evolving. Every season brings new weapons, maps and themes for the game to keep it interesting. Some seasons even feature a big boss, sometimes a licensed character like Darth Vader or a Disney character and other times an original quest.

Despite its schoolyard simplicity, fortnite offers deep strategy and gameplay. The combination of these features makes it a great choice for a wide range of gamers, regardless of age or skill level. Moreover, it shows how games can become social experiences that bring people together in the real world and across different devices.

How to Make Ramen

ramen

A savory and hearty bowl of soup noodles, ramen is one of the most popular Japanese foods. It’s a comforting and filling dish that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. There are many different types of ramen including differences in broth type, flavorings, toppings, noodle thicknesses and serving styles.

Ramen was originally made by Chinese people, and it’s believed that it was first introduced to Japan in 1910 when a restaurateur Kanichi Ozaki invited 12 Chinese chefs from Yokohama’s Chinatown to his restaurant. Ozaki’s ramen became a hit and prompted others to open their own restaurants or market stalls where they sold the noodles.

The noodle itself is made from wheat flour mixed with water. The type of wheat used is important, as it affects the quality of the noodles and their color. Wheat with a high ash content produces darker and firmer noodles. The water used also plays a role in the final outcome, as it should be soft and clean for the best result. The addition of kansui is another factor that influences the flavor and color of the noodles. Kansui is an alkaline solution like sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, and it gives the noodles their unique and distinct flavor.

While you are waiting for your water to boil, add the miso and garlic paste to a large heavy-bottomed pot and whisk. Slowly pour in the stock and coconut milk while whisking to fully dissolve the miso.

When the broth has come to a simmer, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. If you prefer a richer and more flavorful broth, add some mirin (sweet rice wine) or use a doubanjiang substitute like gochujang or doenjang (Korean chili paste; spicy) to give it an extra kick!

The soup is usually served piping hot, and it’s important to eat the noodles quickly before they cool. Traditionally, ramen is eaten with chopsticks and a spoon. Some shops offer special eating tools that are designed specifically for ramen, but you can easily make your own with chopsticks and a spoon.

To enjoy the full experience of ramen, try adding some pickled ginger to your bowl. It adds a refreshing flavor and makes the noodles more enjoyable. You could also garnish your bowl with a slice of green onion, a boiled egg or some seaweed. And don’t forget to slurp! This is a key component to enjoying ramen, and it’s something that you will need to practice before you can master it.

Fortnite Isn’t Just For Kids

fortnite

Fortnite has been one of the biggest pop-culture phenomenons of the past few years, with millions of players across multiple platforms. While it may seem like a kids’ game, this battle royale title is surprisingly technically heavy and can push even custom gaming PCs to the limit. With its cartoony graphics and flexible play, it also has a playful feel that appeals to gamers of all ages. But what is it exactly, and how does it work? This article covers what fortnite is, what it entails, and which platforms — as well as age groups — it’s best suited to.

For the uninitiated, fortnite is an online multiplayer video game that can be played on a desktop or laptop computer, a gaming system such as the Xbox, or even a mobile device. Its most popular mode, Battle Royale, pits up to 100 players against each other in a fight to be the last person (or team) standing. Players are dropped onto an island and must build shelter, weapons, and other equipment in order to survive. The game also includes a Creative mode, which allows players to design their own games and experiences, and a team-based mode called Save the World that involves fighting off zombie-like creatures.

Regardless of the mode, fortnite is played in teams of two or three, with players communicating via voice or text chat. This social element is appealing to many children, and it can help foster a sense of teamwork and friendship. In addition, the popularity of the game has led to the rise of YouTubers and other social media influencers who play it and provide tutorial videos on how to improve a player’s score.

While the primary battle royale mode does feature scenes of violence, it’s cartoonish and doesn’t result in any bloodshed or gore. However, there are some other scenes and characters that could disturb younger players, so it’s rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Additionally, the game’s chat function is unmoderated and open to anyone, which can lead to conversations with strangers that could contain inappropriate language or even bullying.

Because fortnite is free to play and can be accessed on so many platforms, it’s easy for kids to get caught up playing. It’s not uncommon for them to spend hours a day on it, particularly if they’re competing in competitive events with their friends or trying to earn rewards through achievement hunts. This can have a negative effect on grades, sleep schedules, and social relationships, so it’s important for parents to be aware of how much time their kids are spending on the game and set limits accordingly.

For parents looking for a way to limit screen time, Fortnite has an in-game Parental Controls tool that can disable the in-game microphone and restrict in-game purchases. It’s worth noting, however, that this only applies to the main game mode — other modes still allow for in-game purchases. For parents looking for an additional layer of security, Epic has announced that it’s testing a new app that will give parents more detailed usage reports on the games their kids are playing.

How to Enhance the Flavor of Ramen With Easy to Find Ingredients

ramen

Whether you’re a fan of the instant version or prefer to prepare your noodles at home, you can still enjoy this comforting and nourishing Japanese dish. Ramen is not just about the broth and noodles; toppings are just as important and can give the soup a unique flavor. In this article we’ll share some simple tips to enhance the flavors of ramen with easy to find ingredients you may already have in your pantry, fridge or freezer.

The first step to a great ramen is making the broth. This process can be made much easier by using chicken or vegetable broth that is low in sodium (you’ll still want to add a little salt later).

Aside from reducing sodium, the other key factor in a good ramen is umami, a richly savory taste. Umami can be easily added by using dashi (fish stock), bonito flakes, or dried shiitake mushrooms. Adding any of these to the broth will give it a deep flavor and complexity.

Another great umami addition is simmered corn kernels. These are common in some iterations of miso ramen and can be purchased pre-simmered at most Asian markets. Cooked kernels are a delicious and crunchy addition to any bowl of ramen.

Leafy greens are also a popular choice to top a bowl of ramen. Simmering bok choy or Chinese cabbage in the broth will soften them while their stems remain a bit crunchier for a nice contrast to the texture of the rest of the soup. Another popular leafy ramen garnish is shredded cabbage which can be found in most supermarkets. The crunchy and refreshing flavor of this veggie will add a welcome change to the otherwise smooth soup.

For a little heat, sprinkle your bowl with furikake. This is a traditional Japanese seasoning blend of various spices and can be easily bought pre-mixed at most Asian markets. It contains dried fish, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, MSG, and small pieces of seaweed. This seasoning blend is also commonly used on sushi rolls for a subtle kick of flavor and can be an excellent replacement for wasabi in Asian cuisine fusions.

Finally, a dash of yuzu kosho will provide a subtle pop of citrus and spice to your ramen. This fermented paste is a great alternative to wasabi and has a pronounced umami.

You can even add more texture and flavor to your ramen by adding a soft-boiled egg, sliced scallions, or a drizzle of garlic chili oil (we like the S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil). For those trying to cut down on carbs, try substituting the regular ramen noodles for zucchini noodles or kelp noodles. For those cutting down on dairy, a splash of coconut milk can be a nice addition to the broth as well. Try replacing the soy sauce in the ramen with tamari or Bragg’s. Finally, for a complete bowl of comforting ramen, don’t forget the shaved black radish and bean sprouts!

How to Write a Successful Cupcake Business Plan

cupcake

A cupcake is a small cake baked in a container shaped like a cup and often with icing on top. They are often sold as individual cakes and can be made in a variety of flavors and toppings. They are a popular dessert, and are generally eaten as a snack or for special occasions. The cupcake is also a symbol of femininity and romance and has become a common element of weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

Cooking activities provide many opportunities for children to learn about the chemistry of baking and about design. For example, when making cupcakes, children can practice measuring ingredients by spoonfuls. They can also discuss how the size of a spoon affects the amount of batter that is poured into each cup.

For more advanced students, they can create and test several different recipes for homemade cupcakes. The results will help them understand how different ingredients and cooking techniques impact the final product. For instance, a cupcake recipe with higher butter or oil content will produce a richer, denser cake than one that is lower in fat.

When making cupcakes, it is important to use paper liners to prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan and breaking or crumbling. These liners are fluted for a good reason—the curve of the liner allows for air circulation, which helps the cakes bake faster and more evenly. The liners also make it easier for the cupcakes to be removed from the pan after they are done baking.

Another way to help the cupcakes bake evenly is to bake them at a slightly lower temperature than the recipe recommends. Overbaking can cause the center to dry out and crack. The cupcakes should also be placed in a preheated oven because the metal in the muffin tins conducts heat more efficiently than regular baking pans.

The last section of the business plan focuses on explaining how you will meet your cupcake company’s goals and objectives. For example, if your business is going to be selling cupcakes to corporations, you will likely need to advertise to that market differently than you would if you were targeting individuals. You can also include specific short-term and long-term goals in this section. For example, a cupcake company might document the dates when it hopes to reach its first $100,000 in revenue and when it expects to open a second bakery location.

What Is a Cupcake?

cupcake

A cupcake is a small cake, often decorated for special occasions and celebrations. It is typically baked in a specialized pan or mold that has a series of interconnected cups for the batter. Individually sized, cupcakes eliminate arguments over who gets the largest slice of cake and allow party attendees to have a choice of their favorite dessert without the fuss of cutting and serving a whole piece. Cupcakes can be made with a variety of ingredients, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables; are available in many flavors; and may be topped with frosting, icing, or other garnishes. Some bakers make a separate recipe for cupcakes, while others convert standard cake recipes.

The cupcake is a common snack, dessert, or even meal option for children’s parties. In addition to being fun and tasty, they also provide a way for parents to introduce their children to baking. Unlike traditional cakes, which may require complicated decorating techniques, a cupcake can be made using simple decorations and still look great.

In general, cupcakes are considered a more decorative item than muffins, as they are usually adorned with candies, sprinkles, paper liners, and other decorations. In addition, they are more suited for special occasions and celebrations than everyday breakfast items like muffins.

Cupcakes are often served alongside coffee or tea, and they are also popular at morning meetings and business conferences. Due to their small size, they are easy for people to take a bite of when they are in a hurry. They are also a good snack for anyone who is trying to watch their weight, as they are less calories than most other types of desserts.

Historically, the term cupcake was used to refer to a plain, small cake that was baked in individual pottery cups, ramekins, or molds, rather than on a flat baking sheet. Later, the term was extended to include any small, round cake that was topped with elaborate frosting and decorations for special occasions. Modern cupcakes are a variation on these original creations, using a basic cake mix with the addition of wet and dry ingredients, and forming them into individual portions in a pan or cupcake mold.

Most cupcake recipes use the “creaming method” for producing the batter, which requires mixing the wet and dry ingredients together in a single step, resulting in a light, fluffy, and smooth texture. Muffin recipes, on the other hand, often call for different baking methods, such as the reverse creaming method or the genoise or chiffon method, which produces smaller quickbreads that have a coarser crumb than cupcakes.

The word cupcake can also be used as a slang term for a gay man. This usage is sometimes positive, as it can be a way to compliment someone on their attractiveness or sexuality; however, some heterosexuals use the term negatively to mock a person’s effeminate traits. In either case, the word is a common part of the LGBTQ community’s vocabulary.

A Parent’s Guide to Fortnite

fortnite

Fortnite is one of the most popular — and controversial — video games in the world. It combines two genres that kids love, building and battling, with a cartoonish look that makes it less gory than some other popular video games. Its free (although it does have in-game purchases) and multi-player gameplay creates a social element that can pull players in. And it’s available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, as well as mobile devices. It also supports cross-platform play, so a player on one device can face up to a friend on another – a unique feature in the gaming industry.

But, with so much going on in fortnite, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why we created this guide: to help parents understand what fortnite is and how it works, how to play it safely with children, and why kids (and adults) are so obsessed with it.

For those who don’t know, fortnite is an online multiplayer video game developed by Epic Games. Players can download it for free on a computer, gaming system like the Xbox, or even a smartphone. Players then join up with other players to battle or collaborate in an open world. Fortnite has many game modes, but its best-known mode is Battle Royale. In it, players drop into the map on their own or in teams of two or three, alongside 99 other people. They then try to find weapons and construction materials and fight each other until only one person or team is left standing.

The game is free to play, although players can use in-game currency called V-Bucks to purchase items. V-Bucks can be earned in a variety of ways, including by completing challenges or purchasing them with real money. The game’s success has been attributed to its flexibility and willingness to adapt to player needs, as well as the popularity of its “battle royale” style of gameplay inspired by other games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. The game is updated on a weekly basis — an impressive example of how online video games are increasingly being sold as a service, rather than a single-player product.

Parents should note that fortnite’s Battle Royale mode is rated T for teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board and, like most multiplayer video games, it has an unmoderated chat function. This could put some children at risk for exposure to inappropriate language or bullying, so it’s important that parents monitor their child’s gameplay. Parents can also set appropriate time limits for gameplay. And since multiplayer games typically last only about 30 minutes, it’s easy to pull a child out of a match before they get too engrossed. And if your family has more than one device, the in-game cross-platform features can make for a fun group gaming experience.

Ramen – More Than Just a Buzzword

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Slurping noodles in steaming hot broth, a multitude of toppings to fill all manner of texture preferences and a whole lot of flavour – it’s easy to see why ramen has become more than a buzzword. While ramen is now a global phenomenon, the humble dish originated in China and first reached Japan in the late 1800s. Adapted by Japanese cooks, ramen became the dish we know and love today.

The noodles are the most recognisable feature of ramen and vary in thickness, degree of curling and boiling time. The most traditional noodle for ramen is made with lye water, which gives it its distinctive yellow colour and chewy texture. However, ramen can be served with any type of noodle – from thin spaghetti to flat fettuccine and even curly mung bean noodles (kikurage).

The soup is the foundation of ramen, based on chicken or fish stock and typically seasoned with soy sauce or miso. The soup can be tangy and flavourful, or salty and simple. The Big Four ramen styles – Shoyu, Shio, Miso and Tonkotsu – are all defined by their broths with Shoyu being the oldest, whereas miso is considered the most authentic.

While the noodles, broth and meat are the main components of ramen, it’s the tare that makes it unique. Tare is a combination of a liquid seasoning and an oil that’s mixed into the broth, creating its flavour. Traditionally, chefs would soak dried fish to create tare and mix it into the soup base before serving. Today, tare comes in the form of liquid or powder and is a key ingredient in ramen.

Ramen is also complemented by condiments such as ponzu, sesame paste and pickled ginger to add flavour and contrast to the dish. Other popular ramen condiments include nira, chashu vinegar and bonito flakes.

Lastly, there’s a variety of seasoning oils to choose from. These essentially act as the final garnish and can be used to add additional flavour or keep the ramen hot. Koumiyu is the most commonly used and consists of a coloured oil and a flavouring.

Ramen has become a beloved part of many people’s lives, and is a delicious way to comfort yourself on a cold day. However, the noodle dish was once shrouded in mystery and only available at a handful of small, family-run restaurants. Now, ramen is the most consumed food in Japan and is enjoyed worldwide. We’re confident that it’s here to stay. To try this delicious, warming dish for yourself, head to your local ramen restaurant or grab a pack of instant ramen from the supermarket. You won’t regret it!

Should Your Child Play Fortnite?

fortnite

Few games have risen to the level of pop-culture ubiquity that Fortnite has enjoyed in recent years. While its ubiquity can be a blessing for families, it’s also important to understand why kids are so drawn to this game and how to talk about whether or not your child should play.

Fortnite is a free-to-play multiplayer video game that allows up to 100 players, on one or more devices, to compete in a multiplayer battle royale. The game is updated weekly and re-defines the concept of video games as a service, constantly updating with new gameplay options, including new game modes and events like limited-time emotes or weapons. In addition, the game is often used as a platform for social interactions, with many users creating their own islands and experiences that can be shared with other players on the platform.

The game has a PEGI 12+ rating and features cartoonish violence, but it does involve killing other players, and some of those scenes may disturb younger children. It is also a massive multiplayer game with unmoderated chat functionality in which players are open to communications (via voice or on-screen text) from anyone they are playing with, which could put some kids at risk of exposure to online bullying or extremism.

Kids who are addicted to fortnite can easily become absorbed in the gameplay, which is often lengthy and can cause boredom or sleep deprivation, or they might spend too much time on their phones, laptops or computers watching videos of people playing fortnite on YouTube or other gaming platforms. This can lead to real-world issues, such as poor school performance or social isolation.

Parents can take steps to address this issue, including encouraging children to play in the same room or at friends’ houses. They can also set screen time limits and be willing to listen to their kids’ concerns about how much time they should spend on the game. For example, kids with ADHD or who have trouble interacting socially may need more limits than other kids.

There are some concerns about how Fortnite uses data, as it collects information on how players engage with the game, which can be used for marketing purposes. Players can also earn virtual currency in the form of “V-Bucks” and spend them on cosmetic upgrades to their character. V-Bucks can be purchased with real money or earned through gameplay.

Fortnite is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox X and S series and Android smartphones through the Epic Games app. It’s also cross-platform, which means that a player on one device can interact with another player on a different platform. The game is free, but players can purchase items in the game with real money. The game also includes microtransactions, such as virtual gifts and clothing. This is a common feature of free-to-play multiplayer games, but it’s worth considering how your child will respond to these types of transactions. The company has stated that it will not use these virtual purchases to promote violence, racism, sexism or any other type of intolerance.

How to Add Flavor and Protein to Ramen

ramen

Ramen is one of the most popular comfort foods in Japan and it has made its way around the world. It’s inexpensive, quick, and easy to make at home and it comes in a variety of flavors and styles. There are many things that can be done to ramen to change the flavor or to add more nutrition and protein to it. You can also customize it by choosing different noodles, sauces, vegetables, and meats. There are even ways to add a little extra flair with garnishes and toppings.

You can make a big difference in the flavor of your homemade ramen by using low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock and adding some miso paste, soy sauce, and garlic to it. The addition of the garlic helps to offset the saltiness of the store-bought broth and gives it a richer taste. Using dark roasted sesame oil will also give your broth a much deeper flavor.

The type of noodle you use is also very important. It is best to go for a thinner noodle that is wavier so it can carry more of the soup in each bite. A thinner noodle will also have more texture and be chewier so it can absorb the broth better. You can even cook the noodle a little bit longer than the instructions on the package so it has more of a al dente texture.

Another great thing about ramen is that you can make it very healthy by adding a lot of vegetables and protein. You can add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy, and you can also add meats like pork or beef. For a vegetarian option, you can add boiled tofu and shirataki noodles.

Adding a soft boiled egg to your ramen is an excellent way to make it more filling and will also add some protein to the meal. This is a common way to serve ramen in upscale ramen restaurants. You can easily make a ramen egg at home by boiling water and cooking the eggs for 6 – 6.5 minutes.

Another excellent addition to ramen is some toasted sesame seeds. You can easily make your own sesame seed topping by putting some sesame seeds on a piece of aluminum foil and tossing them in the oven for a minute or two before adding it to your bowl of ramen. This will add a nice toasty flavor to your ramen and will also make it look more appealing.

If you want to take your ramen to the next level, try adding some sliced fish cakes (naruto) or small squares of seaweed (furikake). You can also top it with a variety of other sauces and condiments to add different flavors and textures to your ramen. You can finish it off with a splash of rice vinegar to balance the excess saltiness and a sprinkle of green onions for color. Just remember to eat this delicious comfort food quickly, slurp loudly, and enjoy!