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The Best Kpop Songs Of The Last 10 Years

October 15, 2019 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

For many Americans, our first introduction into the multidimensional world of K-Pop began with Psy’s “Gangnam Style”, a catchy pop-centric rap with a hook line that made the song go viral. But with BTS finishing an arena world tour with two 2019 Billboard Music Awards under their belt, and TWICE announcing a world tour with dates in America, it’s hard to deny that the popularity of K-Pop is ever on the rise in the music industry. If you’re new to K-pop, you might be looking for the best KPop songs to get a better understanding of the genre.

Buckle in and prepare yourself for a crash course in K-pop. We’ll talk everything K-Pop, including the biggest artists, the history makers, and the best KPop songs you should be listening to.

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K-Pop FAQ

K-Pop is a twenty year old industry that has only recently begun making significant strides in the global market – so there’s a lot of history to catch up on to understand the entire evolution of the genre. We’ve gathered the most common questions and answers here!

1. What Is K-Pop?

A lot of people want to point at K-pop and say, “Well, obviously it’s pop music,” or “K-pop is a separate genre of music.” But the real answer is that both of these statements are both true and false. K-pop is popular music in Korea, but it’s different from what Americans would think of as pop music since there are many sub-genres. The truth is that you can’t stuff K-pop into a neat box.

What is K-pop then? Min Yoongi of BTS probably said it best when he called K-pop “integrated content”. K-pop incorporates the music, the music videos, the fashion, and the personalities and talents of each artist. Albums in K-pop tend to be highly conceptualized, and K-pop music videos are characterized by intense visual stories. More than any other music industry, K-Pop sells the entire concept of the artist as a whole – their musical ability, their dancing ability, and their personality are all part of the streamlined K-Pop package.

2. What Is K-Pop Music Like?

K-Pop music has its roots in pop music – songs with upbeat tempos and catchy choruses. However, each K-Pop artist puts a new spin on pop music. K-Pop songs often include rap, R&B, and trap music. K-Pop music has also explored alternative rock, hip-hop, EDM, and ballads. The sub-genres in K-Pop make the distinction between K-Pop artists very unique. You can think of K-Pop as the ultimate portmanteau of music around the globe.

3. Are There K-pop Collaborations?

K-Pop collaborations with other popular global artists is actually a relatively new thing. The most famous recent collaborations have all been done by the reigning popular artists in K-Pop, like BTS, who have worked with Halsey, Charlie XCX, and Lil Nas.

4. Who Are the Biggest K-Pop Artists?

The biggest artists in K-Pop include BTS, EXO, BlackPink, Girls’ Generation, TWICE, Red Velvet, GOT7, Seventeen, Big Bang, SNSD, Super Junior, and SHINee. These are the artists currently topping the K-Pop and international music charts and the artists that have had the biggest impact on the K-Pop music industry. Many K-Pop fans say that K-Pop wouldn’t be as popular today if not for artists like Big Bang or Super Junior.

5. Are There Any English K-Pop Songs?

Yes and no. K-Pop music is primarily in Korean. However, many K-Pop songs feature a few English phrases. The popularity of using English in K-Pop music has led to the popular rise of Konglish, which is a combination of Korean and English. That said, finding a K-Pop song that is completely in English is difficult, although some groups like BlackPink feature entire rap verses in English.

6. Why Should I Listen to Music I Can’t Understand?

Many fans of K-Pop make the argument that music is universal – you don’t necessarily need to know the lyrics of a song to understand the emotions or the meaning portrayed by the artists. This is especially true when the song has a music video, which tells the visual story of the song and makes the meaning of the song accessible to international fans.

However, it isn’t difficult to find translations of Korean lyrics if you as a listener are adamant about understanding the meaning of the song.

How We Reviewed

Image via Flickr

In creating this list of the Best Kpop Songs of the Last 10 Years, we went through an extensive and truly impressive list of K-Pop artists to find the songs that made the biggest splash in the industry. We were looking for chart-toppers and record breakers. We also tried to evaluate based on the objective popularity of the artists to make the list fair.

Overall Price Range

Like any other music, you can buy K-Pop songs individually or by the album. Both individual songs and albums are comparable in price to their Western counterpoints. A single track will run you about $1 to $2, while an entire album is between $15 and $30. It should be noted that K-Pop albums tend to include posters, picture books, and other small items like mirrors or key chains. You also have the option of purchasing mini albums or EPs, which run about from $4 to $6.

What We Reviewed

Boy With Luv
I Got A Boy
Sorry Sorry
As If It’s Your Last
A

Fantastic Baby
Boo
Sixth Sense
Hello
What Is Love?

Boy With Luv

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Description

The first single on the album Map of the Soul: PERSONA, “Boy With Luv” is an integrated hip-hop song that paves the road of a new era for this boy group.

Artist

BTS

Year

2019

Hear It

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I Got a Boy

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Description

The first single on the “time machine album” I GOT A BOY, the title track “I Got A Boy” signaled a return from a hiatus for this popular girl group.

Artist

GIRLS GENERATION

Year

2013

Hear It

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Sorry Sorry

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Description

“Sorry Sorry” is a funky, EDM inspired dance track that highlights the newer, more mature sound of this boy group.

Artist

Super Junior

Year

2011

Hear It

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As If It’s Your Last

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Description

“As If It’s Your Last” is a fan-ranked best song produced by this girl group and is part of an EP with other hip-hop songs full of attitude.

Artist

BlackPink

Year

2018

Hear It

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A

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Description

“A” is the song that changed the game for this boy group, proving that hip-hop could seamlessly incorporate retro beats and bright, optimistic vocals.

Artist

GOT7

Year

2014

Hear It

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Fantastic Baby

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Description

This single once again set Big Bang up as the kings of K-Pop when it was released and marked a new turn for the genre as a whole.

Artist

Big Bang

Year

2011

Hear It

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Boo

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Description

This solo artist made a name for herself with the single “Boo“, which was one of the main tracks on her first studio release album.

Artist

Year

2009

Hear It

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Sixth Sense

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Description

The title track “Sixth Sense” is part of the fourth studio album for this girl group and features a soulful R&B with a pop overlay that makes the song an instant classic.

Artist

Brown Eyed Girls

Year

2011

Hear It

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Hello

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Description

Fans of this boy group have voted “Hell??o” as the best song of the group’s second album, with its catchy, joyful tune and melodic rapping.

Artist

Seventeen

Year

2017

Hear It

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What Is Love?

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Description

Known for their bubblegum pop EDM sound, this girl group won fans over with this song: the title track of their latest mini album.

Artist

TWICE

Year

2018

Hear It

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The Verdict

Image via Flickr

Picking the best song is a matter of personal taste – maybe you’re a fan of rap-heavy hip-hop or maybe you lean more toward R&B. Maybe you look at this list and listen to these songs and can’t decide which song is best. When it comes to K-Pop, the simple truth is that you will like what you like. But our favorite? Definitely “Hello.”

Our list of The Best Kpop Songs of the Last 10 years might feature the most popular chart-toppers, but there are hundreds of more songs made by dozens of K-Pop artists in the last decade that could have also made this list. The entire “integrated content” genre of music is so expansive that picking the best Kpop songs is a big ask for any dedicated fan of K-Pop music.

You might find it easier to start with the most popular artists of the moment, like BTS and TWICE, or you might start with the K-Pop groundbreakers, like Big Bang and Super Junior. Either way, new and old fans of K-Pop have a lot to look forward to as the genre enters a new decade of content production. We’re looking forward to making another list of the best Kpop songs ten years down the line!

Top 10 Fastest Cars Ever Created In The World

September 16, 2019 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

There’s nothing that beats the feeling of a fast car; it’s exhilarating, thrilling, and a little bit scary all rolled into one. Imagine then hitting the high speeds in one of the top 10 fastest cars ever made and you probably get goosebumps thinking about it. We’re counting own the fastest cars in the world and checking out the speeds that earn them a place on this list.

We’ve all experienced the thrill of going fast at some time in our lives, whether it’s on a roller coaster or riding on the back of a motorbike. As much as we love to go fast, we also know it can be dangerous, but when you’re riding around in one of these prestigious cars you probably don’t give much mind to danger.

Sure, we’ll probably never get a chance to drive a Lamborghini for ourselves, but we can certainly dream about it. Admiring the cars here is probably the closest we’ll ever come to them, and that’s okay for us.

The cars on the list of the world’s fastest are constantly changing as manufacturers find new ways to reach top speeds while also delivering a car that looks and feels good. With many of them costing close (and even over) the million dollar mark, these probably won’t be on your Christmas wish list but there’s no harm in fantasizing.

Even if you’re someone who isn’t passionate about cars, you’ll no doubt be interested to see which ones have made our list and you might even learn something new. Check out what the top 10 fastest cars on earth are and get blown away by their stats and speeds.

#10: Lamborghini Aventador

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They have one of the most recognized names in the world of sports cars, so it’s no wonder that a Lamborghini has made the list. The Aventador can get up to 220 mph and will go from 0 to 60 in just 2.9 seconds which is pretty darn impressive. Their production is limited but if you do manage to get your hands on one, go for the bright orange to make yourself really stand out. The Lamborghini Aventador was also named the Best Luxury Car on the Market which means it goes fast and feels good doing it. At the low price of just $400,000 for the base model, this is a steal for a sports car as cool as this.

#9: Aston Martin one-77

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There’s no doubt that the Aston Martin one-77 is the coolest looking car on our list, but it’s not quite the fastest. That doesn’t mean it can’t perform though, as it’s able to reach top speeds of 220 mph and have you looking incredibly suave while you do so. Arguably one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, you’ll be turning heads with this car, that’s if they can spot you fast enough. With a whopping $2.5 million price tag we’re not sure who exactly could afford this car, but we want to befriend them.

#8: Noble M600

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Noble might not be a household name like some of the other English car manufacturers but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to build a fast car. The gorgeously stunning Noble M600 is a serious contender in looks and speed, with the ability to go up to 225 mph. This is a pretty exclusive car with only 50 produced each year, and at a cost of around $500,000, we think that’s a good deal. You will be able to impress your friends by going from 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, and people won’t be able to keep their eyes of the body of this car, looking like something that stepped out of a classic James Bond film.

#7: Gumpert Appollo

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There’s a good reason why the German manufacturer Gumpert has shortened their name for marketing purposes, as their full title is actually Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur. If you can’t guess by that name, they make sports cars, and specifically ones that go super, super fast. Surprisingly enough, this is the first German car to make the list and for those who don’t know a whole lot about sports cars they might not even recognize the Gumpert name. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re doing. The Gumpert Appollo goes so fast that it can hit speeds of 225 mph and will go from 0 to 60 in just 3.0 seconds. You can get your hands on this speed demon for pretty cheap compared to the rest, with some coming in under $500,000.

#6: Zenvo ST1

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The Zenvo ST1 is a pretty fast ride, and what makes it impressive is how quick it gets moving. With the ability to go from 0 to 60 in just 2.9 seconds it beats some of our faster cars, but with a speed of 233 mph it just misses out from the top spots. Zenvo is a Scandinavian car manufacturer which might surprise some people to learn, as we usually think of furniture and not high-performance vehicles, but they seem to know what they’re doing. You can be expected to shell out $1.8 million for the honor of driving this serious machine, so as long as you’re super rich you shouldn’t have a problem.

#5: Koenigsegg CCX

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If you want a car made by a company who only deals in the very fastest and hottest performance racers, it has to be Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg. The CCX is one of their top performers and when they tell us it can go from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds, we’d have to agree with them. Koenigsegg has made this car pretty affordable when compared to others in the million dollar range, with the base model available for around $700,000. It’s capable of getting up to 245 mph which is an impressive feat for a car, and one that certainly makes it worth the thousands of dollars.

?#4: 9ff GTR-9

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When you want a car that looks good on the outside and can also go incredibly fast, look no further than the 9ff GTR-9. This car is made with the unmistakable body of a Porsche 911, only edited to go faster than before. 9ff is a German car tuning company who created this spectacular machine which is capable of going from 0 to 60 in just 2.9 seconds. The 9ff GTR-9 comes with one minor design flaw though, the inside has been virtually removed, so while you might go fast you won’t have much to do inside the car. With a top speed of 257 mph, it probably doesn’t matter as you’ll be too busy holding on for dear life than looking around in the glove box.

?#3: Hennessey Venom GT

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It’s great to see an American manufacturer getting onto the list, and managing to get so close to the top spot. The Hennessey Venom GT is a high-performance sports car that is pretty rare, with only 13 units in production, making it one of the hardest to come by on this list. With a max speed of 260mph and the ability to go from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, you’ll barely see this thing as it zips past you. There are varying prices depending on the make, but if you’re lucky enough to get one you can be expected to pay around $1.25 million for the honor. For that price, you probably would be too scared to take it out on the road anyway, less it got damaged.

#2: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

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It’s probably no surprise to anyone to find a Bugatti this close to the top of the list, as the Italian manufacturer is known for speed. Officially known as the fastest car in the world, the Super Sport is just one kind of Veyron vehicles made by Bugatti and the only one on our list. This car can reach speeds of 267mph which is seriously impressive. It goes from 0 to 60 in 2.4 seconds, so you can see why it’s constantly topping the list for speed machines. You might need a fair bit of wealth to get one though, as they cost close to $2 million.

?#1: Koenigsegg Agera RS

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Another on the list from Swedish car maker Koenigsegg is their Agera RS, coming from the Swedish verb ‘agera’ which means to act. Act it certainly does, hitting the top speed of 277.9mph. As of 2017, the RS is officially the fastest car in the world, and its previous model the Agera R was pretty high up on the list as well. Koenigsegg has certainly proven their point that they know how to make a fast car, even if us normal folk could never afford one at $2.5million just for the base model. One can dream though, can’t they?

The 10 Best Horror Anime Out Now

September 15, 2019 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

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Anime covers all genres, and sometimes anime fans want a break from the countless action, sci-fi, fantasy, and slice-of-life series that dominate the genre. That’s where the best horror animes come in, as this rarer but critically acclaimed genre combines a dense and twisting plot with heart-pounding thrills that equal the scares of any American horror movie or series. Anime is well known for genre-bending, so the best horror animes often combine traditional horror with another genre, like post-apocalyptic sci-fi or noir.

Not every anime is to everyone’s tastes, and some of these series are highly intense. We’ve put together a list of the ten best horror anime available everywhere right now to help you find the right one for you. Read on to discover the ten best horror anime to add some thrills and chills to your next binge-watch.

Best Horror Anime FAQ

image source: Pexels

1. What Is Horror Anime and What Subgenres Does It Include?

Horror anime is Japanese animated series and movies with darker themes associated with the horror genre. Popular subgenres in the best horror anime include zombie thrillers, ghost stories, body horror, sci-fi suspense, and supernatural action.

2. What Ages are the Best Horror Anime Geared Towards?

Most of the horror anime on this list are rated for mature audiences and contain violence and disturbing images.

3. How Long are the Best Horror Anime?

The ten horror anime on this list run between four and seventy-eight episodes.

4. Are the Best Horror Anime Available in English?

Yes, these ten horror anime have all been released either in dubbed or subtitled versions for easy watching by English speakers.

5. Where Can I Watch the Best Horror Anime?

The ten horror movies on this list are available on Amazon for purchase, and some are available for rent or streaming on Amazon, Netflix, or other streaming platforms.

How We Reviewed

image source: Pexels

The following list of the best horror anime was reviewed based on the following parameters the quality of the story and what makes it unique and interesting.

Overall Price Range

The ten best horror anime are available on Anime as DVDs, per-episode streaming purchases, or as season streaming purchases. One, Elfen Lied, is available as a free series with an Amazon Prime subscription, while the others range in price from $15 to $72.

What We Rweviewed

Highschool of the Dead
Corpse Party – Tortured Souls
When They Cry
The Future Diary
Tokyo Ghoul
Parasyte
Shiki
Mononoke
Yamishibai
Elfen Lied

Highschool of the Dead

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About

A twelve-episode adaptation of the popular zombie apocalypse manga, this series follows high school student Takashi Komuro, whose education is upended when he and several of his classmates survive a pandemic that transforms humans into ravenous zombies.

With the help of their school nurse, they battle to survive the vicious hordes of zombies along with the human villains who take advantage of the chaos. Compared to the popular “The Walking Dead” series, we recommend it for its compelling cast of characters and intense zombie action.

Corpse Party – Tortured Souls

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About

A four-episode adaptation of the Japanese video game Corpse Party, this two-hour series takes the form of a ghost story move that kicks off when a group of teenagers perform a friendship charm for a classmate who is moving away.

This triggers an earthquake that sends the kids to a mysterious school named Heavenly Host, where they wander the haunted halls and encounter the murderous ghosts of a previous school massacre. A classic ghost story filled with disturbing visuals, it has some of the best twists and turns of any anime on the list.

When They Cry

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About

This supernatural murder mystery is a twenty-six episode series that follows a group of five friends who live in the village of Hinamizawa, where the annual Watanagashi Festival is cursed.

Every year is plagued by unexplained murders, and this year the carnage is starting early. Divided into six short story arcs, this series has one of the most densely plotted story arcs on the list and has lush character development and a great sense of pacing.

The Future Diary

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About

Fusing sci-fi horror with elements of classic series like Battle Royale and The Hunger Games, this 26-episode series focuses on the Diary Games, a mysterious battle royale pitting twelve different individuals in a fight to death.

Each participant is given a diary by the mastermind, the god of Time and Space, that can predict the future. The god plans to pick the winner as his heir. It is a more complicated and often metaphysical suspense story than a pure horror series. Its best features are the intense plot and the way it asks deep questions about the future.

Tokyo Ghoul

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About

This twelve-episode adaptation of the popular manga is one of the most famous horror anime and is a clever fusing of the horror and high school anime genres.

It’s set in a world where ghouls, beings that look like normal humans but eat human flesh, secretly live among people. When high schooler Ken Kaneki is attacked by his date – a ghoul in disguise – he undergoes an experimental surgery that turns him into a half-ghoul and forces him to rely on the help of a band of benevolent ghouls who run a coffee shop to survive.

Parasyte

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About

A twenty-four episode adaptation of the manga, this darkly comic body horror anime focuses on teenager Shinichi Izumi, who lives a quiet life with his parents until he becomes the victim of an alien invasion of worm-like creatures called paraystes.

These creatures attempt to take over people’s brains, but one hapless parasyte becomes stuck in Shinichi’s hand and gains control over that appendage. Stuck together, Shinichi and the parasyte Migi form an uneasy bond that allows them to survive as Migi’s monstrous fellow invaders make their move on the human population.

Shiki

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About

Adapted from a popular horror novel series that became a manga, this 22-episode series takes place in the 1990s during a heatwave in a small village named Sotoba.

When a series of mysterious deaths plague the village, suspicions fall upon a strange family that just moved into a long-abandoned mansion with supernatural history. Doctor Toshio Ozaki tries to calm the panic and prove an epidemic is behind the deaths, but more evidence surfaces that vampire-like creatures named Shiki may be behind the carnage.

Mononoke

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About

A twelve-episode spin-off of the popular horror anthology series Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, this period-piece horror anime takes place during the Edo period of Japan as a lower-class merchant attempts to make his living in the era of Samurai.

Lacking a strong central plot but packing in many thrills and chills per episode, this anime follows a medicine seller as he travels on rural roads and encounters supernatural menaces. This series has some very good creative scares and gives an interesting, in-depth look at the Japanese class structure.

Yamishibai

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About

The longest series on this list, this 78-episode anthology series tells classic ghost stories based around myths and urban legends in Japanese culture. Although the average episode is only a few minutes in length, the series has developed a strong cult following based on its intense scares and its unique animation style, which uses tension and space effectively to heighten the scares.

Elfen Lied

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About

A thirteen-episode series adapted from the classic anime and regarded as both an excellent horror anime and an acclaimed tragedy, this anime focuses on a newly mutated species of evolved humans with horns and invisible telekinetic arms called Vectors.

When one of these mutants named Lucy escapes from the cruel factory whee she was tortured, she’s injured and regresses to a second child-like personality named Nyu. Nyu is found by a pair of local teenagers who grow attached to her putting them all in danger from both the assault team hired to recapture Lucy and her fellow Diclonius, who views all humans as a threat.

The Verdict

All ten of the horror anime on this list deliver powerful scares and excellent tension over the series, but one stands out because of its intensity, strong characterization of its leads, and rock-bottom pricing. Its availability as an Amazon Prime original secures the classic series Elfen Lied its place as the best horror anime on the market today.

Top 10 Smartest Dogs in the World

May 28, 2019 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but we often look at them as our companions who don’t have that much going on upstairs. It turns out we were wrong, as dogs are highly intelligent creatures and some more than others.

If you’ve got a dog yourself, you might be wondering just how they fare in the smarts department. We’ve got your answer right here with the list of the top 10 smartest dogs in the world, and some of the breeds might surprise you.

#10: Australian Cattle Dog

For our first clever dog, we head to the land down under and find the Australian Cattle Dog. These amazing dogs have a very serious job, and if you haven’t guessed by their name it’s droving cattle. They’re used to tough conditions in the outback and are highly energetic with an independent streak.

The cattle dog is known for being extremely organized which you’ll notice as they often put their toys away once they’re done playing with them. They’re agile, like a lot of exercise, and may occasionally nip running children, so you might want to keep them away. They form strong attachments to their owners and love to be groomed and played with but be careful not to let them get bored or you’ll surely know about it.

#9: Papillon

Although this tiny, fluffy dog might not look like much, they’re actually extremely intelligent. The Continental Toy Spaniel has large ears that make it look almost comical, but they’re not to be laughed at. Papillons are known for mastering new tricks easily and will find most average dog tasks so simple that they might bore of them.

The Papillon is more of a people person and doesn’t really get along well with cats and other animals, and they like to get most of the attention. They’re known for being great watchdogs and are attentive of their owners and environment. These dogs need plenty of exercise but they also love laying around with their owners and being involved in all of the laid back fun.

#8: Rottweiler

When you hear the word ‘rottweiler’ you immediately think of a ferocious and vicious beast, which is how they are commonly portrayed in the media. That may be true in some situations of abuse and neglect, but mostly the Rottweiler is an incredibly smart creature. They were originally bred to be search dogs and used to herd livestock and pull carts of meat for butchers, but today are better as police dogs or search and rescue dogs.

They are steady and self-assured, and as such require a calm and confident owner. However, with the right care, they will be loyal, intelligent, and exceptionally good at searching for things or taking directions. Although they are not aggressive unless provoked or abused, their strength is something to take into consideration.

#7: Bloodhound

We all know that the Bloodhound is the dog to look to when you want something to be found, but did you know they also have the smarts to back it up? They are known as being determined and intelligent, and when combined with their powerful scenting power they’re extremely useful. We often see the bloodhound in cartoons being portrayed as dopey, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Bloodhound is known for being the ideal family pet as they are gentle and affectionate. They can be a little stubborn when it comes to training and will need to be supervised around children due to their size, but it would be out of character for them to ever harm a human. These dogs prove that you should never judge a book by its cover, especially as they are always judged as being dopey in cartoons.

#6: Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher was first bred as a guard dog in Germany, and they certainly do a good job of it. However, they are also quite smart and tuned in which is why they’re commonly used as police dogs or for other serious matters. They have a sleek look which can seem intimidating, but if you ask those families who have one they’ll tell you they’re anything but.

The Doberman is quite large in size which can be good for guarding work, and they are known as a loyal companion. They are incredibly switched on to their environment and will notice any changes immediately. Be sure to keep them active and entertained or they will get busy finding their own trouble to get into.

#5: Shetland Sheepdog

Sheepdogs are certainly great for herding sheep, but it seems their talents are being wasted here. These dogs are super smart and any family that owns one will know just what we mean. They are a proud and animated dog that looks and feels amazing, with a huge fluffy coat that you’ll just want to lay on.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a very excitable dog and will often greet you with some conversation. They pick up tricks incredibly fast, love attention, and will do pretty much anything their owner wants to do. Sometimes referred to as ‘shadows’, it’s easy to see that this dog loves to be attached to the family.

#4: German Shepherd

German Shepherds are a popular breed in America (2nd most registered breed to be exact), and they’re known for their cunning wit. This is one of the more curious dogs out there and they’ll constantly need something to keep them busy, so be sure to provide it or suffer the consequences. They train very well and respond well to a calm and confident owner.

The German Shepherd is a great career dog who serves the military, police, and other needs quite well. They can herd and hunt with the best of them but have a very strong wit that sets them apart from other dogs. This is definitely not a dog that you can try and fool with silly games, so don’t even bother.

#3: Golden Retriever

They’re certainly one of the most gorgeous and affectionate dogs around, but did you know just how smart the Golden Retriever was as well? These beautiful dogs might seem like they’re all about love but they are actually capable of learning over 200 different commands, provided they have an owner who’s willing to put in the time.

Golden Retrievers can be a little naughty when not given attention so you will need to occupy their mind and body quite well. They’re perfect at home with a loving family as well as the workplace and would appreciate the mix of both worlds when possible. A Golden Retriever will be patient and loyal as long as they live, so they make a top choice for a family pet.

#2: Poodle

We all have some preconceived notions in our head when we think about poodles, including their yapping and snooty demeanor. However, the poodle is actually highly intelligent and often thought of as the smartest breed on earth. They have sharp minds and are easily trained so you won’t spend months going over and over the same lessons.

Poodles are another breed who will take matters into their own paws when they’re bored, and they can get pretty creative about what they destroy. Known for their high pitched bark, they’re a great guard dog as well and there’s no way you won’t hear them when something goes down. Keep in mind they need grooming and a lot of love, but they will pay you with smarts and loyalty.

#1: Border Collie

Another of the great working and herding dogs and the one to top our list of smartest canines is the Border Collie. You usually think of these dogs as having a rightful place on the farm but they are useful for so much more. They’re some of the better competitors when it comes to dog sports due to their intelligence and when you own one you’ll often feel as though they are one of the humans.

The Border Collie does exceptionally well with children and is a cherished family pet, as well as serious advantage for those with a farm. They have loads of energy and will never refuse a walk or a play down at the park. If you want a dog that will obey whatever you say but also have its own curious and intelligent mind, there’s no doubt that the Border Collie is the best.

Resources

https://www.cesarsway.com/about-dogs/breeds/10-of-the-smartest-dog-breeds

https://www.petmd.com/dog/pet_lover/evr_dg_smart_dogs

17 Tips You Can Use Today To Improve Handwriting

May 1, 2019 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

When faced with the task of writing something, some people become and anxious and worried. If your handwriting isn’t as legible as you’d like it to be or you just want to make it perfect, there’s no need to worry any longer. We’ve compiled some easy tips that you can try today to improve handwriting, and you’ll be amazed at just how helpful they actually are.

For some people, handwriting is something that they learn in school and then hope to never use again. Unfortunately, though, handwriting is a pretty common part of life even in the digital age where most things seem to be replaced by screens and tiny keyboards.

Handwriting is a skill that can be learned and perfected, and it won’t take as much effort as you think. If you’re someone who wants to know how to improve handwriting without spending hours of time perfecting the craft, these simple tips will give you everything you need to do so.

#17: Test Out The Grips

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Most people don’t realize this, but there are actually multiple ways that you can hold a pen. If you’re struggling to write neatly it could just be that you have the wrong one. The tripod grip is the most common and the one experts recommend, but there are others that you should test until you get one that’s most comfortable.

#16: Writing Drills

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If you want to get good at anything in life, you have to start from the beginning and be willing to practice. Writing drills are simple little exercises you can do to perfect your handwriting. They consist of things like loops and circles that allow you to hone in on the skill and perfect your writing. Once you know how to do these things well, writing some simple letters won’t seem that hard anymore.

#15: Practice When You’re Busy

People think the only way to learn something is to put some dedicated time into it each day, but the reality is many of us don’t have time to do that. Keep a notepad and pen handy next to your desk or by the phone, and you’ll find it much easier to practice while you’re doing something else. Even if you’re not giving it your full attention, your mind will still be able to focus on the writing and you’ll learn how to multitask as well.

#14: Fast Drying Ink

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Not all writers will need to employ fast drying ink, but if you’re a leftie then this tip will appeal to you. We know that writing left handed causes quite a bit of smudging on the page, so if this is a problem you have and it’s causing your handwriting to suffer, invest in the right materials. A fast drying pen will do wonders for the neatness of your writing and they don’t cost much more either.

#13: Calligraphy Videos

You might not want to take things as far as learning calligraphy, but you’d be surprised at what this art form can teach you. Sometimes we need to think outside of the box and get inspiration from elsewhere. Head to YouTube and check out some of the calligraphy videos to inspire you and show you another perspective on your handwriting lessons.

#12: Reddit Help

Is there anything the people of Reddit don’t discuss? This online community has a very active and helpful handwriting thread where people can ask questions or share tips. You can get lost on here for hours checking out all of the information, and it’s a great place for starters to go and get some guidance. Who knows, you might become an expert one day yourself and be willing to give back to those who are learning?

#11: Look At Your Personal Style

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One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning handwriting is trying to mimic someone else’s style. Handwriting is unique for every person and an expression of our personal style, so don’t try and change it. What you should be focused on is trying to make your own handwriting style neater and more legible without changing the look of it too much. Having to copy and learn someone’s else’s handwriting form will take years to do, so it’s better to work on your own.

#10: Keep A Relaxed Grip

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Sometimes learning things makes us stressed out, and when we’re stressed we tend to show it in our bodies. Take note next time you’re writing about how you’re holding the pen, and you’ll probably find you’ve got a pretty tight grip on it. Make a point of relaxing the grip and letting the pen flow a little more freely, and you’ll likely find that handwriting gets a lot easier and neater on the page, too.

#9: Start A Bullet Journal

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It can get a little tedious practicing on paper with no real purpose, so why not make learning handwriting fun? A bullet journal is a great place to start as there’s no need to write lengthy paragraphs to make one. Invest in a blank journal and give each day a page where you make short bullet points about what you did, how you felt, and any other information you want to keep note of.

#8: Practice On Lines

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While it’s perfectly fine to practice your handwriting on blank pages of paper, you might find it helps your form more to use lines. There are various worksheets you can download from the internet or invest in a notebook with lined paper. It might not seem like much, but the structure it offers will help you perfect your handwriting, making it even sized and spaced.

#7: Instagram Inspiration

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Instagram is a treasure trove of creative works, and there are a huge number of handwriting pages out there to check out. Sometimes just watching someone use their pen and create curves and lines can show you how wonderful handwriting is, and help you see some techniques they use so you can try them for yourself. There are tips for beginners and serious experts, giving you the best of both worlds when you’re looking for some inspiration.

#6: Try Different Paper Rotations

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Whenever we’re struggling with handwriting we’re always quick to blame the pen or ourselves. However, sometimes the issue could be as simple as the angle of your paper. If you’re really struggling to get into the flow of handwriting, experiment with a few different paper rotations to see which one feels best. Everyone will have their own preference so it could just be that you haven’t found yours yet.

#5: Invest in A Quality Pen

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If you’ve ever borrowed a pen off someone before and noticed how nice it made your handwriting, there’s a good reason for this. People invest in quality pens because they’re better made, will make your lines smoother, and give a comfortable hold, all equaling better handwriting. Spend a little money and get yourself a worthy pen and you’ll see the instant difference. Make sure to keep it safe somewhere because nice pens are pretty tempting to take, especially in the workplace.

?#4: Write Complete Sentences

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When learning to write, we often focus on one letter at a time. While this is a great way to practice, it shouldn’t be the only way. It’s not often in life you’ll just be writing one letter at a time, so you should practice exactly how you write. Write full sentences and words so that you understand how they flow together and the spacing that’s required. This will help you understand the letters on their own and when used with others.

?#3: Posture And Stretching Matter

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You should always warm up and stretch before exercising, and handwriting is no different. If you’re new to this practice and always feel a little tense, you can do some stretches to warm up your fingers, hands, and wrists before you begin. Posture matters also, so you should avoid hunching over the page as you write and always keep a straight back.

?#2: Retrain Your Wrist

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Sometimes poor handwriting is only because of incorrect position, and a lot of this has to do with our wrists. You may very well need to retrain your wrist and start all over again in order to make your handwriting legible, and that’s perfectly normal. Hold your pen in the air and write: these are the muscles you should be using to write on paper, not your arms and wrists.

?#1: Take It Slow

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Rushing never helped anyone achieve anything, and especially when it comes to handwriting. Understand that this is a skill that has to be learned and you’ll get nowhere when you rush. Whether you want to set some time aside each day or dedicate to practice every time you’re on the phone, a little bit of time each day without stress or pressure will be the best way to improve handwriting.