December 10, 2015

Cool Scooter Tricks You Must Know!

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Do you know a Pogo from a Bunny Hop? No? Well, check out this cool guide to scooter tricks by Halfords and learn not only what they are, but how to do them! They’ve explained how you can pull off some of the basic scooter tricks with a handy visual guide below. Just remember to wear your helmet and pads, whether you’re a kid or an adult, you’ll be pulling off stunts in no time.


November 26, 2015

Bric's Luggage – Compare This Luxury Company's Iconic Collections

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luggage, Bric's luggage

Bric's is an Italian luggage designer and producer that has established itself as one of the very best creators in its industry. With historical roots, it's been able to grow and become an international success, thanks to the company's evolving interpretation of the latest trends in fashion, durability, and functionality. Travellers would be hard-pressed to find a better brand when it comes to suitcase sets that give you all of the storage you need and the style you want. 

What are this luxury company's iconic collections all about? Check out the short comparison below to learn more. 

Bellagio 

Bric's Bellagio Spinner Trunk was ranked one of Fodor's best checked luggage for 2014. This collection is offered in a range of colours that both men and women will love, and you can choose from several different trunks of various sizes, complete with handy wheels and telescoping handles for ease of use when travelling for long stretches of time. The hard and tough exterior means these are durable pieces, yet they are surprisingly lightweight. 


Bojola 

The Bojola collection is a bit more feminine, coming in an iconic cream colour. These soft-sided suitcases are just as durable and easy to clean, as well as lightweight and easy to carry or pull on wheels, as Bric's other collections. You can choose from a variety of items in this collection too, from trolleys and spinners, to duffles and shave cases. 

Life 

The Life collection is a bit more masculine in appearance, with darker hues of cognac and olive. These soft-sided pieces are designed to be functional and lightweight, and they're made using easy-to-clean PVC that's sueded and trimmed with Tuscan leather, making them super chic. 

X-Bag 

The X-Bag collection is all about function meeting style perfectly. Available in a range of fun colours, these luggage sets are perfect for families that love to travel. But in addition to purchasing entire sets, you can also purchase single items in this line, such as the Rolling Duffle, Sportina Shopper in several different sizes, and the Pilotcase, to name a few. 

Pronto 

The Pronto collection is known for being super easy to clean and maintain, thanks to its durability and water resistance. Offered in multiple colours, this range includes products like the Ultra-Light Spinner in various sizes, the Ultra Light Rolling Duffle, which is perfect for day trips, and the Traditional Shave Case for all of the small travel essentials that you want to conveniently store and carry while on the go. 

As you can see, there are many different collections available from Bric's so you can find the one that is most suitable to your needs. Whether you are looking for masculine or feminine designs, single pieces or entire sets, there is something for everyone. So if you're ready to invest in some Bric's luggage that is sure to please your fashionable side as well as your practical side, shop online and in stores for Bric's suitcases that will meet all of your expectations for your upcoming business trip or holiday.
November 25, 2015

Examples of Social Media Gone Wrong

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social media icons, social media logos

Social media is a fantastic tool to get your product, idea or message known. Nowadays, literally everyone is on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and, what's more, they spend hours on these social media platforms. They are the perfect environments to get your business and product known, interact with your customers, attract new followers and establish a powerful brand, either by yourself or through a social media influencer platform. like NeoReach.

Social media can be an extremely powerful tool if you know how to use it, but it can also be incredibly dangerous for your business, especially if used carelessly. The competition on social media platforms is fierce and having a well-crafted strategy is essential for its success. On the contrary, poorly planned strategies can miss their target and, even worse, may be extremely detrimental for your business.

There are lot of examples of social media strategies gone wrong, but here are the most incredible ones:
  1. Twitter's CEO makes a blooper
It's one thing when a social media newbie makes a mistake in a campaign, but it's a completely different story when the CEO of an international multi-billion company does it. In 2014, Twitter's boss, Anthony Noto, made a terrible mistake when he posted a private message on his public account. It read “I still think we should buy them. He is on your schedule for Dec 15 or 16 -- we will need to sell him. I have a plan.” The message is thought to be about the possible acquisition of Shots, an app backed by Justin Bieber. The message was initially intended to go to Twitter's CFO but instead was made public to Anthony Noto's thousands of followers.
  1. NSFW message from US Airways
Social media is often used by big companies to talk directly to their customers or even to offer support. While this usually goes without trouble, there are some cases which can easily be defined as complete communication disasters. This is the case with one of US Airways tweets to one of its customers. The message was directed at a customer who complained about the company's service and included an incredibly inappropriate image. NSFW is really just an understatement for that particular picture, as many of  the users who have seen it said, but thankfully, the company deleted the message in less than an hour and issued a formal apology.
  1. Global Village's special offer for Martin Luther King's Day
Almost all companies try to have special sales on national holidays and commemorations, but when these sale promotions are offensive, everyone has to suffer. The manager at Global Village's Duluth, Minnesota, store tried to create a special sales day on MLK Day, but the message was condemned as being racist. The message on the store's Facebook page read “25 percent off everything black”, but was immediately taken down after customers complained about its offensive connotations. Fortunately for the customers, the offer still went on, but under a different slogan.
  1. Challenger's disaster causes a social media disaster
American Apparel found a very inappropriate way to celebrate 4th of July and annoy its customers in the process. The company's Tumblr page featured a picture of the Challenger space shuttle exploding as a way to celebrate the 4th of July. This absurd marketing campaign initially baffled clients, but later attracted a lot of negative feedback. The company deleted the image and apologized after several hours, but the damage was done. In a later statement, American Apparel's CEO explained that their social media manager was born after the terrible incident and didn't know what the picture was all about. A frivolous explanation, but at least they apologized.

About the Author:

Flaviu Mircea is a small business owner who has used social media as a marketing tool for his company. If you would like to learn more about Flaviu, you can check out his Google+ profile.
November 24, 2015

A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Car Trouble

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It is increasingly drilled into us that driving is a man's domain. One of the most tired tropes is that women don't know how to drive properly, despite evidence to the contrary. This becomes especially evident if, as a woman, you suffer a vehicle-related setback. All of a sudden, everyone around you is a car expert ready and willing to offer their insight into what you're doing wrong.

It's crucial that we arm ourselves with knowledge so that we can deal with car trouble by ourselves and avoid the dreaded mansplaining. Here is how to deal with some of the more common setbacks that usually leave women scratching their heads.




Filling Up with the Wrong Fuel

Despite what people may tell you, putting diesel in a petrol engine or vice verse is more common than you think. It's an error in judgment that has affected most drivers at some point or another. Knowing how to handle the situation will save you the embarrassment of phoning your husband to admit your mistake.

"Help! I've put the wrong fuel in my car!" isn't the death sentence for your engine that you might think. Provided you don't start the ignition, you can make amends for your mistake. Getting in touch with your breakdown cover will allow your car to get towed to a safe spot and drained of the wrong fuel. This minimizes the damage to your engine. That way, your seemingly costly mistake can remain a little secret between you and your breakdown service of choice.

If you haven't been so lucky as to uncover your error before starting your engine, things get a little trickier. You'll have to check whether your insurance covers you in this instance as you may need to replace the engine depending on the extent of the damage.

Jump Starting the Battery

There is only one thing worse than driving along when your car battery suddenly cuts out. And that's waiting by the side of the road for your knight in shining armour to come and rescue you. Our destiny is in our own hands, ladies. Arming yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge will keep you from being left red-faced when someone has to come and bail you out.

Jump starting a car is a two-person job, whatever way you look at it, but it's certainly not a man's job. All you need is another willing car with a working battery and a set of jump leads. Now, turn off everything that could possibly be draining the battery. That includes headlights, radio and air conditioning. Never try to charge a damaged or leaking battery, as this can spell trouble.

Connect the positive cables to both battery's positive terminal, and do the same with the negative terminal of the working car. Take care not to touch the terminals with your bare hands. Touch the metal of the flat battery with the remaining cable to earth the car. Start the assisting car and allow ten minutes or so until your car can fire up again. Job done.
November 20, 2015

Twitter Marketing Crash Course

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With over 300 million active users, Twitter is an essential marketing platform that businesses can take advantage of. As one of the biggest social networks with incredible engagement among users, Twitter can be beneficial to businesses looking to build brand awareness and generate leads. So, if you’re looking to start promoting your brand and business using Twitter, the following tips should help you hit the ground running.

Optimize Your Twitter Account

This is the first thing you need to do. Start by creating a twitter account around your brand, business or organization. Let’s say that you want to promote your business; your Twitter account should only have details of your business and possibly the face or ambassador of the brand.

All tweets should be centered on the business. The same goes for your personal branding. The reason behind this is simple: if you’ll be gathering followers, it makes sense that they’ll follow you because of your brand.

So, posting tweets about personal things such as political leanings or religious issues should be avoided. You want to make sure that every time people stumble on or see your brand, they will only see the best things about it.

Target Effectively

One of the best things about Twitter is that you can literally find every niche there is on there. This essentially makes targeting your ads and messages easier. But since you’re just starting out, you need to effectively identify the best demographic that you can reach through that platform.

One of the best ways to do this is through locating influencers and amplifiers. Simply put, influencers are people with a lot credibility or authority perception in your industry. These should be the first set of people that you want to reach out to.

They often have a huge following, and you’ll often notice that their followers tend to interact more with them by retweeting their tweets and mentioning them in their replies. If you can find these influencers, you can get them to promote your products to their audiences by currying their favors or getting noticed.

Use Twitter Ads

Twitter launched their paid advertising platform a while ago. So companies, brands, organizations, and individuals can start promoting their products and services to their audience.

Using the provided tools, you can often find your target demography, thus creating laser targeted ads that they will see and hopefully respond to. The platform is designed to deliver set goals and objectives.

For instance, you can setup campaigns targeted at gaining followers, increasing your website conversions, measure app installs or downloads, capture more leads and measure audience engagement. Whatever you do, make sure you have a goal before setting these ads up.

Have Your Fingers on Industry Pulse

The best way to take advantage of Twitter for free advertising is by tracking industry trends, news, hot issues and major problems. So, start by looking for and identifying all these.

Once you have these, you should create content around these topics and issues and tweet the links. More importantly, you could tweet those links at major industry influencers whose audience would want to know about your resource.

Not only does this help increase your followers and popularity on the social media network, it also helps improve website visitors, click through rates and conversion rates on your website.

Get Noticed

The simplest way to do this is by frequently retweeting all tweets from prominent individuals in the industry as well as mentioning them. You should also engage with them on other platforms using the same profile. If you do this on a daily basis for long enough, they will take notice of you and your brand, and possibly go on to promote your brand to their audience.

Joining a respectable marketing community is a good way to develop your marketing strategies and connections. To learn more or start a conversation about Twitter, visit Kreativa.co.



About the Author:

Oscar King is a small business owner who understands ins and outs of marketing. If you would like to learn more about Oscar, you can check out his google+ profile.
November 14, 2015

Premium Tyres: Worth The Money Or Just Marketing Hype?

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Do you need to buy some new tyres for your car soon? If so, one thing's for sure. The process of selecting the right ones can, at times, get complicated! That's because there is so much choice on the market.

From a distance, all tyres look the same. Get closer, and you'll notice that they have different tread patterns. Still, that's all many people assume is what differentiates each tyre. Of course, what some folks may not know is that the chemical makeup of each tyre model is different too.

You'll also notice that some tyres are cheap, and get referred to as "budget" ones. You've then got mid-range and premium tyres that cost more. If you're unsure of the tyre "type" to buy, you may have asked your friends or even car enthusiasts online.



Some of those people may have said to you only to stick to premium brands and models of tyre. But, are premium tyres worth the extra expense? Or are they just a marketing ploy to have you spend more money with tyre retailers?

As someone that's bought all kinds of tyres in the past, I can tell you that it's worth paying more for premium ones. Here's why:

They last longer than budget tyres

Some people assume that budget tyres are cheap because they are dangerous. To be honest, there are some pretty good budget brands out there. But they only work well on specific types of cars and in specific road conditions.

Stick those budget tyres on a car they're not meant for, and they won't last long. Premium tyres cost more because they have more to offer. They might look like budget models, but there are significant differences.

First of all, they will have an improved chemical composition. Tyres aren't made just of rubber. They also contain other chemicals to help them perform well in a variety of settings. Second, they are tougher. That means there is less chance of punctures affecting your tyres.

And, third, they will offer better fuel economy. Take the Michelin Energy Saver+, for example. Many sizes offer fuel economy ratings of B, and wet weather ratings of A.



They are quieter than budget tyres

Another benefit of premium tyres is cabin noise. The faster you drive on the road, the noisier your tyres can get. What some people may not realise is that certain tyre brands and models are louder than others.

In general, tyres with a softer rubber "compound" emit less noise. Cheaper budget tyres are often louder because they have a different chemical composition.

Warranty support is better

Sometimes customers may come across tyres that have defects from the factory. It's something that affects all tyres, regardless of who makes them. Although it isn't a problem that happens all the time, it can sometimes occur.

With tyre defects, premium brands offer better warranty support than budget ones. The good news is that you can usually take your car to an authorised reseller of your tyre's brand. So, if you happen to notice a defect and you're 500 miles away from home, a retailer near to you can help.


November 14, 2015

Bingo and its impeccable origin

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bingo balls

It’s often said that the oldest games are the best, and if you look at some of the classic games played today, many of them have archaic origins. Chess is a great example, as the current form evolved in the 1400s in Europe. In fact there are numerous amount of data which show similar games dating back to 6th century AD. Roulette has also been allied to a game that Roman soldiers usually plays with a chariot wheel along with many other gambling games which has been linked to timeworn China and Greece.

Even the humble game of bingo has historic origins. The game which bears correlation to ‘bingo’ as we know it today is the ‘Lo gioco del lotto del Italia’ which was got initiated during the 1500s. There is an identical format to bingo games today, with each player having a card with nine columns and three rows for the bingo classic 90-ball bingo.
game village, bingo

In fact this game is largely played in Italy today and due to its prominence it has become extremely popular in the other European countries. The game card bore quite a strong resemblance to the bingo tickets we see today. It had nine columns and three rows, with numbers engraved on any of the 15 boxes. Players always need to stay alert as they are suppose to check the called out number instantly without missing them.

Today, the virtual world is full of bingo sites offering a wide array of games along with a variety of fun features. If you play on a site like Game Village Bingo you’ll see that they have a wide collection of bingo games which is easy to operate as you don’t have to mark off the numbers yourself.

In fact the prizes are well taken care off! You can also opt to join in the progressive or the guaranteed jackpots along with the special games which are usually attached to big events or changing season. Keep an eye on the promotions tab of the site to make sure you don’t miss out on any of these.
Bingo has always been a great way to unwind your mind from a heavy day at work or at home. Hence you should certainly join in to relish on the flavour of some extremely popular set of bingo games at www.gamevillage.com.

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November 12, 2015

The Most (Affordable) Fun Cars On The Road

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When you’re buying a car, people throw all kinds of figures at you. There are mileage figures, safety ratings, insurance brackets etc, etc. If you ask us, cars shouldn’t be about statistics and numbers. It’s all about the driving experience. What does it feel like to get behind the wheel and put your foot down? At the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

You’re going to spend a lot of time in your car. And all the fuel economy statistics in the world won’t make up for a poor driving experience. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not for a second suggesting you go out and buy a Ferrari because it’s fun. Super cars aren’t the only cars with a little excitement under the bonnet. Today, we’re focusing exclusively on small, affordable cars. So you can have fun, even on a budget.

Mazda MX5

The Mazda MX5 is generally considered the most exciting small car on the planet. Honestly, it will even give Porsche and Ferrari a run for their money. The engine isn’t particularly big, so what makes it so exciting? Well, it’s all about the build quality. Mazda have mastered the art of 50-50 weight distribution, and it’s light as hell. The steering is edgy and responsive, so you can fling it around the corners. The little roadster is like driving a go-kart.

Ford Fiesta

When it comes to small cars, the Fiesta comes out on top, every single time. We know it’s the most popular car on the planet (it has consistently topped the buyer’s chart for nearly a decade). But, that’s only because it’s so fantastic. Again, the engine is nothing to write home about. In fact, it’s smaller than some of its rivals. Yet, Ford have filled the Fiesta full of magic fairy dust, because it’s incredibly fast. Not only that, but it handles like a dream. All in all, it’s a great first car. Critics are already calling the latest ST model a future classic. It’s that much fun.

Fiat Punto

Fiat have always has a quirky side. The little Fiat Panda has tons of character with its small frame and bodywork, for example. The Punto is no different. It’s one of the most practical cars on the list, but it has that Italian flare for fun and style. Fiat design their cars with the twisty, windy mountains of Italy in mind. That means they know how to make a car that corners well. The Punto nips around tight corners with nimble footing, making it super fun to drive. Our friends at the Hilton Garage tell us that people always bring it back from the test drive with a smile on their face!

Mini Cooper S

The Mini has always been one of the most iconic styled cars. The new model is no different. It’s bursting with character and personality. Luckily, the fun doesn’t end there. The Mini is a firecracker under the bonnet. It’s the fastest in it’s class, and a true thrill to drive.

You can’t go wrong with any of these cars. Each has a fun personality, and plenty of power under the bonnet.
November 10, 2015

4 Reasons We Love Volvo Family Cars (And You Should Too!)

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All drivers are joined by a desire to find the best car for their needs and budget. When you have a family, though, the pressure to get it right feels bigger than ever. After all, our vehicles play an integral role in everything the modern family does. Choosing a model that isn’t right for you can make life far less comfortable.

One of the first factors that you need to decide before purchasing a family car is manufacturer. When it comes to finding a vehicle perfect for your family needs, we strongly feel that Volvo is one of the best options on the market.

And here’s why…

Safety

Road safety is a crucial aspect for any driver, but it feels even more sacred when you’ve got your children in the back. As a responsible parent, this has to be considered the most important factor.

Volvo are well-known for boasting great safety features. Two of their products top the http://www.carbuyer.co.uk list of safest vehicles. Meanwhile, the entire range is heralded for these aspects.

You can’t put a price on your family’s safety. For this reason alone, Volvo is worth consideration at the very least.

Practicality

Another vital feature for your family car is the practicality. A great family car must be comfortable and spacious. Most models in the Volvo range tick both of these boxes quite emphatically.

The cabin needs to be spacious for the kids. After all, there’s nothing worse than taking a long road trip in cramped conditions. You can also take comfort to the next level by adding music and other entertainment features to ensure that the little ones don’t get bored.

Meanwhile, mum and dad can relax in the comfort of the front where climate control and other cool features should make driving a joy.



Cost

Let’s face it, the financial aspects are going to play a vital role in your automotive purchase decision. Getting value for money is a must, and you can’t go wrong with Volvo.

By viewing the range of models at http://www.carcogroup.co.uk, it’s easy to see why so many opt for the Swedish manufacturer. If you compare the XC90 to crossover SUVs from other production lines, the value is clearly with Volvo.

When you also factor in the reduced maintenance due to great reliability, it’s a pretty easy decision to make.

Enjoyment

While putting your family first is natural, it’s still important to drive a car that you enjoy. It’s very rare that you’ll hear a complaint from Volvo drivers.

As long as you look after the car by regularly taking care of basic items like fluid levels and tyre pressure, you should be just fine. You’ll have a smooth, spacious drive with plenty of cool features to enhance your enjoyment. Whether you’re using it for the weekly grocery shop or taking the kids to school, you’ll never get bored.

And knowing that the children are safe and comfortable will give you an added peace of mind too. Quite frankly, you couldn’t ask for anything more.
November 06, 2015

Looking For Your First Car? Read This Advice Today

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So, you’ve just passed your driving test? Well done! You are now legally allowed to purchase a car and get on the road. The only hassle is that choosing the right model can be tough. You also have to make other decisions that could impact your driving experience. The chances of you being involved in a crash are much higher when you’ve just passed your test, and so it’s not worth buying a brand new model. You need to spend as little as possible while still getting a reliable runaround.

Decide on the best way of getting your car

You have three main options when it comes to obtaining your first car. Most specialist dealers will offer finance packages, and they are perfect for people without cash on the hip. There are also lots of leasing companies that would allow you to get an upmarket model for low rates. However, the best option on the table is for you to purchase the vehicle outright. Visit second-hand showrooms and speak to the owners. There is always room for negotiation when you’re purchasing used models.

Check insurance costs before buying

New drivers make a lot of mistakes when they first get on the road. One of the most costly relates to insurance. You could end up in financial trouble if you don’t get quotes before purchasing your vehicle. Just because the car is available for under £1000, that doesn’t mean the tax or insurance is low. There are plenty of models on the market for less than £1000 that have huge engines. So, you could end up paying closer to £3,000 for insurance costs, and that doesn’t make sense. Do yourself a favour and try to find models with an engine smaller than 1.2-litres. That way, you should keep insurance costs as low as possible.

Select a brand you can trust

Experienced sellers at A1 Carriages say all the top manufacturers produce reliable cars these days. However, household names like Ford tend to get things right more often than others. It’s always possible to get a bad car from any brand, but you can usually trust anything made by Vauxhall, Ford or Peugeot. Don’t worry about manufacturers like BMW or Mercedes-Benz at the moment. Their models are far more luxurious, but your insurance costs would be astronomical.


Take the model for a test drive

Test driving your vehicle should be a top priority. Most used car dealers are honest these days, but some might try to pull the wool over your eyes. It should be pretty clear if there are any strange noises coming from the engine when you are driving the vehicle. Presuming you don’t know much about automobiles, it might be worth calling a mechanic too. Most professionals are willing to attend car viewings with you for a small fee. Paying that money is better than losing thousands because you purchased something unsuitable.

Now you know how to get your first car without too much hassle, there should be nothing stopping you. Getting on the road after passing your test can be an exciting experience. However, you need to make sure that you don’t rush into anything. It’s much better to take your time and wait until you find a model that meets your criteria. You haven’t driven on the roads legally for your entire life. Another couple of weeks isn’t going to hurt.

November 03, 2015

Safety Tips All Female Drivers Must Know

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Being safe when driving is essential for anybody. Women driving alone at night need to be particularly cautious. It’s a sad reality that there are people out there who will take advantage of a woman driving by herself. However, this should not put you off from doing it. There are many things you can do to keep yourself safe. You just have to use your common sense and follow the tips below.

1. Keep your vehicle fully maintained.

This is an important tip. It can be scary to breakdown in the middle of nowhere or in an unfamiliar location. Keeping your car fully fueled and having regular maintenance checks is vital. If you notice something isn’t quite right with your car, get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Don’t leave it. It may be a serious issue that could get worse.

It’s important to have some basic knowledge about your vehicle to keep it maintained. Check dealership websites for full details for your car’s specifications, like this one for the 2016 Subaru Forester. It may also be beneficial to research issues other people have had with the same model. This will help you notice the warning signs before they get worse.

2. Locking your doors

Whenever you leave your vehicle, always ensure your doors are locked. You don’t want to make it easy for thieves to steal your valuables or your car itself. When you are walking back to your car, have your keys out ready. When you get into the car, lock the doors. A thief could take the opportunity to open your car door and steal your bag when you stop at a red light or when you are pulled over.

3. Hide your valuables

Don’t leave shopping bags or Sat Navs on display in your car. Some people won’t think twice about breaking your windows and grabbing what you’ve left inside. Keep your valuables hidden by locking items in the boot of your car. A break in makes your car vulnerable and more appealing for other thieves. Avoid this from happening by always hiding your belongings.

4. Full battery on your phone

Try to keep a full battery on your phone. You don’t want to breakdown and not be able to call for help. It’s also useful to have your phone in case your Sat Nav breaks, or you get lost. Invest in a portable battery charger that you can keep in your car. Remember always to keep your phone and charger out of sight.

5. Be wary of everyone

Majority of the time people will be genuine and just want to help if you get into trouble. But others may try to manipulate the situation. It’s important to be cautious of strangers, no matter how genuine they appear. Never pick up hitchhikers or people who appear stranded. Thieves are smart and will make themselves seem vulnerable to make you stop. If you are concerned about someone who seems stranded, call the police instead. It’s safer for you to drive past and call for help rather than get out of your car and intervene.

These are just five tips you should follow when driving alone, particularly at night. Just take the right precautions and always inform someone of your route beforehand.
October 08, 2015

A Commercial Shoot (Behind the Scenes)

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I'm excited to tell you that I'm part of a commercial that will soon air on TV and below are some of the behind the scene pics. :) 

My call slip :)

Although I am not on the lead role but having this exposure is already a blessing and I'm so thankful to my friend, classmate and director - Mr. Angelo Mag-aso. Thanks again Magssss!

Day 1 - Studio Shoot  

My first scene (during the graduation of the students). I am their teacher. Hehe. PD was fixing my uniform that time before the director says. "ACTION!". Hehe. :) 

October 05, 2015

A Short Guide to Domain Registration

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A domain is one of those things that nearly anyone who uses a computer or reads the news has heard of, but a relative few actually know what it is, what it does and why it's necessary for you to have one if you're putting up a website of any kind. Since more people are setting up online shops than ever before, here's a little primer for those who are new to the table.



What is a Domain?

A domain is simply an address, like you home or business address. It tells the web browser where a particular website is located on the Internet in the same way that a GPS will tell you where a particular home is located when you enter the physical address. The first part consists of the name of the domain, usually the company or person who owns the website, such as myCompany. The second part is a suffix, called a Top Level Domain (TDL), that usually indicates a business type or location, such as .org, .edu or .com. All domains must be registered, and they under the jurisdiction of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

All domains are housed on servers that are run by hosting companies. Each server has a unique IP address, and that address, along with all domains that are registered with that server, are listed in a database called the Domain Name System (DNS). You can look up any registered domain, whether it is actively in use or not, on another database called Whois, which contains all of the personal contact information for the person or business behind the domain name.

Why Do I Need a Domain?

Your domain name is both your identity and your location on the Internet. Without it, customers and search engines couldn't find your website. Having a domain also establishes your credibility, and it helps protect your trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property.

How Do I Get One?

Anyone can choose and reserve a domain name, even if they don't currently have a website in progress. It can be literally anything you want it to be, as long as that domain name isn't already registered. You simply choose a server to host your website. Depending on the TOS, they will either give you a free domain name and registration as part of the service, or charge a fee; the fee depends on how potentially lucrative or popular the name is.

Once you choose a name for your domain, the service will check available domain names to see if it's unused. If you find the name unavailable, you can add numbers, change the spelling or choose a different TDL. You can also bid on a specific name that's already registered, if it's important for you to have that particular name. There are some who make a good living registering and reselling domain names for profit. Depending on your contract and TOS, you can also transfer your domain to another server if you're unhappy with your current host.
October 02, 2015

A Celebration of Happiness

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Picture, picture! (wedding of Mona) 

So many things had happened. I wanted to write them right away here. But laziness just always strikes me ! Arrgghh..

Anyway, I'm in the mood right now and I just want to make a quick update on how's life and give you the reasons why I called this a celebration of happiness :)


Weddings

Two of my college classmates got married alredy. Yep? As in naunahan pa nila ako. Imagine? Kailan kaya ang sa akin? But I'm super happy for them. They have finally found their Mr. Right! 

July 15 -  it was my first time to attend a wedding ceremony. This was the wedding of Grace, one of my closest friends in College.  I couldn't help myself but to cry especially the part where she entered the chapel and her parents were waiting. 

With my college classmates (wedding of Grace)


October 02, 2015

How to Become a Pro at Almost Anything

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If there’s something in your life that you’d like to truly master, this guide is designed to help you! Anybody can become a pro at almost anything. Depending on who you are and what you’re already good at, you might find this easy or really difficult. But, you can do it no matter what! Let’s take a look at how you can become pro at almost anything:

Dedicate Time to it Every Day

To become a pro at something, you need to dedicate time to it every day. The amount of time you dedicate will depend on what it is and how much time you have. However, it’s usually better to learn in shorter bursts and then come back, rather than have one long study session. You won’t retain information as well when you have one long session!

Outline What You’d Like to Achieve

Make sure you outline what you’d like to achieve. I’m not just talking in general either, for example, learn how to code. I mean set yourself smaller more manageable tasks. Split them up as many times as you can to make teeny tiny tasks, and before you know it they will all add up to the bigger goal! You’ll simply be far more likely to stick to it and won’t get overwhelmed.



Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are the devil when you’re trying to learn something new, so get rid of them. Put your mobile in another room, and turn the TV off. Simply focus on what you’re trying to achieve. Before you know it, you will have learnt a new skill all on your own!

Find Lots of Useful Resources

There are so many useful resources out there, you don’t need to use only one. There are classes, workshops, tutors, online videos, and online courses. You have so many options depending on what suits you! Everybody learns a different way. Some from writing, some from practical, some from a mix. Work out the best way you retain information and then do that.

Don’t Give Up

Never give up. The key is to have a positive attitude and can-do mindset and you’ll always get to where you want to be. Everybody started out where you were once. Everything started out as just an idea. It’s up to you to put the effort in to bring them to life. When you have a ‘can’t fail’ attitude, you really won’t fail. There’s no way anybody with that attitude ever failed.

Challenge Yourself

To become a pro, you need to try things and experiment. You need to challenge yourself. Do things you think might not be possible yet and you might surprise yourself. Don’t hold yourself back. Don’t be afraid of failure. Failure only helps us to become successful by teaching us about the things we don’t know, so there’s no harm in it!

If you’re determined to become a pro, you’ll do it. Have that mindset, take the steps to get there and you’ll do it easily. Come back soon!
September 16, 2015

Movavi Video Editor for Mac Review

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Do you feel that you aren’t getting the most out of your Mac because you’re not making use of its video editing capabilities? If you wish you could but are turned off by the steep learning curve that is often talked about in relation to editing videos – the solution is simple: Try out a more user-friendly software such as the Movavi Video Editor for Mac.

Instead of having to jump through hoops and leap over hurdles to edit your videos, the Movavi Video Editor for Mac will make the process as painless as possible. In fact, in most cases the features that you’ll use will be extremely intuitive and straightforward.

Because of its emphasis on providing video editing software for Mac that is easy to use, it should only take you a couple of minutes to come to grips with the user interface – and soon after that you’ll be able to figure out most of the features.

Don’t be fooled by how simple it all seems however – the truth is that the Movavi Video Editor for Mac is actually very powerful and brings tons of great features to the table, including:
    • Trimming out unwanted video footage or merging video clips together by cutting and combining them as needed.

    • Fixing color settings and tweaking them accordingly to enhance the overall video quality and appearance.

    • Jazzing up the video with a bit of polish in the form of stylish transitions between scenes.

    • Adding background music or a voiceover by inserting audio directly into the video timeline.

    • Conveniently saving the video with the help of presets to optimize it for your platform or device.
In a nutshell, you should have the tools that you need to create a professional-looking video for work or personal purposes. What you do from there on out is up to you, but if you feel that it is good enough you may even want to upload it to YouTube or Facebook to share and show off to your friends and family. Who knows – you may even want to start producing more of your own content on a regular basis.
September 07, 2015

The Best Gifts for Female Gamers

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Gift buying can be incredibly hard. You need to buy something that suits the interests and personality of the person you’re buying for. Here are some ideas when buying for a female gaming enthusiast.



Gaming-Themed Jewellery

Yes, there is plenty of gaming-themed jewellery out there. It’s a great way of combining your friend’s love of gaming with the conventional gift of jewellery. It puts a new spin on an old gift idea. The internet is literally packed with different kinds of gaming-themed jewellery, so you definitely won’t be short of choices. You can get little earrings that have little gaming symbols on them or characters from different games. They’re fun and interesting, and they make perfect gifts for gamers.

A Gaming Chair

Every gamer, whether they’re male or female, needs a great gaming chair to relax in when they’re having fun on whatever game they’re playing. Gaming chairs can be found in lots of different price ranges nowadays, so you should be able to find one no matter what your budget is. The best ones are equipped with all kinds of gadgets and accessories that hook the chair up to the games console. Alternatively, you could buy a gaming desk or other functional items that are essential for gamers.

Super Mario Chess Board

The Super Mario Bros chess board is incredible. If you know someone who is obsessed with that little Italian plumber and they love playing chess as well, there really is no better gift than this. I want one and I don’t even know how to play chess! Each character from the Super Mario Bros universe is represented with their own unique chess piece. They stand in for the usual piece you get on an ordinary chess set. It’s not particularly expensive either, so it makes a great gift.

Gameboy iPhone Case

We all need a case for our phone. They get damaged really easily, and the last thing you want to deal with is a cracked iPhone screen. So, why not help your friend out and buy them a cool iPhone case as a gift? There are lots of gaming-themed cases out there, but my favourite is the case that makes your iPhone look like a retro Nintendo Gameboy. If you were a kid when the original Gameboy was released, you probably had one at the time. It’s a blast from the past that could be the perfect gift for your gaming friend.

Tetris Lights

Tetris lights work the same way as all other kinds of lights. They’re a great way of bringing some extra colour and brightness to a dark room or office. But the difference is, as you may have guessed, the Tetris lights are shaped like Tetris blocks from the classic game. Tetris was undoubtedly one of the most addictive and frustrating games in history, but people still love it. You can stack the Tetris lights in different ways, the same way you can when playing the game.

Hopefully, these cool gift ideas will have given you some inspiration and helped you find the perfect gift for the female gamer in your life!
September 05, 2015

How We Use Technology to Enhance and Advance Our Lifestyles

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Technology is so prevalent in modern society that its influence can be felt everywhere. There are so many ways we use technology to enhance and advance our lifestyles. Check out some of these ways right now.



Communication

Communication is the key to a functional society. You have to make sure you are able to communicate whenever you need to. It could be with friends, family, or clients. But you need to make sure you can communicate. Well, the good news is that technology has made this much easier to achieve. You have smartphones that let you stay active on the move. You can choose the perfect laptop for home emails and Skyping. There are so many communication options thanks to technology.

Running a Business

A lot of people these days see themselves as entrepreneurs. The small business market is flourishing, and every week more and more people launch new businesses. And these days it is impossible to make a business successful without the use of technology. Think about all the most important components relating to your business. You'll need an excellent website, client communication, and a great marketing strategy. And the only way to get all of this is through the use of technology. You’ve got to make sure your business is active across a digital platform.

Getting Around

You might not have considered it, but technology is vital for us getting around. Think about how many transport networks run on technology. And think about the transport you use in your daily life. Whether it’s cars, motorbikes or SegBoards, they all need to use technology to run. In fact, even using a bike you’ll probably require some form of GPS system. Technology is crucial for getting around on a daily basis. So this will help you to develop a

Connecting With Strangers

We all use technology daily, and one of the biggest things we use is social media. Can you remember a time before social networking sites? Most people won’t be able to. And there is a debate about whether social networking is a positive or negative thing. This is largely a moot point. But one thing’s for sure, it has enhanced our lives. We can use these sites to stay connected not just with friends but strangers from across the globe. It’s an excellent form of keeping up with what’s going on in the world.

Entertainment

One of the major uses of technology these days is for entertainment. Think about the interests most people have. Everyone enjoys movies, music and television. And all these things rely on technology. You can get online now and watch things too. Whether you’re on a tablet, a smartphone, or you’re at home in front of the television technology is vital. And due to the way it’s developed it has transformed the way we observe entertainment.

As you can see, there is no doubt that technology has had a huge impact on our lives. It’s almost impossible to conceive of a time before the internet and smartphones. We’re so reliant on them that they dictate the way we live. Make sure you understand all the ways technology influences your existence.
September 05, 2015

Bring Your Car Into The 21st Century With Some Simple Upgrades

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Unless you drive alone at night, you will come across other cars on your travels. And when you do, you always see a car you prefer than the one you currently drive. It cannot be helped because it is human nature to want something that we cannot have. But, instead of pining for a car and settling for another that is not quite yet in the twenty-first century, you can make yours better. Let me give you a few examples of how to get the job done.

Get Better Tires

Whether you have an old banger or a brand spanking new car, you can always change the tires. In fact, it is something that I would suggest you seriously consider. Tires can make a massive difference to the handling and the performance, and you can install them on any car. As the thread starts to wear, the tires become less effective. The car won’t stop as quickly or do as it is told, almost like it has a mind of its own. New ones will negate all of this for the cost of fifty pounds per set.

Get Better Brakes

Again, brakes are another massive accessory that has an impact on performance. And again, they are something that is easily remedied. When you think about the twenty-first century, you think about advances in technology and safety, especially with regards to cars. The safety aspect, in particular, is something that has come along astronomically in the past couple of years. Just by installing new ceramic or metallic brakes, you can enhance the safety ten-fold.

Splash Of Paint

In modern society, there are a lot of emphases placed on looks, and cars are no different. Most people will just look at a car and take to it because of the colour or the style. Forget about what is under the hood; all we are bothered about as a society is what is on top of the hood. So, to make your car look the part, you don’t even need any performance enhancing upgrades, just a paint job. Paint jobs are not hard to come by, either. Just check out the packages at and Auto Body and pick the colour scheme that you find the most attractive. Easy!

Add The Right Gadgets

The time of looking at a map or an AZ is long gone. In 2015, we have gadgets that will take you to your doorstep from any place in the world. Of course, satellite navigational systems are so standard that even car manufacturers install them for into the fixtures. But, there are other gadgets that your car can have that will enhance your driving experience. For example, you can always add stereo speakers into the interior or TV sets into the headset. Maybe the most important of them all is the portable phone charger. Although it says phone charger, any electronic device with the right fitting will work.

If you don’t like what you have, do not settle. Always try and push yourself, and your car, to be better.
September 03, 2015

4 Ways That The Internet Can Help Your Business Achieve Its Goals

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There’s no question that the internet has changed society greatly over the past 20 years. And businesses have been one of the main beneficiaries.

However, the World Wide Web isn’t just a great communication tool. We can achieve far more than sending a few company emails. The internet is a powerful resource and you should be using it to help your business thrive.

Here are just four ways that it can improve your operation.



Increase Customer Base

The most important aspect of your business is the customer. Finding new and effective ways to increase your numbers is a must, and the internet can help you greatly.

Your website is one of the most powerful marketing tools at your disposal, so make sure it has a good design. Meanwhile, you can improve its visibility with SEO. In turn, this will increase your sales both online and offline. Don’t forget, people still use the internet when searching for local products too.

Moreover, social media campaigns can cast your nets even further afield. You won’t get that from more traditional marketing schemes.

Increase Workflow

Most businesses now use computers to some degree. For many sectors, they are a crucial piece of the operation. Computer technology already sends our workflow through the roof, but wouldn’t it be even greater if you could step it up another notch?

You can! Blue Star Technology consulting services will help you find the best way to make your IT solutions work harder for the company. The increased workflow should result in improved productivity. In turn, this should encourage bigger profits.

As well as helping productivity, outsourced IT solutions could also help lower your overheads. What more incentive could you need?

Assemble A Better Team

Recruitment is a vital part of being a great boss. Your ideas and innovation will only go so far, and you must acquire the best team to make those dreams a reality. The internet will be of huge assistance throughout the process.



In addition to posting vacancies on various online job boards, you can also use freelance directories to find people yourself. This gives you a much better chance of finding the best candidate for the job.

Best of all, some employees won’t even be required to turn up to the office. This can lower equipment costs and other overheads such as insurances. Most importantly, though, the right team of employees will get the best results for your business.

Organisation

Anybody that has ever applied for a job will know that good organisational skills are a highly sought talent. There are solid reasons for this, and essentially staying organised will help the business thrive. Once again, the internet is your friend.

Nowadays, you can pretty much make your office go paperless. You’ll no longer have to waste hours looking for a misplaced document. And as we are all aware, time is money. Meanwhile, it saves on the need for loads of storage space.

For the more environmentally conscious owner, it will reduce your printing output too.
September 02, 2015

How To Deliver A Killer Presentation (Even If You're Shy)

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Many people dread the idea of presentations. They hate standing up in front of people and speaking publiclly. It can feel terrifying, with all eyes on you. Suddenly you forget how to use your mouth. And, what do you usually do with your arms?? You start to sweat, and words tumble out of your mouth. If that sounds familiar, you need some killer tips to improve your performance and confidence. If you’re running a business, it’s likely that you’ll need to make a few presentations. Are you prepared? Personally, I quite enjoy doing presentations. So long as I am well prepared, it’s empowering to give a good speech. Here are some of my top tips.




Get to the point

Even the very best public speakers struggle to hold people’s attention throughout the whole presentation. As an audience, we get distracted, and we start to think about other things. That means you’ve got to start with a bang. The first few seconds are the most important. So, get straight to the point. Give them what they came for immediately. My favourite tip? Start with the conclusion. Give them the headline conclusion right at the start. Then, you can go into more detail. But grab their attention first.

Tell a story

After the crucial introduction, the tricky part is weaving a compelling central part. This is where you’ll start to lose your audience. It’s the dense part of the presentation where you discuss figures and case studies. It’s not easy to make this part compelling. One trick that most of the best orators use is storytelling. Weave an intriguing and captivating story. Base it on real life, and use it to hold your audience’s attention. Throughout the story, you can inject the necessary facts and figures.

Personality and performance

This is the hardest part of a presentation to teach. For some people, performing and public speaking come quite naturally. Now, I’m not saying you need to be the world’s best comedian. You don’t need to jump around and act out the presentation. I’m talking about the way you tell the stories and deliver the headlines. Simple variations in voice tone and facial expression is enough to keep the audience listening. Use your hands, and move around a little. Demonstrate passion and excitement for the subject. Avoid a dull, monotone delivery.

Use visual accompaniments

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Well, it’s certainly true when it comes to presentations. Why would you reel off a long list of figures when you can quickly display them on a chart or graph? Speeches and presentations are for persuading and convincing. It needs to be crystal clear and simple. So, if there are any complex figures or issues, use a visual accompaniment. Use projectors to display graphs and case studies. Use a handout or brochure to show your full product list.

Leave them with a powerful thought

All that’s left to do is wrap up the presentation in a way that connects with the audience. I find the best thing to do is leave them with a thinker! Change their perspective on something, or show them a new future. Leave them inspired and thoughtful.

That’s all there is to it! Make it concise, compelling, and always leave them with a powerful thought. Got any other great tips I should know about?
August 27, 2015

The Most Popular Ways Of Occupying Yourself Online

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woman using a laptop


Any ladies with free time on their hands might turn to the internet for entertainment. At the end of the day, we are now living in a digital world. So, there is no excuse for lazing around feeling bored. You won’t have to look far to find something good to occupy you online. Just in case you needed some inspiration, I’ve listed the most popular activities below. I spoke to more than fifty friends before writing this post. The suggestions below are those people mentioned most often. You don’t have to listen to my advice. However, I’m just trying to help you out.

Using dating websites

Those of you who haven’t found the love of your lives will be glad to learn that all is not lost. There are thousands of dating websites online these days. So, you are guaranteed to find one that meets your requirements. I would advise that you don’t pay for a premium service until you’ve had time to check the site out thoroughly. You need to be certain there are a lot of desirable guys on there from your local area.

Starting a business

It is easier than ever before to start a business online. You don’t even have to make an investment in some circumstances. With the right concept, it could be possible for you to make a profit from day one. Lots of ladies register on freelancing websites and obtain some extra income. You just need to advertise your skills to find work. If you think starting a business is wise, you should look for something very simple.

Having a flutter

You need to be careful if you plan to gamble online. So long as you don’t have an addictive personality, everything should be fine. A few years ago, there weren't many casino websites around for people who used Mac computers. However, that has since changed. I spoke to the owner of Macdaddy Casinos yesterday. He told me there were now hundreds of reputable sites for people who use Apple products.

Watching movies

Online streaming services like Netflix offer fantastic value for money. Gone are the days when you need to sit through lots of adverts during TV shows and films. You can now pay a small fee to gain access to their entire catalogue. There are also lots of competing services you might like to consider. It all depends on your personal tastes. I hear the new Top Gear show will go out on Amazon Instant Video. So, you might want to avoid that unless you’re happy with your partner hogging the screen.

Catching YouTube clips

Those of you who loved watching candid camera shows in the 1990s are going to love YouTube. Hundreds of thousands of users upload funny and interesting videos every single day. It’s perfect for people who don’t have enough time to watch a movie. You can subscribe to your favorite channels to keep updated with all their latest uploads.

Shopping

There is nothing you can’t purchase online. Indeed, that is why so many people spend their free time shopping. Whether you’re looking for quirky items or standard clothing, you are sure to find some fantastic deals. Make sure you subscribe to mailing lists, so you are one of the first people to hear about new offers.

Listening to music

Spotify and similar services have become very popular in recent times. You can listen to almost any song in the world at the push of a button. In your spare time, you might like to create some playlists for your next social gathering. Also, listening to songs from your youth is sure to brighten even the darkest days.

Learning interesting facts

We all love interesting facts. There are lots of websites dedicated to publishing unusual information. You just need to bookmark a few of them and check back when you have time. I follow a site that lets me know everything about the current day in history. So, I have lots of cool facts to tell my work colleagues. They must think I’m a quizmaster.

Now you know lots of ways you can keep busy online, I hope you won’t sit around feeling bored after work. You could even invest in a tablet if you want to make things more comfortable. That would allow you to check all those websites and perform all those actions without having to hold a hot laptop. Just make sure you set spending limits if you plan to gamble online. It can be easy to get carried away.

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