Online Diary of AlRitch

December 09, 2016

What Types Of Services Should I Look For In A Digital Marketing Firm?

In this contemporary world, many Dubai business owners are realizing that having a strong online presence can empower them to connect with and then convert their target market. If this is one of your goals, it's important to know that hiring a professional digital marketing company is a great way to realize your objective. One great way to ensure that you employ the right advertising team is by ensuring that they offer all of the services that you'll need to keep your organization thriving online. Here are some of the services that you will need to obtain from a digital marketing firm:

Content Creation

Content creation is one of the most important digital marketing strategies that you can obtain. This technique is all about creating informative, interactive, and/or entertaining blog posts, web articles, photos, videos, etc. Digital marketing experts are typically skilled in utilizing a wide range of strategies to make your content incredible. For example, digital experts might employ subheaders and bullet point lists to ensure that online audiences can easily scan through your content to find the information they want. Additionally, a marketing team might use infographics in your content to ensure that your online media maintains an aesthetic edge.

Web Design And Development

Many online marketing experts consider a great website to be the foundation of any successful digital advertising campaign. As such, you should always look for a Dubai digital firm that can offer exceptional web design and development services. These services will help ensure that each of your website's product pages is optimized for key elements like:

• functionality

• aesthetic innovation

• cross compatibility

• engagement

• conversion

Companies like 1shoppingcart.com offer top notch online shopping cart software to ensure that customers can easily store all their products and services in a central location before checking out. Business owners who ensure that their websites are designed with this feature will oftentimes attain a substantive boost in conversion rates.

Online Reputation Management (ORM)

More and more business owners are recognizing the need to maintain a strong, positive online presence. Doing so decreases the likelihood that you'll lose clients or fail to attain new customers due to skepticism regarding the reputability of your brand. In recognizing these realities, the best Dubai digital marketing companies will offer top notch, customized ORM services. These services will help limit negative feedback about your brand in the online domain. A skilled team of digital experts will also employ strategies that encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews about your product or service line.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an integral, important element of the digital marketing process. This advertising strategy is critical to online success because it helps ensure that your brand becomes increasingly visible in the search engine results pages (SERPs). There are a wide range of SEO techniques that a digital firm might implement to engender this outcome. Some of them include:

• link building

• keyword analysis

• target market research

Social Media Optimization (SMO)

In today's world, millions of people across the globe log onto the internet for the purpose of socializing through channels like

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Pinterest

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Google+

As a result of this reality, savvy digital marketers specialize in implementing diverse, customized SMO services that will empower the client to connect with her or his target audience through some or all of these channels.

Conclusion

If you're ready to make your business an online success, now is the time to find the right digital firm. As you begin your search, make sure that the company in question offers all of the aforementioned advertising services.

November 18, 2016

Things That Can Get In The Way Of Driving

by AlRitch, in Safe Driving

Driving can be one of the most pleasurable and freeing experiences in this life. But all too often, there are things that can get in the way of you getting out onto the open road. If you are not driving your car as much as you used to it might be for one the reasons listed below. So read on to see what you can do to get back behind the wheel.

Distractions

One of the biggest issues that stop us from driving our cars is distractions. Whether it is a backseat driving partner that just won't let you get on with it. Or screaming kids that are demanding to know whether you are there yet. They can all ruin our motivation for getting out there, on the road.

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It would be nice to be in a position where you could just ignore you passengers and focus on the road. But this isn't likely to happen. The best thing that you can do is to lay down some rules for when you are all in the car like the ones at http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/safety/6-tips-for-a-safe-car-ride/.

Highlight that driving is a complicated activity that needs concentration. Therefore others in the car need to be quiet and calm. If they don't keep to these rules, try a few days without ferrying them around. Then they will soon get the picture.

Traffic Offenses

Something else that can get in the way of you driving is if you have been charged with a traffic offense like a DUI. Did you that you can have your license suspended for up to a year on your first offense? That is why is it always better not to drink and drive.

However, if you have been charged with such an offense getting a specialized lawyer can help you successfully defend the charge. You can find out more information about this on sites like http://www.klgdefense.com/criminal-defense/dui/.

Car Needs Fixing

Is your old jalopy sitting on the driveway with the bumper hanging off? If so then it may be the state of repair that your car is in that is causing you to avoid driving it. While it can be expensive to get you car repaired and road worthy, it is worthwhile.

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Firstly this is because the better state your car is in, the safer it will be for you to drive. Secondly, if you get used not to driving you may lose confidence in your skills and then be stuck without a means of transport. While this might be OK for now, what if something changes and you want to move jobs or neighborhoods?

Mobility

Something else that stops a lot of people driving is their mobility issues. It may be hard for some people to get into and out of a car without a significant amount of pain.

Luckily there are devices that can help with this. Such as the device which acts a handle to enable the driver to lift themselves out of the car.

There are also particular cars that are designed to be more accessible for those that have limited mobility. Which you could try.

November 05, 2016

Qualities of Effective Call Center Customer Service Specialists

by AlRitch, in Web Finds

Many owners of growing online businesses arrange for call center services to help them handle incoming calls from customers and vendors. While garnering the services of a call center is important, it’s even more important to make sure that the call center has well-trained customer service specialists. Take a look at a few of the qualities of an effective customer service specialist working in a call center.

A High Level of Knowledge about Products

A customer service specialist must be knowledgeable in order to handle calls in an effective way. This means that the specialist knows the answers to both basic and complicated questions asked by customers and vendors. In addition, if the specialist doesn’t have an answer to a question or issue conveyed by a caller, he or she knows who to ask in order to get the right answer. Callers appreciate getting the answers they need in a timely way.

Efficiency

An effective customer service specialist is able to answer a call in prompt fashion, listen to the caller’s question or concern and provide a satisfactory answer. An efficient specialist is able to answer or transfer calls without keeping callers on hold for an unreasonable amount of time. The efficiency of the customer service specialists in a call center is an indication of the professionalism of the online store.

Friendly

An effective call center customer service specialist keeps a friendly tone with callers at all times. For example, a customer may call with a problem regarding a product. Understandably, the person is frustrated at the situation. An effective customer service specialist remains friendly as he or she gives options to the caller as to what can be done to remedy the situation. Hearing a friendly, helpful voice on the other end of the phone line makes every caller feel important and appreciated.

October 28, 2016

It's All In The Details: 4 Things You Might Not Think Of When Buying ACar

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

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Buying a car is a stressful experience. There's so much going on, and plenty feels like information you'll never use or need to know. It can be difficult to figure out what's relevant information and what isn't. Some things are obvious. Mileage, age, and engine size are all pretty likely to end up on your radar. But some things might not spring to mind amidst all the stress. With that in mind here's a list of several things that might not jump out at you when buying a car but are essential to check before pulling out your wallet.

The electronics

This is becoming more important as time goes on. Car's are getting more advanced and with each passing year feature more and more electronics. From the obvious: indicators and headlights. To the ones, you might not think of like keyless entry, the sunroof, aircon or cruise control. All these are important features and can be pretty pricey if something goes wrong. But make sure you've got access to a reputable franchise of auto electricians, just in case.

Wear and tear

Now there's lots of wear on a car that you can see immediately. Rust, worn paint, cracks, chips, and dents are all pretty obvious. But it's shocking just how few drivers check those important, hidden wear items. Brakes and tyres in particular. Having to have these replaced can put you out to the tune of hundreds, even thousands. That's the last thing you want straight after dropping a fair amount of money already.

October 04, 2016

Transform Your Home Into the Ultimate Entertainment Hub!

by AlRitch, in TV Showbiz & Entertainment

Flickr

We love to hang out with our friends. But sometimes we just don’t feel like venturing outside. So what do we do in these circumstances? It’s simple: we invite them all round to our place! It also saves you money if the alternative is to go out and do something in public.

But sometimes inviting people round can highlight a problem with our homes: there’s not much to do! That is, of course, unless you turn your place into an amazing entertainment hub. When your living room becomes the ultimate place to consume entertainment, everyone will want to come over to your place!

So check out these suggested upgrades to your entertainment setup. (Or, you know, get a few board games. Boards games still make for good nights in, you know!)

Oversized television

There’s not much more impressive to have in a house than a ridiculously big television screen. But how big is too big? There are screens out there than stretch up to and beyond a hundred inches. But many of these screens don’t match the quality of the screens that are closer to the 60-70 inch region. Such big screens are served well by ultra HD, but these screens can get a bit too pricey. Still, there’s no denying that they’re impressive. Consider a 60-70 inch television, preferably with UHD or 4K capabilities. If you’re going with a hundred inches, it should definitely be 4k.

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Film streaming or rental subscription

A good night in often involves a good film. Especially when you have a big screen with a lot of quality and detail! If you have a smart TV, you can use a streaming service like Netflix to gain access to a wide range of films. But did you also know that you can rent Blu-Rays from Netflix? Many people seem to think that discs will be overtaken by streaming. But the fact is that going for Blu-Rays gives you a much wider choice, especially when it comes to newer releases. The quality of Blu-Ray is also much better than even the highest-fidelity streaming.

Fibre-optic broadband

Of course, streaming films can be much more cost-effective in the long run. And there are also ultra HD streaming options that will be available in the near future. Those will be worth a watch if you have the right television for it! But if you want to be able to stream films in such a high quality, you’re going to need fast broadband. This can also be justified because your friends may eat at your bandwidth with their mobile devices! Look into Fios availability to see if you can get fibre-optic broadband in your area.

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Home theater

If you really want to impress your friends, you could consider getting a home theater in your home. This sort of work can range from an amazing addition to your living room to a full-on conversion of another room. You could look into projection, which will ensure that you have the biggest “screen” around. These facilities can be used in high definition and with the streaming services referred to earlier.

October 03, 2016

The necessity to choose the best site while playing online bingo

by AlRitch, in Online Games

Woman playing bingo

With the growing popularity and size of online bingo sites on the internet, it becomes extremely necessary for the players to pick a site wisely, which caters to their needs. The best part is, players get to avail a large number of games by playing in the online version of bingo.

However the number of sites providing this game can be so wide that players might get confused while choosing an ideal site to play in. Hence we have come up with some important points that you can consider before hopping into a random site:

Free Bingo bonuses and offers - This is one of the most important aspect as players love getting treated with various offers and bonuses. Hence, the bingo sites are offering the best of bonuses upon registration and also on their first few deposits. GameVillage Bingo is one of the best bingo site in the UK which offers impressive bonus offers everyday. You could play bingo here by clicking on this link.

Games hosted on the site - The games provided by the site allow the players to have a whole new level of gaming experience. Along with bingo games there is a huge list of alternative games that can be played and cherished in this journey. GameVillage Bingo not only presents the entire set of ever-popular bingo games but also sports a wide array of blockbuster slots like Avalon 2, Bust the Bank, Fluffy Favourites etc from Microgaming and Eyecon Games.

Licensed and regulated site should be preferred - Licensed and regulated bingo sites are always safe and reliable, as they are UK approved and are always away from fraud and scams. GameVillage Bingo is powered by Cozy games Management Limited, which is registered in Isle of Man and is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission.

Massive Jackpots - The bigger jackpots proves to be one of the most sighted reason behind attracting players to a site. Since not all bingo sites exhibits larger jackpots, players need to do a bit of research before deciding on a particular site.

Reliable and Strong Customer Support - This can be considered as one of the most desired feature in a gambling site. It plays a very important role in bridging the gap among the players as well as with the site operators.

So, what are you waiting for? Hop into GameVillage Bingo to experience the best in bingo and casino games.

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September 20, 2016

Some Of The Most Common Crises You'll Face On The Road

by AlRitch, in Safe Driving

Unfortunately, car crashes are just a part of life when you become a driver. Statistically, everyone who drives on the road is expected to experience an accident at least twice. If you’re lucky, you may not have had one yet. But you should still be aware of the dangers and act like you’re at risk. Because the truth is that everyone is. Besides the fact that we don’t drive as carefully as we should or take of our cars as well as we should. We’re all at the mercy of the others on the road as well.

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Distracted driving
It’s a cause that’s not only common in the number of accidents it leads to. It’s also common in the sheer number of people who do it. Driving when your focus isn’t on the road is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Even if you’re parked, you shouldn’t be texting, eating or applying make-up. Your focus needs to be on the road because it can give you the second or few seconds of awareness you need to mitigate the amount of damage done. Similarly, if you’re drowsy, you need to seriously consider finding a safe place to stop and take a nap. People falling asleep at the wheel is distressingly common.

August 28, 2016

How To Enroll your EON Card to Unionbank Online Banking

by AlRitch, in PayPal and EON Helpful Tips

I know this is an overdue post. But I think this is still worth blogging especially to freelancers who are looking for Tips about EON Replacement Card and on How to Enroll to EON Cyber Account.

So here it goes...

My EON card has expired last July 2016 and before it happens, I already filed for an under time (at work) so I can apply for an EON Replacement Card.

And I'm glad that I did that because I learned that if you request for an EON Replacement card before the expiration date - it's actually FREE. But if you did that after the expiration date, you will pay P100. At least I was able to save money. :)

As for the application, it was fast and easy and you can apply in any Unionbank branches. You will just need to bring a valid ID and your EON card (of course) because you are going to surrender it and they will break/cut and attached it to you EON Replacement card form (that you are going to fill-out)

After that wait for two weeks to claim your new card.

And when you have finally got your EON Card. It's time that you Re-Enroll or Enroll it Online.

Below are the steps:

1. Go to Unionbank website and click the EON Cyber Account.

For your convenience, here's the URL: https://www.unionbankph.com/ (Note that it is a secure site, you should see the security/lock icon)

2. Then a new window will appear that will let you choose with these two options:

a. Change Primary Card

b. Register Now

The Change Primary Card option will ask you to input your previous card number. If you know it, then that's the option that you need to choose. But if you are like me, who didn't bother remembering it or noting it down (yeah, I didn't care anymore because they already break the card - hehe and I only remember my account number hehe) then we will have to choose the Register Now option (which will ask us to input more details since it's a new registration).

The page that will appear if you choose Change Primary Card option

August 05, 2016

What You Need to Know When Buying a Used iPhone

by AlRitch, in Iphone

If you’re in the market for a new iPhone, you may be considering purchasing a used one instead. The reasons are many and the benefits, namely savings, can be significant, but there are some things you should know before going in that direction. Otherwise you could find yourself out your money and with a paperweight rather than a working phone.

First, try to stick to reputable sellers like Gazelle or Amazon. Even better, see if your carrier offers used phones for sale, many do. Think hard before buying a used (or new for that matter) phone from Ebay or Craigslist. The risk of getting a broken or stolen phone is quite high on both sites. If you do go the Ebay route, read the seller’s feedback (both received and given) very carefully along with the listing, and buy only with a credit card, which will give you the maximum protection. Unfortunately, when buying from Ebay there is no way to be sure you’ll get a phone with “Find My iPhone” turned off. If it’s not, the phone is useless. There is no way to get around the activation lock without the previous user’s Apple ID and password. If your phone arrives with it turned on, your only hope is to pray the seller will either provide the info needed to turn FMI off or accept the phone back for a refund.

August 04, 2016

Social Media for Business in Review

by AlRitch, in Social Media Marketing

The popularity of social media cannot be ignored and, due to the fact that the amount of social media users is expected to reach 2.55 billion in 2018, understanding the way each platform works is vitally important for your business. In this article, we will review five major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Pinterest. We will also discuss the demographics of each, and how they can help your business. Social media increases traffic and exposure, and, if you understand how the platforms differ and how they work, you will be able to capitalize on that.

What is Facebook?

Facebook is a social media site that allows users to share text posts, pictures, videos, and any other form of media. You are able to plug in information and data about your business into your profile, and the settings for businesses make it seem like a webpage with a social media twist. On Facebook, you can add friends and followers, with the former being able to see everything you post and the latter just seeing what you want them to.

On Facebook, there are 1.51 billion mobile active users. The demographics are very diverse and include a large range of age groups, education levels, incomes, and races. The majority of Facebook users are between 18 and 29 (84% of that demographic uses the site), 77% of women use Facebook, and the majority of users (72%) are in the suburbs. The average amount of Facebook friends that someone has, according to Pew Research, is 155, and 58% of the entire adult population is on Facebook. (All statistics are provided by Pew Research Center).

Facebook can help your business because it is specifically designed to allow companies to post as much information and news about themselves, while also providing a way to contact them and have them respond rapidly. Currently, 40 million small businesses use Facebook, and, as a result, Facebook has set up an entire department dedicated to supporting them. Facebook is also a primary location for social media influencers, and if your business’ demographic is wide-reaching, you should create a page.

What is Twitter?

Twitter is similar to Facebook because you can share text posts, pictures, videos, and other multimedia. Twitter has a character limit of 140, and you can only attach four pictures per tweet (or one video or one GIF). Again according to Pew, 23% of adult internet users are on Twitter, and 19% of the adult population at large is on Twitter. Twitter skews male and the majority of its users live in urban areas and are between the ages of 18 and 29.

Twitter for businesses is able to let you post succinct, clear information with a link. Twitter users are more likely to share posts than their Facebook counterparts and approximately 70% of small businesses have a Twitter account. If your business is looking to attract a younger audience, particularly one that lives in an urban area, you will be able to use Twitter to do so, but make sure that you are posting links to your site—otherwise, the character limit will chop off your information and make it less meaningful.

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a photo- and video-sharing site that allows people to represent themselves visually. Businesses are taking part in Instagram, posting pictures and videos of their products, services, and how to use them. Beauty and clothing companies are two of the biggest presences on Instagram, with “tutorials” on how to apply makeup, and pictures of clothing with links on how to purchase them. Instagram’s demographics look a lot like Twitter’s. According to Pew, 26% of adult internet users (21% of the entire adult population) use Instagram. The primary users are female, ages 20 to 29, who reside in urban areas.

Instagram allows your business to represent itself through pictures and videos, which help visually-oriented users get a better grasp on your product or service than just words could say. Pictures and videos are, generally, more engaging in comparison to large blocks of text, and taking advantage of that medium will allow you to attract a younger audience.

Snapchat

Snapchat has seen more and more use by businesses and celebrities. It allows you to take pictures and short videos that, when received, are visible for ten seconds before disappearing -- hence the “snap” in the name. Despite the short duration of the pictures and videos, when combined with a social media influencer, Snapchat is pretty powerful. This is evidenced by the fact that the app has 100 million daily active users. Additionally, according to Bloomberg Technology, people watch ten billion videos a day on the mobile app. This is a two billion increase since February of this year.

Businesses can use Snapchat themselves, or, more effectively, they can work with social media influencers to reach their established audiences. Like Instagram, Snapchat is a way to represent your brand visually, and it is very effective, even with the time limit that is imposed onto the videos and pictures.

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is another photo-sharing site that allows users to curate and post pictures. If you see a picture you like, you can “pin it” to your page and, when people see your photos, if they like them, they can do the same. According to Pew Research Center, 31% of the adult online population uses Pinterest, and 26% of the adult population at large, online or offline, uses the site. The photo curating is what makes it different from Instagram and Snapchat, which are also sharing sites. Pinterest represents your brand visually, and allows you to collect other pictures from other users that help showcase your company as well (and build relationships with those other users.)

Pinterest reached 100 million users in 2015, and its follower count is only increasing. It has made “pins” shoppable with a “Buy Button,” meaning that you can click “buy” and purchase something if you like the picture—a major advantage for businesses that can market their products successfully this way. On Pinterest, there are 50 billion pins, and 30 billion of those are “buyable,” i.e. they are products that are being sold, not just aesthetic-only photos. Also, people who visit Pinterest, on average, spend 50% more than regular, non-Pinterest-using customers. If you are a business that has a product that can be represented visually, this is a platform you need to be on, particularly if your product is popular among women, ages 18-29, the largest demographic on the site.

Regardless of the site or sites you choose, social media helps drive traffic to your business, particularly if you use a social media influencer platform with a large user base to help you find and connect with the right influencers for your brand.

July 28, 2016

About Sporticos – Football statistics in infographics form

by AlRitch, in TV Showbiz & Entertainment

Are you a football fan and have you ever lost your patience while trying to collect all the statistics you need for a certain game from multiple different sites? Sporticos’ goal is to change that. As an innovative startup from Poland, their target is to become the number one source of football information worldwide.

Sporticos gathers and analyses up-to-date football statistics and turns them into beautifully designed, visually appealing infographics, each of them available for downloading, embedding and sharing. These infographics are very diverse and reach from match previews, betting tips, weather information to team comparisons and many more.

Not only big competitions like Euro 2016 or Champions League are available on the website. For example, you can also find the WK-League, the top level women’s football league in South Korea.

To reach the biggest possible audience, Sporticos makes the website and every graphic available in eight different languages: English, French, German, Indonesian, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. For each of those languages, partnerships with publishers, websites, experts and the like are being built.

This leads to a great amount of valuable content from the partners that can be found across the internet. The content ranges from long, insightful articles to short previews of the next club game. You might well come across one of them today.

As you can tell from the exemplary image above, one of the post-match report graphics shows the user all the key statistics from the past game. Implementing it in the latest blog post would instantly lift it to the next level. Not only does it support the writer’s content, it would also give the reader a quick overview of the most important facts in just one image.

Everyone, whether a football fan or not, is very welcome to check out the website and start using Sporticos content to their own liking and needs. Maybe the next viral football article will be created by you?

June 18, 2016

The Age Old Debate: Should You Buy New Or Used?

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

There is a lot to think about when you are in the process of buying a car. Most motorists find that this process is something which they definitely do not want to rush. However, that doesn’t mean that you want it to take forever either. The problem is, usually when you are buying a car it is because you are in desperate need of one now! That means that you don’t want to spend time worrying about details which don’t matter to you. At the same time, everyone wants to do their best to save as much money as they can. Finding a healthy balance between these two can be difficult - but it is well worth the effort. One of the main things you need to ask yourself is whether to buy new or used. If you can work this out sufficiently, then you have managed to find that elusive balance. With that in mind, let’s take a look through the various pros and cons of each.

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New - Pros

Buying a new car is, without a doubt, the most enjoyable way to go about it. There is nothing quite like driving away from a dealer with your New Honda or whatever you have gone for. When you buy new, you have the obvious advantage of having a car which has not been driven at all. This means that it is likely to perform very well. You also probably have a warranty - a great feeling of security which you don’t get used. There is nothing quite like buying new.

New - Cons

But it’s not all a walk in the park. There are some downsides to buying new, too. Depreciation is a real concern for many motorists buying a new car. Depreciation simply means that the car loses value over time. The truth is, your vehicle loses thousand off its value the moment you drive it off the forecourt. There is also the fact that insurance is likely to be just that little bit pricier. And, of course, you have the upfront cost - much larger than when you buy used.

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Used - Pros

If you are trying to keep an eye on your financial situation, then there is good news from the used category. If you buy a used car, you are unlikely to spend that much on the upfront costs. What’s more, you will probably find that insurance is considerably cheaper when compared to buying a new car. The process is also often that much faster. The used market is sprawling with just about every model you can name, so you are sure to be spoilt for choice.

Used - Cons

However, buying used does have its drawbacks. First is the fact that a used car is not necessarily going to last you a long time. It is likely that regular visits to the mechanic will be in order. Running costs will probably be much higher, and tax might be an issue on the older cars. With a used car, you also have no way of knowing just what kind of state it is really in. It is a bit of a risk - but it’s up to you whether that risk is worthwhile or not.

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June 02, 2016

Music Apps That Will Blow Your Mind

by AlRitch, in Music

Back in 1997, Napster launched. Ultimately the pirate music website was taken down. But not before it changed the way that we consume music, forever.

Now the marketplace is flooded with legitimate music apps. These promise users everything from their favourite hits to random, home-made beats. And because there are so many of them, they can be quite tricky to navigate. In this post, we're going to take a look at some of the more interesting music apps out there. You never know, some of them might blow your mind.

www.pexels.com

Apple Music
You can't have a list of the best music apps without including Apple Music. Apple Music builds on the backbone of popular iTunes platform. But it does more than this. As it is a streaming service, many of its songs are free.

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What's more, the app actually learns the type of music that you like, and it can construct playlists based on your preferences.

If you get fed up with all the free stuff - which is unlikely - you can pay a $9.99 a month subscription to get access to all 30 million songs.

Pandora
Pandora is an app with staying power. This little music app has been around for years and has managed to survive the Apple Music storm. Part of its success is down to the fact that it is always getting better. The app is highly customizable. And it lets you create whole stations dedicated to your favourite artists.

What's more, the previous 40 hour-per-month limit has finally been removed, meaning that Pandora can truly be your go-to app. Learn more about the apps other features and suitability for children here.

Rhapsody
For a long time, Rhapsody wasn't the most attractive music app out there. But now, thanks to a facelift, it can finally compete with the best.

But the app is more than just a pretty face. Rhapsody has been going for years, and over time has built up an enormous library of songs. The library of music, combined with the fresh interface, now makes it one of the best music apps out there.

Like Pandora, Rhapsody allows you to create your own radio stations, dedicated to your favourite artists. And like Pandora, it has a premium service that allows you to go ad-free.

Qello Concerts
They say that if you want to truly experience music, you have to go to a live event. Qello Concerts recognises that that isn't always possible, so it tries to do the next best thing: bring the event to you.

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Rather than streaming individual songs, Qello Concerts specialises in streaming whole music events. For a small monthly payment, you can transform your smartphone into a full-blown auditorium. You can watch full-length concerts and documentaries on command.

iHeartRadio
The last music app on our list is iHeartRadio. This nifty little app combines the convenience of a smartphone with the randomness of the radio. It's like a regular radio, but with a twist. You can customise it to deliver tunes, broadcast over the radio, that reflect your listening habits. With this app, there's a song for every occasion.

June 01, 2016

Cars VS Bikes: The Age Old Debate

by AlRitch, in Motorcycles

The debate over which is better, cars or bikes, has been raging for as long as cars and bikes have been around. But recently, thanks to the internet and blogging, it's gone into high gear. Numerous websites now devote enormous tracts of column space to answering this question. And nobody seems to have a clue which way the pendulum swings.

In this post, we're going to strip away all the nonsense and look at some of the facts on both sides before coming to a balanced conclusion. In the battle of bikes vs cars, who will prevail? Let's take a look at some of the reasons why you might choose a car.

Cars Are All-Weather Vehicles

Bikers often wax lyrical about the joys of riding their motorcycles on the open road. But, of course, that only really applies on a sunny day in California. Most of us aren't fortunate enough to live in such favourable climes. And even in California, it's not perpetual summertime.

pixabay

When it's raining, it's cold, or it's snowing, riding a motorcycle is not fun. Many motorcyclists report that hail stings, even through leathers. And of course, it's hard to stay warm when temperatures dip below zero.
In a car the hail is kept out, the heating is turned on, and windscreen wipers do a good job of getting rid of the rain. Bicycle helmets don't have windshield wipers so good luck seeing where you're going.

May 30, 2016

Dog Days are Over

by AlRitch, in

This song just describes what I am feeling. Jaaahhhhh..

Happiness hit her like a train on a track

Coming towards her stuck still no turning back

She hid around corners and she hid under beds

She killed it with kisses and from it she fled

With every bubble she sank with her drink

And washed it away down the kitchen sink

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

The horses are coming

So you better run

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father

Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your love and your longing behind

You can't carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses?

'Cause here they come

And I never wanted anything from you

Except everything you had and what was left after that too, oh

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back

Struck from a great height by someone who should know better than that

May 19, 2016

Choose the Best Photo and Video Camera with These Tips

by AlRitch, in Gadgets & Technology

If you like photography, you might enjoy videography too. Professionals will prefer to have two separate cameras. But many people want to take care of both tasks in one gadget. A digital camera that records video as well as takes pictures can be an excellent choice. However, making the right purchase can be tough if you're not sure where to start. You have two separate functions you need to be concerned about. If you want to find a camera with video recording that you like, use the essential factors below to find one.

What Will You Use It for Most?

You could choose a digital camera that has the capability to record video. On the other hand, you could also buy a video camera that can also take photos. With each choice, the main focus is on a different function. However, that doesn't mean that one function is necessarily much better than the other. A camera can do both things well, even if it does one thing a bit better. You should think about the primary reason you want the camera. If you will take photos more, you might want something like the Canon EOS 6D. If you want to record videos more, you could look at gadgets like the Sony HDR-CX405.

Bengt Nyman

Consider Your Reasons for Buying

As well as choosing between whether you want to focus on video or photos, you should think about how you will use the camera. For example, perhaps you want to take photos and video while you are diving. In that case, you're going to need a waterproof camera that's suitable for action shots. Everyone focuses on different types of videography and photography and has different needs. Anyone wanting to capture their adventures in extreme sports might want a GoPro and all the accessories that go with it.

Look at Cameras with WiFi

If you're recording both videos and photo, you might want to be able to share them easily. A camera with WiFi connectivity makes it simpler to transfer your images and videos. You can move them onto your computer or tablet more quickly. Some cameras also have a social media function so you can upload files straight onto Facebook, Instagram, and other sites. If you choose a camera with WiFi, make sure you're going to be able to use it and you won't be restricted by your internet connection.

Pay Attention to Video Formats and Storage

Two of the things you should look at include video formats and storage. Many cameras will record in several formats so you can choose the one you think is best. However, you might not be too worried about having these different options. You should also consider how the camera stores both video and images. You don't want your storage to fill up too quickly, and you should have the ability to use a sizeable memory card.

Often, the ability to record on your camera is just a fun extra. However, you can find cameras that both record and take photos well.

May 12, 2016

Life After A Car Crash: How To Get Back On The Road Again

by AlRitch, in Safe Driving

Having a car accident can be a stressful and shocking occasion for anyone. The sad truth is that affects many people in other ways as well. Some motorists refuse to get back on the road again and feel anxious even as a passenger in a car.

As you can imagine, dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident can be a long struggle. And it's one that some people just can't overcome. If that sounds like you, help is at hand. I'd like to share with you some tips on how you can build your confidence up and reduce your anxiety. Here is what you need to know:

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the compensation you deserve

When we think of compensation, we assume it only applies to medical care and auto repairs. But, you can also claim if a vehicle accident has affected you in other ways. It's likely that you might need professional counseling or coaching to help you get back on the road.

Of course, you will have to pay for those therapy sessions. But, why should you? It might be possible to get compensation to help you cover those costs. Take a look at https://www.mcdonaldworley.com/autoaccidentlawyer.php for further information.

Take small steps

The most important thing of all is not to rush your return to the driver's seat. Doing so can undo all the work you've done so far to build your confidence.

Instead, what you need to do is take small baby steps. Do everything at a pace that YOU are comfortable with. It doesn't matter if this takes a few weeks, months or even years to accomplish. If you work at your own pace, you are more likely to have a successful outcome.

Image Source: Pixabay

Choose a good counselor

One thing I don't recommend is that you talk to friends and family about your problems. First of all, they are unlikely to know what you're going through. Second, they might make light of your anxiety (yes, it does happen). And, third, they may not have the training to help you get over your driving anxiety.

It makes more sense to seek out a reputable and helpful counselor. Because they are an "outsider" they aren't going to judge you. Nor will they make you do anything you don't want to do.

See http://behavemed.com/no-fault-psychologist-car-accident.html for details on how they can help you.

Learn to drive again

Most people suffering mental trauma from an auto accident need to re-learn how to drive. That's because they don't feel confident that they are doing things right. What's more, many believe the same type of auto accident will happen to them again.

Before you can get back on the road again, consider going back to basics. Learn to drive again, perhaps in a quiet parking lot or enclosed space with no other motorists. That way, you can get used to handling a car again. And you can stop doubting the safety skills you apply to driving.

I hope today's blog post has been helpful to you. Thanks for reading it.

May 05, 2016

Slitherio: the Popular Game Taking over the Internet

by AlRitch, in Online Games

Have you played the popular, addictive game Slitherio? It’s the new game that is making rounds worldwide, constantly forming a larger fan base of players who can’t stop playing. It’s no surprise: this game is built around the premise of the Snake game (which was also played obsessively in the 2000s), but with an extra element: simultaneously playing against other online players.

You can play slither.io online with a quick click of a button. Head to the game, click on “Play Online” and that’s all it takes – you don’t even need to provide a nickname. Your game starts as you compete against hundreds of other snakes set in the same map. Your task is to grow the snake by eating lights spread out across the map. The larger the light orb, the increased added length to the snake. Little by little, your snake grows and goes up in rank against the hundreds of other players.

But beware! Other snakes will do their best to kill you so they can benefit from your character’s death. When a snake crashes head-first onto another snake, it causes its immediate death and losing the game altogether. The dead snake becomes tens to hundreds of large light orbs, which other snakes will jump at devouring quickly. These orbs provide the highest amount of points of length.

Slitherio is a game of strategy: stay alive and grow your snake to reach the highest position in the scoreboard. It’s no easy feat: other players will do their best to ensure you lose so they can take your light orb remnants. They will try to force a crash, trap you in a circle so you have no choice but to give up, trick you into catching a light orb only to kill you, and do whatever they can to get in your way. Avoid them and strategize against other snakes successfully and you can become the largest snake in the map.

This game is very fun and extremely addictive. Once you start playing, it’s hard to stop: you will always try to beat your last play. It’s also a quick game, so you can play it anytime. Most importantly, remember to enjoy it even when you lose!

May 03, 2016

4 Insane Cars You Need To Drive Before You Die!

by AlRitch, in Toyota Cars

Today, I’m going to talk about some of my favourite cars ever. These are the cars that I’ve dreamt about for years. It’s my list of cars that everyone needs to drive at least once before they die:

(Pic via: https://goo.gl/i0aFiW)

Bugatti Veyron
When the Bugatti Veyron burst onto the scene, it blew away all the competition. Never before had we seen such a fast and exhilarating car. It reached incredible speeds and looked brilliant. There was something different about the design, compared to other supercars out there. People hung pictures of the car on their walls and it was seen as the ultimate dream car. The only bad thing about this car is that it’s hard to get your hands on. If you’re lucky, there may be a track day that lets you take it for a spin. One thing for certain, if you ever get the chance to drive one, you need to take it!

(Image Source: https://goo.gl/x9cgtn)

Ferrari Enzo
The Enzo is arguably one of the most iconic cars Ferrari has ever made. There was a time when it was considered the fastest car in the world, and the king of supercars. Even though it’s a little outdated, the Enzo is still a thrilling drive. The good news is because it’s old, you can find ways to drive one for a relatively low price. There are companies like Prestige Keys that offer Ferrari Enzo hire for a few days. If you’ve been a car lover for a long time, then this car should definitely make it onto your car driving bucket list.

(Photo from Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/wwjzKw)

Ford Mustang
If you want to talk about iconic cars, then we need to throw the Ford Mustang into the mix. It’s such a cool car that’s been seen as special ever since it was first made. There’s a brand new Mustang coming out soon, and I can’t wait to see it. What makes this car so great is that it’s way cheaper than either of the first two options. But, it’s just as awesome, if not more! If I were you, I’d be a little cheeky and go to a Ford dealership when the new Mustang is out. Pretend you’re interested so you can get a little test drive of the car. It might not be a long drive, but it will be one you never forget.

(Link to image: https://goo.gl/uro3mJ)

Lamborghini Aventador
Of course, I couldn’t make a list like this without including at least one Lambo. The fact is. Lamborghini’s are just so cool. Nothing beats the feeling of opening those iconic doors and stepping out of a stunning Lambo. You could take your pick of any Lamborghini ever made; they’re all beautiful and incredible to drive. For me, I recommend the Aventador. It’s just got a little something that makes it stand out and turn heads. Try and get behind the wheel of one before you die, you’ll love every second of it.

There you have it; my four favourite cars of all time. These are the type of cars that you drive for five minutes and your mind is blown. If you can, try and drive one; you won’t regret it!

April 30, 2016

Great Ways To Capture Holiday Memories

by AlRitch, in Food and Travel

I love travelling and holidays – who doesn’t? Getting out of your usual environment feels like a refresh to the system, and gives you some much needed “me” time. Although wonderful, a lot of my holidays feel like they were over in a flash! One of my biggest regrets is not capturing some of those wonderful memories like I could’ve. Here are some great ways to take your holiday home with you.

The first thing I’ll suggest is scrapbooking. If you’ve got young kids who you like to keep occupied, then this is a brilliant way to do it. When you introduce them to all the cutting and sticking involved in putting together a scrapbook, they’ll be overjoyed! Just make sure you’re gathering enough material on your trip. From maps to leaflets to postcards to coins, it can all go in! My only caution is to make sure the kids aren’t completely in charge of the operation. You’ll need to put some time aside to make sure they don’t glue their hands together, or make a mess that forfeits your hotel deposit!

capturing memories, woman holding a camera, picture taking

Image Source: Pexels

Probably the most obvious way to capture the memories of holidays is through photos and videos. Bringing a camera of some kind is already a given, especially if you’re going on a particularly adventurous vacation. As you go from place to place, take as many photos as possible. Another time, when you’re reminiscing about your trip, all those lovely memories will be right there on your computer. You may also want to look at some handheld camcorders, and make a video of your trip. Nothing makes the memories come back quite like seeing them repeated! If you’re feeling a little retro, you might want to have your pictures printed and keep them in a lovely photo album. I think there’s something pretty special about being able to reach for one of these and flick through them.

Finally, souvenirs. Okay, everything I suggested is technically a souvenir. You know what I mean though! When I say “souvenir”, you might think I’m telling you to spend a fortune in tacky, touristy shops. While there may be some things you really should buy, some of the best souvenirs are free. On a shelf behind me, there’s a dried starfish I took from the Mediterranean Sea. Whenever one of my friends goes abroad, she picks up a rock and labels it with the name of the country. Literally anything you’re not able to get at home is a great way to capture the memories of your trip. I find it makes the souvenir even better if it’s tied to a specific day or memory. Sometimes, even a beer mat advertising a foreign brand can become a treasure!

These are all great ways for capturing the memories of your travels, but it doesn’t stop there! Painting, keeping a diary and anything else you can think of are great ideas. Just don’t get too caught up in finding something to bring back. You might miss the whole trip!

April 26, 2016

What Makes Toyotas Such Great Family Cars?

by AlRitch, in Toyota Cars

Buying a family car is not like buying a car for any other kind of purpose. You’re thinking beyond the excitement of the drive and even the car itself. You’re thinking about what value it can add to your life, how it can make it easier and how much it costs. That’s why, thinking utility and long-term, we’ve concluded that Toyota might be one of the best. The Japanese titan of a brand has a sterling reputation when it comes to manufacturing cars. But we know it deserves one for manufacturing family cars, too. Here are just a few of the reasons Toyota’s make great family cars.

Photo Credit

Fuel efficiency
The head of the family has a lot of reasons to care about fuel efficiency. First of all, fuel costs a lot. Especially if you live in the city where you have to use a lot of it. Secondly, we all have that lingering voice reminding us we really should try live more sustainably for our kids’ future. That’s why Toyota are well worth considering. After all, their Prius practically led the hybrid revolution.

Safety
With our kids’ future in mind, we want to make sure we keep them nice and healthy for it. Which is why safety is another huge priority for a family car. One you’re well covered with when it comes to Toyota. Few manufacturers are as thorough in their car safety testing as Toyota. Few also go to the lengths in introducing new safety technologies as well. Toyota is amongst the first adopting crash preventing auto-brake technologies. The same technologies could be the standard in years to come.

Reliability
If you’re getting something for the whole family, it better be able to go the distance. There’s no tolerating something that’s likely to break down or start losing pieces if you’re taking it around town all day. Reliability is key for any busy family. Reliability is also what Toyota happens to be most known for. Indeed, in Consumer Reports’ 2016 study, it was Toyota and Lexus that topped the brands in ‘reliability’.

Resale value
The safety and reliability of a Toyota mean that it’s going to be operational and doing just fine for years to come. For some people, that’s enough to convince them. For others, they want to know that their money’s going somewhere. Those people will be glad to hear that Toyota ranks amongst the highest when it comes to resale value. Not only are you buying a car, you’re making sure you’ll get some money back out of it when you’re done.

Technology
Safety isn’t the only place where Toyota are putting their research money. They might not be the flashiest cars, but they are doing some great things with technology. Lots of Toyotas have convenience and entertainment technology close to the level of the luxury brands. They’re even looking at ways that your car can change its looks to fit your personal tastes. Even displaying detailed information of how your car is doing on a digital display.

April 26, 2016

Got A Traffic Ticket? Here Are Your Next Steps

by AlRitch, in Safe Driving

Nobody likes to receive traffic tickets, for obvious reasons. It can have a serious impact on your ability to drive, and if your career involves driving, you could be in big trouble. For a lot of people, getting a traffic ticket simply results in paying for the ticket and going to traffic school. This is to allow them to learn from their mistakes, and move past it.

Photo Credit

However, some people may choose to dispute their ticket, or their ticket may be so serious that it requires court action. That’s when things change.

There are two main ways to receive a traffic ticket: moving, and nonmoving violations. Moving violations include speeding and running a red light. Non-moving violations include double parking or parking on a sidewalk, where signs do not specify you can do so.

You should be avoiding dangerous, life-threatening driving at all costs. The ramifications and trouble of such an act aren’t worth it, and it’s important to stay safe. If you do find yourself with a ticket, however, these are your next steps.

Firstly: Do Not Ignore The Ticket

Ignoring it won’t make it go away. If you don’t pay the required ticket amount, the ticket will remain on your record and you could even lose your license. You could even be arrested and be asked to shell out even more! Your best bet is to simply cough up, and attend traffic school. That way, the whole thing will be over and done with quickly.

However, if you plan to dispute your ticket, you should get in touch with the relevant authorities. You may feel that your ticket was issued unfairly, or unjustly. Across the globe, there are stories of people who have been caught speeding while rushing to hospital, for example. In this case, you would have genuine grounds to take the fine right to court.

Secondly: Seek Legal Advice

If you choose to dispute the ticket for whatever reason, this is your next move. There are certain people who specialize in this area of law, such as a traffic defense attorney, and you may need advice. It’s quite a complex area of law, especially if you don’t have sufficient grounds to dispute. You’ll need to be aggressive and assertive, with a solid defense.

Photo Credit

You may also have to appear in court by the very nature of the ticket. This is usually reserved for more dangerous offences, such as going over the speed limit by thirty miles. If you are given a court date, it’s vital that you attend it. Failure to do so can result in a jail sentence, loss of license or hefty fine.

Thirdly: Traffic School

If this is your first ticket, and you choose not to dispute, you can attend traffic school. You’ll be awarded a certificate at the end of the course, and will receive a reduction in license points and insurance for your troubles. Some states allow you to attend traffic school every year, or every 18 months. If you aren’t sure, contact your local DMV or government office.

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