How to make your Youtube clips go viral

Historically, we have relied on drafting articles in order to generate earnings online. However, times have changed and technology has moved on. One of the fastest growing areas on the internet is uploading and sharing movies, and many people are starting to take advantage of this and earning good money uploading video footage and clips to various sites.

Arguably, the most popular and well known of these sites is youtube. Current reports state there are twenty four hours of video footage uploaded every minute on youtube, which equates in to millions of clips. If you want to earn the most from your video clips you need the content to go viral and generate a lot of interest and receive a lot of traffic. But with so many clips already online and thousands more uploaded each and every day, how do we ensure our video footage doesn't get lost in the ether?

It does take luck to get your content to go viral, however there are things you can do to increase your chances of making your content go viral. If you want to maximise your earnings using video clips and want to know what you need to do to increase the chances of your content going viral make sure you check out "how to create viral youtube video clips"

The most extreme sports to try before you die

Extreme sports are dangerous. risky and life threatening. Extreme sports are fun, entertaining and provide a real buzz. There are loads of different extreme sports to choose from, including things like kite surfing, sky diving, white water rafting, bungee jumoing and snowboarding to name but a few.

We are always told life is for living and to ensure we make the most out of life and grab each and every opportunity so there are no excuses not to try out an extreme sport or two, after all what's stopping you?

For some ideas on extreme sports, along with some stunning images and excellent video footage you need to check out "Extreme sports and activities to try before you die". This lens is desgined to inform and educate as well as provide some inspiration that will make you go and try some extreme sports for yourself.

The scariest characters ever

Chucky

There have been many scary, dangerous and downright dirty horror movie characters over the years, however which ones do you consider to be the worst? When you consider the horror movie characters from all decades, which are the ones you definitely wouldn't want to meet down a dark alley?

Freddy Krueger

For some ideas and inspiration check out "Ten characters you wouldn't want to meet down a dark alley way". It really is scary stuff.

Jason Voorhes

Live baiting for Northern pike

If you want the to know the best type of bait to catch northern pike the live bait has to be it. Live baiting involves impaling a live fish on the hook to catch the pike. Many people, some anglers included, view live baiting as inhumane and cruel and will not use live bait to catch pike.

Live baiting is very controversial, however there are just as many anglers who will use a live bait as those who won't, and there just as many arguments for live baiting as there are against live baiting methods. What ever you think of it, there are no doubts that live baiting is the best ways of hooking in to those monster pike.

If you want to try live baiting for pike and want to discover everything you need to know about live baiting you need to check out live baiting for monster pike, an article that details everything from the tackle you need, to the best live baits, to how to store the live bait and much more

Dead baiting for monster pike

The northern pike is an awesome fish to catch and will really put up a good scrap once hooked. It is the pike's size and strength that makes it a target species for many anglers.

There are many different ways to catch large pike, such as using lures, using live baits and using dead baits to name but a few. For those of you that don't like impaling a live bait on a hook to catch another fish the best option is to use a dead bait, which as its name suggests is a dead fish.

There are many advantages when using dead baits for pike and dead baiting is a great method to try. So, if you are totally new to dead baiting for northern pike and want to know what it's all about, or have tried dead baiting but are looking for some tips, advice, tricks and ideas to increase your success rate when dead baiting for northern pike you really need to check out "Dead baiting for monster pike".

How to catch northern pike

Northern pike are a formidable predator and offer great sport when caught on a rod and line and because of this they are a target species for many anglers.

Methods of catching monster pike include lure fishing, dead baiting and live baiting amongst many others. Out of all the methods many anglers consider live baiting to be the best method, however it is also the most controversial. Many people think that putting a live fish on a hook in order to catch another large fish is cruel and inhumane. As such, opinion over live baiting is divided and there are as many anglers against live baiting as there are for live baiting. Similarly, there are loads of arguments for live baiting and loads of arguments against live baiting. Whether you are pro live baiting or anti live baiting the fact of the matter is live baiting has accounted for some huge pike in the past and it will continue to do so in the future. Live baiting for monster pike is a great article that tells you everything you need to know about live baiting. From the tackle you need to the rigs to catching live bait to keeping the live bait alive, all the information you need is contained within this article. It is a very useful resource.

If you are against live baiting or simply don’t like the idea of putting a live bait fish on the hook there are other alternatives you can use. Instead of using live bait try using dead baits, such as mackerel, smelt or sprats. These oily sea fish have also accounted for some large pike however they are large and heavy baits that require some heavy and strong tackle. In order to cast large dead bait out to the horizon you are going to need a strong rod, large reel and heavy line.

If you don’t fancy the idea of using actual fish for bait but still want to go and catch a monster pike the other option is lure fishing, a method that uses artificial baits to catch pike. Lure fishing has also accounted for some large pike, which is weird when you consider what lures are made of and what they look like.

Easy chicken and turkey recipes

Chicken is a healthy and nutritious meat that is low in fat, high in protein and very good for you. What’s more, chicken is a versatile meat that is used in a number of different cuisines around the world, from the Far East all across to the West. Popular chicken recipes include sweet and sour chicken, chicken curry, chicken soup, Kung Po chilli chicken, bbq chicken, chicken and rice and chicken casserole to name but a few. If you want to prepare one of these chicken recipes you can either buy a readymade jar sauce or make it from scratch. Using a jar sauce is by far the easiest way but if you want to make the chicken recipes from scratch you are going to have to trawl the internet.  

Arguably, the easiest chicken recipe is the chicken curry. You can make your own chicken curry from scratch, but this requires a lot of different herbs and spices, and can take a lot of time and effort to prepare. An easy alternative is to use one of the readymade curry sauces that are readily available from all grocery stores. There are several different types of curry sauces that range from the very mild, such as the korma, all the way through to the very hot and spicy sauce, such as the vindaloo. There are several other sauces of different spice levels in between, so there is something for all tastes.  

The chicken curry is simply made by cooking the chicken before dicing it in small cubes and then covering with the jar sauce. The curry sauce and chicken is then warmed up on the hob and then served on a bed of rice with a chapatti, flat bread or naan bread. If you have any leftover chicken a jar of curry sauce is a great way of using it up without wasting the leftover meat. 

If you want to show your family and friends your culinary skills and want to make a curry from scratch I would suggest doing some internet research and simply searching for a curry making website. There are loads to choose from, so finding a suitable one won’t take too long. 

An alternative to chicken is turkey. Turkey is not as popular as chicken and, as such, is generally cheaper. There is not much difference between chicken and turkey so if you are on a bit of a budget and trying to live a bit frugally a turkey recipe may be just the thing for you.  

Since turkey is so similar to chicken you can use turkey as a direct substitute in all the chicken recipes above. That’s right, turkey recipes include bbq turkey, turkey and rice and turkey casserole. One of the best turkey recipes is turkey chilli, and there are plenty of turkey chili recipes you can use.

One of the easiest turkey chili recipes simply involves marinating a turkey breast in some oil with chilli powder overnight and then cooking on the grill or barbeque. You can alter the level of spice of this dish by adding more or less chilli powder to taste. Another turkey chili recipe involves mincing the turkey and then making a standard chilli con carne.  

It is clear that chicken and turkey are versatile meats that can be used in a hundred and one different meals. What’s more, both meats are healthy, nutritious, high in protein, low in fat and very good for you.

Prime rib recipes for true meat lovers

Prime rib is an excellent cut of meat that is very versatile. Prime rib is healthy, tasty and very nutritious. So, where does the prime rib come from and what exactly can you do with it? 

A prime rib roast is beef that is cut from the primal rib, which is one of the eight primal cuts of beef. A prime rib roast is often referred to as a standing rib roast as it is usually cooked in the oven “standing up”, i.e. with the ribs stacked vertically. A typical prime rib recipe involves rubbing the outside of the meat with salt and seasonings and then slow roast in the oven. The amount of time you need to cook the prime rib roast will depend on how well you want the meat cooked. If you want the meat nice, juicy and pink it will require a lot less time than if you want the meat well cooked all the way through. 

Another way of eating prime rib roast is to cut the meat in to a number of rib steaks. If you remove the bone you get a rib eye steak, which is a great steak. A healthy recipe involving rib eye steak is to simply stick it on a barbeque over some hot coals. Barbecuing rib eye steak is an easy recipe that anyone can do at home. When barbecuing rib eye steak there are a few levels of “doneness” to which you can cook the meat. 

When you cook prime rib and serve it blue, the meat is basically sealed on both sides. You achieve this by leaving the steak on the grill for around thirty seconds to a minute, flip it over and cook the other side for thirty seconds to a minute. The inside of the rib will be red, bleeding and barely warm. Prime rib cooked this way is not to everyone’s taste, although it is a speciality in some countries.  

When you cook prime rib and serve it rare it is cooked for a bit longer to allow more of the meat to cook. When a rib is cooked in this manner, the inside will still be slightly pink and there may be a little blood but not too much and the rib will be hot all the way through. A rare prime rib is juicy, succulent and very tender.  

When you cook a prime rib medium it is grilled for a little longer still. The inside will be brown and there will be no blood at all. The amount of tasty juices will be minimal, if any. This is the stage where the meat becomes a little tough and dry, and you will need a serrated knife to cut through it and a good set of teeth to eat it.  

When you cook a prime rib well done, it is cooked for longer still. A well done rib eye steak is well cooked all the way through and piping hot all the way through. Cooking a rib eye steak this way will dry it out and it will be tough and chewy. When barbecuing a steak to the stage of well done it is advisable to regularly spray the outside of the steak with water during the cooking process to stop the outside drying out too much and burning.  

A rare rib eye steak is an easy recipe that is very tasty on its own, however many people like to pour prime rib sauce over their steaks to give a bit more flavour. There are many different readymade prime rib sauces available to buy so get down your local store and see what’s available. Alternatively, you may wish to make your own prime rib eye sauce in which case you should check out food network recipes.

Pizza - The best cure for a hangover

The morning after a night out on the beer, wine, cider, or whatever your favourite poison is, you are going to need something to cure a hangover. Different people have different ideas on the best hangover cure and it is up to you to find out what works best for you.  

Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration therefore many people regard water as the way to cure a hangover because it rehydrates you. In the UK, many people consider a fry up to be the best hangover food and will seek a greasy fried breakfast, consisting of eggs, bacon, hash browns, fried bread, beans, mushrooms, sausages and tomatoes for the ultimate hangover cure. Some people think the only way to cure a hangover is to have another alcoholic beverage, a process that is affectionately known as “the hair of the dog”. Besides the above, there are other hangover cures so it pays to experiment. 

I have tried various different over the counter drugs, pills, non-alcoholic drinks and different “hangover food” types to cure a hangover over the years and I have to say the one that works best for me is pizza.  

Like many people, I get hungry after a few beers and will get a craving for some “junk” food. It is during this stage where I actually start to combat the hangover I know I will be waking up with. Instead of going for a burger, a kebab, a Chinese takeout, a curry or some chips like many people will, I will actively seek out a pizza shop. My preferred pizza outlet is Pizza Hut, but by the time I am ready to set the wheels in motion to cure a hangover my local Pizza Hut outlets are closed, but there is always a Dominos open.  

The Dominos pizza menu is vast and there are several different varieties. As well as thin crust, stuffed crust or deep pan there are numerous different toppings, such as Cheese, chicken, vegetables, beef, seafood or a combination of the whole lot. The best pizza off the Dominos pizza menu after a few drinks is a plain cheese and tomato, It may sound a bit boring but I find that eating a fully loaded pizza after a few drinks ends up in a lot more than just a headache, feeling dizzy and having a bit of a stomach ache. The trick is to keep it plain, keep it simple and keep it “boring”. 

In these tough economic times money can be a bit tight therefore rather than buying a pizza before I return home I will make a homemade pizza to eat when I get home, or when wake from my slumber, if I can’t be bothered to cook the pizza when I get home. Making a homemade pizza is dead simple and all you need are readymade pizza bases, a tube of tomato puree, some cheese and whatever topping you want. When making homemade pizza, once again I will stick to a basic cheese and tomato as this settles the stomach better than a fully loaded pizza.

So, the next time you are out for a few drinks and want to avoid a hangover try eating a pizza before you go to sleep. There are many different types of hangover food, although I would say a shop bought pizza, or even a homemade pizza is by far the best.

How to catch pike using lures

Do you use live baits and dead baits to catch pike? Have you ever used lure fishing techniques? Would you even know how to use a lure to catch large pike? 

Out of all the different ways to catch pike lure fishing is one of the most popular, and when you take a close look at lure fishing it is easy to see why. Lure fishing is an active way of hunting pike that involves minimal tackle, minimal fuss and maximum fun and excitement. 

Many people think lure fishing is an unskilled method that is more luck than skill however this is not the case. Lure fishing is an art, and in order to consistently catch pike using lures there is a lot of stuff you need to be aware of. So, if you want some tips and tricks that is going to help you increase your success rate when lure fishing for monster pike make sure you check out this lens.

Honda Civic - A car for everyone

Not many cars can be described as iconic, however the Honda Civic is a car that can. The Honda Civic has been in production for over thirty years, making it one of the longest production cars of all time.

Regardless of your age, where you live, what you use your car for, or any other personal circumstances there is a Honda Civic that will suit you and your lifestyle. From the small 1600cc base model through to the top of the range Honda Civic Type R, there is a Civic for everyone.

There are many reasons to buy a Civic, such as they are cheap to run, cheap to own, cheap to buy, an all round great car to name just a few. If you have never driven a Honda Civic the question "why not?" has to be asked. If you want to know what you're missing I highly recommend "The reasons to buy a Honda Civic" . This article will really open your eyes, so if you are looking for a new car then check this out and take a closer look at the Civic.

The best alternatives to the digital SLR camera

There’s no doubt about it, if you want the ultimate control and image quality a digital SLR camera is the way to go. Digital SLR cameras are big, bulky, heavy and can cause unwanted attention. Because of this many people are put off the digital SLR camera. Some people simply don’t want a digital SLR camera but still want the chance to take great images. What cameras are available for these people? 

“The best alternatives to a digital SLR camera” is an article describing the ideal cameras for those people that don’t want a digital SLR camera. The cameras included in this article are big on features but small in size. These cameras offer excellent image quality but will not attract unwanted attention. So, if you are looking for a decent camera but don’t want a digital SLR camera make sure you check out “The bestalternatives to a digital SLR camera”.

The best family Wii games of all time

The Nintendo Wii is a great games console. The graphics may not be as good as that of the Xbox 360, the sound quality may not be as good of that as the Xbox 360, the level of detail may not be as good as that of the Xbox 360 and it may not have an extensive library of games, like the Xbox 360 has however the Nintendo Wii is still worth a purchase.  

The Xbox 360 is a hardcore gamers’ machine, where as the Nintendo Wii is more for casual gamers. The Xbox 360 is designed for one or two players whereas the Nintendo Wii is designed for several players. The Wii can be sued to bring the whole family together for an afternoon of fun, entertainment and family bonding. 

“The best family wii games ofall time” is an article describing the best Wii games for family fun. These games are designed to bring the whole family together, from your five year old brother to your ninety year old granny, everyone can join in the fun.  

So, if you are looking for the best family Wii games for the next family party or gathering “The best family Wii games of all time” is an essential read.

How to win mega millions on the lottery

How good would it be to wake up every morning safe in the knowledge that it didn’t matter if you lost your job (that’s assuming you have a job in this position), there were no money worries at all and your family would continue to have a roof over their heads. This type of life style is achievable, but only if you have mega millions in the bank. Many people dream of having mega millions for that stress free and care free existence.  

Very few people realise the dream of being a millionaire, but there are few people who actually get there. Whilst it would be nice to earn mega millions through grit, determination and hard work this is only a pipe dream, although some people do manage it, and the majority of people who become multi millionaires do so by winning the lottery or the mega millions lottery.  

The lottery is a gamble and there is no way of ensuring your particular lottery numbers are drawn. Many clever and educated people have tried various ingenious methods to select the lottery numbers that are “guaranteed” to be megamillions winning numbers. All of the attempts to date have failed miserably and with odds of hitting the jackpot sitting at millions to one this is to be expected. So how do you go about selecting the numbers that are going to help you on your way to becoming a millionaire.  

We have already established that scientifically choosing your lottery numbers is unlikely to work, therefore you have to think of some other method. Some people use their birthday and the birthdays of their family members, some people have “lucky” numbers they have used all their lives, some people use some figures in their telephone number, some people use the house numbers of famous people and some people use a combination of all of these things.  

The problem with the lottery, and indeed the megamillions lottery, is that once you have your “lucky” lottery numbers you have to keep playing the game week in and week out. You could give up, but what would you do if your megamillions winning numbers came up during the week you didn’t play the game. How would you feel? 

So, if you want to know how to win mega millions on the lottery I’m afraid the only answer is to go and buy a ticket and keep your fingers crossed. There are no formulas, no guarantees and no certainties other than you “have to be in it to win it”, therefore the only way to be successful in the megamillions lottery results is to get out there and buy a ticket.

Electronic scrabble – one of the most famous games makes it to the world of online games

Scrabble is a classic board game that was developed and released in 1938 by Alfred Mosher Butts. As we all know, scrabble is a word based game where you pit your knowledge of the English language, or whatever your native tongue is, and earn points by devising a variety of different words. Scrabble is a game that is easy to learn and play but difficult to master. 

Historically, Scrabble was played on a board and with other people. If you were on your own, or your friends didn’t want to play, you could not enjoy this fantastic game. Well, this is not the case anymore. The game of Scrabble has now joined the world of the Internet and on line games.  

There are several different on line gaming sites where you can play scrabble and all of them are free. All you have to do is search for a scrabble finder, sign up to the site, click on the scrabble game, wait for an opponent to join and then play. With on line scrabble it is possible to play where you want, when you want, providing you have an internet enabled device and an Internet connection of course.  

When playing a conventional game of Scrabble it is almost impossible to cheat, however this is not the case with online Scrabble. There are many different word finder and scrabble finder sites that allows the player to insert their letters and allow the website to suggest a number of possible words. When you are playing scrabble against someone in a different room and, more often than not, in a different state or country there is no way of knowing whether the person you are playing is a scrabble cheat and using a word finder site. Using a scrabble finder is unethical however there are many people who will do whatever it takes to win and if there s no chance of them being found out they will grab the opportunity with both hands.  

Playing a scrabble cheat is the most annoying part of online scrabble. After all, you have absolutely no chance of beating a scrabble cheat so why bother? When you play scrabble online you can play against a friend, who may just happen to be in the same room as you. When your opponent is in the same room you can keep an eye on them and make sure they are not a scrabble cheat but in these circumstances you may as well play the board game, which defeats the objective of online gaming.  

Even though there is the potential of playing against a scrabble cheat that uses a word finder online scrabble is still great and you should not be dissuaded from giving it a go. If you came across a scrabble cheat, or someone you suspect to be a scrabble cheat never stop down to their level and use a word finder. Instead, see the game as a challenge and an opportunity to hone your word skills. When you win using just your brain the victory is so much sweeter.

On line games and gaming is typically associated with being a male activity, however this is not the case and online scrabble proves this. If, online scrabble is not your sort of game then, ladies, don’t give up as there are many other games for girls on the internet and all you have to do to find some is to perform a search.

Cool games for the Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 is a powerful games console that is the serious and hardcore gamers console of choice and with its stunning graphics, real life sound and awesome games it is easy to see why. When a new computer game, that is available on all formats, is advertised on TV what is the version that is always used? That’s right the Xbox 360 version.  

The Xbox 360

There are so many cool games for the Xbox 360 it would be impossible to list them all, however a handful of the top Xbox 360 games are considered to be Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Halo, Fable, Tom Calnacy’s Splinter Cell, Call of Duty, Star Wars, Max Payne, Project Gotham Racing and Silent Hill. All of these Xbox 360 games are games for the serious gamers amongst us, and since they contain graphic violence, bad language and a whole host of “grown up” features they are not suitable for everyone, especially the younger ones in the family.  

Most of the Xbox 360 games are of a violent nature or purely for entertainment purposes, however there are some games for the Xbox that are designed to teach and educate. There aren’t that many educational games available for the Xbox, although there are some that spring to mind.  

Splinter Cell

First off there is Brain challenge, which is the Xbox version of Brain training. This is a game consisting of a whole range of puzzles that need solving. Can it be classed as a “cool” game for the Xbox 360? Well, that all depends on how you classify cool. Personally, I wouldn’t class it as cool but it is a game that has a strong following, just like Brain Training on the Nintendo. 

If math is more your thing, the best cool math games is Math Sniper 3D. As its name suggests this is a math game that involves solving a number of math problems. The player takes on the role of a sniper and has to take out the spy with the correct answer. This game is geared towards younger children and helps with learning tables but in a fun way. Before buying the full version of this Xbox 360 game it is possible to download a free trial via Xbox Live, so check this out before you go and spend you hard earned cash. 

If shooting is not your thing or you feel it is not appropriate for your little ones and alternative Xbox 360 game to Math Sniper 3D is Math Aerobat. This game is also centred around solving various math problems however it involves flying a plane in to a cloud with the correct answer. Math Aerobat is another Xbox 360 game that is aimed at younger children, so the serious gamers amongst you are hardly likely to classify it as cool. 

Other cool maths games include Gamefarm Math Quiz and Speed Math. Speed Math in particular is a great family game as it is a party game whereby four players compete in a race against the clock to solve a number of different math problems. If you want to add a bit of competition and really make the players want to win this is one of the best maths games to do it.   

As you can see cool games for the Xbox 360 don’t necessarily have to be fast paced adventure games that are full of violence, blood, language and other adult material. If you think you wouldn’t like a math game I would suggest you give it a try as you may be pleasantly surprised. Go on, download the trial and see what you think, after all it is not going to cost you anything.

With the current gold price you could be laughing all the way to the bank

In recent times the price of gold has gone through the ceiling, so those of you with a lot of unwanted gold jewellery can cash in and significantly increase your bank balance. Gold has always been a valuable commodity and the price of gold per ounce has always been quite high, but why have the price of gold increased so much? The answer to this depends on who you ask and different people have different opinions.

Turn your surplus gold in to cash

In times gone by property and real estate were viewed as sound investments and many people ploughed their spare cash and savings in to property. Due to a number of different reasons, the property market has crashed and the bottom has fallen out so it is no longer considered a good place to invest. Similarly, stocks and shares were seen as a good investment, but just like the property market the value of stocks and shares has plummeted the world over, so it is no longer worth investing in these markets. As a result of the market crashes investors have started putting their money in gold therefore the price of gold has gone through the roof. This is bad news if you are an investor but if you have a stash of gold jewellery lying around the house you could stand to make some additional cash, which is always nice.

In order to get some indication of how much your surplus gold is worth you could go on line and search for the cost of gold per ounce. You have to remember the price fluctuates and is constantly changing so the exact price depends on when you decide to cash in the gold. Alternatively, you can use an online gold price calculator. You should only use these sources as a guide as the exact price you get for your surplus gold will depend on other factors, such as the gold content of the jewellery.

With the increase in the price of gold and the increased activity in the gold market there has been an increase in the number of merchants buying and selling gold. If you take your gold to these merchants they will make you an offer, which you can accept or decline. You need to remember these merchants are looking to make a profit on your gold therefore they will not offer you top dollar for it. These merchants offer free valuations for people who are actively looking to sell their gold, so for a valuation take your gold to a merchant and decline the offer. Once you have the bottom offer you can then try and sell your surplus gold jewellery yourself using the professional valuation as the rock bottom price.

So, you cash in all your unwanted gold and want to bank the money in to the best type of account to get even more bang for your buck. With so many different banks and so many different types of bank accounts available, which is the best one and what one do you choose? There are some great banks out there, such as the Bank of America, Chase Bank and Capital One Bank to name but three so there is plenty to choose from. It is always advisable to research a product or service before making a final decision even when choosing a bank account this is no different. Get on the banks’ websites, look at the forums on financial product comparison sites and look at consumer sites, there are loads of different sources you can look at.

Despite what the reviews say all these banks offer the same types of accounts and services at the similar costs and neither bank is better or worse than the others.  At the end of the day the final decision is likely to depend on which bank is closest to you as it is far easier to manage your banking affairs when you live close to the branch.

Using a loan to buy insurance? Are you serious?

People take out bank loans for a whole variety of reasons but to buy insurance is seldom one of them. Taking out a direct loan to buy a vehicle, pay for a vacation, settle outstanding debts etc. is reasonable, but to use a loan to buy an insurance policy simply seems nonsensical.

This may have been the case with traditional loans, i.e. those that are taken out over a period of a year or more, but times have changed. In days gone by it was only possible to take a loan over a period of a year or more and a loans advanced for a year were expensive, so it would have been pointless to take out a loan to buy an insurance policy. Nowadays, there is a new breed of loan called the payday loan. Payday loans are very short term loans that are intended to provide people with a small amount of cash to cover them until their next pay check. Payday loans are loans on line that are paid directly in to your bank account and are great to cover emergency situations and unexpected costs, such boiler breakdowns and auto bills however they do have other uses as well, such as settling an auto insurance policy renewal.

Auto insurance is expensive, and car insurance quotes are rising year on year. Many insurance companies, such as allstate auto insurance amongst many others, permit insurance holders to pay for their auto insurance in monthly instalments, although this leads to additional costs over and above the base price of the auto insurance policy making it more expensive. When your car insurances quotes are received it is far cheaper to pay for the auto insurance in a single payment and payday loans can also be used for this purpose.

With a payday loan you can settle your auto insurance in a single payment and then repay the payday loan with your next pay check or over a couple of months should you wish. Payday loans carry a high interest rate and can be expensive, however when you consider the cost of the insurance is only a few hundred bucks and you will only have the loan for around a month or so, the interest cost won’t be too much. In any case, it will be much less than the cost of paying the auto insurance policy on a monthly basis over the year.

Payday loans are very useful sources of finance that you can use to cover a whole variety of different expenses. The interest rates attached to payday loans are high and they can work out very expensive if you let them run for a few months or more. However, if you use the direct loan as it is intended, i.e. to cover you until your next pay check, payday loans are not that expensive and often a cheaper alternative to other types of loans.

Calculating the payroll tax and paying it over using the company’s Chase account

A company’s employees are considered to be its most important asset and it easy to see why. If a company had no employees it would not be able to function, which means it would not generate a turnover or profit, which means it would fail and cease to exist. Consequently, it is important for a company to look after its employees and pay them on time. If the company looks after its employees the employees will look after the company and ensure it prospers.

When dealing with employees the company also has to consider the payroll tax system. All individuals are liable to tax and this is collected by the employer through the payroll tax system. All employers are obliged to collect payroll tax off their employees and pay it over to the taxman. There are serious consequences for employers who fail to take the tax off the employees or tax their employees incorrectly therefore it is important that all payroll taxes are calculated correctly.

Sage payroll - One of the best payroll calculators

The easiest way to calculate the payroll taxes is to use a payroll tax calculator, which will effectively calculate the payroll tax for you. Payroll tax rates will change and the payroll calculator will contain the most up to date tax rates which means the payroll tax will be calculated correctly. If the payroll taxes are calculated correctly, and deducted from the employees’ pay packet correctly, the company should not have any issues with the tax man. However, calculating the payroll taxes is only half the task.

In addition to calculating the payroll taxes and deducting the right amounts from each employee the company must pay the tax over to the tax man on behalf of each employee. In times gone by this meant going to the company’s bank, such as the Bank of America or Chase Account, or the post office and making a direct payment, which was a bit of a hassle.

Fortunately, times have changed and with the advances in technology and the way in which companies deal with their banking affairs it is now possible to make a direct or on line payment over the internet using internet banking. So, if the company has a Chase account it can make payments to the tax man using the chase bank on line service. The company can also pay its employees using Chase on line services, making the payroll process even easier.

A lot of companies make the payroll process far harder than it really ought to be, so it is important you don’t make the same mistakes. In order to make the payroll process easier you should use a payroll tax calculator to ensure the payroll taxes are calculated correctly, deduct the correct amount of payroll taxes, pay the payroll tax over to the taxman using chase on line services, or something similar and pay the employees directly using chase on line services or something similar. If you follow these rules you will find the payroll system quicker, easier and much more manageable.

Must have tablet computer – The Apple ipad 2

The Apple brand is huge and Apple products are currently the “must have” accessories, which has made them very popular the world over, and when you consider the excellent range of Apple products including the Apple ipod, Apple iphone, Apple ipad, Apple ipad 2, Macbook and iMac, it is easy to see why Apple is the brand leader in many electrical products.

Arguably, the tablet computer is the current product that consumers are lusting over and the Apple ipad 2 is currently leading the way, although the android tablets are starting to come through. The android tablets are catching up to the ipad 2 however they are not quite there yet and the Apple ipad 2 is still considered to be the best tablet computer by many.

There are many things you can do with the ipad 2, such as listening to music, watching movies, viewing photos, dealing with business documents, arranging your contacts and calendar, web browsing and searching the internet amongst many other things. These are all useful features but they are not what made the ipad 2 so popular.

The ipad 2

Even though the ipad 2 has many different uses and features, it is the ability to download and use a variety of different applications, or “apps” as they are often abbreviated to, that makes the ipad 2 so popular. The Apple ipad 2 runs the Apple iOS operating system, which is unique to Apple, therefore the only place to get ipad apps is to download them from the Apple store. There are hundreds of ipad apps available from the Apple store, some of which are free and the remainder of which you have to pay for. Out of the hundreds of ipad apps available some of them are exceptionally good and very useful although the majority are simply rubbish and not worth downloading from the Apple store. When dealing with ipad apps you have to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, and sort out the good from the bad. Fortunately, there are many forums and sites where you can find reviews on various ipad apps, which means you can easily identify the ipad apps that are worth downloading and those that are not.

As well as ipad apps there are also android tablet apps, which are designed for tablets running the android operating system. Even though the ipad 2 runs the Apple operating system, which is not compatible with the android operating system, it is still possible to run android apps on the ipad 2, however you have to jailbreak the ipad 2 in order to do this. When you jailbreak the ipad 2, you effectively alter the operating system which enables your ipad 2 to download and use android apps. When you jailbreak the ipad 2 you don’t mess the ipad up in any way and you still have all the features of the ipad intact.

In conclusion, if you want the “must have” tablet computer the Apple ipad 2 is definitely the model to go for and it is simply brilliant. As well as all the usual features of a tablet computer the ipad 2 can be fully synced and used with your other Apple products, such as the ipod, Apple iphone, Macbook or iMac, and if you download icloud the process is even easier. So, for the ultimate tablet computer the ipad 2 is the only way forward.

Do you need to download icloud?

The easiest way to describe Apple icloud is as a “virtual hard drive” on which you can store your music, your documents and your photos amongst much more. In fact, you can store almost everything you have ever download on icloud. Once all your files are on icloud they can then be wirelessly pushed to all your compatible Apple devices, including your iphone, ipad, Mac, notebook and ipod. Apple icloud ensures your calendar, contacts and email are all up to date across all the Apple products you own without any syncing whatsoever, which is a very useful feature. The most useful feature of icloud is the ability to use it on all your Apple devices, so if you only use a Mac or an ipad or an iphone, Apple icloud really isn’t going to be of much use to you.

In order to use icloud and itunes icloud on your ipod, iphone or ipad you will need the latest iOS 5, which is supplied on all new devices. This means you can use icloud on the devices straight from the box with no setting up. If you decided to jailbreak your ipad or iphone in the past you will have to update to the latest operating system to use icloud, which means you will no longer have access to the android apps. So, before updating your device to use icloud you have to ask yourself which is more important. Is the ability to use the features of icloud more important that the ability to download and use android apps, or vice versa? Unfortunately, you can’t do both. In order to use icloud and itunes icloud on your mac you will need the latest OS X Lion.

All these Apple products can be used with icloud

When you sign up to icloud you get 5GB of storage for free. On the face of it this is a measly amount, especially when you consider you can get a single SD card that hold over six times more than that amount. However, it should be noted that the 5GB does not include your purchased apps, books and music, nor does it include your photo stream. Media uses a lot of storage, so remove this from the equation and 5GB actually goes a long way. Besides, if you want more storage space it is possible to buy some more as and when you need it.

On the face of it icloud seems like a great thing and one that is very useful, however what is it like in reality? How useful would icloud be to you? Do you really need to download icloud?The answer to this will depend on your specific circumstances and a number of different things, such as the amount of Apple products you own and use, the operating system you have on each product (although this can obviously be updated to the latest version as necessary), whether you decided to jailbreak your products and whether you use android apps and want to continue to do so in the future amongst many other things.

I can see the advantages of icloud and whilst I do use a lot of Apple products I am not overly bothered about syncing them. Besides, I like android apps and want the ability to keep on using these in the future. As for storing purchased media and all the stuff on itunes, that is what my external hard drive is used for.

Do I buy an Apple ipad or an android tablet?

The android tablet - Has the Apple ipad finally had its day?

There’s no doubt about it, the ipad is a great tablet computer and is on the wish list of many people, although for many it is just too expensive and out of reach. Take a look in your spam folder and you are likely to have several emails, many of which claim to give away free ipads. Go surfing on the internet and you will find several adverts that, once again, claim to give away free ipads.  Being given a free ipad sounds great doesn’t it? Well, the reality is it simply isn’t true and these sites are nothing more than a scam that is trying to get you to sign up for some kind of expensive service or buy some type of product.

If you want a tablet computer but the ipad or the ipad 2 is out of reach, the android tablet is an alternative you may want to consider. The tablet computer has become a “must have” item and the tablet computer market is absolutely booming. Consequently there are several different types of android tablet and many different manufacturers, such as Dell, Samsung, Archos, Blackberry, Asus and Motorola to name but a few.

With so many android tablets to choose from the question “what is the best android tablet?” has to be asked. The answer to this will depend on which article you read or who you ask. Techno lovers tend to be loyal and if, for example, someone has always used Blackberry products they are likely to say the Blackberry tablet. Similarly, ask a loyal Samsung user and they are likely to say the Galaxy. Get the point? I thought so. Modern day technology is very good and all manufacturers are pretty much similar so I think most people will be more than happy with any android tablet, no matter what brand it is. Bearing this in mind, there isn’t really a best android tablet per say.

Android tablets do the same thing the ipad does, it’s just that they aren’t made by Apple and they run the android operating system, which is obviously different to the Apple operating system. All ipad owners can play media on their devices, as can all android tablet owners. All ipad owners can surf the net, as can all android tablet owners. One of the best features of tablet computers is the ability to download a variety of applications, which are abbreviated to “apps”.

The ipad - currently the King of the tablet computers but how long will it take before it is dethroned?

Since the ipad uses a different operating system there are specific ipad apps that will only work with the ipad and nothing else. All the android tablets run the same operating system, therefore there is a communal collection of “android tablet apps” that work on all tablets running the android operating system. If you have an ipad and want to use the android tablet apps there is a way, but it involves “jail breaking” the ipad. Unfortunately, there is no way of using ipad apps on android tablets but given the android tablet apps are so good, there really is no need to.

The Apple brand is huge and many people lust after the ipad, however if your budget won’t stretch that far there are cheaper android tablet alternatives. The android tablet may not be as “fashionable” as the ipad, however they essentially do the same thing and are well worth buying. As to what is the best android tablet, that is a tough one as opinions vary. Before buying an android tablet the only thing I can suggest is doing some research and then visiting a store to see the android tablets in the flesh. You need to touch them, hold them and have a quick play with them in order to choose the best one for you. The Apple ipad used to be miles ahead in the table computer race, however the android tablets are catching up and, who knows, may even overtake the ipad in the very near future. 

The advantages of paying via paypal than at the post office

The local post office - traditionally the place to make payments

There was a time when the only way of making payments to third parties was to visit the local post office. If you lived or worked near a post office this was fine however if you could not get to the post office within normal post office hours or lived a long way from the post office location paying people via the post office was not such a viable option. During the post office holiday it became even more difficult to get to the post office within normal post office hours to arrange a payment. Fortunately, times have changed and paypal now exists.

With a paypal account you can make payments to people wherever and whenever you want, providing you have access to a computer and the Internet of course. With a paypal account there is no driving about to get to a local branch, which actually saves money on fuel costs and given the extortionate gas prices at present this constitutes a nice saving. As well as money, this saves time and gives you more free time to spend doing the things that are important to you, such as spending time with friends and family or doing whatever else it is you like to do.With a pay pal account there are no holiday period close downs, and paypal is open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

Pay Pal - The easiest and fastest way to make payments. It's also very secure

One of the best things about a paypal account is that it is totally free. That’s right, nothing, Nada, zilch – there are no hidden costs, charges or paypal fees associated with sending money via paypal, providing you are using your paypal account balance or your paypal account is linked to your bank account. If your paypal account is not linked to your bank account there will be some paypal fees to pay which are typically 3.4% plus a few pence or dollars, depending on where you live. If you make credit card or debit card payments you will also incur pay pal fees at the same rates.

In order to pay someone through pay pal they must have a pay pal account, and this is the only sticking point. Many people are afraid of the unknown, especially when it comes to money and the payee may not have a pay pal account. This was a large problem when paypal was first introduced however now pay pal is established, trusted and respected this is seldom a problem anymore.

If you do not have a pay pal account and, therefore, not taking advantage of this excellent form of on line banking you are seriously missing out and need to check out the paypal website to see if having a paypal account will be of benefit to you.

UPS vs Fed Ex vs Royal Mail – Which one is better?

Nowadays it is all about UPS and Fed Ex however it wasn’t always like this. It used to be the Royal Mail that was considered to be the best organisation to send packages and parcels, however times are changing. The Royal Mail is quickly losing respect amongst businesses because the operation is an absolute sham. Parcel and shipments go missing and can’t be traced, shipments are not being delivered within the specified time even though the charges are substantially more, and the cost of using the Royal Mail is increasing year on year. By charging customers more and failing to provide a good service the Royal Mail are ripping people off and they are starting to lose a lot of customers as a result.

The UPS logo - A symbol of quality and reliability

Instead of using Royal Mail many businesses are opting to use UPS or Fed Ex, simply because the service is so much better and the cost is only marginally more. Both the UPS and Fed Ex are very good companies, but which one is better and which one should small businesses use?

UPS is a decent logistics company that does everything it should. On the whole parcels and shipments are delivered on time, and if they aren’t you get an apology, an explanation and all additional costs reimbursed, as an absolute minimum. When Royal Mail fails to deliver on time you get nothing. With UPS you can manage your account on line, which effectively means its open twenty four seven, unlike the post office hours. One of the best things about having a UPS account online is the ability for tracking UPS shipments. At the press of a few buttons you can find out exactly where your shipment is and when it is due to be delivered to your customers, so you can maintain a good business relationship and keep them informed.

Fed EX is another decent logistics company, and just like UPS it does everything it should. Just like UPS with Fed Ex you can also maintain your account online which has all the usual benefits. Once again, one of the best features of the online account is the ability to tracing your deliveries and shipments through FedEx tracking. Fed ex tracking works in much the same way as tracking UPS parcels, and it is a very useful tool to ensure your customers are kept informed and kept happy.

Fed Ex - Another reliable courier firm

Having used both UPS and Fed ex choosing one over the other is difficult. Both companies offer the same services, both companies offer the same excellent levels of customer service, both companies deliver the shipments on time or compensate you in the rare cases when they fail to do so and both companies charge the same amount for providing the services, so choosing one over the other is like splitting hairs.

When dealing with these companies you need to be able to visit the store, therefore the UPS store locations and Fed ex store locations will have a significant influence on the final decision and as you’d expect the closer the better. There are UPS store locations throughout the world so to find the closest one to you simple go on the UPS website, go to the “locations” tab, tap in your location and your nearest UPS store locations will be displayed.  Similarly, to find your nearest Fed ex store locations you need to visit the Fed ex website, go to the “Find locations” tab, tap in your location and wait for the nearest Fed ex stores to be displayed. Ultimately, the decision on whether to use UPS or Fed ex will depend on which one is closest to you.

The link between the post office and business success

Many office are trying to go fully paperless and use electronic communication only

“Electronic” business is becoming increasingly popular in today’s society. Communication is largely done via email, a lot of banking procedures are done via e-banking, suppliers are paid via e-payments and products are sold via e-commerce. Many businesses are trying to rely on electronic communication and do everything electronically however the world is not yet ready for the paperless office. Consequently, the post office still plays a large part in the world of business, and even more so in small business.

Customer invoices and statements are sent through the postal system. If the customer fails to receive the invoices and statements they will not settle their debts on time, the cash flow suffers and the business may incur unnecessary costs as a result.

On the flip side, supplier contracts, finance agreements, hire purchase agreements, purchase invoices and purchase statements are all documents received through the postal system. If a business fails to receive a purchase statement it will not pay it supplier on time which could lead to additional costs or in the worst case scenario the loss of a key supplier, which is likely to have a detrimental effect on the business.

With so many important documents running through a small business it is necessary to manage and control them as much as possible. Important documentation should be sent recorded delivery so it can be traced through the post office tracking system. The Post office charges a premium for the post office tracking system but the additional costs are well worth it, especially when you consider the potential implications and costs that can arise if the document fails to reach the recipient.

Small businesses are more reliant than the post office than they realise

Post office hours are the standard nine to five therefore all small businesses must ensure its post reaches postal system, i.e. the local post office, in good time to reach the sorting office. Because of post office location many small businesses have to suffer downtime in order to get their post to the post office within normal post office hours. During the holiday period the post office holidays also affect the running of small businesses, which creates additional problems to overcome.

It is easy to see that the post office plays a pivotal role within all businesses, especially since every piece of paper that enters or leaves the office has to go through the postal system. Businesses are more tied in to the postal system than small business owners seem to realise, and since the postal system is something that is totally out of our control we are at its mercy. This poses a significant business risk, especially when the postal service decides to go on strike.

Even though the tax payer funds the postal service, the post office is still business that has to be controlled, managed and operated like any other business, although the postal service is often perceived to be non-profit making. Because of this the post office often conflicts with small businesses although it is the small business that has to work around the post office. Because of the way we do business, and the volume of post, it is important to remain on good terms with the post office and all post office staff.

How the Amazon Kindle has revolutionised the way we read

Ebook readers have done to reading and books what the MP3 player did to music, i.e. it has turned everything digital. This means you can now carry your entire library of books on a small and portable device that allows you to read what you want, when you want and where you want.

Amazon - What a store!

When ebook readers were first released they were very expensive, and whilst many potential customers saw the advantages of the ebook reader very few could justify the cost of the reader or the cost of ebooks. Many customers only had one option, which was to remain with traditional paper books until the Amazon Kindle was released.

The Amazon Kindle is the ebook reader that has single-handed revolutionised the way we read, which is mainly down to the price although there are a few other features. The Amazon Kindle is affordable and sold at a price that makes it available to the general public. Combine the low cost of the Amazon Kindle with its easy to use features and the Amazon Kindle bookstore and you have the recipe for an enjoyable reading experience that is simple enough for readers of all ages to understand and get to grips with. Many ebook readers made by other manufacturers are awkward and complicated to use but the Amazon Kindle is not.

The Amazon Kindle - This simple device has changed the way in which we read

When the Amazon Kindle was first released it could only be purchased from Amazon, which is understandable, however Amazon lost out on a lot of sales. Many people have had bad experiences when buying items from Amazon, which dissuades them from making future purchases, even though there is Amazon free shipping. It appears that Amazon has rectified the issue and the Amazon Kindle can now be bought from many different stores and retailers. Many manufacturers dislike letting many stores sell their products because there is a public perception that the product is not exclusive because it is so widely available. This can decrease sales but in the case of the Amazon Kindle it has led to an increase in sales. Amazon hasn’t lost any control over selling the Kindle in this way since it still sets the price, and the main thing is that Amazon has kept total control over the distribution of ebooks, which is where the long term earnings are going to be.

If you want to carry your entire library around with you at all times, and are in the market for an ebook reader that is simple to use, cheap, and has access to thousands of books the Amazon Kindle should be top of your list. The Amazon Kindle may not have as many features as other ebook readers, but you have to ask yourself the question of whether all the additional features are needed and are they worth the additional cost. As long as the ebook reader displays your ebooks that is all that matters, after all that is the primary reason you want an ebook reader, right? Yep, the Amazon Kindle is an excellent ebook reader in all respects.

Footlocker sells shoes and so much more besides

Foot Locker - The sign of quality

The type and style of shoes we wear are not only a fashion statement, but also says a lot about the type of person we are. In days gone by it was the ladies amongst us who were meant to be obsessed by shoes, however times have changed and the number of men who are obsessed by shoes is on the increase. Where ladies will lean towards smart, formal and sexy shoes men tend to lean more towards sneakers, trainers and basketball boots. Where is the best place for men to get their shoes from? The answer to this is an easy one and there is only one place you need to go to – Foot Locker.

Foot Locker shoes consist of many different styles of shoes, including running, basketball, sandals, casual and boots amongst others. Foot Locker shoes also stock many different brands, including Adidas, Champion, Reebok and Nike amongst others. If you can’t find a particular brand at Foot Locker there is a very good chance it has been discontinued or never even existed in the first case.

If you want some classic Jordans get down to Foot Locker

If you like your Nike shoes Foot Locker is the place for you. Air max, Jordans, Shox, Air Force Ones, Air and all the other classic Nike shoes are available at Foot Locker, so if you are after a pair of retro sneakers Foot Locker should be your first port of call, and if you want a pair of Jordans Foot Locker has the largest selection anywhere. If Nike aren’t your favourite brand, but Reebok, Puma, Adidas or any other brand is Foot Locker should still be your first port of call.

Foot Locker doesn’t only sell shoes for men, oh no, it also sells women’s shoes and children’s shoes. In addition to shoes, Foot Locker also sells a variety of accessories and sports clothing, including hats, hoodies, trousers, shirts and t-shirts for men, women and children, so it is an excellent place for all yours and your family’s sporting needs, despite the Foot Locker name.

If you prefer to visit a shop as opposed to shopping on line you’ll be pleased to know that there are Foot Locker outlet locations all over the world. To find your nearest Footlocker store simply go on the Foot Locker website, click on the “Find a store” tab and enter your location. The nearest footlocker locations will then be displayed for you to view.

There are many stockists of sneakers, trainers and sports apparel and many people think it is “all much of a muchness” but this is not the case. Foot Locker is head and shoulders above the competition and is the only place to go for your sports goods. If you do an Internet search you will also find some Foot Locker coupons that will save you money, which is always a bonus in these tough economic times.

Caveat Emptor when purchasing Pandora from ebay

On the whole, ebay is an excellent place to do some shopping. After all, how many physical shops, or on line stores for that matter, do you know of where it is possible to buy almost anything you will ever need. There are some exceptions of course, namely food, medicinal drugs and animals amongst other things but if you are looking to buy a particular product ebay is often a good starting point.

Ebay is a great site although you do have to be careful

Unfortunately, ebay has built up a reputation of being a site full of dishonest sellers who only sell counterfeit items, rip offs and seconds. There are some dishonest sellers on ebay, I know of many people who have been ripped off (me included) however there are some honest sellers on ebay who sell high quality and genuine products at a reduced price, so there are genuine bargains to be had if you are fortunate enough to find them.

My personal ebay experience shows that individuals selling products in the ebay classified section are most likely to rip you off therefore I stay away from the ebay classified section as far as possible. If I track down an exceptionally cheap item in the ebay classified section I may have a punt on it, however I refuse to spend a lot of money on any items in the ebay classified section, and prefer to use an ebay store.

Pandora jewellery has become well known and very popular over the last couple of years or so, and it is easy to see why. Pandora Pandora manufactures earrings, necklaces and anklets however its biggest sellers are charm bracelets and associated charms. A charm Pandora bracelet is a wonderful piece of jewellery that allows you to create your own individual charm bracelet over a period of time. Currently, there are hundreds of Pandora charms and the collection is getting bigger and bigger all the time.

Pandoara charm bracelets can be personalised to suit all tastes

Most Pandora charms are very nice, although there are some that look cheap and tacky, even though they are genuine Pandora. Because of this I refuse to buy Pandora charms unless I can see them in the flesh, feel them and put them on a bracelet to see what they look like.

Genuine Pandora jewellery can be purchased directly from the Pandora website or from an authorised Pandora stockist, of which there are many. There is also a lot of Pandora jewellery listed in both ebay classified sections and ebay stores. The Pandora on ebay claims to be genuine yet it is far less than you would pay for the same items from the Pandora website or an authorised Pandora stockist. If prices are “too good to be true” they generally are and there is usually something not quite right. As a test I bought a “genuine Pandora” charm from an ebay classified advert to see what it was like. Genuine Pandora charms are screwed on to the charm bracelet, this charm simply slid on (and off again) so this charm was definitely fake. The overall build quality was also very suspect.

If you are tempted to save a few bucks by purchasing some Pandora jewellery on ebay, or lured by the super cheap prices advertised in many ebay stores and ebay classified adverts “beware”.