Ashley Watters, Abshier House

Article / Updated 10-28-2024

YouTube is a video-sharing website where users post all kinds of media. YouTube is so popular that it has one billion unique visits every single month. From how-tos to educational cartoons, YouTube has a large selection of videos from every genre. You’ve likely watched videos on YouTube and seen something that you might want to watch when you don’t have access to the internet. Need a cartoon for your child who watch while on an airplane? Or, maybe an instructional video to review while actually doing the task later? Downloading YouTube videos is quite simple. How to download YouTube videos with Keepvid You can use keepvid.com to download YouTube videos. Follow these steps to use Keepvid: Go to YouTube and find the video you’d like to download. Click the Share button underneath the video on YouTube to copy the link. Open a new window and navigate to keepvid.com. Paste the link into the download text box. Click download and save the video.All done! Keepvid can also download videos from other websites, including videos posted to social media. Before you begin downloading videos from YouTube, you need to understand the legal issues that accompany your use of those videos. YouTube content is copyrighted. That means that you absolutely cannot download it for anything other than personal use. Also, Google (the owner of YouTube) includes terms of service for users. These terms specifically state: “You shall not download any Content unless you see a 'download' or similar link displayed by YouTube on the Service for that Content” (Section 5 – B). The following is provided for informational purposes only. There are several methods for downloading YouTube videos. The instructions above discuss one popular way to complete the task, but other options exist. There are numerous software suites available to download these videos. If you prefer this method, you can easily find choices by searching the internet for “YouTube downloading software.” The directions you find here discuss the use of websites that are specifically created to download YouTube videos.

Article / Updated 10-28-2024

A bullet journal or BUJO for short, is an organizational system that helps you keep track of everything in your busy life. It’s a life hack, a physical place to store everything you need to do, remember, or give attention to. Created by Ryder Carroll, a designer in New York City, the bullet journal is a way to keep organized in a fast-paced world. This system is a hard copy version of a to-do list, reminders, upcoming tasks, and anything else you need it to be, all in one place. And you don’t need any fancy gadgets or digital devices. All you need is a pen and a notebook. Elements of a bullet journal The bullet journal is comprised of five main elements. These include: Index: The index will be the first element in your bullet journal. Adding an index helps you find what you need when you need it. All of that information may seem like a waste if it is jumbled and you are unable to locate information in a pinch. Rapid logging: As the name implies, rapid logging is a quick and easy way to record anything. Many people lose interest in journals or complicated lists because they become arduous and cumbersome, rather than helpful. Using rapid logging, you make quick work of any meeting notes, journal entries, or to-do lists. This involves notations using short sentences and abbreviations, when possible. Logs: Your bullet journal should contain logs that help you identify what you need to accomplish. Ryder Carroll recommends that you use a future log, a monthly log, and a daily log. This way you can see what you need to accomplish on a small and large level. This logging system also provides you with a way to track your progress over time. Collections: Collections are a way of consolidating related topics. You can add a collection for books you want to read, restaurants you’d like to try, or even a separate collection for tracking fitness goals. Migration: Migration involves moving uncompleted tasks into current or future logs so that the tasks remain visible. If you are unable to complete a task from a previous month, simply migrate the task to your present or future set of goals. One of the main purposes of migration is to help you identify which goals and tasks are truly important to you. Your bullet journal can contain whatever information you want. The goal is to accomplish more by weeding out irrelevant tasks and continuing to work towards the ones that matter. Bullet journaling is about the system more than the content. Fill it with whatever matters to you! Getting started on your bullet journal Your bullet journal is a flexible system that allows you to keep track of all things. Follow these steps to get started: Choose your notebook and pen.Make sure it is big enough to hold everything. You will consolidate everything (really, everything) into this notebook. Open your notebook to the first spread and title them Index at the top of the page.A spread consists of two blank pages next to one another. Open to the next blank spread and title the pages Future Log.Write the page numbers in the bottom corner of your page. Go back to your index and log your Future Log.This could say simply, “Future Log 1-4.” It is important that you log entries into the index as you add them to your journal. This will help you find entries quickly when you need them. Go to the next spread and title it Monthly Log. Create spaces for monthly entries. Often, this takes the shape of large boxes for each month, similar to the structure of a monthly planner.Don’t forget to record the page number in your index. Open to the next spread and title these pages Daily Log. To enter your first entry, record the date. Begin recording tasks, events, or notes.You want to keep each entry short, as with a bulleted list. This is the rapid logging process. Use the following symbols: Tasks use a dot bullet (•) Events use an open circle bullet (o) Notes use a dash or hyphen (-) Use a star (*) to signify important tasks Once you have completed your first month, begin a new monthly log. Go back and scan your previous month. Mark completed tasks with an x. Review open tasks. Consider whether the task is still relevant. If the task is no longer relevant, mark it through with a line (task). If your task needs completed in future months, make the dot a left arrow (<) and migrate it to the appropriate place in the future log. If the task needs completed in the current month, use a right arrow (>) and record the entry in the current month. Next, begin any collections on a new spread to keep track of related topics.For example, you may have a grocery list or track ideas for an upcoming birthday. Record the page number and collection in your index. Begin bullet journaling. To see this process in action, check out Ryder Carroll’s YouTube video describing the basics of bullet journaling. Why people love the bullet journal The bullet journal is a great way to stay organized. But most importantly, bullet journals are easy. Here’s why: You can put everything is one place. No more lost or half-fulfilled to-do lists. Bullet journals are easily modifiable to fit your needs, habits, and schedule. They don’t require a huge time investment. All topics are indexed and can be found when needed. You are already doing this. Bullet journals just make it easier. With these journals, you can identify what is truly important to you and your goals are always visible. Check out Pinterest for ideas on how you can use your bullet journal to stay organized.

Article / Updated 08-14-2023

Snapchat is a fun social media app primarily used for sharing photos. Popular for the effects that you can apply to your pictures, Snapchat is a great way to manipulate your images with wacky effects. Snapchat is available for iOS and Android. Here are a few ways you can apply effects to your photos using Snapchat: You can use Lenses to add effects (like the dog face) Filters lets you add colored tints to photos and decorate images with customized backgrounds You can add text, stickers, and emojis to your images Not sure what these mean? Check here for some Snapchat lingo. Launch Snapchat and let’s get started. How to use Snapchat Lenses If you have friends who use Snapchat, you have likely seen a familiar face transformed into an adorable dog. It’s fun to turn yourself into a friendly pup with a playful tongue and adorable ears. You accomplish this with Snapchat’s Lenses. Follow these steps to use Lenses: Switch the camera to selfie mode. Snap a picture.Wait for the white mapping to appear on your face. Once recognized, scroll through the circular icons at the bottom. Choose your preferred Lens. Follow any instructions provided.Some Lenses direct you to do things like “raise your eyebrows.” Doing so usually adds an effect included with a particular Lens. Snapchat is constantly switching up its Lenses. Don’t be surprised to see new Lenses come and go on a regular basis. How to use Snapchat Filters Snapchat also offers Filters for your photos. These overlay your photos with tints and other words. Many of the options use the location of your phone to offer geographically appropriate backgrounds. Here’s an example from Indianapolis. To use Snapchat Filters, follow these simple steps: Snap a picture using either camera. Swipe left or right through the filter options. Choose your preferred filter. If you want to save the photo, select the Save icon from the bottom left corner. How to add text, stickers, and emojis in Snapchat The fun of Snapchat comes with the ability to alter your photos to fit your personality. This wouldn’t be complete without the ability to add text, stickers, and emojis. You do this by using the icons on the right side of the screen. Take a picture with one of the cameras on your phone. A column of options will appear on the right side. Use this column to add effects to your photos. Here are your options: Select the T icon at the top right corner to enter text: Type your text and choose Done when finished. Tap the pencil to write on your image: This allows you to use your finger to add drawings by hand over the top of your photo. Adjust the color on the color palette or add a sticker by selecting the heart at the bottom of the palette. Choose the stickers button to add stickers: This gives you a broad array of emojis and other graphics to add to your image. Make your selection from the options. Use the Scissors icon to create stickers from images in your photo: Tap the scissors. Then use your finger to surround the image you want a duplicate of. Snapchat creates your duplicate sticker and you can reposition in your photo as necessary. The Paperclip icon lets you attach a website to your Snap: Type in the URL to select your site. The recipient of the Snap will see an arrow at the bottom. When selected, the recipient will see the attached website. Choose the Alarm Clock icon to choose how long friends can see your Snaps: Choose between one and ten seconds or the infinity symbol. Snapchat is always upgrading and adding features. Keep your eyes peeled for new fun ways to customize your photos. Check here to learn more about how to use Snapchat.

Article / Updated 07-24-2023

If you've been on the internet or watched the news in the past couple of years, chances are you've heard of Bitcoin. But what exactly is this newfangled cryptocurrency that's taking the world by storm? Bitcoin is an interesting form of currency that arose to address economic problems related to centralized currency. Because Bitcoin is not a physical form of currency, it can be a bit difficult to wrap your brain around how it works. But it’s really quite simple. Bitcoin is a form of digital currency that was founded during the financial crisis in 2009. In September of 2008, Lehman Brothers filed for the largest bankruptcy in history. The collapse of this giant kicked off a global financial crisis. A few months later, Bitcoin was born. As a basic explanation, Bitcoin is bank-free internet money. How does Bitcoin work? Unlike the dollar, the euro, the yen, and other forms of centralized currency, Bitcoin is classified as a decentralized currency. The standard currencies that define our modern economy are centralized in banks and controlled by the government (leading to the designation of centralized currency). There is no bank or central authority governing Bitcoins. Bitcoins are controlled by a network of users who control and verify the monetary transactions. Even though Bitcoin seems very unlike the forms of currency you are used to, it still functions just like the money people use every day. You give your Bitcoin to someone and they, in turn, give you goods or services. You can sell your lawnmower to your neighbor for a Bitcoin, just like you would sell it for physical currency. One huge advantage associated with Bitcoin is the fact that it is not centralized and not based on a native currency. Currently, your money is controlled by the country you live in. For example, if you live in the United States but you want to sell your lawnmower to someone in Japan, you can’t sell it for a Japanese yen because the United States uses dollars. But Bitcoin is a worldwide currency. If someone in the United States buys something from a Japanese seller and pays with Bitcoin, there is no conversion rate, no bank delay, and no bank fee. The money is sent instantly and there are no attached fees. Bank closed? Banking hours are irrelevant with Bitcoin because there is no bank controlling your money. When we eliminate banks and are able to send a single form of payment regardless of geographical location, we truly create a global economy. After you buy your goods or services using Bitcoin, you're done. You’ve made your purchase and you can go about your day. However, what happens after your transaction is what really sets Bitcoin apart from Centralized Currencies. Your transaction, and every other Bitcoin transaction, is logged and recorded in what’s called a blockchain. The blockchain is a publicly recorded ledger of all Bitcoin transactions. At this point, other Bitcoin users who are referred to as miners, verify each and every transaction in the blockchain. The anonymity of Bitcoin There is some concern over the anonymity of Bitcoins. Many initially believed it to be an way to pay for goods or services that could not be linked to individuals. However, with the trial of Ross Ulbricht, this has proven to be a false assumption. Ulbricht was arrested for selling drugs and using Bitcoin for the transactions. Every transaction is recorded in the blockchain. While the main goal of tracking Bitcoin transactions is to prevent counterfeiting, it also makes the details of your deal a matter of public record. If your Bitcoin address can be traced to you, then your transactions are not anonymous. When the miner verifies a specified number of transactions, they get paid with newly created (or minted) Bitcoin. This process is how Bitcoins stay secure and how Bitcoins get added to circulation. This process works in the same way that the United States Mint uses to print money to add dollars into circulation. There are currently over 16 million Bitcoins in circulation. As more Bitcoins are added to circulation, the creation rate is decreased. The number of Bitcoins in circulation is expected to never exceed 21 million, due to this decreasing creation model. Time to go convert your paychecks to Bitcoin? Maybe not yet. There are several retailers and websites that do accept Bitcoin (Overstock.com, Subway, and Whole Foods are a few examples), but most businesses have not signed up yet. One issue with Bitcoin, versus other currencies, is that Bitcoin is worth only what people are willing to pay for it. Bitcoins are not backed up by other commodities like gold, so the Bitcoin value has been known to fluctuate a great deal. In late 2009, a Bitcoin was worth around five cents. Today, it fluctuates between two and three thousand dollars. The debate continues to rage over whether Bitcoin will catch on as the prominent form of currency.

Article / Updated 05-30-2023

Listen to the article:Download audio Whether you're leaving a tip at a restaurant or figuring out just how much those stylish shoes are on sale, you can't get away from percentages. While there are numerous percentage calculators online, it's helpful to know how to calculate the percentage of a number by doing some quick math in your head, without any digital assistance. What is percentage? Before learning how to figure out percentages, it's helpful to know that the word percentage comes from the word percent. If you split the word percent into its root words, you see “per” and “cent.” Cent is an old European word with French, Latin, and Italian origins meaning “hundred." So, percent is translated directly to “per hundred.” If you have 87 percent, you literally have 87 per 100. If it snowed 13 times in the last 100 days, it snowed 13 percent of the time. Of course, if you have 100 percent of anything, you have all of it. Saying that 50 percent of the students are girls is the same as saying that 1/2 of them are girls. Or if you prefer decimals, it’s the same thing as saying that 0.5 of all the students are girls. This example shows you that percents, like fractions and decimals, are just another way of talking about parts of the whole. In this case, the whole is the total number of children in the school. You don’t literally have to have 100 of something to use a percent or figure percentage. You probably won’t ever really cut a cake into 100 pieces, but that doesn’t matter. The values are the same. Whether you’re talking about cake, a dollar, or a group of children, 50 percent is still half, 25 percent is still one-quarter, 75 percent is still three-quarters, and so on. Any percentage smaller than 100 percent means less than the whole — the smaller the percentage, the less you have. You probably know this fact well from the school grading system. If you get 100 percent, you get a perfect score. And 90 percent is usually A work, 80 percent is a B, 70 percent is a C, and, well, you know the rest. Of course, 0 percent means “0 out of 100” — any way you slice it, you have nothing. The percentage formula You can use this simple percentage formula to find the share of a whole in terms of 100: Percentage = (Value/Total Value) x 100 As an example, suppose that in a group of 40 cats and dogs, 10 of the animals are dogs. What percentage is that? Solution: The number of dogs = 10 The total number of animals = 40 Using the percentage formula: Percentage of dogs = 10/40 x 100 = 25% How to calculate percent from decimals and fractions The number that you convert to find percentage can be given to you in two different formats: decimal and fraction. Decimal format is easier when you're learning how to calculate a percentage. Converting a decimal to a percentage is as simple as multiplying it by 100. To convert .87 to a percent, simply multiply .87 by 100. .87 × 100=87, which gives us 87 percent. Percent is often abbreviated with the % symbol. You can present your answer as 87% or 87 percent — either way is acceptable. If you are given a fraction, convert it to a percentage by dividing the top number by the bottom number. If you are given 13/100, you would divide 13 by 100. 13 ÷ 100 = .13 Then, follow the steps above for converting a decimal to a percent. .13 × 100 = 13, thus giving you 13%. The more difficult task comes when you need to know a percentage when you are given numbers that don’t fit so neatly into 100. Most of the time, you will be given a percentage of a specific number. For example, you may know that 40 percent of your paycheck will go to taxes and you want to find out how much money that is. How to calculate percentage of a specific number To get a percentage of a number, the process is the reverse of what you did earlier. First convert the percentage number to a decimal. Then, you divide your percentage by 100. So, 40 percent would be 40 divided by 100. 40 ÷ 100 = .40 Next, once you have the decimal version of your percentage, simply multiply it by the given number (in this case, the amount of your paycheck). If your paycheck is $750, you would multiply 750 by .40. 750 × .40 = 300 Your answer would be 300. You are paying $300 in taxes. Let’s try another example. You need to save 25 percent of your paycheck for the next 6 months to pay for an upcoming vacation. If your paycheck is $1,500, how much should you save? Start by converting 25 percent to a decimal. 25 ÷ 100 = .25 Now, multiply the decimal by the amount of your paycheck, or 1500. 1500 × .25 = 375 This means you need to save $375 from each paycheck. Dealing with percents greater than 100 percent 100 percent means “100 out of 100” — in other words, everything. So when I say I have 100 percent confidence in you, I mean that I have complete confidence in you. What about percentages more than 100 percent? Well, sometimes percentages like these don’t make sense. For example, you can’t spend more than 100 percent of your time playing basketball, no matter how much you love the sport; 100 percent is all the time you have, and there ain’t no more. But a lot of times, percentages larger than 100 percent are perfectly reasonable. For example, suppose I own a hot dog wagon and sell the following: 10 hot dogs in the morning 30 hot dogs in the afternoon The number of hot dogs I sell in the afternoon is 300% of the number I sold in the morning. It’s three times as many. Here’s another way of looking at this: I sell 20 more hot dogs in the afternoon than in the morning, so this is a 200% increase in the afternoon — 20 is twice as many as 10. Solving percent problems When you know the connection between percents and fractions, you can solve a lot of percent problems with a few simple tricks. Other problems, however, require a bit more work. In this section, I show you how to tell an easy percent problem from a tough one, and I give you the tools to solve all of them. A lot of percent problems turn out to be easy when you give them a little thought. In many cases, just remember the connection between percents and fractions, and you’re halfway home: Finding 100% of a number: Remember that 100% means the whole thing, so 100% of any number is simply the number itself: 100% of 5 is 5 100% of 91 is 91 100% of 732 is 732 Finding 50% of a number: Remember that 50% means half, so to find 50% of a number, just divide it by 2: 50% of 20 is 10 50% of 88 is 44 50% of 7 is (or or 3.5) Finding 25% of a number: Remember that 25% equals one-quarter, (1/4), so to find 25% of a number, divide it by 4: 25% of 40 = 10 25% of 88 = 22 25% of 15 = 15/4 = 3 3/4 = 3/75 Finding 20% of a number: Finding 20% of a number is handy if you like the service you’ve received in a restaurant, because a good tip is 20% of the check. Because 20% equals 1/5 , you can find 20% of a number by dividing it by 5. But I can show you an easier way: Remember that 20% is 2 times 10%, so to find 20% of a number, move the decimal point one place to the left and double the result: 20% of 80 = 8 x 2 = 16 20% of 300 = 30 x 2 = 60 20% of 41 = 4.1 x 2 = 8.2 Finding 10% of a number: Finding 10% of any number is the same as finding of that number. To do this, just move the decimal point one place to the left: 10% of 30 = 3 10% of 41 = 4.1 10% of 7 = 0.7 Finding 200%, 300%, and so on of a number: Working with percents that are multiples of 100 is easy. Just drop the two 0s and multiply by the number that’s left: 200% of 7 = 2 x 7 = 14 300% of 10 = 3 x 10 = 30 1,000% of 45 = 10 x 45 = 450 Turning the problem around Here’s a trick that makes certain tough-looking percent problems so easy that you can do them in your head. Simply move the percent sign from one number to the other and flip the order of the numbers. Suppose someone wants you to figure out the following: 88% of 50 Finding 88% of anything isn’t an activity anybody looks forward to. But an easy way of solving the problem is to switch it around: 88% of 50 = 50% of 88 This move is perfectly valid, and it makes the problem a lot easier. It works because the word of really means multiplication, and you can multiply either backward or forward and get the same answer. As I discuss in the preceding section, “Figuring out simple percent problems,” 50% of 88 is simply half of 88: 88% of 50 = 50% of 88 = 44 As another example, suppose you want to find 7% of 200 Again, finding 7% is tricky, but finding 200% is simple, so switch the problem around: 7% of 200 = 200% of 7 In the preceding section, I tell you that, to find 200% of any number, you just multiply that number by 2: 7% of 200 = 200% of 7 = 2 x 7 = 14

Article / Updated 11-14-2022

Brexit is the term used to refer to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) and is a shortened version of British Exit. On June 23, 2016, the UK decided to officially sever ties with the EU. This monumental decision came as the result of a referendum—or public vote of nearly all citizens of voting age—in which more than 30 million people voted. Brexit background The European Union is a group of 28 European countries that are tied by an economic and political alliance. This political understanding led the way for the use of the euro (the currency used in 19 EU countries) and permits citizens in the EU to travel and settle across borders without a passport. The EU even employs its own parliament and makes decisions regarding things like trade, transportation, and environmental policy. The BBC reports that the final vote supported the UK’s leave from the EU 52% to 48%. England and Wales were strongly in favor of leaving the EU, while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted for remaining with the political alliance. The EU allows the countries within it to function largely as a single entity. It was initially put in place to allow for the free movement of people, goods, and money under what it termed a “single market.” The argument for Brexit According to the BBC, the push to leave the EU was advocated mostly by the UK Independence Party and was not supported by the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Members of the UK Independence Party argued that Britain’s participation in the EU was a restrictive element for the country. As one of the EU’s primary initiatives is free movement within the region the party’s main arguments centered around regaining border control and reclaiming business rights. In addition, supporters of Brexit cited the high EU membership fees as a negative aspect of participation in the EU. It was argued that if the UK separates itself from the EU, these fees can be used to benefit the UK. The argument against Brexit The Conservative Party and the Prime Minister were strongly in favor of remaining with the EU. As a result of the decision to discontinue its participation in the EU, the Prime Minister has made a public statement that he will be relinquishing his position. He believes that the country needs a leader with the same goals as the majority of the country. He has promised a new PM will be in place by early September. The argument against Brexit pertains mostly to the business benefits. The argument is that the UK receives business benefits by being able to participate in the single market system established by the EU. In response to the criticism against the open borders, proponents believe that the influx of immigrants helps develop an eager workforce and fuels public service projects. Leaders in favor of staying also worry about the political backlash that could possibly result from other countries who favored staying with the EU. In addition, proponents of remaining with the EU believe that being part of a wider community of nations provides economic and cultural strength, as well as an additional element of security. What does Brexit mean for the future? While the decision marked a huge statement for the UK, the referendum vote is not legally binding. There are still many hurdles that must be dealt with before Brexit can become a reality. The UK is still subject to the laws of the EU until Britain’s exit becomes legal. In order for the UK to make its break official, the country needs to invoke Article 50. It is unclear exactly what this process will entail or how long it will take as Britain is the first country to take its leave of the EU. Once Article 50 has been formally invoked, the UK has two years to negotiate its departure with the other member states. But according to the BBC, “Extricating the UK from the EU will be extremely complex, and the process could drag on longer than that.” Amidst the aftermath of this shocking referendum vote, there is great uncertainty as political leaders decide what this means for the UK.

Article / Updated 11-04-2022

Listen to the article:Download audio What is the Amazon Fire TV Stick? The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a device joining the ranks of home entertainment streaming technologies. The Fire Stick plugs into your TV’s HDMI port giving you access to your favorite TV shows, movies, subscription services, music, photos, and games. The Fire TV Stick houses all of your favorite content and is easily transportable, so you can take your media anywhere! What you get with the Fire TV Stick Imagine being able to take your TV with you when you go on vacation. That’s the functionality you get with the Fire TV Stick. The Fire TV Stick houses all of your content and is completely portable. Simply remove your device and take it with you when you travel. Plug it into any compatible TV to gain instant access to all of your favorite videos. If you are an Amazon Prime member, your Fire TV Stick comes pre-registered to your account. You have immediate access to all of your Amazon Prime content as soon as you plug your Fire TV Stick into your HDMI port. Being a Prime member also lets you choose from a cache of Amazon Originals that cannot be accessed by the average user. When you receive your box from Amazon, you will have everything you need to make the Fire TV Stick work. In the box you will find your new Fire TV Stick, the remote, a USB cable and power adapter, HDMI extender, 2 AAA batteries, and a guide to get you started. In addition, you get the following features: 1 GB of memory 8 GB of internal storage Optional voice support Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi A dedicated VideoCore4 GPU How the Fire TV Stick works The Amazon Fire TV Stick rivals other popular streaming devices like the Roku and Chromecast. How does the Amazon Fire TV Stick work? Your Fire Stick plugs into your HDMI TV via USB port, connects via Wi-Fi, and comes equipped with a Bluetooth remote. Simply plug your Fire Stick in and you will be directed through the setup process and prompted to sign into your Amazon account. The Fire Stick is a central repository for all your content. Once logged on, you will have access to any music and videos purchased through your Amazon account. In addition, you can view any pictures uploaded to your Amazon Cloud service. Using your device, you also have access to thousands of apps and games. For instance, you can use your Fire TV Stick to open the Netflix app and watch trending Netflix videos. Or, open YouTube and browse the latest uploads from your favorite vlogger. Other services like HBO Now, ESPN, and Hulu can also be accessed with your Fire TV Stick at a cost. However, even with the fee, you get the advantage of being able to choose your preferred services instead of being tied into a cable package. Games are also available. But, you will need a controller which is only available for purchase through Amazon. Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Amazon offers a Fire Stick and Fire TV. These products offer the same services and both come equipped with a Bluetooth remote. So, what's the difference? Size: The Fire TV Stick is far smaller than the Fire TV. The Fire Stick is about three inches long and plugs into your TV. Fire TV is a square console that, while sleek, is about four and half inches long on each side. If you prefer the minimalist look, the Fire TV Stick is the winner. Cost: You will find that the Fire Stick is the cheaper option. The Fire Stick costs $39.99 while the Fire TV will set you back $99. Speed: The Fire Stick will give you 1 GB of RAM, while the Fire TV offers 2 GB of RAM, making the Fire TV more responsive. If you're a serious gamer, you might want to go for the Fire TV to avoid lags and frustration in loading speeds. Additional ports and storage: With the Fire TV Stick, you won't have options for expansion. The Fire TV console has a USB port, Ethernet port, and microSD slot, making it easier to store and access content. Capabilities: The Fire TV stick can support your watching habits up to 1080p. Fire TV is enabled for 4K streaming. With the trend leaning toward 4K TVs, the Fire TV might be a better option if you are looking to upgrade or already have. Although, if you haven't (or don't plan) to go the 4K route anytime soon, the Fire TV's capabilities and portability factor make it a perfectly adequate choice for those just wanting to stream their favorite shows. Evaluate your needs and budget before determining which Fire TV option is right for you. Why you need the Fire TV Stick When people hear the phrase “streaming technology,” most groan and think about how they just want watching TV to be easy. Well, the Fire TV Stick makes it simple. Only now, instead of searching through those horizontal bars of endless TV shows, you can access what you want to see, when you want to see it. For easier searching, the Fire TV Stick offers voice control using Amazon's Alexa. You can get this capability two ways. Simply press the black button and speak your choice. If that extra cost doesn’t appeal to you, you can download the free Fire TV Remote app on your phone. Using your phone’s native voice prompts, you can speak your choice and your phone will relay your choice to the Fire Stick. Why else would you want the Fire TV Stick? Well, it learns. Or rather, it uses your preferences to make predictions about what you might like. Using ASAP (Advanced Streaming and Prediction), the Fire TV Stick offers you choices of related programming based on your previous watches.

Article / Updated 10-19-2022

Craigslist is the modern version of the classifieds that formerly propagated the newspapers. A great venue for selling locally, Craigslist can be useful for unloading your old wares. However, if you plan to use these classifieds frequently, you will need to know how to spot a scam on Craigslist. But, how do you know if a Craigslist ad is a scam? Here are a few quick tips for spotting Craigslist scams: Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Look out for ads that display a sense of urgency. Watch for deals where the seller asks for money upfront to secure the item. Be smart about how you pay. If an ad offers an item for sale that doesn’t match the image, it’s likely a scam. Don’t send money to someone offering a deal from out of your local area. Avoid ads with multiple misspellings or grammar errors. Make sure the seller is willing to meet in person. If a Craigslist ad doesn’t feel right, it’s probably a scam. Even Craigslist encourages buyers and sellers to trust their instincts. If something seems off, abandon the deal. Avoid Craigslist ads that seem too good to be true Before buying on Craigslist, it’s a good idea to do a little research. Perform an internet search to determine the retail value of the item for sale. You can go one step further and check sites like eBay or OfferUp to see what the going used price is for the item (or a similar item) you are buying. Once you have determined the approximate value, compare this against the condition of the item. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t buy items from a Craigslist seller who seems too urgent You might see Craigslist ads that offer extreme deals because the seller is “moving soon,” or “needs cash quickly.” Beware of ads that display a strong sense of urgency. Often, urgency is used to coerce the buyer into making a purchase without providing time for research or thinking about the deal in greater detail. If sellers want to entice you into a quick deal, there’s usually a reason, and it's probably not a nice one. Never send payment in advance for a Craigslist item Craigslist is intended to be a localized selling site. Users are even routed to their local area when they search for Craigslist in an internet search. Sellers should be willing to meet in person and bring the item they are selling. If a seller encourages you to send a down payment or any form of money before receiving your item, this is a strong indication that they are trying to scam buyers. Some Craigslist scammers may ask you to send money to a foreign address because they “have suddenly been stationed overseas,” or something similar. These posts often promise that your item will be shipped when they receive payment and are almost always a scam. Meet in person to make your Craigslist purchase Meeting a Craigslist seller in person gives you the opportunity to review the item before locking yourself into the deal. You also want to give some thought to your payment method. If you are buying a lower-priced item, cash is always a good way to go. However, if you are making a larger purchase, such as a car, you might consider a cashier’s check so that you have evidence of the transaction. Meeting in person also gives you a chance to look at the item and determine the condition. If the item is damaged, you may want to negotiate a lower price or abandon the transaction all together. When determining your payment method, avoid giving any identification information which could be used against you. Craigslist ads are meant to foster transactions between a buyer and a seller. If a seller offers to use third-party services or encourages you to pay through a money wiring company, that is a red flag that something isn’t right. Make sure to exercise caution when meeting a seller in person. This article offers some safety tips. Pay close attention to the Craigslist ad description Craigslist prohibits the use of identical ads to prevent spamming. To circumvent this rule, sellers sometimes post an identical ad with a different image. If the image doesn’t match, that’s not a good sign. In addition, avoid ads that use vague or overly generalized language. Genuine sellers typically provide a wealth of information to describe the item and its condition. Beware of Craigslist ads with multiple misspellings, grammar errors, and the use of special characters It’s not uncommon to see a few errors in Craigslist ads. Humans make mistakes. However, if an ad is fraught with several errors, misuse of punctuation, and an overabundance of special characters (such as !, %, &, among others), it is likely to be a scam. Avoid these Craigslist posts. Check out Craigslist’s site to see a few examples of confirmed scams. Here's an example of what this type of scam might look like: Also, keep an eye out for keyword jamming. In certain cases, scammers will post ads that seem almost nonsensical in an effort to gain interest by stuffing an ad with keywords. Read the Craigslist ad thoroughly to ensure that it makes sense and sounds credible.

Article / Updated 10-19-2022

The General Data Protections Regulation (GDPR) is a ruling intended to protect the data of citizens within the European Union (EU). The GDPR was a move by The Council of the European Union, European Parliament, and European Commission to provide citizens with a greater level of control over their personal data. After several years of refining and debating, the regulation was officially approved by European Parliament on April 14, 2016. The EU then allowed a two-year transition period for organizations to reach compliance. As of May 25, 2018, the GDPR's heavy fines kicked in, to be levied against any business not meeting the guidelines. Who is affected by the GDPR? The GDPR has far-reaching implications for all citizens of the EU and businesses operating within the EU, regardless of physical location. If businesses hope to offer goods or services to citizens of the EU, they will be subject to the penalties imposed by the GDPR. In addition, any business that holds personal data of EU citizens can be held accountable under the GDPR. What sort of data falls under the GDPR? Name Photo Email address Social media posts Personal medical information IP addresses Bank details The GDPR covers any information that can be classified as personal details or that can be used to determine your identity. Parental consent is required to process any data relating to children ages 16 and under. The regulation specifies the entities impacted by the GDPR. The wording specifically includes data processors and data controllers. What does this mean? Information that is stored in a “cloud” or in a separate physical location is still subject to penalties. Regardless of who has determined how your information will be used and who actually uses it, fines can still be imposed for misuse if it concerns the data of EU citizens. Penalties for not complying with GDPR Businesses that fail to comply with GDPR are subject to fines. This can mean different things for businesses, depending on the level of infraction. On the high end, businesses may be required to pay up to 4 percent of their global turnover, or 20 million euros, whichever is highest. Companies may also be fined 2 percent for not taking appropriate measures to keep records in order. Ultimately, the fine depends on the nature of the infraction. Data breaches and the GDPR A data breach is any situation where an outside entity gains access to user data without the permission of the individual. Data breaches often involve the malicious use of data against users. If a data breach should occur, the GDPR specifies that companies must provide adequate notification. The affected company has 72 hours to notify the appropriate data protection agency and must inform affected individuals “without undue delay.” Uncertain politics and the GDPR In an uncertain political climate, many companies and citizens are concerned about how they will be affected by the GDPR given the undetermined nature of Brexit. Companies operating in the United Kingdom are encouraged to take measures to comply with the GDPR. Although these companies may not be subject to the GDPR, EUGDPR.org states that “The UK Government has indicated it will implement an equivalent or alternative legal mechanisms.” If you believe you will be operating in the UK but not in other EU countries, you are still encouraged to prepare for the GDPR as the UK is expected to follow suit with similar data protection legislation.

Article / Updated 10-18-2022

Chalk paint is all the rage. It’s a great product for all you motivated, do-it-yourselfers out there who want a new project. Dry brushing is a technique you can use with chalk paint to achieve a trendy distressed look that catches the eye. This technique uses a small amount of paint on a brush to achieve a unique depth on any surface area. The term dry brush has been coined because you remove paint from your paint brush to such a degree that you are essentially using a dry brush to apply your paint. Dry brushing is a fun way to refinish an old piece that creates shadow and generates new interest using only a few simple items. Supplies needed for dry brushing Before you get started, you will need to gather a few supplies. Make sure you have the following: Paintbrush: Often, a chip brush is recommended because of the coarse nature of the bristles, but any brush will do. Choose one that you prefer. Chalk paint: You can use any color. Neutral colors are good options for a toned down look or you may want a bright color to create an interesting discussion piece. Chalk paint can also be expensive. If you are looking to reduce costs, check here for tips on making your own chalk paint. Paper towels, piece of cardboard, or other dispensable material: You will need this for the offloading process. You can also use the paint can lid if you find yourself short of materials. Wax polish: This is optional. The wax polish is a protective layer for your project and is not always necessary. This, as with most do-it-yourself projects, is a matter of personal preference. One of the key elements in using the dry brush technique with chalk paint is offloading. Offloading is the process of wiping paint off of the brush after you have dipped it in paint. You can do this on a paper towel or other material to prepare your dry brush. One of the great things about chalk paint is that you don’t need to prime or sand your piece as you do with latex paint. Steps for the ideal weathered look To achieve that ideal weathered look without the use of sandpaper, just follow these simple steps: Gather your supplies and prepare your work area. Depending on what you are painting, this does not need to be a large area. However, it is always a good idea when painting to cover your work area with a protective layer. Clean the surface you intend to paint. You only need to use a cloth and water. If you have persistent issues with dirt or other unwanted substances, you can use soapy water. Other cleaning substances may keep your paint from adhering to your surface. Dip the tip of your paint brush into your paint. Be careful not to apply too much paint. You only need a very small amount. Next, run your brush over a paper towel or other dispensable material so that the wet portions of your paint offload and you are left with a relatively dry brush. Paint your project! You can paint your piece using different amounts of paint and various brush strokes to achieve the look you want. (Optional) Once your piece has finished, you can apply a layer of wax polish to provide a protective layer. Options for different effects Here are a few options for painting a piece to achieve the look you want: Cover the flat surfaces but leave the edges, joints, and grooves to show the surface beneath. You can see this dry brushing technique in action in this video tutorial. Use a light feathering over only the raised area of a project, which will leave you with a slightly distressed look while maintaining the color beneath. Check out this dry brush video tutorial for an example of the feathering technique. Vary your brush strokes for unique coloring effects. For example, using vertical strokes or horizontal strokes can alter the appearance of your project. The dry brush technique can be accomplished with or without layering. If you want the natural wood of a piece to show through, you can perform dry brushing without a base coat. Or you can choose to apply a base coat, as in the steps above, for a multi-color finish. Give it a try! You might surprise yourself with your own DIY handiwork.