The Halloween season means booming business for retailers. It has been found that most of the Halloween purchases are spent on costumes. The retail federation of the United States says that last year a total of $2.21 billion was spent by Americans on costumes during Halloween. As more and more people embrace the spirit of Halloween this year, the key to making sales this Halloween season is anticipating the latest Halloween costume ideas. The largest Halloween retailer in America analyzes the fashion trends, pop culture and the latest blockbusters from Hollywood to decide on the largest costume crazes of the year. In 2012, the top Halloween costume trends include:

• The superheroes

This will be influenced by ‘the avengers’, ‘the dark night rises’, and ‘the amazing spider-man’ which were major blockbusters of 2012. This means that superheroes will truly reign as 2012’s most ideal Halloween trend. There are superhero costumes made for all age groups and sizes. This ensures that all wannabe superheroes can join the trend that is rooted in the history of comic books.

• The Mattel’s Monster High

This features the descendants of the most terrifying monsters in the universe. These characters are popular amongst young girls who are over characters from storybooks but do not mind dressing like their most adored TV idols. The Monster high costumes will include leggings, premium dresses and wigs to complete the classy chick look.

• The Futuristic

This year, Sci-fi is way hotter than supernova because comic characters have burst into the scene. This is the best way to take Halloween dressing to a whole new level. This costume includes alien gloves that are somewhat shiny, chrome wigs, as well as bright and creative make-up.

• The Fairies

Fairy costumes are the in-thing this season because Disney world has spoilt lovers of fairytales with the latest movies like ‘secrets of the wings’. There are more tinker bell accessories in the market than ever before. That’s not all, there are even flutter fairies costume accessories that blend and match, like wings, tutus and wands among many others. There are even friendly or fierce pieces to meet different tastes and preferences.

• The Disney Princesses

Classic characters still remain at the top of the rankings for most preferred Halloween costumes. With 2012’s release (blue-ray) of ‘Cinderella’ and the blockbuster ‘brave’, now more than ever, it is expected for Disney princesses to be famous.

• The Gothic Romance

There is no better way to look gorgeous in Halloween 2012 that with a romance gothic look. This can be accomplished with the use of floral gloves (black lace) coupled with a ruffled shrug (antique) to add a glamorous twist to the look. Using zombie make up, one can create porcelain skin and sunken features.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, 2012 Halloween is full of costume ideas. All these costumes are available from various retailer stores such as PartyCity.com among others.

Early 2012, there was confusion in the search engine optimization world. This was mainly because Google had made a decision to root out sites that were over-optimized. Most people found this ironic; most over-optimized sites started being rooted out and leaving the ones that were not too optimized. In September 2012, Google’s algorithmic change was launched to lower website’s EMD (exact match domain) power. For instance, a site that has a domain name like SanDiegoBest.com has a likelihood of ranking lower in a ‘best of Seattle SEO‘ search as compared to a site with the name BlingRock.com, which talks of Seattle among other cities of the world. This caused panic and havoc amongst people, even after Google confirmed that about 0.6% websites alone would be affected.

What was the aim of these changes?

According to Google, this was a strategy that would even out the playing field to support sites without related keywords in the URL. This actually makes sense. There are numerous EMD sites that were purchased ages ago and lack content quality. The unfortunate part about this change is the fact that there is always the affected innocent party. This is mainly because everyone believes that their content is perfect.

Why algorithmic change is ideal

Inequality is a reality of life; the rich get richer, go to better schools and get better jobs. This makes it hard for the average Joe to get the best jobs, enroll in the best schools, as well as live a full life. It’s virtually impossible to compete with the likes of Richard King Jones III if one grows up in an average single parent home. It is hard to compete for jobs with a kid who attends Philipps Exeter Academy and later joins Yale. One may compete, yes, but it will not be easy. Equating this to Google’s algorithmic changes, it is safe to assume that Google is trying to help the little companies that are putting so much effort into making their websites known to the world.

Does this mean SEO is dead?

SEO will not die any time soon provided people still like and want the easy way out. It is pointless to write multiple posts, which will take long, when one can hire a search engine optimization company to get the same linkback quality. It is only natural for people to want to own the world effortlessly.

Basic search engine optimization is still very much alive. All it takes is a well thought out Meta title, ensure you have a well written post with relevant information, provide links to sources, add a video (YouTube) and improve on your social networking.

What is left to ponder over is whether the search engine optimization industry has room for the little companies. Is it possible for the SEO industry to join Google and build a cooperative project aimed at leveling the playing ground for all? The SEO world is claimed to be a meritocracy. This means that the ones who put in the effort and time are the ones that get ahead. If this is the case, this cooperation between Google and the SEO industry would make a whole lot of sense.

What Is the Google Algorithm?

At its most understanable, an algorithm is “a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer.”  In the context of the Google search engine, this essentially means using a step-by-step process to hierarchically rank search results relevant to a person’s search query.  This system is known as the PageRank system.

Why is this important?

This is important because the better this algorithm becomes, the more relevant search results will be for a user.  Also, over time, it’s possible for this algorithm to be understood by search engine manipulators, bloggers and SEO marketer providing guest blogging services.  Google doesn’t want what is known as “black hat” SEO tactics employed in order to artificially inflate a page’s rank (and thereby decrease user satisfaction).  So it constantly changes the algorithm to create a better, more relevant, search experience and also to punish “black hat” tactics.  In fact, this year, Google has made over 30 major changes to its algorithm so far.

What Are the Changes?

There have been literally thousands of changes to Google’s algorithm since its inception.  Below are just a few examples of those changes over the past four years:

• August 2008 – Google Suggest

In order to provide more seamless searching, Google began “suggesting” search       terms as a user typed his/her query into the search box.

• February 2009 – Vince

This change was introduced presumably to give more weight to “trusted” sights;    however, it appeared to simply give more weight to “big brands” in the search    rankings.

• December 2008 – Real Time Search

Google introduced this change to give users the opportunity to witness real time    results of their search as those changes took place.

• September 2010 – Google Instant

Piggy-backing off of Google Suggest, Google Instant began displaying results of     a query as the user was typing it.

• February 2011 – Panda/Farmer

As part of a promised change, Google effected a change in algorithm that hit a full 12% of search results.  One of the higher “hitting” algorithm changes, this    ranking change was primarily enforced to weed out content farms that worked t     heir way to the top of the search list by producing “shallow” and/or low quality content.

• November 2011 – Freshness Update

Another change that hit a lot of searches was the Freshness Update.  Google          implemented this update to help users find content that was “relevant and recent.”

• January 2012 – Top Heavy

The name is not official, but the effects certainly were.  Google designed this          update to devalue sites with too many ads above the fold.  It affected less that 1%   of searches.

Who Should Be Concerned?

Well, no one really, except spammers, guest blogging services using black-hat techniques, link stuffers and link farmers.  Ok, there are a lot.  But, if webmasters and SEO writers produce quality content that targets their intended audience, they shouldn’t have a problem.  The best bet is to keep material fresh, relevant and high quality because Google will always be rolling out with new algorithms – and that will never change.

One of the most needed services today is broadband internet. The reason why most users prefer using these services is because of the increasing need for faster internet speeds as people rely more and more on the internet. In Sacramento, the broadband providers have excelled as pioneers when it comes to offering quality internet services for the residents.

Demystifying broadband

Broadband is simply telecommunication that involves the use of wide band frequencies in transmitting info over one communication medium. In simper terms, broadband can be defined as always-on internet service and is faster when compared to dial up access.

Equipment a client requires for broadband

Unlike cable internet service and DSL, a router or modem is required for broadband. With DSL service, the client will require a splitter or a microfilter for every telephone linked to their phone line.

The number of devices to be used on one broadband connection

A client can link as many devices as required on one broadband modem. However, the performance or speed on the shared connection is expected to degrade since all the shared devices use the same bandwidth. This is especially so if the internet is used to download large files simultaneously.

Affordable rates

With Sacramento internet providers, clients have numerous options to select from. These options come in the form of sign-on incentives and various internet plans that allow the client to save a bit of money. These service providers offer a wide range of internet deals; from professional internet to light surfing. Regardless of the speed you require, you can be sure that there is a service provider in Sacramento to offer it at an affordable cost.

You can expect to pay anything from $19.99 to $99.99 monthly for bandwidth service. The cost is normally dictated by the technology, internet service and bandwidth a client chooses.

The broadband providers in Sacramento

•          AT&T.

•          AOL.

•          Comcast.

Service providers for broadband internet in Sacramento are geared towards ensuring that clients select the most ideal internet package made up of add-ons and great speed. With this kind of service, clients can save on time they would have otherwise spent sifting through varying packages in search of the perfect one. The Sacramento broadband providers will do all the looking and information gathering on the client’s behalf.

Additional features clients get from Sacramento broadband providers

Sacramento broadband providers offer their clients additional features to the internet services. About every package offered for broadband comes with security software. This can be included in the services or provided at an additional low fee. The reason why it is important to have security provided with broadband services is to keep your PC safe with a firewall and virus protection as well as an anti-spam policy.

Online IT videos are information fountains on every imaginable IT topic. However, the question bogging most critics’ minds is whether these videos adequately substitute the formal education training techniques.

Online IT training videos

Online lecturers have been faced with a task of looking for innovative means they can use to make multimedia resources work for them. They are seeking to make it possible for the teaching staff to engage and effectively teach students online. In the recent past, video sites like YouTube have become fronts for online IT video learning. Multiple universities like Yale, Harvard, MIT, as well as Stanford, were the first to offer video learning for free on YouTube. In return, YouTube launched a sister video site in 2009, YouTube EDU. Today, this site has thousands of lecturers from multiple universities delivering IT courses and other courses via video learning at no cost.

The latest trend in YouTube’s video learning centre entails users posting personal instructional lectures to share their skills. Early 2012, ‘college 2.0’, a higher education feature chronicle featured Salman Khan, a financial analyst. Salman developed a series of recurring ten minute lectures for YouTube. Currently, Salman has launched over 1,400 mini lectures on varying subjects. He enjoys a following from venture capitalists and students among others who are eager to try out alternatives to conventional higher education.

On YouTube and IT learning

Information technology is one of the many courses that are very well represented in YouTube’s learning videos. For instance, YouTube EDU offers lectures on:

• Global IT.

• IT policy.

• System architecture.

• Library information science.

• Health informatics.

It is possible to locate thousands of information technology instructional videos that range from basic topics to more complex concepts. For instance, you can get educational topics on operating systems installation or even the basics of desktop publishing or topics on joke content and even promotional videos.

Are online IT training videos an equivalent of traditional higher education?

Online IT video instructional content receives a lot of educators, press and students who are always evaluating the promises given by the video sites to serve as a source of video learning. What all these groups agree on is the fact that some of these video sites, like YouTube EDU, are a worthy balance to conventional higher education learning, but not a replacement. Students, who had the chance to watch the videos to Salman Khan Academy, reported that they found the service to be helpful and a great supplement to in-class learning.

Some of the advantages posed by online IT training videos include:

• Self directed learning opportunities.

• Students get targeted learning information.

• It offers a multimedia feel to education.

However, both colleges and online IT learning videos will offer students most of what is required by the course; accreditations, high quality content that is reliable, IT certifications and degrees, complete IT courses and even qualified instructors.

Conclusion

Not so long ago, lecturers and professors used to complain about students surfing the net and watching on sites videos during class time. Today, these sites that were at one time classroom distractions have turned into important learning tools. Online videos definitely have a place in IT education. The only downside of online IT video learning is its limitation on educating students to become attentive listeners. Professional IT courses are comprehensive, and they are not likely replaceable by online IT video learning, at least not in the near future.

Social media will always be popular. After all, two million users joined Facebook just last year and more are expected to come. With over 800 million active users online, social media sites are more than stable. Though they are popular, it is imperative to stay that way that social media companies and brands find a way to engage their customers and keep individuals interested in what there is online.

H&M clothing decided to do something just like that with the assistance of augmented reality software development. In their recent marketing campaign, they created a virtual photo scavenger hunt that allowed users to take pictures with their GPS smartphones and use those scavenger hunt items to unlock a discount with H&M stores. Also, using that same smartphone, users were able to upload photographs and try on clothes without actually visiting the store. From there, images could be uploaded and altered on the company’s Facebook fan page.

What Is Augmented Reality?

The next big thing, augmented reality, is expected to hit social media platforms very soon. Essentially, augmented reality software development consists of connecting to the real world without being present in that world. For example, the company Food Spotting allows users to upload dishes from all over the world for other users to interact with and see. Foursquare is another example of augmented reality. Since users automatically report their location and then share that with their social networking profile, other users can instantly interact with their friends’ locations.

Location-Based Only?

Though some new augmented reality software developments are integrating apps and games into social media platforms, for the most part, social media and augmented reality stick to location-based applications. These applications allow users to share their locations and interact with other users. Instagram, for example, allows users to share what’s happening around them with people from around the world, and apps like Livestream allow users to share live video footage of events happening right in front of them.

Companies in today’s market are encouraged to get on board with social media, but now they are being encouraged to take on augmented reality too. As augmented reality software development continues, it’s soon going to be the next big thing aside from social media. After all, who doesn’t want to play with their food, virtually try on clothes or play a digital scavenger hunt?

Nope… just some really cool 19th-century Firefighters Rescue Masks. Thanks to Dayton Chevrolet for sharing this unique photo with us.

H/T: Reddit

Sir, France is Bacon.

Waiting for the latest gadgets to be released to then stand in long line-ups is something we have all done at one time or another and usually it’s worth it. These awesome tech gadgets shown in the graphic below are no different for most of us will be standing in line for these puppies.

If you traveled a decade or two ago and have traveled in recent years as well, you probably had completely different experiences. The online and mobile app tools that are available to us today make it possible to do many of the things that required maps, notebooks, and phone calls and handle everything from our computers or even our mobile devices.