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Going Green with Technology

This past weekend marked Earth Day, an annual day where events take place worldwide to increase appreciation and awareness of the environment. While it's easy to get caught up in everyday life, Earth Day helps us step back and see the various ways we can keep the world beautiful and healthy.

In light of helping the environment, Skype recently connected with a panel of environmentalists, entrepreneurs, authors and eco-enthusiasts for a group video call to discuss the state of the environment. The call got us thinking of the various ways Skype can help you be better to the environment in 2012. Here are some of our favorite tips!

• Rather than drive, fly or take the train to an in-person business meeting, cut down on transportation pollution by connecting with the team via Skype group video calling. Not only does this help the environment, but it also saves everyone time and money by eliminating the commute!

• Save paper and avoid unnecessary printing by sending files to your friends, family or co-workers over Skype. Not only is it free, but Skype allows you to send documents, photos or presentations of any size, eliminating large print jobs.

• Even more interactive, you can also save paper by screen sharing on Skype, so the people you are talking to can view the document on your computer screen and provide feedback in real time. Now you can save paper and time by reviewing and updating documents with colleagues together from one computer to another (and no printing needed!).

• Learn the latest composting tips and tricks and other fun ways to go green by calling one of your eco-friendly friends via Skype video call. Not only can you learn the best ways to help the environment, but you can also see exactly how with face-to-face video calling.

What ways do you plan to use Skype to help the environment? Leave a comment and share with us.

Share Your Skype Love Story

We love to hear your stories about how you've stayed in touch with long-distance boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, best friends, or children using Skype. It's heartwarming to hear how Skype helps many of you bridge the distance between loved ones over face-to-face video call conversations no matter how many miles separate you.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, please share your Skype love story with us via Twitter. Whether you have a story about how Skype helped you and your significant other deal with job relocation, a deployment abroad, being separated because you go to different colleges across the country or any other long distance love story, we want to hear how Skype brought you closer together. Tweet using the hashtag #skypestories and tell us how you used Skype to stay connected to someone you love. We'll highlight some of our favorite stories with re-tweets and we may even decide to feature your story in an upcoming blog.

What would you see if you video called the world this February?

Wherever you are in the world, it's easy to stay connected with free Skype video calls and cheap international calls. But, what would you see if you video called the world this February?

Video call Iceland ... and see the Northern Lights
February is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia. Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis - especially in February, when the city hosts its own Winter Lights Festival. If you're in the area, or know someone who is, video call and check out the celebrations.

Video call Vienna ... and see the Johann Strauss Ball
If you've ever dreamed of dancing a romantic waltz or attending a ball, then make sure to video call Vienna this month and take a peep at the Johann Strauss Ball on February 11. Honoring the famous composer, this grand soiree will see guests learn the waltzes and re-enact the classical balls that once occurred at the world-famous Kursalon Wien.

Video call Terni, Italy ... for St. Valentine's Day
St. Valentine's Day is thought to be in memory of two sainted martyrs - St. Valentine of Rome and St. Valentine of Terni. It's believed that, in 270 AD, the Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade soldiers to marry during wartime. (The then) Bishop Valentine of Terni defied orders and performed secret wedding ceremonies. After being caught, he was jailed and executed - but not before writing a love note to the jailor's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The remains of St. Valentine now lie in Terni Cathedral, and all through February there will be carnivals, fireworks displays, and more in his honor.

Video call China ... and see the Chinese New Year Spring Festival
Chinese New Year may have taken place on January 23, but in China the celebrations go on until mid-February. This month, China will celebrate the end of the New Year festivities and welcome the Year of the Dragon with a lantern festival. If you're in China, video call from your mobile phone, so your friends and family can see thousands of lanterns glow above you.

Video call New Zealand ... for an Art Deco Weekend
Think Great Gatsby, flapper dresses, and the Roaring Twenties. While New Zealand may not be the first place you associate with the Jazz Age, in February thousands of Art Deco fans meet up to dress up and tour Hawkes Bay in the town of Napier - a neighborhood rebuilt in the 1920s is one of the world's best examples of Art Deco design. If you know anyone in the area, make sure to video call. Or if you're in the neighborhood, why not go all out with a video call from the back of a vintage car touring the city while wearing your flapper finery?

Video call Washington, D.C. ... for Black History Month
February is Black History Month. This year will mark a celebration of the lives, achievements, and contributions of African American women such as Ella Fitzgerald, Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. While there will be events across America, ask folks you know in Washington, D.C. to video call you from their smartphone so you can see celebrations like the Navy Memorial and U.S. Navy Band Diversity Concerts.

Where will you video call from this February? Where in the world would you like to video call from? Please leave us a comment, and let us know ...

What has the world been talking about on Skype this December?

Thanks to social networking tools like Twitter, it's easy to stay in touch with the latest news and gossip on the Internet. And whether you're catching up with friends over coffee or chatting to family over a Skype call, we all like to feel like we're in the loop with current events.

So what's had people talking in face-to-face chats and video calls in December? Keep reading to find out.

Christmas movies, from The Grinch to It's a Wonderful Life

Naturally, Christmas is on everyone's lips as the holidays approach. And what better way to get into the festive mood than by watching classic Christmas movies? Frank Capra's 1946 masterpiece, It's a Wonderful Life, has been creeping into our consciousness again, as has Jim Carrey's fun caper How The Grinch Stole Christmas. And with Skype screen sharing, you can even watch these movies with friends and family who might be far-a-way.

Lindsay Lohan, Alec Baldwin and the latest celebrity gossip

The antics of the rich and famous are always on our lips, but December's been a particularly juicy month. Across the world, people have been using their Skype minutes to talk about wild actress Lindsay Lohan, who's currently on probation after serving jail time. And 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin's had social networks buzzing with the news that he was kicked off an American Airlines flight for playing a word game on his iPad.

America's best-loved TV shows

2011 has been a great year for US TV so it's no surprise that everyone's talking about our favourite shows on the box. First there's news that Emmy-award winning actress Ellen Barkin will join the cast of ABC's lovable Modern Family.

Then it turns out that Latin music star Ricky Martin is in talks to join the cast of Glee, while Lea Michele has been talking about the idea of a Glee spin-off when her character, Rachel, graduates at the end of this series. Now that's definitely going to have Gleeks everywhere Skype instant messaging with each other about the show's future.

The latest events in the world of science

The geniuses at Cern in Geneva have just announced that they've found "strong hints" of the elusive Higgs Boson particle. That's news that sure to have physicists all over the globe on Skype calls to one another.

What's more, in December 2011 the Earth will see two meteor showers. If you can't get outside to see one of the meteor showers, get a friend to video call you with Skype for mobile and you might be able to catch a glimpse. Neat, huh?

What have you been talking about over Skype in December? Just let us know by leaving a comment below ...

Skype's top 8 gadgets for the Holidays

The holidays should be all about family and friends coming together - whether that's in person or through Skype. And it's the most wonderful time of the year because it means presents too. Read on for our pick of the hot tech gadgets that you should be asking for this year.

8 Skype friendly gadgets to keep you entertained during the holidays

• Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam
You can bring your Skype video calls to life with the superb LifeCam Cinema Webcam from Microsoft. Enjoy crystal clear images in 720p HD widescreen and high-quality audio when you choose this fantastic Skype-friendly camera.

It's simple to use too - exposure is automatically controled by Truecolor Technology and it also has autofocus, so images will stay sharp even when you want to see close-ups. Light and durable, it also has a flexible stand, so you can shape it to get a great angle, whether you're using it with a monitor or a laptop.

• Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
Enjoy high-quality sound for all your Skype calls with the Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 headset. Simple to set up and use, this high-tech headset uses a digital USB for clarity and has a built-in microphone with acoustic noise cancelation.

The Lifechat LX-3000 is super comfy too, thanks to its leatherette ear pads, so you can sit back, relax and chat away for hours via Skype.

• iPad 2
The biggest selling tablet - ever - the iPad 2 is a must for tech-fans. With a dual core processor, super-quick graphics and 10 hours of battery life, you should have no problems making Skype video calls or sending Skype sms messages straight from your iPad. And since the iPad 2 is 33 per cent thinner and 15 per cent lighter than the original iPad, Santa should have no problem squeezing this tablet down a chimney or two.

If you're not an Apple fan though, you could always try other hot-to-trot tablets such as the Motorola Xoom, the HTC Flyer or RIM's BlackBerry Playbook.

• Motorola Droid RAZR
If you like your mobiles ultra-light, the Motorola Droid Razr is the smartphone for you. Slim seductive and super-fast, this Android phone is the thinnest 4G LTE smartphone on the market - perfect for making Skype calls on the go.

Don't be fooled by its size though - the Razr is packed with features, including an 8MP camera with panorama and multi-shot modes, some great built-in apps and a mirror mode, which allows you to connect your phone to a monitor or TV for large-screen action.

• iPhone 4S
One of Apple's biggest sellers, the hotly anticipated iPhone 4s is a must for your Christmas wish list. Especially now that you can pick up a handset with a super cool, snowy white finish.

But this phone's not just pocket-candy, as you can use Skype video calls to chat and send Skype sms straight from your iPhone too. So you can stay in touch, for less, on-the-go. And with its super-fast operating system and improved camera capabilities, video calling from this iPhone should sure be a real festive treat.

• GE Digital Cordless Expandable Telephone
When you buy this outstanding cordless home telephone, you'll get 12 months' unlimited US / CA Skype calls too - a deal that's too good to miss.

The GE Digital Cordless Expandable Telephone has some great features, including a 100-name and number local phonebook, Skype Message waiting indicator, 200 Skype contact download, Skype voicemail access and up to 10 hours of talk time. Not only that, it looks great too.

• Samsung Smart TV D8000
Framed by just 0.2 inches of brushed metal, the D8000 is a super cool TV that gives you more screen for your money. What's more, it comes with improve LED backlight scanning and better image quality - making it the ultimate for HD Skype video calling using your TV.

This TV comes with a super cool remote too - complete with its own three inch LCD, so you can keep watching TV even when you leave the room. Neat, huh?

• Panasonic HD 3D Blu-ray Disc Player
Watch your favourite movies in glorious HD and 3D - and turn your high-definition television into a Skype-enabled TV with the Panasonic HD 3D Blu-ray disc player.

When you buy this great product through Skype, you'll get a FREETALK HDTV webcam too, so you can start making Skype video calls.

Have you stocked-up on great gadgets ahead of the holidays? Have any Skype-friendly gadgets made it into your home this year? Just let us know by leaving a comment below...

Skype and DoSomething.org Encourage American Teens to Help Grandparents Get "Wired"

It's no wonder that social networking use among adults age 65 and older is increasing - with just a few clicks of a button on communications platforms, such as Skype and Facebook, or email, seniors can stay in touch easily with their loved ones, no matter where they are.

For this reason, DoSomething.org, Skype and Grandparents.com have teamed up on the "Grandparents Gone Wired" campaign that's running the entire month of December. In order to make it easier for seniors to learn how to keep in touch with technology, the "Grandparents Gone Wired" campaign asks tech-savvy teens in the U.S. to share their technology know-how and help seniors get started on Facebook, Skype and Gmail. Timed with the holiday season, this nationwide campaign not only helps seniors get connected, but also provides teenagers with an opportunity to make an impact on people they care about. The campaign bridges generation gaps and enables conversations with loved ones through technology.

Teens can participate by signing up at www.dosomething.org/grandparents. In return for helping a senior get wired, volunteers are encouraged to report back on their experience on DoSomething's micro-site and are then entered to win tech prizes, $500 college scholarships, as well a free membership to Grandparents.com Benefits Club.

This holiday season, we hope our Skype users will encourage and help others to sign up at www.skype.com, so they too can have meaningful conversations via voice and video calls this holiday season.

Say happy holidays with Skype and Alice Cooper

With their 2011 release of the new 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' album, we can all agree that Alice Cooper will always be known for his macabre style, but this year the band has turned into something a lot more jollily!

Say it with Skype and Alice Cooper have teamed-up to bring you a different kind of Holiday greeting.

This year you'll be able to delight your friends and family with a unique holiday video greeting card featuring Alice Cooper's interpretation of 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas.'

"I'll be spending Christmas day in Maui this year. I'll be using Skype that morning to confirm my flight's arrival with Shep, my manager," said Alice.

You excited? We are too!

Head over to the Say it with Skype and create your own holiday greeting!

Don't forget to visit the band's website alicecooper.com and listen out for their lyrical masterpieces in their latest album 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare,' which you can purchase here.

Upcoming tour dates:
December 12, 2011 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theater
December 13, 2011 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
December 14, 2011 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live
December 15, 2011 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Arena

Say happy holidays with Skype and Autumn in Disguise

Excited to share that Autumn In Disguise will feature in the Say it with Skype happy holiday content lineup. The band brings creativity, to the festive group video greeting cards this holiday season. Sing along to Autumn in Disguise take on the festive song "We wish you a Merry Christmas", your friends will be impressed.

The group of young, energetic Scots joined the music business at full force striding up and down the UK, and playing their zestful tunes at festivals all around, this time of year they will be delivering holiday greetings to people and families all around the world.

"Skype's idea is great! We've had a great year and to be involved with something so cutting edge and exciting as Say it with Skype topped it all off with something to give back to our fans, friends and family," said the guys.

For more information on the band visit their Facebook page facebook.com/autumnindisguise and check out the release of their new mini album, 'What Makes Life Better'.

Say happy holidays with Skype and Boyz II Men

The angelic voices of Boyz II Men are making a comeback this holiday season. The multi Grammy award-winning trio teamed up with Skype to bring families around the world some holiday cheer.

Turn your webcam on to sing along with Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman's harmonic version of 'Silent Night,' a virtual holiday greeting card and share the festive cheer with Say it with Skype app.

The busy Boyz II Men have broken numerous records in their 20 years, making them one of the biggest groups of all time, and selling over 60 million albums worldwide, but still have time to use Skype to have group video calls. "On Christmas day I will be using Skype to call my mother in Philly and my brother in Atlanta," said Shawn Stockman.

Are you excited to hear these guys sing their hearts out? We are too!

Check out Boys II Men's new album and musical commemoration of their 20th anniversary in the business, 'Twenty' featuring new material for the first time in 10 years.

"We started with a pure love for music, so to be here twenty years later still doing what we love has been a pure blessing" says Wanya Morris of the trio.

For more of Boyz II Men visit their website

Upcoming Tour Dates in UK & Europe
Jan. 13 Berlin Germany at Columbia Halle
Jan. 14 Cologne Germany at Essigfabriek
Jan. 15 Numberg Germany at Loewensaal
Jan. 17 Wiesbaden Germany at Rhein-Main Hallen
Jan. 19 Paris France at Olympia
Jan. 20 Villeurbanne France at Le Transbordeur
Jan. 21 Basel Switzerland at Grand Casino
Jan. 24 Brussels Belgium at Ancienne Belgique
Jan. 25 Amsterdam Netherlands at Paradiso
Jan. 27 Brighton UK at Concord 2
Jan. 28 London UK at O2 Academy Brixton
Jan. 29 Bristol UK at O2 Academy Bristol
Jan. 31 Birmingham UK at HMV Institute
Feb. 1 Gateshead UK at The Sage
Feb. 2 Manchester UK at Manchester Apollo
Feb. 3 Bridlington UK at The Spa Bridlington
Feb 5. Glasgow UK at O2 ABC

Upcoming Tour Dates in USA
Dec. 16 Cabazon, CA at Morongo Casino Resort
Dec. 17 Reno, NV at Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Dec. 30 Miami Beach, FL at Amphitheatre On The Beach
Dec. 31 New York, NY at Roseland Ballroom
Apr. 13 Biloxi, MS at IP Casino Resort & Spa
Apr. 21 Lincoln, NE at Lied Center For the Performing Arts - University of Nebraska
Apr. 28 Forrest City, AR at EACC Fine Arts Center
Apr. 29 Paducah, KY at Carson Center
May 17 Worcester, MA at The Hanover Theater

Say happy holidays with Skype and The Chakras

Say it with Skype has teamed up with the amazing band The Chakras to offer you a fun and innovative way to wish your friends and family a happy holidays. Join in with The Chakras on the new Say it with Skype app to create memorable holiday greeting card.

The Dublin born, London-based quintet of young men began their journey with a show supporting the English soloist, Ian Brown almost two years ago. Ian Brown gave the Irish chaps two enthusiastic thumbs up which marked the beginning of their musical success.

"Music and Skype have a connection, just like music, it's a form of communication that brings people closer together. It's amazing how you can be sitting there chatting to someone who is thousands of miles away," said the young men, adding: "We are very happy to be part of the 'Say it with Skype' lineup!"

For more information, visit the band's website

Say happy holidays with Skype and Scala

Want to say Happy Holidays with Scala? With the new Say it with Skype app, now you can. Create a group video call greeting with Skype and Scala, then share it with family and friends online.

Scala's music is a majestic concoction of masterpieces. They are most widely known for taking classic rock and indie songs and reinventing them as mournful hymns with beautiful, enigmatic effects with the help of the choir; a unique style all their own. Their re-working of Radiohead's 'Creep' used in the US trailer for 'The Social Network' shone a bright spotlight on them, leading to sell out venues all over the globe.

"I'll be kissing my girlfriend under the mistletoe this year. I'll also be using Skype to connect with my daughter, Rosa," Scala told us, adding: "I love the holidays!"

We love putting smiles on faces, too. And, we couldn't be happier to have Scala in our holiday lineup.

Want more? Check out scalachoir.com

Purchase the new Scala album on iTunes

Check out there upcoming performances:
Dec. 13: London HMV Forum
Dec. 18: Ingolstadt Saturn Arena
Dec. 20: Turino Teatro Regio

Jan. 2: Logrono Auditorium Riojaforum
Jan. 3: Zaragoza Sala Mozart Auditoria de Zaragoza
Jan. 4: San Sebastian Victoria Eugenia Antzokia
Jan. 5: Santander Palacio de Festivales
Jan. 6: Burgos Sala Hangar
Jan. 7: Kiwanis Tienen Hageland
Jan. 14: Dublin Olympia Theatre

Feb. 2: Gent Opera Gent Rotaryclub Deinze
Feb. 18: Nazareth CC Nova

Mar. 17: Lübeck Musik- und Kongreßhalle
Mar. 20: Korbach Stadthalle Korbach
Mar. 23: Lübbecke weitere Infos folgen
Mar. 24: Genk Limburghal
Mar. 25: Genk Limburghal

Say happy holidays with Skype and The Cuban Brothers

Super excited to say that The Cuban Brothers have joined our Say it with Skype holiday greetings artist line-up to bring you the coolest and most amusing Happy Holidays card ever.

Sing along to The Cuban Brother's awesome spin off of 'Deck The Halls,' which includes an improvised choreography. They will make sure that all your holiday card recipients get a cheerful kick out of their fun, soulful and funky interpretation.

Miguel Mantovani, Archerio Mantovani and Kengo San's have continuously sold out shows across the globe, and now they're bringing their spunk, riotous humor, and musical talent to you and your beloveds via Say it with Skype!

"We always use Skype to see our mum, brothers, and sisters on Christmas day, we love Skype!" said the trio.

Yes, we know how excited you are. Now head over to the Say it with Skype app and make your own card to make this year's greetings memorable.

For more information about The Cuban Brothers visit their facebook page

Upcoming performances:
Dec. 30: The Westbury London
Dec. 31: Hogmonay Edinburgh

The doctor will see you now ... on Skype

Flu season is fast approaching. But some smart-thinking doctors are helping their patients avoid catching the sniffles by cutting out the waiting room and talking over Skype instead. Read on and find out how Skype video calls help connect doctors and their patients, whether they're miles or just minutes apart.

It can be tough to secure a doctor's appointment during the busy flu season. And, even if you manage to make one, it can be even harder to make it to the waiting room - with snow or winter weather making for poor transport conditions too.

But your doctor could be ready to see you, whatever the weather, especially if they're using Skype.

We've noticed that more and more doctors seem to be using Skype to talk to their patients and to video conference and knowledge share with their peers.

In fact, after doctors on TV programs like Embarrassing Bodies used Skype video calls, more doctors have been embracing group video calling as a way to connect with patients who live in rural areas or find it difficult to get along to their local practice.

One McDowell County health clinic - the Tug River Health Association - started using video calls to connect physicians and patients after one of their doctors moved away from the rural West Virginia area and found it difficult to travel back and forth as often as needed.

Tim Crofton, a spokesman for the Tug River Health Association, said Skype was easy to use and will be used by the clinic even more frequently in future.

He said: "As a health care provider in a rural area, we were very familiar with tele-medicine. We have used tele-medicine for video conferencing, seminars and other matters, but this was a first for us in terms of a physician visit with a patient.
"We tried it out with a couple of practice runs to make sure that it would work. We were concerned about patient privacy matters, but it was secure and everything worked out."

So, if you live far away or don't feel well enough to brave the cold, why not ask your doctor if they can carry out your consultation over Skype?

Video calls are free - so it won't cost you or your doctor anything at all. And it could save you from having to make a long trip to your local clinic when you could be resting up at home with some chicken soup instead.

Would you like to swerve past the waiting room and see your doctor over Skype?

Give the Gift of Video Calling

Can't be with your loved ones this month? One of the best ways to spend time with close friends and family this holiday season from afar is by using Skype video calling. Rather than send your loved ones a card in the mail, give the gift of a video chat, so you can wish them "Happy Holidays" face-to-face.

To ensure that you and your loved ones can keep in touch via online video call, Skype has launched its Holiday Gadget Guide, showcasing the newest affordable Skype-friendly gadgets to help ensure a great conversation! With a free Skype account and any of these Skype-friendly gadgets, which include webcams, TVs and more, you will be well on your way to creating meaningful connections with others through Skype.

Even more, every time you use your new Skype-friendly gadget, you'll be creating another great Skype story about how people connect with their friends and family around the globe during this special time of year. We ask that you share your favorite Skype stories with us on Twitter using the hashtag #SkypeStories.

To see which Skype gadgets are best for grandma, grandpa, your parents, your children and others, visit http://gadgets.skype.com. Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Travel with Skype

Are you gearing up for traveling this Thanksgiving holiday? Whether you are jumping on a plane, train, or are staying in-town this week, there are many ways to involve Skype in the festivities.

For those heading to the airport to jet-set domestically and abroad, Skype WiFi is the perfect way to stay in touch with friends and family through voice or video call, while managing your emails. Skype's WiFi connectivity solutions can help users cut down on costs by providing the means to use Skype Credit to pay low per-minute rates for online access at over 1 million WiFi hotspots worldwide directly from their PC or smartphone. Now calling to wish loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving while traveling is easy and affordable!

On the road to grandma's and want to hear how your best friend's Thanksgiving is going? Using Skype video call for Android, iPhone or iPad, users can now see their best friends (and the gourmet Thanksgiving meal they cooked!) while on-the-go with free Skype-to-Skype video calling. Can't step aside to make the call? Skype instant messaging, available on computers, mobile phones and more, is the quintessential way to chat with friends throughout the day for free.

If your schedule doesn't permit traveling this Thanksgiving, get the whole family together virtually with Skype Group Video Calling. For only $4.99, you can chat with up to 9 other family members on Thanksgiving Day from their table to yours through video call. Just have your family members all grab their laptops, prop them on their dining rooms tables and have a feast together - no matter the location.

How do you plan to bring Skype with you this Thanksgiving? Leave a comment and let us know.

International calling - what's going on where in November?

International calling is a great way to stay in touch any time of year. But certain destinations shine especially bright in November.

Read on for our guide about what's happening in November around the world, and make sure you don't miss out on these event by using low cost international Skype calls or free video calls to stay in touch.

Call London ... for Oxford Street's twinkling lights
London's Oxford Street is world famous for its shopping - with flagship stores like Topshop Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Liberty of London and Harrod's all within easy reach. But every November, cobbled Oxford Street becomes a little more charming as its Christmas Lights are turned on. If you're in London in November or know someone who will be, make sure to use Skype to video call and see those lights glow - all you'll need is a WiFi connection and Skype for mobile.

Call Germany ... for Dusseldorf's famous Advent Market
Germany's charming Christmas markets are celebrated the world over. And Dusseldorf's Advent Market, with its gingerbread houses, horse and carriage rides, open ice rink and crystal 'Little Star' market is among the best known and loved. If you're in Dussledorf in late November, or know someone who will be, why not use Skype to call in full view of those traditional, wood-carved market stalls?

Call New York ... for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
From inflatable turkeys, flying Kermit the Frog, to baton throwing, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has it all. And you can share it - and some festive spirit - with your loved ones, by using Skype to call right from the sidewalk on November 24.

Call Italy ... for the Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale ends on November 27, so be sure to sneak in a Skype call - and catch sight of the city's famous sinking steps, gondolas, cathedrals, palaces and works of art - before the closing day carnival celebrations.

Call Scotland ... for St Andrew's Day
Whether you or someone you know will be by the heather-tipped Highlands, beside famous lochs or by Edinburgh Castle, be sure to use Skype to call and raise a dram in toast to Scotland and its famous patron saint on November 30th - St Andrews' Day.

What foreign country will you be calling this November?

Fall Fun with Skype

Halloween is behind us and Thanksgiving is just weeks away, so right now many people are taking advantage of the last few weeks of fall and squeezing in fun outdoor activities before the cold strikes! No matter how you plan to spend your weekends this month, there are plenty of fun ways to take Skype along for the ride.

If you live in a city like me, getting away and taking a weekend trip to the countryside to relax and see the fall foliage is a treat. A great way to show your friends and family what the foliage looks like near you in real-time is with Skype for iPhone, Skype for iPad or Skype for Android. The apps are free and you can simply call mom, dad or your best friends to show them the local fall scenery through video call! Even more, using Qik Video Connect apps for Android and iPhone, you can leave video mail saying hello and showing off the changing tree leaves, even if your loved ones aren't near their phone.

While on a fall adventure to the countryside, many visitors also love to go apple picking. If you're planning a trip out with your friends this weekend, why not use Skype on your mobile phone to share the experience with others? With Skype for iPhone, iPad and Android, it's easy to share your fall adventures with those friends and family that couldn't make it.

How do you plan to bring Skype along with you this fall? Leave a comment and share with us.

How to spook-up your Skype call

It's easy to stay in touch with Skype - no matter what time of year it is. But Skype video calling is especially handy if you're looking to speak to your friends and family - or trick or treat long distance - over Halloween.

From silly hats to wicked wigs, read on and find out just how to spook up your Skype chat.

Create a spooky backdrop
Video calling's great at Halloween as you can really spook up your call. Just dim the lights, leave a candle or two to flicker, pop on a spooky soundtrack or fleck your video camera with fake blood.

Dress-up
Throw on a mask, a wicked wig or a full-blown costume and get set for a spooky call. You could even dress up as a group if there's a few of you round the TV, PC or laptop. Families with little ones could go for a classic like The Wizard of Oz, while grown-up groups could try transforming themselves into something a little grislier, like a zombie flesh-mob.

Tell a ghost story
Get those spines tingling by tell some grisly ghost stories over Skype. You could even shine a flashlight under your chin to cast some spooky shadows, or get someone to jump out of a cupboard to give those folks on the other side of the call a fright.

Share your spooky screen
Whether you're sharing costume tips or scary photos from your pre-Halloween party, swap your spooky paraphernalia using Skype's handy screen share and free file transfer features.

Use emoticons
Even if you're instant messaging instead of online calling, you can still spook up your Skype chat by adding some Halloween-like emoticons to your conversation. Why not try for a green, witch-like face? (Bug) for goose-bump inducing creepy crawlies? (Party) for your Halloween celebrations? Or or (evil grin) for when you're tricking instead of treating?

How will you spook up your Skype call this Halloween?