Jump on the home entertainment bandwagon with Loot

Home entertainment is set to take off in a very big way in 2010, with a plethora of exciting new electrical products hitting the shelves over the next couple of months.

And it looks like film fans who love nothing more than to put their feet up and lose themselves in a blockbuster are going to benefit - with 3D TVs being tipped as the next big thing for this year.

Fully-fledged home entertainers

It would certainly seem that growing numbers of people in the UK are fully-fledged home entertainers.

Figures from T-Mobile recently showed 53 per cent of Brits prefer to spend quality time with their family and friends by inviting them over to hang out, while 32 per cent spend money in home entertainment improvements.

According to Peter Aylett, director of professional development at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, it simply isn't enough these days to just sit there and watch a flick in front of a poky little telly.

"It needs to be immersive," he says.

"Instead of feeling like you are observing a scene. You should feel like you are really drawn into it. You must feel part of the action."

Which may explain why a significant proportion of people seem to be keen to splash out on new TVs, DVD players and Blu-ray players.

You may be interested in 3D TVs

And they may be interested in 3D TVs too, now the first few have started becoming available in the shops.

Editor of Stuff magazine - which offers gadget news, reviews, analysis, reports and opinions - Fraser McDonald recently tipped the technology to become a huge hit, saying: "You can get 3D not just at the cinema anymore, but also in your house - so that's going to be pretty special."

John Lewis spokesman John Kempner added: "We've had flatscreen TVs and high definition and now 3D is the next big thing."

"I think it's what everybody is going to be talking about and with the success of 3D in the cinema, this is bringing that level of enjoyment and type of experience into people's homes," he continued.

To be honest, all of this talk about the latest technology has made me keen to upgrade my home entertainment system.

If you're like me, but think 3D TV might be a little too far, why not consider using Loot's free classified ads to try and hunt down an upgrade at a snip?

Loot has thousands of listings

The online marketplace and publication has thousands of listings - including a plethora of dinky gadgets and electrical items that may transform your viewing experience.

And if you're system's all set up, you could still find something that'll improve your film nights.

One of Loot's categories is furniture, so you may be able to locate that perfect, comfy sofa that you can sink into with a bowl of popcorn.

Or you could even add to your DVD or Blu-ray collection, bringing home your favourite film or television series to watch in the comfort of your own home - all without having to splash some serious cash.

Cut the clutter and spring clean your way to cash!

The freezing temperatures, ubiquitous snow and all-round terrible weather that became so much a part of our lives over the last couple of months have now receded, making way instead for a bit of sunshine.

Winter's out and spring's here.

So now could be the perfect time to do a bit of spring cleaning - and earn cash for it at the same time.

Now, I'm not suggesting you don the marigolds, pick up the feather duster and take up a part-time cleaning job.

Flog your clutter for cash!

No, I'm suggesting you flog your unwanted clutter using an online marketplace or classified ads.

Just think for a minute about all of that stuff taking up valuable space in your home that you don't ever use.

Speaking to Channel 4's 4Homes, Sue Kay, founder of professional de-cluttering and organising service No More Clutter, says: "You just can't be organised in a cluttered home. It saps your time and energy. Everyone is so busy but spending just a little time getting organised can free up more time for what you really want to do - no-one wants to spend an hour looking for their keys when they could be putting their feet up."

Unused TVs, sports equipment, clothes - all of it could end up in a household that would put it to use, sticking some money in your pocket at the same time.

And a fair bit too.

Research conducted by insurance comparison service comparethemarket.com shows householders in Britain value the items in their garages at between £501 and £1,000.

So where can we sell all of this clutter and earn ourselves a few pretty pennies?

You can sell your unwanted stuff with Loot

Well, Loot.

Loot has a multitude of listings both online and in its printed publication - covering categories like home entertainment, home and garden, computing, collectables and books.

And spring cleaners should be ruthless, according to property expert and former Changing Rooms co-presenter Linda Barker.

In a feature for the GMTV website, she says: "Sort through all your possessions and think have I used this in the past two years? If the answer is no then it's got to go!"

Ms Kay goes on to add: "People have stuff sitting around for years because they just never get round to doing a car boot sale."

But who needs the hassle of a car boot sale when you can stick an advert online in the comfort of your own home - or in the paper?

And all for free?

Additionally, you could find yourself advertising your item to thousands of people.

Loot has a distribution of more than 47,000 copies in London, 35,000 in Manchester and 17,000 in Liverpool.

I doubt you'd get that from a car boot sale.

So, although we currently live in times of economic instability and financial hardship, with households all over the country struggling to get by from day to day, people still have a great opportunity to get rid of their waste and fill their coffers at the same time.

And all from a little spring clean...

What will light up the silver screen in 2010?

It seems to be ever more difficult to predict the movies that will be hot or not over the course of a year. So much so that the directors - the film experts who produce these pieces of work - can't even tell.

However, hype is one thing that can be gauged, so it is with this invaluable tool that I'll take a look at some of the titles that have so far - and are expected to - light up the silver screens and televisions in 2010.

And where better to look than the recent Annual Academy Awards - or Oscars to you and me?

The prestigious ceremony took place early March and eventually found Iraq war movie The Hurt Locker worthy of taking home the statue for Best Picture.

If that already isn't enough of an endorsement for you, Guardian writer Peter Bradshaw gave it a full five stars on its release, calling it the "best and most insightful anti-war film about Iraq".

Add to that some spectacular and realistic special effects and a strong plot and you're onto a winner.

  

What's more, it's out now to buy, so you can stick in your DVD player and experience for yourself.

  

One of the movies that's really causing a stir in the cinemas at the time of writing is Tim Burton's - who has previously masterminded the likes of Big Fish, Edward Scissorhands and the Nightmare Before Christmas - latest eccentric family blockbuster, Alice in Wonderland.

  

The American director's favourite actors and actresses once again make up the cast, such as Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp, as Lewis Carroll's children's classic is brought to life in 3D.

  

Writing for Times Online, Kate Muir explains that it's "a fantastic film that gets curiouser and curiouser".

Going from one otherworldly epic to another, the first instalment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is set for release in late 2010, which is sure to get the raft of magic fans shaking with excitement.

  

Since the last flick - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - the adolescent hero has been left searching for the last remaining 'horcruxes' that contain parts of his nemesis Voldemort's soul.

According to Total Film: "The stars have never been better and since taking over two Harries ago director [David] Yates has made the series a) much better and b) very much his own. This'll be the best one yet. Until part two."

Just one other movie we can expect in 2010 is Toy Story 3, which is sure to be one of the most hotly-anticipated releases in recent years.

The next chapter of what the publication calls the "greatest animated series of all time" will revisit popular Pixar characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they're left in a daycare centre, while their owner Andy heads off to college.

With so much to look forward to in the world of pictures, keen film fans will surely be waiting with baited breath for the moment they can bring these blockbusters home to play on their DVD players.

Keywords: Television, DVD player

Basic dog tips to avoid pet peeves

It's an extremely exciting time after you've decided you're going to take the plunge and get your first dog.

And while I know you can't wait to welcome your new pup into the family, it's important for you to know that it's not all going to be plain sailing, fun and games - unless you adhere to some basic principles of dog ownership to keep your pooch happy.

This, in return, will keep you happy.

And bringing your pet into a kind home that already knows its stuff when it comes to owning a dog is sure to get your relationship off to a winning start.

Where do you start?

So what are the first things you need to think about when your pooch arrives on your doorstep?

Well, something you need to consider immediately is the law, according to the Pet Advisory Committee.

It's imperative that all dogs wear a collar and tag, which contains the name and address of the owner - so get that sorted as soon as possible.

Additionally, before you take your new furry friend on its first walk, you should make sure you know your local authority's bye-laws on dogs - does it have to be on a lead at all times in certain areas? Are they banned altogether from others?

And most importantly of all, if your hound makes a mess in a public place - you know what I mean - make sure you clean up after him!

A hefty fine could soon be heading your way if not - not to mention the wrath of neighbours if they see you turning a blind eye!

You also need to be thinking about your animal's health - so register it with a local vet straight away, keep their vaccinations up to date and ensure they have yearly checkups.

A healthy dog is a happy dog

Keeping Rover in peak physical condition should also be a top priority.

Speaking to the Dog Magazine, Nicolas Millan, from National Geographic Channel, explains: "Create a schedule that includes a daily walk in the morning. This is critical for your dog's health, both physical and mental."

Also try to avoid overfeeding your pet and make sure it's nutritional regime is well-balanced.

Dog Saver advises: "Provide your pet the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly - such as chocolate - and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis."

Train 'em up!

What about training?

New dog owners are advised by the Pet Advisory Committee to train their pet in elementary obedience, because "a well-trained dog is a happy dog and he will not be a nuisance to others if he's under control".

Start with the basics and while they're young - although it states the supposed 'can't teach an old dog new tricks' rule isn't necessarily true.

These commands include 'sit', 'heel', 'come' and toilet training - and don't worry, there are plenty of pros, websites and books available to help you out.

And Mr Millan goes on to encourage your pooch to show off his new tricks before you dish out treats left right and centre.

"Give your dog something to do before you share food, water, toys, or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have her perform the sit or down command," he says.

Oh and it would probably be in your interest to not forget about toilet training!

Keeping your hound clean is also important - do so by grooming once a week and remember to check for fleas.

While it's easy to get excited at the prospect of having a dog around the house it really is important to consider these tips and not forget your responsibilities.

That being said, I'll leave you with one final tip - have fun with your new pet and enjoy your time together!

What's new pussycat?

Kittens can be the perfect pet - cute, cuddly and fun.

What's more, they're very domesticated, burying their own waste and not needing to be walked, according to Pets.ca.

The website adds they are fairly non-aggressive, require little exercise and demand minimal training too.

So if you're considering bringing one of your very own home to join the family, I can't say I blame you!

There are things you need to consider before getting a kitten

However, there are, of course, a number of things you need to think about before you take the plunge and adopt a little kitty.

After all, it's a big commitment agreeing to look after a cat for the rest of its life - which could be up to the ripe old age of 20 - and involves attending to it, grooming it, feeding it, taking it to the vets and generally caring for it from day to day.

The website states you need to consider a number of things before choosing what type of kitten you would like to have as your new pet, like whether you have enough room in your home, can afford the cost of a cat - including medical costs, food, equipment and so on - and are willing to deal with potential toilet accidents, cat hairs, or clawed furniture.

Decide which breed of cat you would like

Now, what about the breed?

Catsinfo.com explains: "The first thing to consider when choosing your kitten is if you are looking for a family companion or a cat that you intend to show or breed in future."

If it's the former, do your research and find out what traits certain breeds exhibit and try to decide whether or not that type of cat would fit into your home environment.

Breeder List UK has a few helpful words on this: "The advantage of a pure-bred cat is that they have fairly fixed characteristics and temperaments and so it is more easy to find one that is almost certainly right for a particular environment and lifestyle. Buying a cross breed means that the characteristics and temperament are more uncertain."

Do your research!

Spend time perusing websites or reading books to try and find as much information as you can and - importantly - ask loads of questions if you meet up with a breeder or head to a rescue home.

If it's a show cat you want though, it "should meet the breed standard showing no obvious faults", Catsinfo.com explains.

And what's really important is making sure you get a fit and healthy little kitten.

According to Breeder List UK, your cat should be bright-eyed, curious and alert, with a clean coat.

In addition, it states: "It should be inquisitive, not too nervous and not show any aggression. Beware of any kitten that has runny or sticky eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wet or dirty bottom, matted fur, seems lethargic or does not have a firm body. All of these things can indicate a sick kitten."

So now you should be just about ready to get going on the search for your brand new pet and prepared for that special moment when you fall in love with that cute little kitten that you want to make a part of your family.

Britain's freebie fascination

The terrible economic conditions of recent times seems to have spawned a nation of bargain hunters - Brits who flock like sheep towards shop windows at the slightest glance of the word 'SALE' and who want something for nothing.

But who doesn't?

After all, that's why we still enjoy birthdays isn't it?

In all seriousness though, the recession has caused us to take one step back and have a long, hard look at our personal finances, drawing up serious budgets for day-to-day living.

It's become cool to give things away for free

Luckily for us though, we got credit crunched at a time when it became cool to pick up and give away things for free - or freecycle as it became known.

Whether or not this became trendy as a direct result of the recession is neither here nor there.

But one thing that is certain is that a couple of years ago it wouldn't have been embraced as readily as it is now.

In fact, you probably would have got a few dodgy looks down the pub if you told your mates about your part-time, second-hand, freebie hunting hobby.

However, these days you find Radiohead giving their album away for as much fans want to pay for it and up-market London restaurants doing the same, bringing Britain's freebie fascination on to the front pages.

And Nicholas Fleetwood, business analyst at Loot, says this trend has manifested itself closer to home with the British public keeping it afloat even as we emerge from the recession.

"Every day people advertise freebies in Loot and Bargain Pages. Sometimes it's very clear why these items are being given away for free - such as horse manure (free to collector, as long as they have their own boots and shovel) - but in other cases it's not always so obvious," he explains.

He adds: "At Loot we've helped our customers to give away everything from Zen-Do martial arts lessons to table-top tennis tables and garden allotments in Alvechurch. What is clear is that Loot can be a great place to pick up exactly what you are looking for without it having to cost you a penny."

It can save you money and space

Not only does this save you money - money that can be better spent on daily essentials - but giving away unwanted stuff for free can also save much-needed space in the house too.

And it can also help out the environment.

This is something that has become a major talking point in politics around the world and people now seem to have become responsible enough to try and help out wherever they can be it by installing renewable energy technology, recycling more or driving less.

So why not add freecycling to your 'how to be more eco friendly' list?

Speaking to the Liverpool Leader, Planet Ark spokeswoman Amy Nancarrow explains each item swapped is the equivalent of an investment in water, energy and raw materials, keeping top-notch resources out of the landfill and in use.

This of course, also cuts out carbon emissions, she states.

So, it's something that could help you save money, save the planet and save space?

No wonder Brits are obsessed with freebies!

Quirky Britain finds its audience online

Britain has long had a reputation for being eccentric - be it madcap comedy TV shows, regional cheese-rolling contests or Monster Raving Loony political parties.

As not-for-profit organisation Icons so nicely puts it: "Our sense of liberty, individualism and non-conformity has influenced - and continues to influence - our entire culture".

"Our country is very much distinguished by its 'oddball' quality and characters."

And this inherent quirky nature has been given a huge boost by the internet over the last couple of years.

Anyone can log on and sell up

These days anybody with a computer and a web connection can log on and meet like-minded people who are fascinated by similarly peculiar activities or hobbies.

And it's not just interesting forums and message boards that have found a platform or medium - it's the Brits who love nothing more than to search out the peculiar and bring them home.

So where do all these hunters-of-the-weird-and-wonderful turn when they want to find the items that make them chuckle, raise an eyebrow or remember times gone by?

Classified ads sites may be ideal

Well, classified ads websites and online marketplaces may be ideal starting points.

Gone are the days when memorabilia seekers have to spend all day huffing and puffing around car-boot sales, rifling through stacks of items that don't quite do the trick and go home empty-handed, tired and thoroughly fed up.

Instead, they can sit in the comfort of their own home and wade through thousands of goods to their heart's content and at the click of a mouse.

And this has been the case for a number of years now.

I'm sure the music lovers out there remember how as far back as summer 2004 jars of mud from Glastonbury Festival started appearing online, available to buy.

Who knows, maybe you decided to invest in a piece of music history yourself.

To give you an idea of the extent to which people in the UK are buying and selling eccentric and unconventional things every single day, a quick peruse across these types of websites is sufficient.

Antiques and collectables

On classified ads website Loot.com there is a section dedicated to antiques and collectables.

And here you can find listings for everything from porcelain dolls, Victorian log burners and firework memorabilia to gas masks, 1960s space capsules and - bizarrely - a collection of shoes just for your right foot.

Nicholas Fleetwood, business analyst at Loot, says: "People use Loot to complete collections, such as getting the full family of NatWest pigs (including Cousin Wesley), or to try to find unique antiques, such as a vintage euphonium or a one-armed bandit from the 1960s."

He adds: "With adverts across over 600 categories it goes without saying that as well as the usual flat or car ads you can also find ads for odd pets, such as Assassin Snails or Rainbow Boa Constrictors and vintage clothing, such as authentic cowboy holsters."

Why not have a look?

Want to add to your collection of rare comic books? Why not have a look online?

Trying to hunt down an out-of-the-ordinary vintage car? An internet marketplace could have the ideal model.

The web truly does cater to all quirky tastes, hobbies and interests.

Buying online? Don't let your guard down

Buying and selling on classified ad websites has really taken off over the last couple of years.

And this has been helped - in part - by the recession.

According to figures from PayPal, 58 per cent of shoppers are more conscious of how much they shell out, while 54 per cent raid the bargain bins on a regular basis.

What's more, 17 per cent now try to buy quality over quantity.

A nation of bargain hunters

In short, the economic downturn seems to have bred a nation of bargain hunters, wary of overspending and keen to get the best product for the best price.

And what better place to go hunting than on an online marketplace like Loot.com?

Websites like this contain thousands of items available at a snip, from cars, to houses, to electrical items and even pets.

And they're safe - for the most part.

Scams are very rare on Loot.com, because of its community nature.

The majority genuinely just want to snap up a great deal or find a new owner for their possessions and are helpful, friendly and trustworthy.

However, as with anywhere - be it on the high street or on the web - there are people out there who want to scam you.

Loot does everything it can to keep you safe from scams

And Loot does everything it can to keep you, the customer, up to date and safe.

Its help section outlines a number of potential cons that could be encountered and what they look like, so you know how to identify - and get out of - them as quickly and easily as possible.

Business analyst at the company Nick Fleetwood says: "All online marketplaces are aware of scams taking place online and take every step possible to try to remove any illegal content from their site.

"Unfortunately for every safeguard that is introduced, the scammers work out a way to overcome them. Therefore the best way to protect our customers from these scams is to show them what [they] look like so they can make sure they do not become potential victims," he continues.

One common scam involves somebody advertising a pedigree puppy that is available to take off their hands for free - as long as you can provide a good home.

When you contact the advertiser you're told the reason for giving up the pup is because they are moving away, but they will bring the dog to you - or arrange a courier service to do so - if you cover the travel costs.

Needless to say the dog never appears and your cash is gone.

Another entices property hunters who are interested in renting a flat or house.

The scammer says they live in another part of the country to the residence they are letting and to prove the prospective tenant is serious about moving in - and to avoid wasting time and money travelling down to show them around - demands a fee, such as one month's rent or a deposit.

Once again, there's some serious hard-earned income down the pan if you fall for it - which is easy enough to do.

How do you protect yourself?

So how do you protect yourself from hoaxes like this?

Well, Mr Fleetwood suggests keeping your eyes open for anyone asking for money in advance of you receiving the goods, advertisers offering a deal that seems too good to be true, or people getting rid of something for free, on the condition that you pay relatively large sums of money for postage, courier payment or travel costs (as the case above).

And if you think you've come across a con on Loot.com, there's a useful Report Ad functionality to make the publisher aware of the rogue advert.

What's more, if you've seen something you like the look of among the multitude of classified ads on Loot.com and want to go and view the item or pay for it in person,  you should meet the seller in a well-lit public place, try not to go alone and avoid taking large amounts of cash with you, he adds.

So next time you're perusing online marketplaces remember to be careful and keep your wits about you - that way hopefully no one will ruin your shopping experience!