I dare you to watch this heartwarming video and not cry. Sarah and Paige are both missing parts of their arms, and their moms brought them together via the International Child Amputee Network (just thinking that such an organization even exists breaks my heart). Over the last 8 years, the two girls have formed an intense bond, using Internet video chat service Skype (full disclosure: the video is actually an ad for Skype). Though separated by many miles (hometowns are in New Zealand and Indiana in the US), they are clearly best friends. Watch to see the terrific surprise and enjoy the beauty of friendship!  

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For jet setters and and grungy backpackers alike, Skype has become an essential travel tool right up there with maps, language skills and a credit card. With inexpensive calling rates, and free computer-to-computer calls and chats, Skype is certainly one of the leaders in international communication. But the service just got better.

This week Skype rolled out a system of subscription based calling plans. The plans will cover more than 170 countries and provide users with savings of up towards 60 percent compared to the usual Pay-As-You-Go rates. Users can customize the subscription plans, choosing between Unlimited US/Canada, Unlimited Country or Unlimited World. The most expensive option comes in at $12.95, which offers unlimited calls to over 40 countries, which is a whopping deal if you spend even a small amount of time making international calls.

The internet-based phone service recently launched a mobile version, functional on Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones (which yours truly uses and loves), and the recent move to subscriptions should make Skype devotees even bigger fans. In fact, last November the service had 20 million users logged onto the service at the same time. For keeping in touch on-the-go, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more inexpensive and easier option.

Image: Gadling

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