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Philips has been running the roost when it comes to smart lighting ever since it released Hue, but it wont remain king of lighting mountain very long if Belkin has anything to say about it. Earlier today, before the CES show floor opens up and all technological hell breaks loose, the company announced two additions to its line of WeMo connected home products: new smart LED lightbulbs and an accompanying hub called WeMo Link.

Last year at CES, Belkin debuted network-connected WeMosmart light switches, so the fact that its making moves into the smart bulb arena was really a no-brainer its the logical next step.

The light bulbs, which will be fully controllable via Belkins WeMo app for iOS and Android, are 60-Watt equivalent with an 800 lumen max brightness. The bulbs are also fully dimmable, and come equipped with a number of clever functions, such as vacation and dim-to-sleep modes, the latter of which will gradually turn your lights down as it gets closer to your bedtime

Belkin announced it will release a starter kit that includes two bulbs and one WeMo Link that acts as a hub for all your devices. The starter set will reportedly sell for $129, whereas individual bulbs will sell for $39 each. This makes WeMo lights considerably more affordable than Philips Hue, which might make them a better choice for consumers that dont care if their lights cant change colors.

No word yet on exactly when theyll be available to consumers, but Belkin says they should hit the market sometime this spring.

DT

Drew's fascination with technology began at an early age - shortly after he licked a 9-volt battery for the first time. It was this first taste of technology that sparked his interest in how electronics work, and he's been obsessed ever since. Aside from keeping up with the latest developments in tech, he enjoys shock humor, and working puns into his writing at every opportunity. You can find his work on Digital Trends and The Manual.

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Belkin sheds light on it’s upcoming WeMo smart bulbs

2 hours ago Jan. 7, 2014 - 2:12 PM PST

Smartwatches are a big trend at this years Consumer Electronics Show, but so far its a category that hasnt seen any major hits (except for maybe Pebble). Thats expected to change when Apple releases its long-rumored iWatch, but the thing is, no one has any idea when that will actually happen. There are some interesting new details, though: This report from The Informationshows some of the potential obstacles Apple has faced in getting its smartwatch to market.

The first, and arguably biggest challenge mentioned has to do with screen technology. Apparently, Apple recently considered going with a new display due to battery life issues. In my opinion, battery life on wearable devices is key. At this point you need to bring at least a weeks worth of battery life with average use to be competitive. But were starting to see wearables that promise as much as a full year.

Apple also reportedly put the kibosh on the advanced production of some pieces with one manufacturer, but changing manufacturers midstream is fairly common occurrence. Also cited, and likely more of an issue, is that Apple recently lost some employees believed to be tied to the project. Bryan James, whose name is listed on one of Apples 2009 patents for a wearable device (and who was involved with a project to let users strap an iPad Nano to their wrists), joined Nest Labs just this month.

The report does mention that none of these issues are necessarily significant enough to delay a launch, and Id have to agree. If Apple is indeed working on an iWatch (which seems almost certain at this point), it likely has a formidable team in place that is working on it at this very moment. There are bound to be bumps in the road on any project. Lets just hope the end is somewhere in sight.

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Report sheds light on Apple’s iWatch hurdles

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Leaders of L.A.'s Museum of Contemporary Art say a campaign launched less than 10 months ago to quintuple its endowment to $100 million has met its goal, prompting them to keep the campaign going with a new goal of $150 million.

They see the achievement as a turning point after five years of financial instability that has led to budget and staffing cuts, including a winnowing of the curatorial staff from eight to the current two through layoffs or resignations.

TIMELINE: MOCA in flux

A written announcement listed 29 donations from individuals, couples or foundations, all but two of them from board members, their foundations or their families.The campaign also has elicited an unspecified number of anonymous gifts. MOCA provided no further details about the amounts.

Last spring, less than a month after launching the campaign, MOCA said it had received about $50 million in donations or pledges ranging from $1 million to $10 million, naming 19 board members without specifying how much each had given.

Museum leaders also said it's possible, but not certain, that MOCA facilities will be named in honor of the campaign's top donors.

"There's been this tremendous push by committed people who should commit and did commit," said Maria Bell, who, as co-chair of MOCA's board with David Johnson since 2009, has helped oversee the museum's recovery from near financial ruin after the fall 2008 meltdown of global investment markets.

Johnson said the campaign's success means that MOCA has "a sustainable financial future for the first time in its history."

GRAPHIC: MOCAs ups and downs with Jeffrey Deitch

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MOCA meets its goal and sets a new one

Kristen Stewart is at it again, but this time she is showing an entirely new skin from the sparkling and crystal-like glow made famous from her role in the Twilight series. It is no doubt that Stewart has moved on from her immortal identity and the star is now gaining publicity in an entirely different way.

E!Online revealed Stewarts new ad for Balenciagas Rosabotanica perfume for 2014. The ad shows the Twilight actress carefully exhibiting the new fragrance while a string of exotic flowers adorn her left shoulder, and otherwise bare physique. Although the ad is said to be similar to her 2013 shoot, the latest ad markets the fragrance and Stewart in an entirely new and matured manner.

Hollywood Life reported back in December that Stewart is also the new face for the Chanel Mtiers d'Art Paris-Dallas series. This will be just another fragrance advertisement to add to Stewarts growing collection. As the world awaits her new advert, the young actress is sure to make headlines with the Paris Dallas collection.

Stewart began her career as a young adult starring in movies such as Panic Room and Zathura. However, she became most recognized through her role as Bella Swan in movie adaptations of the best-selling book series Twilight. Stewart shared a long-time relationship with co-star Rob Pattinson but soon ended it after rumors and photos leaked of her affair with director Rupert Sanders. Nevertheless, both Pattinson and Stewart's careers have sky rocketed since the films release of the fabled love story.

image: ABC

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Kristen Stewart sheds dark duds for sparse floral garb in Balenciaga perfume ad

The Washington County Commissioners Court will continue to work towards improving the sewer situation for a handful of families in Precinct One, as it opens proposals for engineering and program management services.

The proposals will help decide which group spearheads a $277,250 project in the county that will provide improved plumbing to an area with roughly 30 households; currently, the area uses septic tanks. The project is to be completed by Jan. 10, 2016.

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County to work on Precinct 1 sewer situation

Tuesday, January 7, 2014 | 4:59 p.m. CST; updated 5:25 p.m. CST, Tuesday, January 7, 2014

*This story has been updated to include a second appointment.

JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed a former state economic development director and a former public school administrator to seats on the State Board of Education.

Nixon on Tuesday appointed Joe Driskill to a term expiring in July 2021. Driskill, a Democrat, led the Department of Economic Development from 1993 to 2003. He's also a former Missouri House member.

The governor also chose John Martin of Kansas City to replace Stan Archie, who resigned from the board in January 2013. Martin would serve until July 1.

Martin, a Democrat, was superintendent of the Grandview district from 1990 to 2006, deputy superintendent in St. Louis from 2006 to 2007, and interim superintendent in Kansas City in 2008. He also taught in University City.

The appointments require confirmation by the state Senate.

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UPDATE: Missouri governor fills 2 seats on State Board of Education

Samsung is going all out this year. Building on the 2013 launch of the Samsung Shape Wireless Audio Multiroom System, Samsung has made its way into every room of the house with its new multi-room offering and integration of wireless and multiroom technology across its 2014 flagship soundbar, Blu-ray player and home entertainment system products. The new product line reflects the growing demand for solutions that offer consumers the ability to manage multiple audio sources.

In the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada (MB Tech News editor Art Samaniego Jr. is there to provide us live updates), Samsung products on display include:

The addition of the entry-level M5 speaker to the Samsung Shape Wireless Audio Multiroom system. These speakers can be used alone or wirelessly with other Samsung products to create custom audio home systems.

Samsungs stylish and versatile Sound Bar and Sound Stand products offer vivid and consistent sound as well as space efficiency through innovative design and engineering.

Under a TV, Samsungs ultra-slim technology and elegant design maximize surround sound and deep bass performance for rich and clear sound.

Samsungs MX-HS8500 GIGA Sound System, the worlds first component audio system to integrate the main system and speakers, is ready to rock the house. With integrated wheels that maximize mobility, booming sound and synchronized lighting effects, the GIGA turns any setting into the hottest club in town.

The Samsung HT-H7730WM Blu-ray Home Entertainment System is an experience not found anywhere else. Its a one-of-a-kind 7.1 channel system with virtual 9.1 channels that only Samsung can provide, thanks to its exclusive integration of the DTS Neo: Fusion II codec. Carbon Nano Tube speakers combine with Vacuum Tube Digital Amplification to provide sound thats warm and natural, yet amazingly powerful and clean.

Samsungs latest additions in audio technology give consumers big, high-quality sound that is easy to incorporate into their entertainment experience, said Jim Kiczek, director of digital audio and video at Samsung Electronics America. This years lineup will deliver not only great sound and breakthrough design but also the flexibility of wireless support to take the home entertainment experience to the next level.

The Samsung Shape Wireless Audio Multiroom system enables music lovers to enjoy tether-free entertainment in any room of the house, from various music sources.

The flexible speakers can be used alone or in combination with the Wireless Audio Multiroom Hub and additional M7 or new M5 speakers to create a multi-room, multi-channel surround sound system.

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Life and design for Samsung in 2014

By STEPHANIE BEECKEN 6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - By the time the Monday morning commute traffic started around 8 a.m., temperatures in Knox County were already 20 degrees. The low temperatures and already wet roads meant a frigid and slick start for many drivers.

Employees at The Amber Restaurant in North Knox County normally get to work at 6:30 a.m., but Monday morning the owner told workers to come in an hour later due to the weather. James Linklater and another employee rode to work together.

"[The] car was frozen shut. I had to pull my door open and kick her's open from the inside so I didn't mess up the handle," said Linklater.

Linklater drove 40 minutes to work from Blaine.

"A lot of slick spots off of Emory Road. There's spots you hit, hit a curve. We slid a few times, but not too bad," said Linklater.

He says while the drive to work was relatively easy, walking in to the restaurant was hard. Linklater joked that he should have worn ice skates.

At 4:00 am many parking lots were just covered in slush, but as hours passed and the temperatures dropped, the slush turned to ice. Before the restaurant opened Linklater put the salt down to melt the ice.

The Amber Restaurant owners Donald and Bonnie Padgett have owned the restaurant for 36 years. They say they've only closed one time. The Padgetts say the people who live in the area rely on the restaurant to be open, especially when there's inclement weather.

"So many people's power goes off, and they'll always come here for breakfast, and we figured that's something people might need to eat," said Bonnie Padgett.

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Cold temperatures and snow don't keep North Knox County restaurant from opening

Once we get through the holiday season, I can always count on a flurry of questions about frozen water lines. So, to start things off for the New Year, I have put together my three basic tips on how to deal with frozen pipes.

1. The best offense is a good defense: Take a look around your home (especially in the basement) for any strong drafts that may affect the water lines in that area. Seal up any openings or cracks with insulation and protect the water lines with insulated pipe sleeves. Also, keep the heat on in every area of the home during very cold weather.

2. Know when you may have a frozen pipe: Usually, you can identify a frozen water line when you notice water flowing to some fixtures, but not to others. Example: Bathroom works fine, but there is no water flowing to the kitchen faucet. If your main water line freezes up, all of your plumbing fixtures can be affected.

3. Time is of the essence: Call your plumber as soon as possible even if it requires an emergency call. A master plumber can usually trace the exact area of the freeze up and safely thaw the pipe with professional equipment. Bottom line: If you wait too long and the water line bursts, you may end up needing a huge financial bail-out.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

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Plumber: Hot tips for frozen pipes

Plumber admits drugs and knuckle duster charge

5:50am Tuesday 7th January 2014 in News

A PLUMBER has admitted possessing class A drugs and an offensive weapon.

Thomas Giddings, 23, admitted having a quantity of cocaine and a knuckle duster in Danacre, Laindon, on September 20.

However, Giddings of Rettendon View, Wickford, denied the charge of possessing a bladed article namely a craft knife when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday.

He told the court he was a plumber and had found the knife on the floor, put it in his pocket and forgotten about it. The Crown accepted his guilty pleas to the earlier charges and agreed not to pursue the possession of a knife charge.

The court heard Giddings was found with the items after being stopped by officers.

Judge David Owen-Jones, decided he wanted the Probation Service to complete a pre-sentence report on Giddings before he sentenced him.

The case was adjourned until January 30. Giddings was released on unconditional bail.

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Plumber admits drugs and knuckle duster charge