Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
With plans for a new app designed for security on-the-go, ADT and Life360 are setting their sights on securing the mobile generation.
Colin West McDonald/CNET
Home security giant ADT has announced a partnership with family-tracking app Life360, along with plans for joint development of a subscription-based mobile security smart phone app, to be released in late 2014.
The partnership comes by way of an initial investment of $25 million that gives ADT a minority ownership stake in Life360. ADT senior vice president and chief innovation officer Arthur Ordua called the partnership "a perfect pairing," and emphasized the two companies' shared vision for providing peace of mind to families, wherever they may be.
Life360's current subscription services stand to get a boost from ADT. Life360
Interestingly, as ADT looks to be expanding its home security offerings outside of the home, Life360 looks to be doing just the opposite. Life360's founder and chief executive officer Chris Hulls described the partnership as an opportunity for his company to deepen its reach back into the smart home, and to anchor its network with a strongly established home security and automation provider.
This means that Life360's current subscription offerings -- which already include family-wide geofencing, roadside assistance, and 24/7 access to a "live advisor" capable of talking users through a crisis or calling the authorities on their behalf -- stand to expand further in the coming months. ADT is already promising to provide access to its own live monitoring network, along with remote control over home security systems.
Life360's IFTTT channel might open up some interesting possibilities for ADT. IFTTT
Something else worth noting is that Life360 has its own dedicated channel on IFTTT, the popular web automation service. This means that Life360 is capable of syncing up with a wide range of online services, along with a bevy of smart home gadgets ranging from Philips Hue LEDs to SmartThings sensors to Belkin WeMo Switches. That opens up a world of new possibilities for ADT -- and may help it to compete with the emerging field of do-it-yourself kits.
The move fits in with what we've already seen from ADT this year, which announced some rather bold strategic moves at last January's Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas. These include partnerships with McAfee and Ford, as well as the surprising announcement that ATD would be making its monitoring services available to third party security providers. As rapidly as the home security market is evolving, bold moves probably make sense, as those who refuse to evolve risk getting left behind.
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ADT partners with Life360 to expand home security beyond the home
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Do you act differently when you know you're under the watchful lens of a security camera? How would you feel if you visited friends with a surveillance system in their living room? Today, that's possible in more homes as cameras that are relatively inexpensive and easy to install are letting homeowners view live streams on their smartphones from almost anywhere. It's one thing to monitor for security, but how does it change things when you're peeking in on friends and family? Channel 4's jennifer waugh investigates. 3 0 - 8 9 - 14 103 - 109 131 - 136 239 - 243 KEN HALL INSTALLED A SMALL SECURITY CAMERA IN HIS HOME WHEN HIS DAUGHTER, GRACIE, WAS BORN. "It's nice to have that sense of comfort, the sense of security to know that at any time during the day I can peek in and see what's going on, making sure that everything's good."ALL HE HAS TO DO IS OPEN THE APP ON HIS SMARTPHONE AND HE CAN SEE AND HEAR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE SAYS IT TOOK A LITTLE TIME FOR HIS WIFE TO ADJUST TO ALWAYS BEING ON CAMERA WHEN SHE'S AT HOME."In the beginning it was a little strange, but think she's become used to it."PRIVACY ATTORNY SARAH DOWNEY SAYS THE EXPLOSION OF THESE SURVEILLANCE DEVICES ON THE MARKET IS A CONCERN. "Surveillance is everywhere. It's on the streets, it's on our computers, so the home is really the last safe zone and with many of these home surveillance devices, even that sanctity is in trouble."SHE BELIEVES SECURITY CAMERAS CAN SERVE A USEFUL PURPOSE, BUT WILL FORCE US TO FACE SOME INTERESTING ETIQUETTE ISSUES."You can use it for children. You can use it as a baby monitor.You can keep an eye on pets. But, you can also know in extreme detail what your guests are doing, your adult guests, and that's something that they probably wouldn't expect. So that's a really huge change for society and for our culture and it's going to have a major, major impact."RUSSELL URE HEADS UP BLACKSUMAC, THE MAKER OF SOME OF THESE CAMERAS. HE SEES THESE SMALLER MONITORING SYSTEMS AS MORE THAN SECURITY.HE SAYS THEY'RE PORTHOLES OF SORTS INTO OUR HOMES."Sort of a new notion of being a family public space inside your home. So this is not, this is not a space that is public to everybody, but it's public to a close member of your family."AND HE BELIEVES THE SYSTEMS ALLOW PARENTS TO ACTUALLY BE CLOSER TO THEIR CHILDREN IN SOME WAYS."Our lifestyles have forced us so far apart. It's allowing us to, to start to reconnect to our kids."THAT'S HOW KEN FEELS, TOO."It was nice to be able to be connected to my daughter and to my wife while I was at work. So, I can peek in on them and and see, oh they're playing."BUT WHAT IF YOU END UP PEEKING IN ON YOUR GUESTS?"If you're going to use these tools, you have to be courteous about them. And, it's a whole new world of, of etiquette with technology that we haven't really had to deal with yet."KEN MAKES PEOPLE AWARE OF HIS CAMERAS BY POSTING A SECURITY SIGN AT HIS DOOR. HE ALSO NOTIFIES ALL BABYSITTERS."We usually try to tell people, but sometimes, if they're just friends and they're coming over and, you know, it's like no big deal. We don't, you know, we don't say anything. I mean it's not a policy. We don't hand them a card and say, 'You know, you're under surveillance.'" EXPERTS SAY THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE INVESTING IN THESE KINDS OF SECURITY DEVICES .AND RUSSELL URE SUGGESTS - BE SURE TO TELL YOUR GUESTS YOU HAVE CAMERAS LIKE THIS ONE IN YOUR HOME.. JENNIFER WAUGH CHANNEL 4, THE
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Which states are
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
First an icy winter and now record high temperatures for May.
More and more people are investing in a good home cooling system.
And experts say it's not just about comfort.
It's a safety issue.
The extreme weather can be dangerous for people with COPD or asthma.
The elderly are more at risk for heat stroke when temperatures are this high.
Experts say the best way to prepare for summer is to act now.
"I'd urge you to flip your AC on if you haven't already - make sure it's working correctly and if not, get that taken care of before the next hot spell occurs," says Justin Layfield, with Grogg's Heating and Air Conditioning.
The pros at Grogg's say any air circulation is better than nothing.
Even a fan can reduce the risk of any heat-related health problems.
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Busy Time For Air Conditioning Repair Companies
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
On June 3, local residents will head to the polls to decide whether to approve a $99 million bond measure that would raise money for facilities improvements at Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools.
If the measure is approved, the district estimates the average annual cost to property owners would be $18 per $100,000 of their property's value. That's on top of the approximately $35 per $100,000 property owners are already paying annually for a $79 million bond that was approved by more than 80 percent of voters in June 1998. Those payments will continue through 2024.
That measure initiated repairs and improvements to Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools, but nearly two decades later, district officials say many of the classrooms and school facilities that were not in need of repair in 1998 have aged and now need repairs and upgrades.
A list of improvements includes repairing leaky and aging roofs, replacing or fixing old heating and cooling systems, making safety repairs to classrooms, labs and other school facilities, upgrading classrooms and educational technology, and adding a classroom at Los Gatos High to accommodate a projected enrollment increase of 200 students by 2018-2019, according to district superintendent Bob Mistele.
Funds from the Measure E bond would also be used to modernize science labs at both high schools.
Specifically, the measure would retrofit an engineering classroom at Saratoga High to a science lab and allocate $2 million to each school for technology upgrades, such as the schools' wireless infrastructure network.
"We have excellent high schools, high-performing schools, and we're trying to maintain that strong foundation in science, math and English, and we believe that our students deserve 21st century facilities," Mistele said.
Additionally, some money would be used at both high schools to build new classrooms for the music departments.
"We've got expanding programs, and we need to accommodate the growth of those programs," Mistele said.
The district will also allocate money for expanding theater facilities on both campuses. At Los Gatos High, the funds will be used to build a room for prop storage.
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Los Gatos: Bond Measure would raise funds for high school improvements
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
MURPHYSBORO The Jackson County Board is taking step to repair problems with the courthouse.
The finance committee approved a plan to complete all needed repairs on the courthouse rather than just making temporary solutions, said Jackson County Board Chairman John Rendleman.
The plan, which will be recommended to the county board May 20, is meant to fix major leaking and water damage in the courthouse basement. Also, the repairs will take care of all heating and cooling needs on the first and second floor as well as the basement.
This will stabilize all mechanical matter needs in the courthouse for the foreseeable future, Rendleman said.
He said fixing the leaking in the basement will allow the courthouse to have offices in the basement again, which will free up much needed space for other offices.
The total cost for the courthouse repair project will be about $764,000.
Rendleman said the finance committee authorized the expenditure of $200,000 from previously appropriated funds for capital improvements to help offset some of the cost.
He said the county will also seek a loan not to exceed $600,000 for the balance. The loan will be paid back by funds through the regular general revenue account and must be paid back within two years after taking out the loan.
dustin.duncan@thesouthern.com
618-351-5823
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Jackson County to make repairs on courthouse
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
15 May 2014| last updated at 09:56PM
ALTHOUGH the water crisis affecting Klang Valley and some parts of Selangor has just ended, there is no guarantee it wont happen again in the future.
If it does, I will be more than happy to drive to Hutan Lipur Sungai Tua for a frolicking good splash in the stream with my family.
Its less than an hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and the journey will definitely be smooth sailing if you hit the road early in the morning.
Besides taking a dip in the cool and crystal clear water, you can also take a stroll or jog along the tarmac tracks, traverse the unbeaten jungle trails or simply laze around in the gazebos.
For shutterbugs like myself, it is easy to get carried away trying to capture the images of frogs, dragonflies or fish.
It is also a way to introduce my toddler to nature.
FAST FACTS Sungai Tua Recreational Forest, Jalan Sungai Tua, Ulu Yam, Batu Caves, Selangor
GPS Coordinates 31842.9N 1014152.8E
Getting There From the city centre, head towards Batu Caves and take the route to Jalan Medan Batu at the small roundabout located right at the entrance of Batu Caves complex. Then take Jalan Sungai Tua and continue driving until it takes you to Batu Dam. Follow the signboards leading to Hutan Lipur Sungai Tua which is on the right after the Ulu Yam motocross track.
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Connecting with nature
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
First major exhibition of US troops stationed in Chipping Sodbury before the D-Day Landings to feature at The Big Lunch
12:10pm Wednesday 14th May 2014 in News By Alexandra Womack
The Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch this year takes on a 1940s theme
THE first major exhibition of an important part of Chipping Sodburys past will be held during a war-themed event next week.
A collection of rare photographs of the American signal company stationed in the town during World War Two will be on view to the public during this years 1940s-themed Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch on Sunday, June 1.
Put together by local historian Jim Elsworth in conjunction with Sodbury and District Historical Society, the exhibit will include 100 pictures taken during the seven months prior to the D-Day Landings of 1944 when 62 US Army soldiers from 165 Signal Photo Company made Chipping Sodbury their home.
The troops became familiar faces to many in the town and organised events including American film screenings and tea parties, the likes of which many residents had never seen before. They also brought Coca Cola, chewing gum and a smooth American drawl previously only heard on the wireless.
Jim, who has collated the exhibition with help from the 165 Signal Companys official archives, said: People who were children at the time will recall the soldiers being here, but did not realise the special role they played on D-Day and the liberation of Europe. All they knew was that got any gum, chum would result in a gift of chewing gum and of course the soldiers organised films, tea parties and other entertainments for children.
Around 100 photos and the associated stories will relate the events from their arrival in Chipping Sodbury, interaction with our town and friendships made, and their operations in Europe.
He added: A major part of the exhibition will tell the amazing story of those 62 men. It is a sobering thought that of the 62 men, seven were killed in action, 14 were wounded to the extent they had to be repatriated and three were taken as Prisoners of War.
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Discover Chipping Sodbury's American past at 1940s themed Big Lunch
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Alpha Chi Feng Shui - Vasama Gaul na RiTV 2014
Vasama govori o Alpha Chi - energetskom Feng Shui-u i o konstalacijama. Takoer ona u svom centru "Bakar Mother Earth Center" u Bakru obrazuje Alpha Chi savjetnike, dri meditacije, seminare...
By: MotherEarthCenter
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Alpha Chi Feng Shui - Vasama Gaul na RiTV 2014 - Video
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Healthy Healing Laboratory: Forgiveness and Boundaries
Introducing Special Expert Guest Moni Castaneda, creator of Feng Shui For Us who shares with us insight and understanding as well as practical action steps using this leading edge paradigm...
By: Stephana Johnson
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Healthy Healing Laboratory: Forgiveness and Boundaries - Video
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May 15, 2014 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Shannon Beador And Heather Dubrow Fight Over A Chair | Home
May 14, 2014 06:00 AM by Megan Thompson
Last night on TheReal Housewives Of Orange County, Vicki Gunvalson was full of funny lines (or maybe she was full of tequila.) Anyways, Vicki had several laugh out loud moments from last nights show. Which was your favorite Vicki moment?
Vicki is always up for anything and this includes Feng Shuiing her office. I never tried Feng Shui before, I thought it was for only Asian people, Vicki tells the cameras. Then when Vicki learns that her wall is compressing her wealth areaandher money is leaking out the door Vicki is ready to do whatever it takes to stop theleak. Ill put a stripper pole in the corner, Ill do it. If its going to help me make more money Ill do it, Vicki shares. Check out the whole Feng Shui consult in the video below.
We all know how Vicki despises meeting new girls and it certainly showed when she met Lizzie. Vicki was full of tequila and insults for the new gal. Two minutes after meeting Lizzie, Vicki put the new girl in her place when she couldnt remember her name. Lizzie seems like a little girl with pigtails, why arent we calling you an adult name? Maybe you want to be twelve or six, Vickijokes. ButVicki really cracks herself up when Lizzie mentions she was the valedictorian of her class. How many people are in your class? I could be the valedictorian from a class of one, Vicki laughs in her one-on-one interview. So maybe Vicki didnt say these lines directly to Lizzies face, but she did say the one about beauty queensdirectly tothis former beauty queens face. I dont ever want to be a pageant girl, Vicki tells the group. Even Vickis new BFF, Shannon, cant believe Vickis comments.
Facebook and Twitter were abuzz about Vickis funny comments. Some people think Vicki is thequeen bee, while others think she is a mean girl.So we want to know did you findVickis comments funny or insulting? What was your favorite Vicki moment from last night? Let us know, leave a comment below.
MORE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY NEWS Brooks And Vicki Are Back Together Tamra And Heather Make Amends Vicki Gunvalson And Shannon Beador Bond
PHOTO AND VIDEO CREDIT: BRAVO
Topics: Bravo Reality TV Shows, The Real Housewives Of Orange County |
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Vicki Gunvalsons Best Quotes From This Weeks Real Housewives Of Orange County
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