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Widely used satellite internet in Greece
JMC updates the special procedure for the licensing of the installation of standard antenna constructions

The way is open for the operation of the satellite internet of wide use in Greece with a Joint Ministerial Decision co-signed by the Deputy Minister of Digital Government, Thodoris Libanios and the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Nikos Tagaras, following a proposal by the National Post and Telecommunications Committee.

In particular, the Joint Ministerial Decision No. 57 / Government Gazette B '4938 / 25-10-2021:

- Updates the special procedure for the licensing of the installation of standard antenna constructions.

- Introduces a new regulatory framework for the installation of standard antennas that meet specific technical specifications. The antennas described above will be promoted by the companies in order to provide the services provided via satellites, ensuring a stable connection at high speeds and low response time.

What is 5G?

5G is the 5th generation of mobile networks and allows you to make connections between devices, machines and objects virtually anywhere. The primary advantage of 5G is speeds up to 20 Gbps, which is 600 times more than the average 4G connection and 10 times more than the Google Fiber connection. At the same time, 5G connections will have very low response times, increased stability, increased availability and accessibility. The high performance of 5G networks is expected to radically change the IT applications and then the technology we use in almost any field of human activity. Primary technologies include: The millimeter wave bands (26, 28, 38 and 60 GHz) offer output of up to 20 gigabits per second. Bulk MIMO offers up to ten times faster network performance than 4G.

Millimeter wave systems are designed for 20 gigabit peak shots. Their estimated average bandwidth is 3.5 gigabits. The estimated average bandwidth for the 3.5 GHz-4.2 GHz band with additional MIMO antennas is 490 megabits Users of mid-range technologies, the 5G difference with configurations is colorful with the 4G LTE application, assuming the choice of bandwidth and antenna difference. 5G basic information in OFDM (Rectangular frequency-multiplex) technology . interference students. Users cautious about standard 5G resolutions New radio terminals required for data-intensive applications and with dialog approaches of both sub-6 GHz and mmWave technologies (from 24 to 24 GHz offers greater flexibility and scalability to manufacturers to develop new applications. The sectors that will develop immediately are mobile telephony, telemedicine, transport, Internet of Things networks, commercial networks.

Basic differences between 5G and 4G

4G was a breakthrough in technology that enabled high-definition video streaming outside of Wi-Fi. The applications we saw were high quality video calls and live TV other than Wi-Fi e.g. during transport by means of transport. However, the 4G network has exhausted its technical capabilities resulting in congestion, reduced transmission speeds and increased response time. The main difference between 5G and 4G is that it reduces congestion so you can use the network any way you want even at peak hours. In terms of applications, its most important advantage is that it will give impetus to the Internet of Things (Internet Of Things), ie the ability to connect and manage new generation devices (eg refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, etc.) through a mobile network. telephony.

Digital revolution

By Digital Revolution we mean the transition from analog-mechanical electrical technology to digital technology. The digital revolution began in 1980 and continues to this day. Indirectly, this term also refers to the sweeping changes brought about by information technology and communication technology during the second half of the 20th century. Similar to the Agrarian Revolution or the Industrial Revolution, the Digital Revolution also marked the beginning of the Information Age.

Central to this revolution is the mass production and widespread use of digital logic circuits and the technologies emanating from it, such as the PC, the mobile phone, and the fax machine.

Short story

This technology was invented during the second half of the 20th century (early 1950s) and its widespread economic adoption came after the invention of the personal computer. The digital revolution replaced pre-existing technology and transformed it from analog to digital. In this way it became possible to create multiple copies identical to the original. Thus, in digital communications, information losses during signal transmission are zeroed.

In the field of multimedia, the digital revolution has radically changed the storage of information. So instead of using different means of storing data (paper for words, phonographic recordings for sound, film for image), the data is stored in binary digital format which is instantly storable and easily transferable to various media. Equally important is the achievement of wireless transmission, access and processing of information between media.

Principles and evolution (1947-1979)

The invention of the transistor in 1947 paved the way for more sophisticated digital computers. In the 1950s and 1960s, the military, governments, and other organizations owned computer systems, and the Whole Earth Catalog of the 1960s led to the inspiration and practical implementation of the World Wide Web. , WWW).

The first personal computers came out in the 70's. Time-sharing computers were, at the time, one-way until the 1980s.

1980s

In the 1980s, computers first became available to the general public in developing countries. Millions of people have bought computers for home use. Although computers were not yet a daily occurrence, the productivity of many businesses depended on computers. That is why the 1980s are considered the beginning of the Digital Revolution. By the end of the decade computers had become an integral part of the job with just a few basic knowledge of their operation.

At the same time, Motorola built the first mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTac 8000X, and launched it in 1973.

1990s

In 1992 the World Wide Web was a fact and by 1996 it was consolidated in the consciousness of the world. So many companies started creating websites with their ads. The end of 1999 found that almost every country in the world had at least one internet connection, and more than half of Americans already used the internet on a daily basis.

Characteristic of rapid growth is that in 1989 about 15% of Americans owned a computer. At the beginning of 2000 the percentage had jumped to 51%.

In this decade, mobile phones have become a daily routine in Western countries, and for the first time, advertisements appeared in cinemas asking the public to put their mobile phones in silence.

Characteristic of rapid growth is that in 1989 about 15% of Americans owned a computer. At the beginning of 2000 the percentage had jumped to 51%.

In this decade, mobile phones have become a daily routine in Western countries, and for the first time, advertisements appeared in cinemas asking the public to put their mobile phones in silence.

Technologies replaced

• Analog technologies (cassette, pickup) ---> CD
• Videos ---> DVD.
• Analogue retransmission ---> Digital retransmission
• Analog phone ---> Digital phone
• Typewriter ---> Printer
• Electronic book (e-book)
• Analog TV ---> Digital TV

Technological basis

The Digital Revolution gave rise to the mass production of digital computers, personal computers, and in particular the microprocessor, the gradual evolution of which (as described in Moore's Law) led to the integration of computer systems into a multitude of devices.  Of similar importance was the development of telecommunications technologies, such as computer networking, the Internet, and digital broadcasting. Third-generation (3G) mobile phones, whose social penetration increased exponentially in the 2000s, also played a major role in the digital revolution, as they provided entertainment, communication and internet connection at the same time.

Socio-economic impact

Positive

The positive effects include greater interconnection, ease of communication and public and free reporting of information that in the past could have been more easily suppressed by totalitarian regimes.

The economic implications of the digital revolution have been enormous. For example, without the World Wide Web, globalization would not have reached its current level. The digital revolution has dramatically changed the way businesses work with individuals. From one moment to the next, small businesses gained a foothold and access to large markets. New ideas such as custom services and constructions (on demand) combined with the rapid decline of technological innovations, enabled new innovations in all areas of industry and everyday life.

Negatively

Adverse effects include information overload, cybercrime and media saturation.

In fact, in some cases, the widespread use of computers in companies made employees less productive because they used computers for personal use (e-mail, games, chats, etc.). The use of personal computers as well as other non-employment-related digital activities in the workplace have led to more powerful forms of privacy breaches, such as typing and information filtering (spyware and content control software).

The Digital Revolution, especially with regard to the protection of privacy, copyright, censorship and the exchange of information, remains a controversial issue. As the digital revolution progresses, it remains unclear to what extent it has had an impact on society and whether it will change in the future.

Finally, these problems are exacerbated by the use of digital rights management as well as other copy prevention technologies, which are designed so that data can only be read by specific devices. This may make any future recovery impossible.

In radioelectronics, an antenna is a device used to emit or receive electromagnetic radiation. More precisely, the antenna converts into electromagnetic energy that leads to a transmission line or waveguide into an electromagnetic wave in space and vice versa.

There are several types of antennas:
• Yagi: i.e. heading towards the transmitter with a receiving range of 20 degrees. Horizontal construction. This antenna allows us to accept reception from afar.
• Panel: these are antennas suitable for the UHF TELEVISION zone. They consist of a device of 2 or 4 dipoles in front of a flat reflector in the form of a metal mesh. This antenna shows good bandwidth and reduced directionality and gain compared to the Yagi antenna. It was used in the transmission of a television signal in Vlachomanra Nafpaktia.

• VHF/FM Radio: usually consists of a folded dipole tuned in the middle of the 88-108 MHz band.
• Radio in the middle MW, a simple wire wrapped in coil style with a length of 5 meters and a coil diameter of 10 cm.
• Short radio SW. A simple coil-style wire with a length of 0.5 to 2 km with a coil diameter of up to 100 meters. One end in the air the other in the receiver. The receiver in its socket has two terminals the second grounded. This in terms of a simple and enhanced download. In the broadcast the construction looks like yagi but has a diameter of up to 15 meters.

There are also several types of antennas for telecommunications and data transfer: Radar antennas and long-range short oscillations, which use the Moon or even further afield as reflections.
On satellite, the situation is different. There are two areas: the mirror as a reflector and the LNB as the receiving device. The LNB has two dipoles, one horizontal and one vertical, where the signal is converted from 9.5 to 12 GHz at a lower frequency from 800 MHz to 2.5 GHz so that it can be distributed to the receiver via cable and at the same time is enhanced for its distribution.

The antenna consists of three areas:
• Directional. His job is to amplify the signal he receives or emits.
• Reflector. Reflects the signal reinforced by the direction and prevents interference from the opposite side of the antenna.
• Dipole. He's the oscillation coordinator for the download or broadcast.
The antenna is used by a transmitter to emit electromagnetic waves which will collect another antenna, that of the receiver and through coordination will communicate.

Not long after the first flights in the early 20th century, several pilots tried to break the sound barrier and fly supersonically but faced great resistance from the air, several times with tragic results. The first pilot to make it was American Chuck Yeager in 1947.

So began a race between America, Europe and the former Soviet Union to create the first ultrasonic plane. Concorde, the result of Anglo-French cooperation, has operated transatlantic flights since 1976, travelling twice as fast as the sound, but stopped in 2003 because it was unprofitable. The Soviet Union created the supersonic Tu-144 that flew only for a few years.

Supersonic planes, however, have one serious drawback: when they fly faster than the sound they produce, they create shock waves that reach Earth as sonic explosions known as "sonic booms." These noises disturb people and animals and can damage buildings and are the main reason that the ultrasonic flight program was cancelled in America in 1971. Since 1973 ultrasonic flights have not been allowed over land.

Scientists around the world have been studying sonic booms for decades, trying to predict their path to the atmosphere, landing and how strong they will be so that they can contain them.

To understand how sonic booms are created, we need to start with the basics. When you throw a stone into a quiet lake, what do you notice? The disturbance of the water from the stone is transferred to the surrounding water in the shape of circles that grow. These circles are called wave fronts. In a similar way, even though we don't see it, an audio source, like your phone, disrupts the air around it by creating sound waves that reach your ear and so you hear it. Wave fronts are spheres that grow inside each other. Sound travels on "sound rays" as light travels on rays but is about a million times slower – that's why we first see a lightning bolt and then hear the thunder. The speed of sound changes with height, air temperature, etc. – at sea level it is about 1225 km/h.

Now think of a plane which is an animated sound source. As the plane moves more slowly than the sound that produces the wave fronts they crowd in front of the plane but are still inside each other. When the plane moves ultrasonically, the image changes. The plane moves faster than the sound it produces and all the waves crowd, in the form of a cane, behind the plane creating strong shock waves that reach the ground. Simulations with mathematical models on the computer use the above basic principles for sonic booms to adjust the routes of airplanes accordingly.

Sonic booms are not created only by supersonic planes! They are produced by every object that moves faster than sound – such as spaceships, whips and spheres. It is believed that even some dinosaurs were creating sonic explosions by quickly platforming their tails to scare their opponents!

DOMPDF is a reliable class to convert HTML documents to PDF.

If you haven't already downloaded DOMPDF, you can get it from here:

https://github.com/dompdf/dompdf/releases

These fonts are embedded within the release:

• Courier (Normal, Bold, Oblique, and BoldOblique variants)
• Helvetica (Normal, Bold, Oblique, and BoldOblique variants)
• Times (Normal, Bold, Oblique, and BoldOblique variants)
• Symbol
• ZapfDingbats

and, as of release 0.6.0, DejaVu TrueType fonts are also included.

And now the fun begins!

Lets say that we want to embed the "Roboto" webfont (regular and bold).

Download load_font.php to the same lib directory as dompdf

    curl -o load_font.php https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dompdf/utils/master/load_font.php

Open load_font.php with your favorite text editor.

Replace

    require_once "autoload.inc.php";

To:

    require_once 'dompdf/autoload.inc.php'; 

Download Roboto font (regular and bold variations) from your favorite source, and place both .ttf under the same lib folder and in subfolder fonts.

    lib/fonts/

This is the generic way to run the load_font.php script

    php load_font.php new_font_family ./path/to/new_font.ttf

...or in our case:

    php load_font.php Roboto ./fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf ./fonts/Roboto-Bold.ttt

The new webfont is now embedded in DOMPDF!

To use it, specify it in the head tag of your html code:

    $page='<html>
        <head>
            <style>
                body{font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;}
                ... rest of css rules here ...
            </style>
            ... your other 'head' tags here ...
        </head>
        <body>
        ... HTML CONTENT HERE ...
        </body>
    </html>
';

 /* then use DOMPDF to make the conversion: */

 require_once "lib/dompdf/autoload.inc.php";
 
 use Dompdf\Dompdf;

 $dompdf = new Dompdf();

 $dompdf->loadHtml($page, "UTF-8");

 $dompdf->setPaper("A4", "portrait");

 $dompdf->set_option('isFontSubsettingEnabled', true);
 $dompdf->set_option('defaultMediaType', 'all');

 $dompdf->render();

 $dompdf->stream(); // stream the pdf in browser

The above commands for DOMPDF are pretty much self explainatory. 
For any further clarifications, refer to the author's page:

https://github.com/dompdf/dompdf

The phrase ‘six degrees of separation,’ suggests that only a minuscule measurement is what divides one person from another. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) has decreased those degrees dramatically, connecting us not only to each other, but to everything from our fitness trackers to our coffee makers.
Consider this: according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, the number of Internet-connected devices tops 25 billion worldwide. And that number is expected to double in the next five years, according to experts cited in the report.
In a world where everyone and everything is connected, digital security is a must-have, just as important as the lock on your front door or the keys to your house.
“Technology is revolutionizing the way consumers use cars, homes, work spaces and everyday items,” Rep. Darrell Issa, R- Calif., told USA Today in a recent interview. “These devices raise both opportunities and questions about regulatory policy, spectrum space, privacy and more.”
Underscoring Issa’s concerns are high-profile hacks, including one that took remote control of a Jeep on a busy highway. Experts warn who consumers need to understand that, although convenient, the IoT is an interconnected system, and security is needed to prevent a weakness in one device (like a SmartWatch) from becoming an open door to attack in another device (such as a connected car).
The good news is that sensitive industries such as banking, government, and healthcare have worked with companies like Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, to solve difficult security challenges. While most may not recognize the name “Gemalto,” experts say that almost everyone uses at least one or two of the company’s solutions, which are embedded in a wide variety of connected devices, credit cards, passports, and ID badges.
So, to ensure that your data is protected from hackers, Gemalto recommends the following tips:
* Secure the device. Sensitive devices need an added layer of protection, such as a SIM card or a tamper-resistant Secure Element that stores data in a safe place.
* Control the access. Implement two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized people are granted access to the data.
* Secure the data. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and that encryption keys are stored in a separate and safe place.
For more information, please visit www.gemalto.com.

Driving through neighborhoods this holiday season, you may have noticed that some holiday lights are brighter and more vividly colored than others. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), the reason for the added brilliance is that more and more homeowners are opting to decorate with LED lights instead of the traditional incandescent type.
“Incandescent bulbs have been used for decorating holiday trees since 1882, shortly after (Thomas)Edison invented and demonstrated his first practical incandescent bulbs on New Year’s Eve in 1879,” says Terry McGowan, ALA director of technology. “Now, more than a century later, incandescent holiday lights are being phased out as LED bulbs appear in a multitude of types, colors, sizes and string configurations.”
Compared to strings of incandescent bulbs, LEDs offer:
* Longer bulb life (3-year warranties; average life up to 100,000 hours)
* Energy savings (16-17 watts of savings for a 25-foot light string) — a reduction of more than 75 percent
* Bright colors — LEDs generate only the desired color; incandescent bulbs use color filters which waste light
* Cool operation — LEDs have no hot filament inside; bulbs remain cool
What’s New This Year?
* Miniature Light Strings. LEDs are small and can be fabricated into tiny dots of light. American Lighting Inc. (www.Americanlighting.com) calls these “dew drop” lights. Strings of these tiny cool-operating lights can be used to decorate foliage, live plants or a floral centerpiece. The light strings are made in various colors and operate at low voltage, and some strings are designed for battery operation so that no power cords are required.
* Tree wrapping. Strings of lights closely wrapped around the base of deciduous trees and then up into the branches give a festive look to even small trees or shrubs. The secret is to use strings of lights with 6 inches or less between bulbs, which can be wrapped around the trunk and limbs with no more than 3inches between the layers of wrapped wiring.
* Magnetic sockets. Sockets designed to be used with standard screw-in incandescent or LED bulbs are available with built-in magnets that hold tightly to any ferrous metal. A narrow metal backing strip can be used to quickly mount lights in a straight line, making installation, take-down or spacing adjustments easy. The magnets keep the lights in line and hold tightly in all weather conditions.
For more LED lighting tips, visit americanlightingassoc.com.

Fifty-four years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed into effect a proclamation that established a week to celebrate the contributions of small U.S. businesses. Every president since then has continued the tradition.
Next month kicks off National Small Business Week, which recognizes America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year it runs from April 30 to May 6. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
To help celebrate the week, Marc Saltzman, business technology expert, has partnered with KillerApps.tv (Click here to view video.) and four brands that have the tech tools and services to help small businesses grow by boosting productivity in the office or on the go.
First up, mobility. BlackBerry is back with the BlackBerry KEYone, an award-winning smartphone that fuses the functionality and security you’d expect from a BlackBerry with the familiarity and versatility of Android 7.1 Nougat. This BlackBerry KEYone is made for the modern smartphone user, offering a reimagined Smart Keyboard with built-in fingerprint sensor, up to 26 hours of mixed-use battery life, and unique convenience and privacy features in what is being billed as the world’s most secure Android smartphone.
It also has 4.5-inch touch display to tap and swipe through more than a million apps at the Google Play store.
It goes on sale in May.
To help keep your data secure on the go, Kingston has a pair of encrypted USB flash-drive solutions. With the DataTraveler 2000, no one can see what’s stored on the drive without knowing the PIN that you type on the alphanumeric keypad. The hardware-based encryption resides on the USB 3.0 drive itself — not on the host computer. It’s water- and dust-proof and available in 16, 32 and 64 gigabytes. And then there’s the DataTraveler Vault Privacy drive, which you access via password instead of keypad. Get the password wrong ten times and it’ll reformat and wipe it clean, just in case you lose it. It’s available from 4GB and up.
Next up, regardless of the industry you’re in, you need a reliable multifunction printer to work faster, smarter, and more cost effectively. The Canon MAXIFY MB5420 Wireless All-In-One Printer empowers small businesses with a high-speed, high-quality, and cost-effective printer, scanner and copier. You’ll see crisp prints, such as client invoices and legal- size documents, along with features such as duplex scanning, built-in WiFi, support for a Canon app, and more. And the Canon MAXIFY MB5420 is backed by a U.S.-based customer service and support center.
Finally, in celebration of National Small Business Week, The UPS Store is saluting small business owners with its first national “Pitch Off” contest. Small business owners and startups can compete for a chance to win $10,000 by submitting a business pitch to theupsstore.com/pitchoff.
Capture a 90-second video describing your business or idea. Be sure to submit soon, as people will be able to view and vote for their favorite videos throughout the month of May. The grand prize winner will be announced June 6. Throughout the year, visit one of more than 4,500 locally owned and operated UPS Store locations, to find tools and resources to support your growing business.
For more information, visit www.KillerApps.tv.

With all the talk about smart technology and connected homes, you may be wondering why you should take notice. After all, it is not that difficult or inconvenient to turn your lights on and off.According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), smart technology is not just about convenience. It is not even just about lighting. It is also about energy efficiency and safety. Efficiency Smart technology allows you to connect your home’s electronic devices to one device, such as a phone, tablet or computer. Having a connected home means you have the ability to adjust your thermostat, open and close window shades, and activate your security system remotely, or program those devices to operate automatically at pre-set times. Safety Efficiency is important, but safety is paramount. With the ability to connect to your home’s devices from anywhere in the world comes the peace of mind of not wondering if your security system is activated and knowing your outside and inside lights will be on before you arrive home after dark. Convenience Home automation apps make it a snap to change your room into the perfect setting for different activities. For example, for movie night, a system like Lutron’s Caseta Wireless can be pre-programmed to adjust all the lights in your family room to set the scene for a great movie-watching experience.If installing and operating smart technology equipment sounds complicated and expensive, it’s not. According to the ALA, there are some simple and surprisingly inexpensive options available on today’s market.A number of ALA-member manufacturers, including Legrand, Lutron Electronics, Philips and Acuity Brands Lighting offer reasonably priced, easy-to-install automation products designed to make your home more comfortable, convenient and safe. In many cases, it just takes simple retrofitting of an existing dimmer switch.Erik Anderson, national sales manager for Lutron Electronics, explains that the Caseta Wireless is very retrofittable into existing homes. "All you have to do is take your existing dimmer or switch out of the wall and replace it with a Caseta dimmer or switch, add a smart bridge and you have the ability to control it from an app, or from voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri," says Anderson.For added ease, Lutron’s Caseta Wireless system can be integrated with Apple, Amazon or Google platforms for use inside your home. And when you are outside, an app or geofencing allows you to adjust your inside and/or outside lights, even before you arrive home. That will make your home welcoming to you and your guests.To learn more about making your home smarter, stop by your local ALA-member lighting showroom to see the latest technology for home environment automation. Go online to DesignVideos.Lighting to view a video from Lutron as well as lighting-trends videos from other ALA-member lighting manufacturers. Find more about all things lighting at AmericanLightingAssoc.com.

No one out enjoying time on a boat wants to think about breaking down and needing a tow, but a little preparation can make a big difference.According to the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the number-one reason for a slow or delayed towing company response is the considerable time it sometimes takes for the towboat captain to seek and find the disabled recreational boat on the water. Unlike drivers on a road or highway, many boaters are simply unsure of their exact location.However, the proliferation of cell phones and improvements in cell service over the last decade means that most anyone can use a phone to pinpoint their location and also reach a dispatch center.A phone app, such as the one developed by BoatUS, allows boat owners to pre-program information about their boat. When they use the app to call for help with a dead battery or a tow home, the call goes to the dispatch center and immediately provides the boat’s details along with the latitude, longitude, and boater’s emergency contact information to the dispatcher, speeding a response.The free app from BoatUS, available at BoatUS.com/app, also provides information about tides, weather, and wind. Boaters without the app can use their phones to call the BoatUS 24/7 Dispatch Center at 1-800-391-4869.Boat owners can also be proactive and save money by signing up for an on-water towing plan at the start of the season.For example, an annual Unlimited Towing Membership plan from BoatUS starts at $72/year for freshwater and $149 for saltwater.In addition to having a towing service, boaters should be prepared to keep themselves and any passengers safe if their boat is disabled.Key tips to keep in mind include:- Be safe. In life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately or use VHF radio channel 16. Know the location of your boat’s safety gear and first aid kit.- Be leak-savvy. If you run aground, immediately look for water intrusion and provide a life jacket for each passenger not already wearing one.- Be seen. For safety and visibility in the dark, be sure all of your boat’s navigation and anchor lights are working.For more tips and information about what to do if you need on- water assistance, visit BoatUS.com/Towing or call 800-283-2883.

Sponsored by GAF – Finally ready to take the plunge? Join the club.After having waited on the sidelines for what seemed like forever, first-time homebuyers last year made 38 percent of all U.S. single-family home purchases – the biggest share since 2000 – and the 2.07 million new or existing houses they bought ended up being 7 percent more than in 2016, Bloomberg.com reported."Pent-up demand" is how the news site described it, citing Millennials as one of the driving forces.But the market for house-hunting newbies like yourself has changed considerably from that most recent high mark of nearly two decades ago. And you know what they say: "Forewarned is forearmed." Read on.* Inventory is tight.So tight, in fact – especially for lower-priced starter-homes – that, as the Wall Street Journal wrote, even "buyers in historically calm markets such as Boise, Idaho, and Minneapolis are facing bidding wars, prompting them to dig deep into their coffers to win deals."Not into bidding wars? Well, there’s always Little Rock, Arkansas.Unlike Denver, Seattle and San Francisco – which LendingTree named the "most challenging" cities in the nation for first-time buyers – Little Rock was rated a veritable paradise for house hunters.* There’s still a lot of all-cash buyers out there, so don’t be afraid to get creative.Though the number of all-cash transactions peaked at 40 percent in 2011 and 2012 – with savvy investors still taking advantage of the subprime mortgage crisis by buying up homes many then rented out – last year’s 28.8 percent figure remains above normal. (One reason for the tight inventory: "Investors (are) making too much money as landlords to sell," according to MarketWatch.com.)Granted, you’re at a disadvantage if someone else waves $500,000 in cash in front of a seller even if you arrive pre-approved for a mortgage. However, HDTV.com tells the story of a couple who got a "great deal" on their Denver home – yes, Denver – by adding a contingency to their $300,000 bid that they’d pay $1,000 over any other competing offer up to a maximum of $329,000."Although unconventional," the site admitted, "a creative strategy like this can be very effective in today’s market."* Don’t automatically reject a fixer-upper because you’re not handy enough to fix things like the roof.Everyone knows you can save a bundle by buying a house that needs work, but some things – including electrical system overhauls and extensive roof repairs – are safer left to the pros. So the question becomes this: How far ahead would you come out, financially, after deducting those costs from the house’s likely post-renovation market value?"An attractive roof is the ultimate curb enhancer, so it’s important to figure that into your calculations," said Patsy O’Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, New Jersey.You can play around with different looks (i.e., Victorian vs. ranch) by using the free Virtual Home Remodeler launched by GAF (gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. And the website’s GAF Master Elite Contractor database can help you find the most reputable and adequately insured professionals in your area.* You may be being watched.Literally.With owners leerier these days of strangers walking through their properties, they’re increasingly employing devices capable of tracking prospective buyers’ conversations and actions.Yes, it can be creepy. The bigger danger, though, as MarketWatch.com noted, is that – if you don’t watch what you’re saying – there’s "a real risk" of tipping your hand enough that you wind up overpaying.

It’s in every living cell, tissue and organ, and it’s second only to oxygen as the thing we need most to survive—pure, clean water. We can’t live without it, and we can’t live well without enough of it. We are constantly in need of water as we lose water with every breath and every activity of the body. We are especially at risk for dehydration when we exercise or we are ill—this is when dehydration, even mild dehydration, can take its toll, causing you to feel tired and drained of energy. Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk.

Sponsored News – Fitness, dance, MMA studios, spas and gyms looking for the next big trend may start to heat things up with FitBomb’s new specialized fitness sauna. The Studio Fitbomb far infrared sauna from Hi-Q Fitness is available for literally hundreds of health and fitness centers after its successful debut placement in Cabana Spas.
“The addition of the Studio FitBomb far infrared sauna has already given us a huge boost in client interest,” says Cabana Spas owner Glen Harrod. “We had enough interest from paying customers that we may have nearly paid for the cost of the unit before it even arrived.”
The new patent-pending Studio FitBomb has many key features, including strategically-placed “D” rings throughout the interior of the sauna that allows three customers to exercise simultaneously.
Think Hot-Yoga, Pilates, and flexibility training for dance students or Martial Arts or anaerobic exercise with bands attached to “D” rings on the floor, the walls and the ceiling for building muscle in an infrared-heated, healthy tool that fits three at a time. “With three clients for every half-hour time slot, paying an average of $1 per minute, profits can build quickly,” according to FitBomb inventor and author of “Heat Shock,” David Floyd.
“If you just charge half that price, you generate as much as $700 for each 8-hour day in the Studio FitBomb,” says Floyd.
The benefits of the far infrared sauna include reducing the risk of injury by pre-heating your body, and improving the ability of muscles to flex, move and stretch, making it an ideal complement to any spa, gym or health and fitness facility. The heated system of the sauna is proven and even the FDA accepted it for its powerful relief of pain and muscle soreness while simultaneously detoxifying the body through sweat.
In addition, using a sauna such as the FitBomb can promote greater strength and fitness by encouraging the release of human growth hormones and a muscle-building (heat shock) protein.
The FitBomb infrared fitness saunas also feature a 36″-screen TV so participants can watch pre-recorded routines. You can watch and learn martial arts, dance, yoga, and almost any exercise routine you can imagine with our proprietary instruction videos, activated by FitBomb’s proprietary mobile application.
But the Studio FitBomb is designed for more than just fitness fanatics; the far infrared sauna complements a spa setting, where it may be used as part of a program to detoxify the skin and body, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. Every FitBomb is handicap-accessible, ADA-compliant so anyone, regardless of age, physical handicap or injury now has access to the FitBomb tools that help them achieve explosive health, fitness and therapy goals. Any business lacking the available size requirements (the Studio measures 7′ by 9′ wide) can achieve similar benefits using similar features in our smaller FitBomb varieties.
For more information about the Studio FitBomb, contact Hi-Q Fitness LLC at 888-589-7286. Or visit our FitBomb distributor website at luxsauna.com or contact sales@luxsauna.com.

This article is a paid advertisement. The content was provided by One Reverse Mortgage.
Today’s reverse mortgage has more uses than you may realize. In fact, many financial advisors are now recommending this loan to their older clients. Why?
A reverse mortgage allows you to access a portion of your home equity and use the funds to pay off your current mortgage.* Any remaining money can be used for anything. The program has a variety of products to meet specific goals.
The fixed rate loan allows you to receive a lump sum or monthly distributions. The purchase loan product allows you to purchase a home without a required monthly mortgage payment as long as you live there.* However, according to One Reverse Mortgage, a leading lender in the reverse mortgage industry since 2007, the most popular and beneficial loan option is the line of credit, which has the potential to grow in value over time.
It’s a fact that people today are living longer; and studies show that many are not financially prepared for retirement. According to an article from Time Magazine, one in three Americans does not have any money saved for retirement.**
The reverse mortgage line of credit addresses these concerns. It isn’t just for people who have an immediate need. It is even more beneficial as a retirement tool because the line of credit product can actually extend the life of your retirement savings and give you access to more money later. Another smart way to utilize it is to live off the proceeds to delay using other benefits to give them time to increase in value. The greatest feature of the reverse mortgage line of credit is that the available funds increase in value over time when left untouched. It can be a perfect safety net for future expenses – both planned and unexpected.
The mission of One Reverse Mortgage is to educate people about this program and how it can be best used in retirement. The experts at One Reverse Mortgage are licensed professionals and the company operates nationwide. It also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
For more information, visit www.onereversemortgage.com
* Homeowner is still responsible for taxes, insurance and property maintenance.
**Kirkham, Elyssa. “1 in 3 Americans Has Saved $0 for Retirement.” Time Magazine. 14 March 2016. http://time.com/money/4258451/retirement-savings-survey
Equal Housing Lender. Listed in all 50 states. One Reverse Mortgage NMLS #2052
These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency.

We all know when the trick-or-treaters head home with their Halloween candy and the turkey comas set in after Thanksgiving dinner, the holiday season is right around the corner. Meant to be the happiest time of the year filled with joyous memories, the holiday season can quickly turn into an unwanted shopping nightmare as you try to find the perfect holiday gift for everyone special in your life. Getting all your bases covered when on a budget can seem like a daunting task, but when you’re making a list and checking it twice this year, keep in mind these fun and budget-friendly items to put a smile on all your loved ones faces, as well as in your wallet!
Between graduations, school dances, and family vacations, picture-perfect memories are always ready to be made and we all know that mom is the go-to photographer for that special occasion! So make sure the mother in your life has everything she needs to take great photos with the Vivitar VXX14 Selfie Camera ($39.96). When using this camera, mom can take crystal-clear pictures in superior high definition. Get up close with 4x digital zoom so mom can catch every unforgettable moment! The 180-degree screen rotation on this fun and easy-to-use camera allows you to see the shot before you snap the picture, guaranteeing the perfect selfie with every use. And with the included self-timer, mom can get in on a family photo every time!
Taking care of the kids while also setting some time aside for a little fun is on the to-do list for many fathers, making the Vivitar Air Defender X Drone ($99.99) the perfect gift idea. This Wi-Fi enabled drone has a 16.1 MP camera and high-definition recording abilities that ensure smooth and steady footage. Two integrated LiPo batteries deliver approximately 14 minutes of flight time per charge, as well as the ability to hover, flip, and fly upside down. In addition, the drone has a 360-degree view, 32 LED lights, and takes a 32 GB Micro SD card so every dad can stay on top of the latest technology advancements while exploring his inner kid at heart.
Don’t waste time searching for your son’s perfect holiday present when you can get the Sakar Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) enthusiast in your life the TMNT Smart Watch ($59.99). This 4-in-1 device lets your crime fighter-in-training wirelessly sync any device, track his activities, and includes 20 clock faces so your son can customize his watch to express his personal style. The interactive touch screen panel keeps any child on top of new and growing technology trends while providing a simple and easy-to-use functionality. This watch easily captures everyday moments with the built-in camera and microphone so your little ninja can record all his action-packed adventures, and it syncs activities and sleep patterns to the free, easy-to-use mobile app for hours of nonstop entertainment perfect for any superhero-in-training!
If you have a daughter who can’t get enough of Superhero High and loves to sing, let her inner rock star shine with the DC Superhero Girls Flashing Lights Disco Ball Karaoke ($59.96). This fun music device comes complete with a retro disco ball that dazzles and shines while she rocks out with Wonder Woman, Super Girl, and all her favorite powerful classmates. With the ability to connect to her favorite smartphone device, she can sing all her favorite songs the moment she presses play. It also includes a karaoke microphone so she has everything she needs to take center stage as well as a second audio jack input for connecting an additional microphone?perfect for a karaoke duo!
For the teenager in your life, you probably get a lot of closed doors, curfews tested, and most commonly, loud music that vibrates through the walls of your home, always threatening your favorite china. Give the young adult in your life the ability to escape to a world of great quality sound with the Altec Lansing Evolution 2 Bluetooth Headphones ($49.99). These must-have headphones boast superior audio with 40mm Neodymium Drivers, a rechargeable battery, 12 hours of battery life and a wireless range of 33 feet, allowing them to keep their phone safe while dancing around their room. The onboard microphone and song navigation/telephony buttons provide easy-to-use functionality and let them never miss an important call while providing hours of fun and comfortable listening.
As the holiday season quickly approaches, rest assured that this year you will fulfill all your family members’ desires while still staying within a reasonable budget and not having your credit cards beg for mercy. These quick and easy holiday finds are just what you need to get your shopping done while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the festive season with family and friends.

Before you open your pool for the season or whenever you close it down, you should be aware of a hidden danger. Faulty wiring or damaged electrical cords used to connect electrical equipment near the pool or from the pool lighting can cause the water to become energized. When swimmers come into contact with this “leaked” electrical current in your pool, it can cause loss of muscle control, rapid or irregular heartbeat or even electric shock drowning (ESD).
Electrical shock drowning can occur in treated water. Many pools and spas now feature lighting, digital entertainment systems, automated sensors for maintenance, and other integrated comforts or technologies. The presence of these devices in and around water can increase the risk of injury.
Mild tingling sensations and numbness in the limbs or extremities are the first telltale symptoms of ESD.”Electricity is extremely dangerous in water and improperly installed, maintained or damaged electrical connectivity can leak electrical current,” says Grayling Love, product line manager at Eaton. “Help protect yourself and your loved ones from ESD by having all electrical equipment used at the pool or spa installed, inspected and regularly maintained by certified electrical contractors who can help you meet the latest electrical codes and standards.”
Electric shock drowning cases have been known to result from electrical current leakages originating from faulty wiring or failing electrical distribution equipment. The use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters (ELCIs) near the pool, hot tub or wet spa can significantly help reduce the risk of electric shock drowning while helping water facilities meet electrical codes and safety standards. These devices are designed to help enhance safety by quickly shutting off power if electrical current leakage is detected.
If you own a pool or spa, contact a certified electrical contractor to install, maintain or replace equipment and assure that your site is up to code. Look for experts with certification specific to water-based systems. The Eaton Certified Contractor Network (ECCN) can help you locate an Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor who can provide guidance through the most recent codes, standards and safety considerations required for your specific site or project needs.
To help enhance safety and reduce the risk of electrical shock in your pool or spa:
* Remind swimmers and spa users to always pay attention to how they feel in the water.
* Schedule routine electrical maintenance and inspections.
* Don’t enter the water to perform electrical maintenance tasks.
* If any unusual tingling or numbness occurs, avoid contact with metal objects.
* Signal for help without inviting others into the water.
To learn more about electrical solutions that enhance safety or to find an Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor near you, visit http://myhome.eaton.com

As back-to-school time sets in, personal finance becomes more complicated for many families. Some have students away from home for the first time, others have expenses for tuition, and of course the many purchases associated with the start of school: backpacks, lunch bags, clothes, books, dorm room furnishings, not to mention the tech gear – phones, tablets, laptops, and don’t forget extra chargers.Banking and finance apps can help make life easier when it comes to tracking family finances and managing education expenses. When deciding on an app, look for features that provide flexibility, security, and ease of use. MovoCash is one example of a mobile finance company that offers a variety of financial options as alternatives to traditional banking services.Consider the ABCs of mobile finance:A is for App: Does the mobile banking or finance company you are considering have a user-friendly app that allows secure spend and send functions from your phone? The free-to-download MOVO app offers FDIC-insured prepaid card accounts that allow customers to instantly pay friends and make purchases directly from their mobile phone.MOVO also offers MovoCoin, a feature that allows users to create instant digital prepaid cards in exact amounts for specific purchases. MovoCoin cards can be used for many charges, including paying bills, placing food orders, purchasing clothes, books, or other items online, or paying for ride-sharing services.B is for Banking: Mobile banking can be used for all aspects of financial management, including direct deposit and online bill paying, without the need for a traditional bank account. Look for apps such as the MOVO app that allow users to set up a direct deposit account to manage incoming paychecks and outgoing payments easily and securely. And timely payments help users avoid late fees and track expenses.C is for Compare: There are many financial apps out there. Use notable review websites such as Nerdwallet, The Balance and The Simple Dollar to help you compare financial apps and digital prepaid cards. For example, for families with students who are starting to manage their own finances, a banking app with the option of a prepaid card provides another layer of security and may help to prevent family friction associated with overzealous student spending.