This is where you put your announcements
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Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Last call for HHH Sign Ups!
If you are planning to join the weekend trips to HHH, please return your permission form to Miss Angela (2207) as soon as possible. Today was the deadline but I will accept them tomorrow morning. Please pass on the message!
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Aperture Club
A quick reminder for anyone who wishes to request Aperture's assistance for sports portraits or any other events, they will need to contact Aperture at least one week prior to the date of the event.
You can contact us through:
Bonnie.Zhu@student.isb.bj.edu.cn
Irisgzel.Cheong@student.isb.bj.edu.cn
Ethan.Houston@student.isb.bj.edu.cn
Thank you, Aperture Club
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Found items
Below items are in MS office, check here if you are looking for them.
PE bag, pencil case, Xiaomi cellphone, fitbit
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September Market Update: Is The Vancouver Housing Market Slowing?
Hello again! I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer so far!! I am providing you with an update as we head into the final stretch of summer. Recent media reports about the Vancouver housing market are suggesting that our bubble is beginning to burst. While it’s true that sales volumes have slowed since July and […]
The post September Market Update: Is The Vancouver Housing Market Slowing? appeared first on Invis Team RRP.
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Principal's List September 1
The Principal's List is back! Each list celebrates those students who have recently shown ISB Core Values (Global Mindedness, Integrity, Respect, Balance, Service, Creativity) in a way that got their teachers' attention. A big thank to all these students for leading us all with their example. They should each get a cool Principal's List badge from their homeroom teacher today! A big thanks to our Middle School PTA for providing the badges!
| Grade 6 |
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Abigail Toone comes to each class ready to learn and participate fully. She is also very quick to compliment the skills of her teammates. Good sportsmanship, Abby! |
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Joel Kumi demonstrated excellent Respect and Integrity on MS Olympic day during Newcomb Ball. He encouraged team mates, showed great leadership, and tried to make sure that everyone on his team got a chance to play. |
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Integrity, respect: Katie Kim is always prepared, on time, helping others get organized and helpful to me, as well. She volunteers regularly in class, with enthusiasm. |
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Bryan Lim has really stepped up over the last two weeks by helping out his fellow classmates without being asked. |
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Hannah Wills has made a great impression on being new to ISB but also being new to her homeroom. She has shown 'Service' by being considerate of the class pet Chewbacca and feeding him when needed. |
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Erica Pan demonstrated caring, respect, and integrity by volunteering to be a mentor buddy for a new student. She took her responsibilities seriously and made sure the student was looked after and felt welcome during the first week of school. Erica has also set a good example for her peers through her positive attitude, excellent work habits, and modeling of appropriate behavior. |
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Abby Toone showed a commitment to service when she volunteered to run an important errand for her teacher during Mentoring Class. Great job Abby. |
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Bersabeh Belay showed a commitment to service when she volunteered to run an important errand for her teacher during Mentoring class. Great job Bersabeh. |
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Eric Wang was absent early on in the year, and he showed integrity by coming to make up the work he had missed at lunch the day he returned to school. He immediately made up the classwork and the homework as best as he could. |
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Leon Guan demonstrated great responsibility and integrity as a learner last week, when he came in after school to ask questions about a science assignment. He didn't rush and took his time learning. Great job! |
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Jason Lau is new to ISB this year and is demonstrating balance in organizing his planner for his work load and in making new friends in grade 6! Way to go Jason! |
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Grade 7 |
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Ben Bailey demonstrated integrity when he apologized and took ownership for disrupting our Chinese class when he entered the room late. He also demonstrated respect for our classroom guidelines and expectations. |
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Huck Henderschedt has shown great leadership and courage in his collaborative work during our first weeks of FA. His thoughtfulness is particularly evident in his writing and discussion. |
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Ethan Koh showed his extraordinary tech skills by taking the lead to make the homeroom video for FA3. |
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Ben Bailey showed integrity when he brought the contents (some money) of the desk he was sitting in, up to me, to make sure the owner might be found. I appreciated Ben's willingness to take care of the situation and the promptness with which he carried it out! Thanks, Ben!!! |
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Jerry Zheng showed integrity by turning in the money he found in the hallway. |
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Lynn Chen showed kindness and respect at the MS function by going out of her way to make sure her classmate was taken care of. |
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Grade 8 |
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Nefertiti Cheung served as a buddy to a new student in the first weeks of school and, in the process, extended her helpful and friendly attitude to all of her classmates in a way that helped to build a strong sense of community in our class! |
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Kevin Hong demonstrated service and creativity as he went above and beyond as DJ for the Back to School Bash. He put time and effort into the job and his excellent musical taste resulted in a fantastic dance for all. Thanks for a great start to the functions, Kevin! |
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Haylie Wampler showed great creativity in her Chinese class work. She is using a variety of visuals to support her ideas so to make her expressions more effective and attractive to the audience. |
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I am going to score a lot of goals, Mell Mbaoh said on the way to the Olympic Day soccer field. But as I reffed the afternoon games I did not see Mell score a single goal. What he did do is show off some impressive dribbling skills and pass off the ball some someone else could score. Respect. |
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Once Upon a Hutong
Big thanks middle school for a huge audition turn-out! I appreciate the time, effort and courage of everyone who tried out for the play. Bravo!
The Call-back List is now posted at the PA Hallway. To confirm your participation, sign your name on the list. Those who don’t sign their names will lose their slots in the play.
Event: Call-back Audition (for those being considered for speaking or dance/gymnast roles)
Time: 3:30-5:50 PM
Date: September 2, Friday
Venue: Theater
Those that made the Ensemble don’t need to come to the Call-back. They just need to come to the first rehearsal on September 12.
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New Property Transfer Tax in Vancouver BC
New legislation in the province of British Columbia will add a 15% property transfer tax for foreign buyers purchasing property in Vancouver. After several weeks of number crunching and data collection, the decision has been finalized. Though not perfect, the new tax is an effort to curb foreign buyers from purchasing a large proportion of […]
The post New Property Transfer Tax in Vancouver BC appeared first on Invis Team RRP.
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Netflix Review: Blade 2
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Captain America Civil War Deleted Scene: You’re not used to the truth
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Mel Gibson teases… Passion of the Christ Sequel?
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Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Model United Nations is Recruiting!
Calling all 7th and 8th grade delegates! Middle School Model United Nations is now recruiting! Experience the excitement and learn the skills of international debate and discussion in a lively and stimulating environment. The MUN ASA is a valuable opportunity to discover your potential to change the world! Stop by room 3303 at lunch on Friday to learn more about MUN at ISB!
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Shirts from PTA Booster Club
In our efforts to promote school spirit and ISB identity, Booster Club is pleased to provide each MS student with a navy blue t-shirt to use in school experiential learning trips or for any school related activities.
The distribution dates are from September 5 to 9 during lunch time outside the MS Cafeteria. Don't forget to give them a heartfelt THANK YOU!
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ASA registration
To all MS students,
Aug 29th was the first day for ASA registration. Please take time this week to look at the selections on My Gate with your parents to see if there are any that interest you. The final day for ASA registration is next Monday September 5th at noon time.
Please if you have any questions about ASAs this week please stop by the activities office.
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New books have arrived@ MS/HS Library
Middle Schoolers! Hundreds of new books have arrived and are ready for checkout in the library, including the latest installments of your favorite series. Swing by the library soon and have a look. Teachers, bring your classes in if you'd like. See you soon!
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GIRLS HONOR CHOIR MEMBERSHIP LIST
The 2016-2017 Girls’ Honor Choir list be will posted on Thursday afternoon on the Performing Arts Center notice board. Rehearsals will begin the following Monday September 5 in Room 1768. Congratulations to the Girls’ Honor Choir Members. The choir can have up to 18 members if the right spread of voice types are available.
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NOTICE TO ALL TRAVELING ISB STUDENT ATHLETES AND PERFORMERS!
The new official school travel polo for students is now available for sale in the Booster Den. If you are traveling with any group or on any team this semester, get down to the Den and get your travel polo as soon as possible!
GO DRAGONS!
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Forensics Club
Do you enjoy arguing, giving speeches, telling stories, being on stage, or just really need to improve your public speaking? Join the ISB Forensics club today! The club will meet regularly every Tuesday and Thursday leading to try outs for the China Cup and APAC tournament forensics team. First meeting is Thursday, September 1 at 3:40 in room 3204. Come join your new favorite club!
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Food in the Library
Please remember that the consumption of food in the library is restricted to the library cafe. The rest of the library is a no-food zone. If you bring in food to eat in the cafe, please make sure it is wrapped to avoid spills on the carpet.
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New Books in the High School Library Collection
Come and browse the new fiction and non-fiction titles added to the high school collection. The books will be displayed until the end of the week and are ready for check-out.
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High School Pit Band General Meeting
The high school pit band will combine musicians from a range of instrumental backgrounds, with actors, singers and thespians. We will introduce a new collaboration with the One Acts Festival, and the second semester with the High School Musical! No instruments needed for the first meeting, and we welcome all levels of instrumentation/vocals. Meeting will be in the performing arts band room 1715 at 14:30-15:30pm this afternoon!
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Next Generation Investments
Next Generation Investments (NextGenVest / NGV) will be starting this Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 in room 3200! NextGenVest is a financial literacy club that places emphasis on learning, absorbing and spreading financial knowledge to the ISB community and beyond. There will be opportunities to learn more about money, speak with professionals in the business field, and more. See you at 2:30!
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Review: ‘Hands of Stone’ Jabs Beyond The Ring
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Students Go for Gold at MS Olympics
Beijing might be a long way from Rio, but Olympic fever gripped ISB on August 26 when the middle school held their own version of the Games.
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Monday, August 29, 2016
HS Girls Fitness Club
Are you looking for ways to fit some exercise into your already busy schedule? If so, please email Mrs. Blohm by Friday, September 9th to indicate your interest in joining our morning workout sessions. Workouts will take place on Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 6:30-7:20am in the FTC and will vary each session from cardio, strength and interval training, to pilates, and yoga. Sessions will begin on Tuesday, September 20th. Attending twice weekly is not mandatory and all ability levels are welcome! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mrs. Blohm: sblohm@isb.bj.edu.cn
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Reality Check: Navigating the Alcohol & Drug scene in Beijing
High School Parent Drug Forum
Tuesday, Sept 6th 10:00-11:30 am in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)
Click here for more information.
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Looking Sharp! Grade 5 Sword Dance
Marching in perfect formation with their wooden swords tapping the gym's floor in unison, you could be forgiven for thinking the 120 fifth-graders had been practicing for months.
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ISB Travel Bags
ALL Grade 9 students, NEW Grade 10, 11 and 12 students are entitled to an ISB Travel bag. Please go to MS/HS cafeteria corridor on September 5 – 9 during LUNCH TIME.
Returning students may have their broken bags replaced with new ones. Please bring the broken bag to exchange. Students who wish to have a replacement must write to booster@isb.bj.edu.cn and may get the new bags after September 9.
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Grade 9 MAP Testing
Join Interact!
Rotary is an international organisation that brings together volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary is now opening a youth branch called Interact in ISB to help raise awareness for projects such as iCare and Endpolio. If interested in helping the fight, please join us in room 1110 during Friday lunch times starting September 2 to become an Interactor!
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We’ve Got A New Job Opening: Mortgage Broker Administrative Assistant in Vancouver
As a top Vancouver mortgage brokerage office, we’re seeking to add another member to our administrative team. Being licensed in BC as a mortgage broker would be an asset, but for the right candidate it’s not mandatory. The qualified applicant will be expected to obtain mortgage brokerage license within 4 months of beginning employment. Our […]
The post We’ve Got A New Job Opening: Mortgage Broker Administrative Assistant in Vancouver appeared first on Invis Team RRP.
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Message for Seniors
Seniors: Please remember to complete the Senior Retreat evaluation survey by Friday of this week. You can access it on Naviance Family Connection, and all seniors are required to complete the survey. Thank you for your opinions!
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ISB Tutoring Center is Recruiting New Tutors!
Want to become a teacher or tutor in the future? Do you like helping and supporting your peers?
If so, the ISB Tutoring Center will be a great fit for you! This club is a peer-to-peer educational based program where high school students give academic support for students in all grades: MS-HS. Upon joining the Tutoring Center, you will have the opportunity to take a free 10-hour online tutor training course and receive an official tutor certificate! In addition, by becoming a tutor, you will gain new kinds of experiences and knowledge that you wouldn't be able to get from your typical classes. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Tutoring sessions run from Monday through Thursday after school for an hour (you will be required to tutor once a week.)
If you are interested in becoming a tutor at the Tutoring Center, come to Rm. 2333 for an information session this Wednesday (Mr. Russell’s room, near the Business Office) next Wednesday, August 31st, during lunch, starting at 12:45).
Aspiring tutors must complete the attached application to be considered for a tutoring position. Click here for the application form.
If you have any questions feel free to contact Mr. Russell at drussel@isb.bj.edu.cn
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Roots & Shoots
Roots & Shoots is a school-wide organization that aims to foster respect and compassion for all living things.
We offer opportunities to teach underprivileged local children at the Love and Hope Center, care for dogs at the BHAEEC animal shelter, and assist in food composting for the ISB cafeteria.
If you are interested in any of the above, please stop by room 2113 from 3:30 to 4:30 on Thursday, September 1st.
Hope to see you there!
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What Thor was up to during Civil War
Just what were Thor and the Hulk up to during Civil War? The question has boggled minds for months but today, finally, we have an answer. Okay, technically this neat [...]
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Should You Get A Dog Or A Security System?
There are many age-old debates in security, but none are more adorable than this one. I am of course talking about dogs vs. security systems. For this debate, there will be a lot of things that we will need to examine. The price point of each of these protective measures may be exclusionary for some individuals. The history of security effectiveness will need to be explored. How much it takes to understand the protection, and ultimately how easy it is to use will play a role. Finally, the question of reliability will need to be addressed. But before all of that, there are some ground rules to cover.
Disclaimers
I will state for the record that I am an animal lover, but I will try to be as logical and clinical as I can in this discussion, so as to remove any emotional bias. When I am talking about dogs, I am referring to ones that have been properly trained and have a guard dog temperament. Just as I am assuming that anyone who wants an alarm is not going to buy an air conditioner at the last minute, I will give those looking for a dog the benefit of the doubt. If you are just looking for “a dog” then you already do not have the right mindset to properly train them or choose a dog that will deliver better home security. However, I will not be representing dogs with the presumption that they are the most idealized version of their species.
Similarly, I will treat security systems as if they perform with an average level of effectiveness. I will also only be talking about monitor monthly subscription based security systems. This is because alarms that exclusively make noise are clearly inferior to dogs. They provide far less protection and vary too widely in quality. A monitored security system is a much fairer comparison, as they’re the response that will be elicited does not require the presence of the homeowner or intervention of a neighbor. The presence of a menacing dog is far more equivalent to the threat of police intervention, and lends itself more to a debate of which may be superior.
Investment
The exact price of a dog is hard to measure, but there are several sites that try. The one thing that is universally agreed upon is that the first year of having the dog will be the most expensive. In the highest projections this first-year cost could be as much as $10,350 dollars, but as low as $511. From there, the price will drop to $9,532 or $287 a year respectively. Approximately every 14 years you will have to pay the first year price again.
One of the most important things is that cutting costs with your pet will not hurt your security. With a security system, if the price is a concern, you are going to get certain benefits and have to accept disadvantages. Any feelings that your dog is going to dislike you or get jealous of another animal’s lifestyle is just projection. As long as you show your pet love and care, you can live with them very cheaply. I am unaware of any security company that offers the same relationship.
The price of security systems are set, but there will be a range based on the available options. That is to say, just as you could pay less for a dog, you could pay less for an alarm. The lowest cost security system that still delivers notable security is Protect America’s $19.99 a month plan. That comes to $239.88 a year. Outside of that plan, there are other cheap security systems that have initial costs for equipment. For example, the Scout Alarm system can cost as little as $9.99 a month, but the panels, sensors, remotes, etc. all have additional costs.
On the wilder end of these costs, getting a plan with a company like Insite will start you at their lowest price of $7,000 a month. That is a pretty wide range. A fair average for security systems is $600 to $1200 for installation with a $30 monthly cost. So with your average system, you will be making a relatively sizable first investment followed by a $360 yearly payment. That is pretty similar to the yearly cost of a dog after the first year, and the initial investment for parts will bring us the rest of the way to equal. But it costs you nothing to spend more time training your dog, where increased security plans are costly.
Costs and Returns
After the first or second false alarm (depending on your local laws), the homeowner can be fined. This fine will vary, and in some cases, it will only apply if the Police officer stops to investigate (parking or pulling into the driveway). That does mean that the officer will not investigate the claim thoroughly if there are multiple false alarms. This may be the real cost of false alarms.
Insurance companies offer incentives for those using home security systems, monitored or not. The average reduction in cost is anywhere from 15% on the lower end to 20% at the highest end. With the lowest annual cost of insurance, as of 2016, being $534 (Idaho) and the highest being $1,991 (Florida), an alarm owner could save anywhere from $80.10 to $398.20 a year.
Dogs do not come with any type of insurance incentive. They can also cost you money if they bite a person. This can even result in a criminal trial and potential jail time. In the case of homeowners worrying about criminals suing if your dog attacks them, this should not be a concern. Unless the dog is exceptionally ferocious, this type of case will be thrown out of court. When it comes to dog bite lawsuits, about 2% of the cases end with the victim receiving money for their medical bills. It is sad to say, but even if your dog does harm someone, it is very unlikely to affect you financially.
Effectiveness
There was a study that showed a correlation between “density of alarms” and a decrease in burglaries. This would mean that the more people using alarms in your neighborhood the better, but this is not a result that an individual could achieve with their alarm alone. There is a popularly cited study that was conducted in Greenwich Connecticut, which found that an alarm system brought down the average cost of stolen property by $2,077 when compared to burglaries that took place in homes without alarm systems. This same study found that contributing factors (such as proximity to major thoroughfares) that led to burglaries, where 1 to 3 times more likely to negatively affect homes with no alarms.
The Greenwich study ultimately concluded that a home without an alarm was “18.9 percent” more likely to be burglarized than a home with a system installed. This 18.9% is compared to the 13.8% likelihood of a burglary occurring at all. Which is to say, a home without an alarm is 18.9% more likely to fall into that 13.8%. In terms of sample size, I would hesitate to say that the findings of this study are representative of the Connecticut, and they can certainly not be extrapolated to the USA. The study mentioned above was also conducted and paid for by the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF).
David F. Austin conducted a study about the effectiveness of dogs as criminal deterrents and found some very shocking evidence. Based on interviews with inmates and law enforcement officers, he concluded that 95% of criminals would be scared off by the presence of an unfriendly dog. In terms of what was most likely to scare them away from a house, the presence of any dog was just below the residents being home. Another interview with property criminals revealed that almost every means of advanced protection was somewhat effective in deterring them. Though the precaution ranked most effectively was a monitored security system. The fact that a study on dogs concedes the effectiveness of security systems seems to lend more credence to the superiority of these systems. But with that said, both studies are too small and narrow in focus for large-scale claims.
Learning Curve
As far as the learning curve goes, for both dogs and security systems, it comes down to getting into a routine. When you enter and exit your home, you must arm your security system. If you run out of dog food, you need to go to the store. And a few times a day you need to put that food in a bowl. However, the routine for your dog can get very demanding based on your living situation and the breed of the dog. Without a fenced in backyard that your pet can freely access, your dog will need to be taken out to use the restroom. Furthermore, it will need love, attention, and physical exercise, all of which you will need to provide.
The biggest learning curve for dog owners is training. As I said in the Ground Rules section above, it is being taken for granted that the dog will serve as a security measure. That means that you will have chosen a dog that you believe offers a benefit to your safety. This will be based on the size, temperament, and vocal nature of the dog. In any case, you will now need to properly train them to respond to strangers with hostility, but be able to calm them in the presence of authorized visitors. In my extensive experience with dogs (I have lived with them and trained them my entire life) a dog that has been properly selected immediately has the instinct to protect. The real training is to get them to be calm when you need them to be.
Opposed to the alarm where you must learn how to arm and disarm it, a natural guard dog is always armed. The only thing to learn is the disarming process. For most it is as simple as putting a leash on them. That calms most dogs who are in the presence of strangers. Still an alarm will have a much less demanding learning curve.
Convenience
With alarms, they work if everyone is using them responsibly. Those who get locked out frequently, and need to call a locksmith or break in, will struggle with an alarm. Certainly alarms do not fit with every type of personality. If you forget passwords or have to leave the house and come back a few times before you can really get going, then the alarm will not make your life easier.
In terms of the user that is never home, the best option will most likely be the alarm system. A dog must be given meals, attention, and exercise. Not being around is not an option, unless you have a support staff to perform your necessary functions.
A dog does eliminate the issue of human error. When your dog is guarding the home, there is nothing that you can do to mess that up… Unless you let the dog out… Which would mean there is an open entrance into your home. If your dog gets out of your house, then you are not taking home security seriously and are sure to have issues that an alarm will not fix. But I digress. Putting aside the ability to care for another living thing, which almost every person is biologically hardwired to do, there is no chance of a person interfering with the effectiveness of a guard dog.
Reliability
When alarm companies poke fun at the idea of using a dog for security, they often make a claim of unreliability. However, alarms have issues with reliability as well. Power outages, internet issues, and phone line malfunctions can leave a security system neutered. In the case of very severe power outages, a battery based failsafe will most likely run out of energy.
In regards to alarms that call out to the Police, studies have shown that response time for these types of calls can take 30 to 45 minutes in large cities. In small rural areas, the best that can be hoped for is six to eight minutes. This issue is due to the estimate that 80% of all alarm calls are false alarms, coupled with the very low priority that burglaries have for law enforcement.
The issue of reliability for a guard dog really comes down to one thing. What if they are not in the house? When you take your dog on a trip with you, or even for a walk, the house does not have it’s alarm stand in. Taking your dog outside is a must, and walks are inevitable, if not mandatory. Other than this, a guard dog is very reliable. It is not going to be stolen or cower in a corner, but it does need to be present.
There is a chance that your pet could be harmed in the process of a burglary, but it takes a very particular type of person to want/be able to hurt an animal. Most people are not going to risk the altercation, and more still will not have the mental ability to go through with any violence against a dog. If someone breaking in is willing to harm your animal, then there is much more to worry about.
Conclusion
I am not sure that this one is as clear as most people would like it to be. Ultimately it is up to a person’s lifestyle and personal ability. There are plenty of people who are not cut out to be pet owners, and there are certainly a lot of people that cannot use their alarms effectively. In terms of investment, dogs take the win because they provide the same level of security no matter where you fall in the price bracket. An alarm gives you a break on your insurance, so there is a win for alarms. In terms of their measured statistically effectiveness, the studies favored alarms, but the data was too shotty to decide a clear winner. There is certainly more to learn when you are getting and training a dog, but I would certainly say they are more user-friendly than a security system. When it comes to reliability there is another wash, with large issues on both sides. Just get a home security system and a dog, and you should be fine.
The post Should You Get A Dog Or A Security System? appeared first on United Locksmith.
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Sunday, August 28, 2016
THESPIAN INDUCTIONS
THESPIAN INDUCTIONS — new members will be in costume on Thursday September 1st. As part of their initiation they are required to perform a monologue when anybody asks them why they are dressed differently. Some of the older members may also choose to perform a monologue, too.
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INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Opportunity for individuals or teams to participate in the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Please attend the first meeting on Friday, September 2, during lunch @ 12pm in room 1113.
Contact Mrs. Monroe (room 2332) if you are not able to attend the meeting and want more information.
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Grade Level Assembly this Tuesday
Gym 2 – Grade 9
Upper Gallery – Grade 10
MPR – Grade 11
Theatre – Grade 12
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TO ALL POETS, WRITERS, and PERFORMERS!
Interested in celebrating the power of the English language? Do words move you? Do you have a piece of writing you'd like to show off? We'd love to hear your stories, ideas, and level of interest. For more information, email or see:Austin Kwok (austin.kwok@student.isb.bj.edu.cn) or Mr. Philen (bphilen@isb.bj.edu.cn).
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Freedom From Chemical Dependency
FCD’s annual visit will take place in the high school, from September 5th – 9th.
FCD is a health education program that provides alcohol, tobacco and drug awareness and prevention.
Grade 9 students will attend an assembly on Sept. 9th during flex time in the MPR. Please go directly to the MPR.
Grade 11 students will visit with a facilitator for 2 periods during the week. Schedules will be shared during flex time.
Peer Helpers & Student Wellness Council, on Monday, Sept. 5th, 11:40am-12:25pm meet with the FCD facilitators in the MPR. Lunch will be provided.
Student Council members, on Wednesday, Sept. 7th, 12:25pm-1:05pm meet with FCD facilitators in the MPR. Lunch will be provided
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We For She
We For She advocates for women’s rights and empowerment and strives to spread awareness of gender inequality in our school as well as in our community. If you are interested in joining, come to our meeting on Tuesday, August 30th in room 3115 during lunch (bring your lunch).
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Flex Time for Week August 29 – Sept 2
Monday – Mentoring
Tuesday – Grade Level Assembly
Thursday – Study Hall (except for Grade 12s who will meet in the Theatre with IB Coordinator)
Friday - Mentoring
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Once Upon a Hutong Audition
I’m thrilled that a hundred students signed-up to audition for “Once Upon a Hutong.” I’m excited to see your performance.
What: MS play Audition
Date: August 29, Monday
Time: 3:30-5:50 PM
Venue: Theater
Please note that although many kids will be brave enough to try out, there are only about 40-45 roles in the play. If it doesn’t work out this year, there will be other ways to get involved. We will have a live string and MS Jazz pit band. Thus, if you are a musician, talk to Ms. Bulteel.
Do your best, enjoy and as they say in theater, “Break a leg!”
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Share books with Kidsread Club this Wednesday
WHAT? KIDSREAD! A MS CLUB FOR BOOK ENTHUSIASTS!
WHEN? THIS Wednesday IN MS. PATTY’S ROOM 3405 AT 11:00 (LUNCH TIME)
WHY? TO SHARE YOUR LOVE OF BOOKS AND HELP UPHOLD ISB’S WINNING STREAK IN COMPETITION!
JUST COME AND SEE IF WE ARE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU! YOU’VE GOT NOTHING TO LOSE!
BRING YOUR LUNCH AND SIT IN FOR ONE SESSION!
GRADES 6, 7 & 8 ALL WELCOME!!
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MATHLETES UNITE!
All studnets in grades 6 through 8 who are interested in joining Athletes please bring bring your lunch and your laptop to the FA space (above the library) on Tuesday. Mrs. Williams and Mr. Craig will be coaching again and we need some serious competitors to build a great team.
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Calling ALL HS badminton players
Please attend a meeting on Monday 29th Aug or Tuesday 30th Aug in room 1123 at 12 noon to sign up or simply find out more about being a SMASHER- a HS badminton player acting as an Assistant coach to MS players. Minimum time required 1 hour per week, either Tuesdays or Thursdays. ALL details will be explained at the meeting. You do not have to be a great badminton player to be a SMASHER. (Mr Jogi)
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First Greenkeepers Meeting
To everyone who’s interested in environmental issues and awareness: Greenkeepers is the club for you! Through activities inside and outside of ISB, Greenkeepers actively promotes environmental sustainability. As a student-led service group, we have the freedom to implement our own ideas and projects for the benefit of our community!
Interested? Come to our introductory meeting on Wednesday, August 31st in room 3313 from 2:30-3:30. This meeting is for both new and returning members. We’re eager to see you all!
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Join Draxonic Design Studio!
Interested in seeing your designs around the school? Or on the flip-side, never touched Photoshop but want to learn more? Draxonic Design Studio is a graphic design club open to people of all experience levels!
During meetings, we work on a variety of projects, including posters, logos, sports apparel, and more. We also have tutorials, games, and competitions with prizes!
We meet every Tuesday after school from 3:30-4:30 in the art room 1632D right across the cafeteria. Our first meeting is August 30th; hope to see you there!
Interested in joining but cannot come to the meetings? You can be a FREELANCE member and work on projects while communicating with us via email and/or Skype. Feel free to shoot us an email at mail@draxonic.com saying you’d like to be a freelancer!
Want Draxonic to design something for you? Submit a request through http://ift.tt/2bSpQUs or email us at mail@draxonic.com (two weeks notice is preferable).
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Nightingale Charity Club
Are YOU Loving? Creative? Fun? Dedicated? Looking for a great club to join? If you answer yes to any of these then NCC is the club for you! We are a group of students who host a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, raising funds for children in need of urgent or long-term medical care. In addition we organize visits with the adorable children from LangFang Orphanage, providing them with emotional support that would otherwise be unfamiliar to them.
In case you missed Thursday’s introductory meeting, we are hosting another information session next Tuesday after school 3:30-4:40 in Room 3207. Our official weekly meetings will start next Thursday after school from 3:30-4:30.
Come and join Nightingale Charity Club!
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Open Positions at the PTA
Publicity Chair: Responsibilities include advertising, marketing, and social media presence of the PTA and PTA programming. White Elephant Sale Chair: Responsibilities include organizing the annual white elephant (garage) sale that occurs at SAS and in the Woodlands community each May. Events Treasurer: Responsibilities include preparing cash floats, training cashiers, and reconciling cash/coupons for the book fair and International Fair. There is a one week commitment for each event.
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Volunteers Welcome
Working at the Booster Booth is a great way to find out what is going on in the high school and meet other mothers. Shifts are three hours long, every other week.
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Saturday, August 27, 2016
Review: ‘Don’t Breathe’ Will Have You Breathless
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Interview: ‘Hands of Stone’ Actor Robb Skyler
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PTA Meeting
Tuesday - September 6, 2016
12:30 - 1:30pm
Room 1218
Come along and join our PTA Meeting!
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Friday, August 26, 2016
‘Snowden Live’ Screening Event
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Mind Blown: Tom Hiddelston and Chris Hemsworth then and now
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Final Friday Five
While many of us have been away on our holidays during August, a lot has been going on in the world! This month’s Final Friday Five takes a look at everything from the Olympics to Pokémon GO…
After the Games, Rio’s stadiums won’t rot – they’ll transform
We’ve all been overwhelmed by the success of Team GB at the Olympics, and with the Paralympic Games yet to come who knows how many medals we will come away with this year?!
This article takes a look at the positive future that’s in store for Rio’s Olympic and Paralympic venues. The vision is a stark contrast to the abandoned venues of years gone by.
Eight tiny apartments that make the most of every square inch
These micro apartments, the smallest of which is just 13 square metres, prove that size really isn’t everything!
We love all the different space-saving ideas, from bespoke floor-to-ceiling storage units to living vertically as opposed to horizontally.
Of course, we do know of another way to save on space…
The 10 top-paying jobs that do not require a university degree
Results month is here, and whether they’re A Levels, Highers or the Welsh Bac the one thing on students’ minds is: “What next?”
With university tuition fees ever increasing, it’s not surprising that many are thinking twice about higher education. It’s therefore reassuring to see that university is not the be-all and end-all.
This piece highlights the top 10 best-paid jobs that don’t require a degree, with construction site manager sitting pretty at the top with an average salary of £50,000.
How gamers could help solve the skills crisis
This article not only acknowledges the construction industry’s shortage of digital skills, but also comes up with a potential solution in the form of games developers.
As David Glennon, Aecom’s Director of Digital Project Delivery, argues:
Construction is experiencing change at a rapid pace … [with] the emergence of BIM, augmented reality and other immersive technologies…
With an abundance of talent in the games community, construction companies would be wise to target this largely untapped resource.
And finally, while we’re on the subject of gaming…
What to do if digital monsters are on your building site
Pokémon GO: The game that’s sweeping the world.
However it seems that some people will go to great, even dangerous, lengths to “catch ‘em all.” This includes trespassing on construction sites.
So what should you do if a Jigglypuff, Squirtle, or even a Pikachu turns up on your building site? Take a look at this Building article for advice.
To keep up to date with all our latest blog posts you can follow the blog by clicking this RSS Feed link or by following us on Twitter @KingspanIns_UK or on Linkedin.
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The post Final Friday Five appeared first on Kingspan Insulation Blog.
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New Family School Tour
The PTA welcome committee invites new families to tour the school on Wednesday, August 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you have a newly enrolled student in SAS for the 2016-17 school year, we look forward to welcoming you during this event. The tour will begin in the PTA office, and from there we will help you better navigate the SAS campus! Please RSVP to this event.
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English Conversation Teachers
The PTA is looking for teachers to help run English conversation groups for our SAS parents who do not speak English as a first language.
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High School Uniform Online Purchase
For stress free shopping, uniforms are available for purchase online and delivered to your home.
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Interview: ‘Don’t Breathe’ Director Fede Alvarez and Actor Stephen Lang
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Thursday, August 25, 2016
Interview: Production Designer Howard Cummings
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Air Quality August 26 10:00 m.m. 3-Hour PSI 111
This post was updated at 10:00 a.m. on August 26, 2016 to reflect the most recent 3-hour PSI rating. Singapore is experiencing compromised air quality according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). We are committed to the safety of our students and families, and want to inform you about the criteria we use for the possible cancellation of events and activities.
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Alumni Offer College Tips to Seniors
Six ISB alumni went back to school to demystify the college application process at the Seniors Retreat on August 25.
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Found item in MS office
A purse is found on Aug 25, Thursday, it has back to school bash ticket inside.
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Join MUN!
Hi everyone! If you would like to join Model United Nations this year please fill out the form below:
You don't have to have any previous experience in MUN to join. We have two meeting days available each week so you can either come on Tuesdays after school (in the MPR) or Thursdays after school (in 3106). Meetings will go from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. All students will also need to attend MiniMUN on either September 10th or September 12th and 13th after school to select our groups traveling to conferences in Singapore, Qatar, and Shanghai. Hope to see you at next week's meetings! If you have any questions, please email us at beimun@isb.bj.edu.cn.
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Back to School Bash !
Hope all of you have bought all your function tickets for the Back to School Bash by yesterday (no tickets will be sold today), as the function will be hosted today from 6:00 to 9:00pm! Woohoo! Remember to bring your ticket with you before arriving at the cafeteria. Dinner, a movie, and music will be provided during this function. Remember once at the function you must stay there. Please arrive by 6:30pm. You may leave early only when going with your parent(s). Locations to enjoy are:
MS Cafeteria – disco
MPR – the movie – Secret Life Of Pets
Field 1 – soccer, running around and having fun.
All other areas of the school are out of bounds.
Remember to stay hydrated and have fun! See you guys there!
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MS ASAs S1 Important Dates
MS Community,
This is a announcement about ASA for the Middles school but most importantly to our sixth graders who are new this year. Just some important dates coming up for MS ASAs
Monday August 29th ASA Registration Opens
Monday September 5 Registration Closes
ASA Start date is September 12th
Please if you have any questions about ASAs please feel free to stop by the Activities office and see Mr. Cuthbert.
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Audition Dance Video
Once Upon a Hutong
MS Audition Dance video link: http://ift.tt/2bmb21a
Once Upon a Hutong Audition: Last Chance to Sign-up
We did it! 100 MS kids signed-up again to try out for the play. No harm trying. Experience itself is a teacher. It's not too late because you can still join the fun!
Event: MS Hutong Audition
Date: Aug. 29, Monday
Time: 3:30-5:50 PM
Audition packets and sign-up sheet are still up in the PA Hallway. It will l be removed by Friday at 1:00 PM.
Since the sign-up sheet is full, add your name beside the slots where people cancelled their names. Or you can also add at the bottom and be 101!
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‘Lights Out’ Home Release Announcement
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Wednesday, August 24, 2016
HS Students Pursue Passions at Club and Service Fair
Nearly 50 clubs and service groups showcased their enriching offerings to high school students at their annual fair on August 24.
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MS Olympic Day Reminders And Venues
Good morning Middle School students!
Today is Olympic Day and we are all excited to see regions having fun participating in team sports.
Here are a few reminders about the day:
Olympic Day is during Periods 1, 2 and 5 only.
• Enrichments and Lunch - normal time.
• Enjoy the day and remember to show sportsmanship at all times.
• Remember your Region Shirt, Hat, a Water Bottle and Sunscreen.
• You need to go to your event immediately after mentoring.
• If you are not scheduled to play in Period 1, pick a venue and cheer on your friends!
See here for your first session venues
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Hope Healing Home Visits are Starting!
Hope Healing Home is a local foster center that cares for and supports children with special medical needs. ISB has a long relationship with the home and has been helping in various ways for several years. Beginning the weekend of September 3, we will resume our weekly visits with trips on both Saturdays and Sundays (8:30 – 12:00).
The commitment to this service activity involves contributing positively and attending the full 12 sessions. There will be a mandatory information and sign up session on Monday after school in Room 2113, beginning promptly at 3:40. If you cannot make this meeting but would like to sign up you must contact Miss Angela.
If you have any questions, pop by and see me.
Miss Angela
Office 2207 or Room 2113
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The Charity Fashion Show
Hi everyone! The Charity Fashion Show is an annual show organized completely by high school students.This year, all proceeds from the show will go to Roundabout, a nonprofit organization that supports over 48 charitable organizations locally, and The Starfish Project, a socially conscious fair trade jewelry company that provides dignified employment and holistic care opportunities for exploited women who were victims of human trafficking.
If you are interested in taking on a leadership role in the Charity Fashion Show core team, our first recruitment meeting will be on Tuesday, August 30th in Room 1218 in the Library during lunch. We are looking for secretaries, model managers, designer managers, students in charge of communications, publications, entertainment, lighting, and the treasury of this year's show. We want an even mix across grade levels, so we strongly urge underclassmen to consider participating in this charitable cause.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any questions at all, feel free to email:
veronika.lin@student.isb.bj.edu.cn
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Badminton Players
Make sure you wear your PE kit for today session. You will not be allowed to play if you are dressed inappropriately.
Remember to bring your ID card.
Coach Iles
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People selling Back To School Bash tickets
Here are the people selling Back To School Bash tickets at Lunch today.
Thursday:
Maryanne Huang
Coco Wu
Serena Chang
Mikayla Hinton
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Last chance to buy tickets of Back to School Bash
I hope you guys have been keeping up with the news the last few days, as today will be your last chance to buy your tickets (which are 20 kuai each and will be sold in the cafeteria). If you would like to have drinks, bring an additional 5 kuai. The Back to School Bash will be hosted tomorrow from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Detailed information will also be printed on the tickets. Hope you guys can make it:)
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‘The Legend of Tarzan’ Is Coming To DVD
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Important Message for Room Parents
We will be conducting mandatory room parent orientations on Monday, September 5 in room M301. Click for more information.
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Tuesday, August 23, 2016
3 Tips for Choosing Kitchen Curtains
Framing your kitchen windows with the right window treatment makes a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Here are some tips that will guide you in choosing the perfect curtains for your kitchen.
Image Source: Flickr
Below are 3 tips for choosing kitchen curtains:
Colour and Fabric
Fabric is an essential part of choosing curtains, since the material will dictate how well your curtains function and hold up over time. “If they’re too heavy, they may not fold crisply when drawn; too light and they may not fall well,” says designer Suysel DePedro Cunningham of Tilton Fenwick.
Lana Lawrence, who is vice president of Anthony Lawrence-Belfair curtain fabricators and who works with designers like Alexa Hampton and Katie Ridder, suggests holding fabrics up to a window, even in a fabric showroom. “Pleat it like an accordion at the top and let it drape,” she says. “If it starts to flare like a piece of crinoline, then it’s not going to fall nicely on the window.” Work with a big sample, at least 2 yards, since a smaller piece may not show the fabric’s true drape.
Linen, silk, faux silk, and velvet are best choices to use for window treatments since they tend to hang the best, says Guercio. “Faux silk tends to be the most durable,” she says. And in a particularly sunny room, faux silk doesn’t deteriorate as quickly as real silk.
Some fabrics can help keep out the cold. Many hotels use suede, velvet, tapestry, or tweed since their weight helps block light and keep heat in. Still, nearly any fabric can be interlined with bump, a thick, insulating felt material. And interlining—a piece of fabric slipped between the lining and the face fabric—can also help prolong the life of the curtains. “If silk is unlined, it will rot,” says Lawrence. Adds Cunningham: “Lining and interlining are what give curtains their body and fullness.” Source: ElleDecor
Pattern
When it comes to your curtains’ patterns, once again, it depends on your vision of what feel you want to give your kitchen. Everything is possible:
- United
- Stripes (equal or asymmetrical)
- Flowery (jacquard weaving, embroidery, etc.)
- Geometric shapes
You have a wide range of options on the market with suppliers of fabrics and curtains that can give you the desired final touch for your kitchen, whether modern, artistic or retro. Source: GroomedHome
Length and Lining
Floor-length curtains are the best option when your kitchen has large windows or ones that have odd shapes. Here are several solutions for fitting curtains on large windows.
As a practical advice, no matter the size or the shape of your kitchen windows, a simple, informal style always fits in well.
Take a good look to the other elements of your kitchen when buying the curtains. No matter if you go for the modern, classic or country look, choose the fabric and colors for curtains that go with the cabinets, for instance.
Most kitchen curtains are sill length. This is practical and doesn’t overwhelm the kitchen, and suits most small to medium-sized kitchens, minus the really big ones.
When it comes to curtains, it’s always important to remember one thing: measure right, twice even. You can’t go for the „too short” or „too long” just as you can’t go long or short on a pair of trousers, for instance. „Too rich”, that’s the only thing you can overdo. Anytime. Source: VeryCozyHome
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 3 Tips for Choosing Kitchen Curtains appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
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3 Care Tips for Your Nails at Home
Want to know how to take care of your nails at home? If so, here are some care tips you could … Continue reading 
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Come out and join U12/13/14 Soccer/Football
Please if there are any students who still want to come out for U12/13/14 Soccer/Football. Please come out this Thursday, yesterday the numbers were a little low and we need some more players. Come out and join a team!
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People selling Back To School Bash tickets
Here are the people selling Back To School Bash tickets at Lunch today.
Wednesday:
Ashely Xue
Jane Sun
May Lee
Amy Lu
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Back to School Bash!
Good Morning middle schoolers! We have two more days until the Back to School Bash! Come with your friends to this event to have a wonderful evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday, August 26! Don't worry if you forgot to bring 20 kuai, you still have one more day left! Dinner, music and a movie will be provided for you there! If you would like to have drinks, bring an additional 5 kuai. However, we won't be selling tickets on Friday so GET YOUR TICKETS QUICK! See you there!
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Girls Honor Choir Auditions
There has been sufficient interest to extend the MS Girls Honor Choir auditions a further week to accommodate more students. The Girls Honor choir will perform their first concert on Wednesday October 26, in our theater.
The auditons will be held on Monday and Tuesday, August 30 and 31, after school (next week) in room 1768 . Any interested girls in years 6, 7, or 8 may apply. No previous experience is necessary. A love of singing is all that is required to audition. Information sheets are available from the sign up board in the Performing Arts Center.
See Mr. Freeman for enquiries room 1727.
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Welcome to MS Kidsread Club
- DO YOU LOVE TO READ????
- DO YOU LOVE TO COMPETE?
- DO YOU WANT TO UPHOLD ISB’S 11 YEAR WINNING STREAK?
THEN YOU WILL WANT TO JOIN KIDSREAD!
KIDSREAD is a MS club that meets on Wednesdays at lunchtime in room 3405.
KIDSREAD's FIRST MEETING WILL BE NEXT Wednesday, AUGUST 31 in Ms. Patty’s room 3405 at 11am.
COME FOR AN INFORMATIVE AND FUN FIRST MEETING!
You may bring your lunch!
GRADES 6, 7,8—WE NEED YOU ALL!!!!
Bring your friends! Bring your books! BRING YOUR BRAIN! Be a part of KIDSREAD!!!
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Club Football Strollers Tryouts
Are you a serious footballer?
The Club Football Strollers kicks off next week with trials on August 30th and September 1st here in the ISB stadium from 18:30. There will be trials for the following teams:
- U-16 boys and girls
- U-19 boys and girls.
If you are keen, experienced, and want to play year round footie, then be in the stadium next Tuesday evening. Information flyers available from the Activities Office.
click here for the flyer
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MiniMUN Beiwatch Press Team Application
Beiwatch Press Team is RECRUITING for MiniMUN!
Needed: Reporters, Artists & Art Coordinator, Layout Designers, Photographers,
Application deadline: Friday August 26, 3:30 pm, click here for the application form
Teacher’s recommendation’s deadline: Monday August 29, 8:00 am
Questions? Talk to Ms Abdallah, rooms 3213/3203, eabdallah@isb.bj.edu.cn
Find our recruiting table at the Wed August 24 after school activities fair
Requirements: Passion for writing, art, design and/or photography
Commitment: MiniMUN Saturday September 10 8:30-4:30,
Monday September 12 3:30-6 pm, and Tuesday September 13 3:30-6 pm
Benefits: invitation to BEIMUN as a Press Team member
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What is refinancing and why should you do it in Vancouver?
Vancouver is home to some of the highest real estate values in the country. If you own a home in this beautiful city, there are many ways you can use its value to increase your cash flow and achieve your financial goals. One option is to refinance your mortgage. Put simply, this means taking out […]
The post What is refinancing and why should you do it in Vancouver? appeared first on Invis Team RRP.
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Trailer: Max Steel
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Sully Featurette
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Rainscreen – Leading Regeneration
“To someone coming out of the slums… the idea of going into a house with a bathroom, a proper kitchen, hot water… it was their dream, and it didn’t matter a damn to them if it was in a multi- storey block or a cottage… they wanted as many dwellings as quickly as possible!”
R D. Cramond
“As we were leaving, at the exit, Harry Watton suddenly said, ‘Right! We’ll take five blocks’… just as if he was buying bags of sweets!”
G. Sheppard Fidler – Birmingham City Architect 1954-62
The social housing construction programmes of the post-war era remain some of the most ambitious, both in terms of scale and size, in British history. Tasked with bringing millions out of squalid conditions, the estate builders embraced cutting-edge designs, approaches and technologies to achieve their goals and, in their early years at least, many of the developments delivered on their vision of a brighter future.
Sadly, the early promise was not to last. With volume prioritised above all else, many of the estates were poorly thought-out, badly designed and completed to a low standard. Furthermore, with many of the blocks pre-dating the first regulatory requirements for minimum U-values, the flats were often cold and expensive to heat. As a result, the estates quickly fell into disrepair and within two decades of their completion were already being described as ‘sink’ estates.
In the previous blog we looked at how some of these blocks are being revitalised through large-scale retrofit programmes, however, in some cases the inherent flaws in the planning, design and construction of the estates make it preferable to start afresh. High quality rainscreen cladding systems can provide a number of benefits for these new developments including significant design freedom for architects, fast-track installations, long-term durability and excellent energy performance when paired with premium performance insulation. The Woodberry Down estate in North East London showcases the benefits of this approach.
An ‘Estate of the Future’
Planned by John Forshaw in 1943, the original Woodberry Down estate was one of the first to include eight storey blocks within a suburban area. The blocks were laid out either side of the newly created Woodberry Down road in a Zeilenbau (row-house) plan. Many of the original tenants provided glowing references:
The excitement of opening the front door, our own, and finding a nice living room, large bedroom with fitted wardrobe and fitted chest of drawers… separate toilet, a lovely kitchenette full of cupboards and shining stainless steel sink and draining board. What more could we want?
Over time, however, the buildings aged poorly.
Unlike later estates, this premature ageing owed less to corners being cut and more to material shortages. For example, the steel reinforcement for the floor slabs on many of the blocks was cut from Anderson air shelters and the lack of both steel and bricks also led to the monolithic design of many of the blocks with reinforced concrete faced in render.
For years, tenants suffered from damp and poor insulation, whilst the estate’s grim aesthetic infamously saw it used as a set for the Warsaw Ghetto in the 1993 film Schindler’s List. In 2002 a structural evaluation concluded that 31 out of 57 blocks on the estate were “beyond economic repair”. Hackney Council agreed a deal with Berkeley Homes to demolish and rebuild the estate, replacing the social rented properties and providing over 3,500 additional private units.
A new chapter
Woodberry Down regeneration
The eight stage regeneration plan for the Woodberry Down estate will roll out over 20 years. Once completed it will include three new public parks; a community centre and library; a children’s centre; and retail and commercial spaces. Rainscreen cladding systems were installed across the development with anodized aluminium facades. On Kick Start Site 2, for example, a rainscreen system was used to crown the upper storeys of the social housing blocks. The aluminium cladding acts independently of the rest of the brick façade and provides a stylish highlight for the eight storey blocks.
To help protect future tenants against issues such as fuel poverty which had affected the original estate, BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification was targeted at an early stage in the planning process. To achieve the excellent fabric performance needed to attain the certification, whilst also maximising living space for the tenants, Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was specified for the rainscreen sections.
The product helped to meet the target fabric performance but with a minimal external construction thickness. Its 2008 BRE Green Guide Summary Rating of A+, and its ‘Excellent’ certification to responsible sourcing standard BES 6001, enabled it to contribute towards the award of further credits within the BREEAM assessment.
As the rainscreen sections extend beyond 18 metres, excellent fire performance was another central concern for the project. Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board offered what was needed.
A better future
In 2014 an independent survey of the new estate’s residents revealed that overall life satisfaction had been transformed, with 90% of residents feeling satisfied with their living conditions, compared with the UK baseline of 60%. The breath of new life for the estate is a clear example of the benefits that rebuilding can bring to certain estates and the advantages rainscreens can offer, both over the short and long-term.
Catch up with previous blogs in this series:
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Dress Code
Just a friendly reminder about our MS dress code. Teachers will be doing a dress code check today or tomorrow. If your teachers feel you are not following our guidelines, you will be asked to go to the office to sign your name to the dress code sign-in sheet. This will be your reminder. Teachers will continue to monitor this situation, and if you are asked by your teachers to go to the office again, you will need to change into our PE clothes or call home to have a parent bring a change of clothes. Lets work together to create a safe and healthy community of learners!
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IASAS Volleyball Exchange September 16 & 17
Show your Eagle spirit! SAS will host the IASAS Volleyball Exchange September 16 and 17. There will be some great volleyball played over two days, so come by the gym and check out some of the action!
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MS photo orders
Dear all MS students and parents, please order your photos as soon as possible in this week as the photographer is here in China.
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Calling all actors
Opportunity to make a film for AmCham (US Chamber of Commerce)
Details as follows:
It's all day 8 am - 9 pm Saturday, September 3rd.
We're filming up at Mutianyu at our farmhouse
Transport, food, all will be provided
Lead female role needed plus other roles
Lead just needs to know her lines, it'll be fun. There are mainly adults in the cast but a couple of teenagers from WAB, BSB
Please contact me if you are interested, my cell is 134811064861 WeChat Dinahwatkins
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Monday, August 22, 2016
Science Education in the Future
With renowned Science Educator, Paul Anderson.
Wednesday, Sept. 7th at 6:30 pm in the MPR
All parents welcome. See the calendar for more information.
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MS Production Audition
Big thanks to the huge number of middle schoolers who came to the “Once Upon a Hutong" Audition Workshop!
Yes, you can still sign-up to audition for the play. The audition sign-up will close on Friday at 3:30 PM.
Yes, you can still audition even if you weren’t able to attend the workshop.
Yes, you will need to work hard to get into the play because we currently have over 90 middle schoolers signed-up for the play!
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MS Production Audition
Big thanks to the huge number of middle schoolers who came to the “Once Upon a Hutong" Audition Workshop!
Yes, you can still sign-up to audition for the play. The audition sign-up will close on Friday at 3:30 PM.
Yes, you can still audition even if you weren’t able to attend the workshop.
Yes, you will need to work hard to get into the play because we currently have over 90 middle schoolers signed-up for the play!
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People selling Back To School Bash tickets
Here are the people selling Back To School Bash tickets at Lunch today.
Tuesday:
Annabel Lee
Austin Li
Justin Woo
Emma Liu
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Back to School Bash!
Greetings, middle schoolers! We have three days until the Back to School Bash! Hangout with your friends at this amazing event! We will be serving dinner, a movie, and playing your favorite songs (thanks to our amazing DJs)! This event will be hosted from Friday 6:00pm to 9:00pm. All of which are included in the tickets that we will be selling in the cafeteria from today to Thursday. Tickets are 20 kuai each! If you would like to have drinks, bring an additional 5 kuai. Remember, only three days left to purchase your tickets!
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Musicians for Once Upon a Hutong
Come and be part of the MS Production in the jazz/pit band. This year, instrumental musicians will be playing as part of Once Upon a Hutong. The first rehearsal will be on Wednesday September 1st. Come and find Ms Bulteel in #1721 for more information.
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Important Message for Seniors
Seniors: It’s important that you start checking your ISB e-mail address on a regular basis. There is currently a very important e-mail that was sent to all seniors from the counselors about the Senior Retreat on Thursday, and to date not too many people have seen it. Your ISB e-mail address is used to communicate a number of important items throughout senior year, so please make sure that you are checking it regularly.
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Grade 9 MAP testing - Fall 2016
All grade 9 students will take part in three sessions of MAP testing starting Tuesday, September 6th. Please read the message sent directly to your school email address to learn more about the upcoming MAP testing and find which location you will be testing in.
|
Date |
MAP Session |
Block |
Time |
|
Tuesday, September 6 |
Language Usage |
D |
8:15-9:40 |
|
Wednesday, September 7 |
Math |
H |
8:15-9:40 |
|
Thursday, September 8 |
Reading |
A |
8:15-9:40 |
|
Friday, September 9 |
Make-up testing date |
E |
8:15-9:40 |
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Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
The battle for home automation has officially begun. Home automation used to be a thing that people dreamed of after they had seen an amazing Sci-Fi flick. As the years have gone by, home automation technology has continued to evolve. Now we are moving closer to having homes that are autonomously controlled. Earlier this year, Google unveiled the smart home speaker, with the hopes of taking over the small niche that the Amazon Echo dominated last year. This niche refers to that of smart speakers, which have the capability to be the central hub for your smart home. With two similar products going head to head on the market, it is only natural that they will be pitted against each other in comparison. It raises the questions about the functionality of each device, and begs the question about which device will work better in homes. Without further ado, let us take a look at the amazing home automation devices that are changing the landscape of home automation.
Amazon Echo
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What The Company Says
The Amazon Echo is described (by Amazon) as a hands-free speaker that allows people to use voice commands to control the device’s actions. This product is primarily a speaker, but it has the potential to be the smart home hub that homeowners crave. The Echo works in conjunction with the Amazon hosted Alexa Voice Service. The Alexa Voice Service (AVS) gives users the opportunity to integrate their Echo device with other home automation gadgets, and allows them to perform a series of actions simply by saying a few words.
The Amazon Echo is able to answer your questions, make you a shopping list, control the lights within your home, set timers, etc. There are a host of possibilities for this smart speaker. The Echo is able to provide answers to queries about the weather, the news, and even about past occurrences. It does this by drawing information from its cloud server and filtering through it in order to provide the most suitable answer. The device is also able to play music from a variety of music hosting websites, and it can play different things simply upon request.
The speaker is equipped with seven microphones that use beamforming technology, coupled with enhanced noise cancellation features. These traits help the Echo pinpoint a voice across a room, and it can also clearly pick up what is being said above the sound of other things. The voice recognition capability of the Amazon Echo is one of the features that truly sets it apart from any other similar devices. In addition to this, the speaker system itself provides homeowners with a crisp, lush sound that they are bound to love. The possibilities of the Amazon Echo are truly endless.
The Alexa Voice Service that the Echo works with was built on the cloud, which allows your Echo and Alexa to constantly learn and adjust to fit your routines, habits, and even your speech patterns. The Echo is constantly powered and listening, which allows for easy updates and quick responses when owners have their hands full. The device is constantly listening for the keyword that wakes it up and makes it responsive to your commands. The keyword varies from ‘Alex’, ‘Amazon’ to ‘Amazon Echo’. The owner simply has to determine which one they are most comfortable using, and then set the device to respond to that keyword.
However, none of these are as groundbreaking as the skills that the Echo is able to learn and use. A majority of these ‘skills’ were developed by third-party application developers, but they allow the Echo to integrate better with other devices and applications. For instance, homeowners can use their Echo to order a ride from uber, or to even order a pizza from dominos.
Not all homeowners use it to order pizza, though. Many homeowners use the Amazon Echo to increase the scope of their other home automation devices, and allow the Echo to function as the central hub and controller. This gives people the opportunity to control their lights with a sentence, or to open up their garage door, simply by asking Alexa.
What The People Say
The Amazon Echo was initially available (by invite only) to people who had an Amazon Prime membership. These lucky people only had to pay $99 for an Amazon Echo. Since then, the price for the device has gone up to $179.99. Even so, many homeowners have clamored to get one, and they have. Most of the people who purchased the Amazon Echo were not really sure what to expect, and most of them ended up being pleasantly surprised. Some homeowners say that they didn’t know they needed a quasi-personal assistant speaker until they met the Echo and Alexa.
A majority of people that own the Echo love it, and it seems the most popular place to set it down is within the kitchen. This allows the Echo to be in a central location while you walk around talking to it. Another feature of the device that homeowners have fallen in love with, is the sound of Alexa’s voice. Until the release of the echo, the voice that headlined automated personal assistant was Apple’s Siri. Although many people love to use Siri, there is no denying that it is sonically robotic. The Amazon Echo revitalises this with outstanding natural voice synthesis, which makes Alexa sound like an actual personal assistant you would love to have.
While a majority of people rave about all the cool things you can accomplish with the Amazon Echo, there are still some minor kinks that need to be worked out before the general public is won over by this talking speaker. One of the main problems that its owners encounter stems from learning to use the right words to command the Echo. There are many differences in linguistics and speech patterns, and the Echo has a set of commands that it is responsive too, which takes most owners a while to get used to. For instance, if you want the Echo to play the next song in a queue you would have to say “Alexa, next” instead of saying “Alexa, skip”. This is a minor issue for some people because there are those who do not naturally speak the way the device is built to understand.
In addition to this, there are homeowners who do not like the fact that the Amazon Echo devices are not able to communicate with each other. If a homeowner has 3 Echo devices because they have a rather large home, they are not able to integrate these devices with one another. This creates the hassle of having to assign different wake words and commands to each device so that they are not overlapping with each other when you shout out a command.
What The Experts Say
Experts love the Amazon Echo. A lot of the experts are fans of the natural voice synthesis that makes the device sound like less of a robot. Think more Big Hero 6 than Terminator. The editors of CNET hailed the Echo as the best smart home hub that allowed other devices to talk with one another. It was compared to other smart home hubs and it came out on top due to the fact that the Echo is able to seamlessly integrate with so many other different devices, which is impressive because that is not it’s primary function.
Also, the fact that the Echo and AVS exist on the cloud gives the device so much potential for future actions. This feature means that the device is constantly learning, which allows users to introduce more complex actions and requests as time goes by. A great many experts were also impressed by the skills that the device is able to acquire and learn. The ‘skills’ store is the Echo version of the App store. It allows third party developers to create functions that the Echo can carry out in conjunction with other devices and services. There is no doubt that the Amazon Echo has the potential to grow into much more. Imagine, in a few months, homeowners might be able to control their home surveillance cameras simply by talking to their Echo. For now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Echo.
Pros
- The Echo has revolutionary voice recognition technology that enables it to pick up your voice from various directions and over various sounds.
- The natural voice synthesis of the Echo makes it feel less like a robot and more like an actual personal assistant.
- The Echo is able to act as a smart home hub since it can communicate with varying services and devices.
- It is easy to setup, use, and requires little or no additional gadgets to maximize its functionality.
Cons
- The speaker for the Amazon Echo delivers crisp, clear sounds. However, once the volume is turned up the sound quality is sacrificed because the bass becomes distorted.
- The Amazon Echo is constantly powered and it is constantly listening for the keyword that wakes it up. This raises the security concern that the Echo could be used to infringe on people’s privacy and could also be used to unlawfully access personal information and data.
- The Amazon Echo works well with third party services and applications, which broadens the scope of its reach. However, the Amazon Echo is not able to integrate with itself. If users have multiple Echo devices, they cannot be integrated and used seamlessly.
Google Home
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What The Company Says
The Google Home device is a Wi-fi enabled speaker that can operate as a smart home controller and a personal assistant. The device is also equipped with an interchangeable base that gives homeowners the opportunity to customize their Google Home to fit in with their interior decor. The device will be able to play songs, answer queries, and even help you control another device. The speaker can be used in conjunction with Google Cast, which will allow users to control their TV’s via voice control or to play a song on all the speakers in your home.
The Google Home device boasts the addition of the Google Assistant that helps homeowners with basic tasks (travel itineraries, setting up reminders, purchasing items online etc.) and even perform more complex actions. Google Home and Google Assistant will make use of the Knowledge Graph to provide cohesive answers, which are also within the context of your search. This will allow users to have conversations with their home automation device, rather than just responses.
What The People Say
So far, the only people who have anything to say about Google Home are Google themselves. This is because the device is not yet available to the public. Google Home is slated for release later this year, and there is already a good deal of hype built around the launch of the product. However, this does not mean that the experts aren’t already weighing in to see what the Google Home has to offer and to see how it varies from the Amazon Echo.
The Google Home device is essentially Google’s response to the domination of the Amazon Echo. When the Amazon Echo was released in late 2014, many people were skeptical about how the public would receive the product. After all, there were (and still are) a countless number of Bluetooth speakers on the market, which could probably provide much better sound quality than the Echo. However, after user got their hands on the device and the reviews poured in, Amazon sold a huge number of Echo’s in 2015 and early 2016. Many people believe that the success of the Echo is what prompted Google to unveil the Google Home at the latest Google I/O event.
What The Experts Say
Many of the experts who have provided some insight on the Google Home were avidly paying attention to the Google I/O and disseminating every little thing about it. Since no one has done any product testing yet (because the product is not available), the experts have settled on dissecting what was said during the announcement of Google Home.
Experts are excited, to say the least, even though many of them love the Amazon Echo. The Google Home shows immense promise and it gives homeowners the ability to have conversations with their home automation controller. One of the drawbacks of the Echo was the fact that it did not have a huge base of knowledge to draw from, but Google eliminates that problem through the use of Knowledge Graph. This means that your Home device will have an answer to just about every question you can throw at it.
The Google Home device is focusing more on the connection between users and the device instead of looking at the number of actions you can have your device overseeing. It minimizes it to a more personal level. There are a few extra things that experts wish were included in the Google Home. For instance, the Google Home is not opening it’s doors up to third party developers, which will limit the number of services and applications that the Google Home can function with. However, it will work with Nest products as well as Google Cast products. This will allow homeowners to have full control of their home’s automation if they have these additional products.The Google Home is essentially all about data, and what can be done with data. It works to push the boundaries of data manipulation within the home.
Pros
- The Google Home device is paired with the Google Assistant. With these two things working together, the device is able to give homeowners answers to organic questions. This makes it much easier to ask the device for assistance or to even ask it to shut the tv off. It seems as if there are no commands that have to be learned in comparison to the Amazon Echo.
- The Google Home can be customized to fit the interior design needs of the user. There will be different color schemes available for users to pick from.
- The Google Home can be integrated with other Google-related products like Nest and Google Cast.
- Multiple Google Home devices can communicate with each other, which makes it possible for users to command all of these home devices from one central location.
Cons
- Similar to the Echo, the Google Home is constantly listening and waiting for the keyword to be uttered. This raises questions about whether it can be used to unlawfully infringe upon an individual’s privacy and store their data and conversations without their knowledge.
- One of the main disadvantages that experts outlined was the fact that Google Home was not going to be accessible to third party developers, applications, and services. This drastically reduces the number of devices that the Google Home can work with. It raises concerns about having a home automation hub that only works with a handful of devices and services.
Verdict
Each of these amazing gadgets has a lot to offer homeowners and users. It is hard to say which one of them is better, especially since the Google Home is yet to hit the market. It will be much easier to draw a line in the sand between these two products once homeowners and regular users have had the chance to take a crack at both of them.
In the meantime, there are positives and negatives on both sides of the spectrum. The commonality that each of these devices has is the fact that there are many people who are worried about the security vulnerabilities that these devices present. That is something that both Amazon and Google will have to pay close attention too, and they will have to better explain that aspect of the devices to the general public.
The Amazon Echo is definitely ahead of the curve because it allows homeowners to integrate with other devices (not including other Echos). Conversely, the Google Home is starting small, with only a set number of Google-related devices. On the other hand, the Google Home seems to have the advantage when it comes to the efficiency of the personal assistant that it uses. Its version of Alexa seems to be much more knowledgeable and conversational, which is definitely something that homeowners will gravitate towards.
Regardless of how these devices match up against each other, it is safe to say that they will effectively be making homes more connected and thus more smart and secure.
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