Matt and Josh News - RE/MAX Wilson Peterson Team

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Quick tips for getting the most out of your smartphone camera

(BPT) - Today, the majority of adults have a mobile phone, and we're using it for far more things than simply making phone calls. According to a report from The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, of the 85 percent of American adults who own a cellphone, 85 percent use their cellphones to take photos. Smartphone cameras are quickly replacing basic digital cameras for snapping photos on the go, and for good reason. Capturing a memorable moment is easy with your cellphone at your side, but if you aren't sure what you're doing, you may end up with fuzzy, dark or distorted pictures. To help you get the most out of your smartphone's camera capabilities, Stephen Sneeden, Xperia product marketing manager at Sony Mobile Communications, offers some expert tips: Tip No. 1: Get to know your device  Most new smartphone cameras offer multiple camera functions, effects, settings and options. It's important to learn what's available on your phone so you don't miss a beat. Visit the manufacturer's website or check out tutorial videos on YouTube - many phone makers now make these available to consumers for free. Tip No. 2: Know when to use certain functions - and when to turn them off  While your smartphone camera may have a flash, zoom and other features, sometimes those functions won't be optimum for the conditions in which you're shooting. For example, turning off the flash may help prevent glare, bright spots and red-eye in certain situations. Zooming may cause an image to degrade or blur; you may want to shoot the entire image and then use editing software to crop it for the portion of the image you want to focus on. Tip No. 3: Consider an upgrade  Technology is ever-evolving, and smartphone cameras are constantly being improved. If you've had your phone for a while and aren't happy with the photos it takes, it may be time for an upgrade. When shopping, analyze key camera elements like megapixel count, sensor quality, user interface and ease of use. Most smartphones have 8 megapixel, primary cameras. The Xperia ZL from Sony outshines that standard with a 13 megapixel camera and HDR (high dynamic range) for photos and videos. Tip No. 4: Make the most of HD technology  High resolution capabilities are a significant advantage for smartphone videographers. Look for cameras that offer Full HD recording. This function gives you the ability to capture details that translate well on larger HD screens like that of a TV. Tip No. 5: Download free photo apps  Enhance your phone's photo capabilities with some of today's best photo apps that cost absolutely nothing. The award-winning application Snapseed (iOS, Android) allows you to adjust saturation, color levels, brightness, contrast as well as edit and enhance styling with a variety of filters. Quickly crop, edit and fix flaws with Adobe's Photoshop Express (iOS, Android). Of course, social media junkies love Instagram (Android, iOS) because it's a snap to share photos across social networks like Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter. Tip No 6: Don't forget photo basics  The principles of good picture-taking remain the same, no matter what kind of camera you use. That means it's important to keep the lens clean, carefully frame the shot, fill the frame with your subject, make sure the image is in focus, pay attention to lighting, and when photographing kids and pets get on the same level as your subject. Courtesy of BPT

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Reasons to consider using keyless entry deadbolt for your home

Are you thinking about using a keyless entry deadbolt for your home, but are not sure this is smart? Then you need to be aware of the many reasons why it is smart for anyone. There are a number of reasons that you have to be aware of, but the following are the most essential reasons for you to know. One: Security - When you use a keyless deadbolt, this will make your security much better for your family. No burglar is going to be able to just break into your home anymore. They will have a very difficult or even impossible time trying to get in. These deadbolts are designed so they will be able to keep people out that you don't want in your home. When you want to keep your family safe, security is the most important thing you can provide them against burglar danger. The only way to make sure that your family stays safe is to make sure that danger can't get into your home and this lock was designed to do just that. Two: Convenience - You will not have to worry about losing your keys and not being able to get back into your house, when you have this type of lock for your home. With it being keyless, it is very simple for anyone in your family to get in and not get locked out. Three: Prevents theft of your keys - Using a keyless door lock requires the use of your fingerprints for your family to get into their home. This means that you will be safe from someone taking your keys and using them to gain access to your home and they won't be able to make a copy of them either. This will prevent anyone from being able to get into your home from the theft of your keys. That means better security and safety for your family, which is very important these days. Four: Multiple users - You can choose to add as many people's fingerprints to the deadbolt system as you need to. Adding and removing fingerprints is really easy for any family to do. This makes it simple for everyone in your family to have their fingerprints added so that they never have a problem getting into your home. These are the main reasons that you want to consider using a keyless entry deadbolt for your home. There are many benefits to using this type of lock for your home, as you can see. Now, you just need to decide if this is the right type for your home, or if you prefer another type that may not offer these benefits for your family.  by: Jeff Schuman  http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6661.shtml

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Moving in the military? How to make the process easier

(BPT) - Moving can cause stress for family members, especially military families that are required to move frequently and potentially without a lot of warning. Sometimes these moves are within a base, while other times they can be to a new base on the other side of the country. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Personally Procured Moves (PPM) come with military assistance to help soldiers and their families make the transition. Families can also take advantage of the do-it-yourself (DITY) option offered by the military, which could make the overall transition much smoother. No matter how quickly the move happens, or what kind of moving assistance your family requests, here are some moving tips from Penske Truck Rental to help keep everything in order. * Planning - PCS notifications can come without a lot of warning, or families may know about a potential move far in advance. For both instances, getting a plan in place is a good start. Gather important information into one folder, containing phone numbers, contact names, dates, receipts and checklists in this folder so you can easily track everything about your move. For some planning tools that focus specifically on military moves, visit the U.S. Department of Defense website. * Moving - Many families choose the DITY option because it gives them more control over the move, and they can also potentially make some money in the process. The military provides an allotted cost for moving, and if you can come under that cost through your own planning, the military will pay you the difference. For example, Penske Truck Rental offers active military personnel a 10 percent discount when they reserve a truck online, and an additional 10 percent off when they show an active military ID while picking up the truck. Penske will price-match any competitive offers on one-way truck rentals as well. Visit www.DITYmove.com to learn more. * Weights - Military rules require soldiers to certify the weight of the rental vehicle when empty and after it's fully loaded. Weight limit reimbursements are set depending on a soldier's rank and dependents, but the traditional weights are estimated at 1,000 pounds per room, excluding bathrooms and storage areas. Then add in the estimated weight of large appliances, garage items and items in storage. Compare this number to what is allowed and determine if you can reduce the load in any way to avoid paying overweight costs. To help with weight certifications, Penske offers a Certified Public Scale locator tool online to help DITY movers in finding weigh stations. * Contact info - File a change of address form at your local post office so mail can be forwarded, and also make certain your new information is updated with your specific branch of the military. * Explore - Get to know your new neighborhood, both on and off base. If you have children, explore the schools and the after-school activities available. Learn a bit about the city's history and gather information on the services the city offers so that on moving day, your water and electricity will be available when it's needed. When in the military, a move is practically inevitable, but the process can be much less stressful on both emotions and finances with a little organization and planning from the get-go. Courtesy of BPT

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Charm, Location and Convenience in Clearfield! Half Acre lot, new roof on house + garage, lrg new driveway, new sewer line. Newer furnace + A/C. Original built-ins and decorative archways, lots of cabinets in kitchen. Call to show/access code.

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Invitingly Priced! Brand new kitchen including flooring, large 2-car garage with additional garage door to backyard, large RV pad, fully fenced, auto-sprinkler system. Furnace only 2.5 years old. Call to show/access code.

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Irresistible Remodel! Brand new: granite counters, subway-tile back splash, SS appliances (fridge and dishwasher included!), 2-tone paint, carpet, laminate and tile flooring, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, tiled bath/shower, can-lighting. Finished basement! Call to show/access code.

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The safety net that helps Americans with disabilities stay afloat

(BPT) - John Miller never much thought about the possibility that he might one day become disabled; he was too busy building and renovating homes throughout suburban Washington, D.C. For 40 years, Miller (a pseudonym to protect his privacy) worked long days with his brother - until an unexpected illness and injury struck. Like thousands of American workers who find themselves sidelined by illness or injury, Miller could no longer work. As in many jobs, if you don't work, you don't earn. Miller soon found himself in dire straits, both financially and in terms of his health. He had never accepted any kind of public assistance, but now he desperately needed help just to pay basic living expenses. Miller knew nothing about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the federal program that provides financial support to millions of Americans unable to work because of injury or chronic illness. Learning about the program and securing benefits took months, but now Miller knows his monthly SSDI benefits will at least help him put food on the table. "My benefits check is something I can count on every month," he says. "I know that I'll be able to eat and that I'll be able to stay in my house for another 30 days." SSDI is an important part of our nation's Social Security system for disabled workers, retirees, dependents and survivors. Funded through payroll taxes, SSDI provides vital financial support for Americans with severe disabilities and chronic health conditions. Workers earn coverage for SSDI and other Social Security benefits through payroll tax contributions, and may only become eligible for benefits if they have earned coverage and their health prevents them from working. Currently about 8 million Americans receive SSDI benefits. While the number of people receiving SSDI benefits has risen recently, the increase was expected, and experts say that influx will level off soon. Baby boomers reaching the disability-prone years of their 50s and 60s account for much of the increase. The growing number of women in the workforce also accounts for much of the rise, as they are now eligible for benefits in greater numbers than ever before. The rise in retirement age has also contributed to the increase. Benefits are modest. On average, SSDI pays individuals just $1,132 a month and families just $1,919 a month. The requirements to qualify for benefits are very strict. Applicants must present extensive medical proof of significant disability. In fact, qualifying disabilities are so severe that about one in five men and one in six women receiving SSDI will die within five years of receiving benefits, and those eligible for benefits are three times more likely to die than other people their age, according to Kathy Ruffing of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Applying for SSDI benefits is a complex process, especially for people who are unfamiliar with how the system works or who are already dealing with significant illness or injury and the emotional and financial strain that accompanies poor health. Many people find that getting help from a disability advocate or lawyer can help ease the process and relieve some of the stress. Securing approval for SSDI benefits took Miller 35 months. His experience is far from unique. Miller's disability meant that after spending his entire career taking care of the homes of others, he wasn't even able to perform needed maintenance on his own home. After nearly three years of waiting, he is finally able to use the benefits he earned while working on other peoples' homes, to hire someone to repair his own home. "I'd love to go out there today and work," he says. "Now I have to get someone else to do the work on my house that I had done for years." To learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance and to find help navigating the application process, visit www.nosscr.org. Courtesy of BPT

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Move-In Condition and Affordable! Home features large windows for lots of natural light, solid-surface counters in kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Call to show / access code.

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Tech skills help new grads land a job

(BPT) - With a graduation cap in one hand and a newly-inked degree in the other, many grads are hitting the online pavement looking for their first post-college job. But how do you set yourself apart from the masses and quickly land your dream job? According to a recent survey, 83 percent of millennials say having tech skills makes it easier to get a job. But to hiring managers, there's a difference between listing tech expertise on your resume and demonstrating that you're genuinely tech-savvy. "A resume and cover letter are often the first point of reference hiring managers have in learning about a candidate - it helps us imagine how an individual would fit into an open role or with the company at large. Technology is infused in so many jobs now - it's obvious if it's missing, even in the first few sentences," says Kerry Olin, general manager of Human Resources, Microsoft. Follow these tips to ensure your resume and cover letter make it to the top of the pile and that you're presenting yourself and your skills in the best way possible: 1. Make it personal Not only should you tailor your resume to the specific job, it's also a key opportunity to highlight how your skills relate to the role. For example, if the job requirements include strong communication skills, note your ability to effectively work across media from in-person meetings, to email, to social media. 2. Catch their eye Create visually appealing and professional documents with Microsoft Word resume and cover letter templates from Office.com. There are even templates to help you with your follow-up thank you note. 3. Make it interesting Use action verbs and interesting descriptors to show results. For example, "actively engaged customers and prospects via social media to increase readership and participation" says a lot more than "managed company social handles." 4. Take it for a test drive Get friends, family, fellow alumni and others to read your application, resume or cover letter, and ask them what they take away. You can use a cloud share such as SkyDrive to get feedback and tips anytime and from anywhere. As a bonus, it streamlines version control by doing it all in one document. 5. Audit your social footprint Hiring managers can find a bevy of information from a single online search. And search they do. Take time to ensure your online profile - Facebook, Twitter, personal blogs, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, et al - represents you in a way that won't be embarrassing. Better yet, leverage these tools to highlight professional events you attend, publicize awards or participation in industry outlets and share examples of your work. Bottom line, technology can make or break your first impression when job hunting. Taking a few extra minutes to make sure you're presenting your best, most tech-savvy self can mean the difference between continuing to pound the pavement and landing an interview for your dream job. Courtesy of BPT

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Outside the pill bottle: 5 simple, drug-free ways to reduce lower back pain

(BPT) - Pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the main reasons Americans miss work. For example, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, according to the American Chiropractic Association, with experts estimating that as many as 80 percent of Americans will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. Meaning it is quite possible you may have symptoms right now. Dealing with chronic pain in your back, arms or legs can be frustrating and costly. The aches and tenderness can cause you to stop doing the things you love most like playing with your children and participating in your favorite activities, like gardening or golfing, or even doing regular exercise. "Some people accept lower back pain as a way of life, but it doesn't have to be that way," says Brian Elsemore, who has practiced as a registered physical therapist for a decade in Florida and New England. "There are simple things that everyone can do to treat their pain without resorting to drugs or surgery." Here are five drug-free steps Elsemore recommends to reduce the pain: Exercise daily A body in motion tends to stay in motion, according to Isaac Newton's laws of motion. This notion applies to the human body and back health as well, so fight the urge to sit or lay for lengthy periods. Exercises that maintain the natural spinal curve and help strengthen the core (abdominals, back and pelvic area) to support the spine are key to eliminating back pain naturally. Even if your back is hurting, increasing blood flow and stretching can help provide relief. Block the pain signals Technology called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has been used for decades by health professionals to safely block nerve pain in patients. Now, this clinically proven, drug-free technology is available without a prescription in an affordable, portable device called Rapid Relief Electronic Pain Relief Pad from HoMedics. Simply apply where it hurts and the discreet pad that easily fits under clothing emits a controlled micro-electronic current through the skin to block the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the body's pain center. The result is fast, effective relief for aches and pains without drugs, creams or messy applications. The device, available in versions calibrated for the lower back as well as the arms/legs, offers 15 levels of adjustable intensity and includes one standard lithium battery, one set of self-adhesive, replaceable gels and a travel storage case. At $29.99, Rapid Relief is one of the lowest cost-per-use topical pain relief options sold without a prescription at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon.com. Learn more at RapidReliefPad.com. Stand, sit and lift smart Being aware of how you use your back throughout the day is important to reducing lower back pain. When standing, particularly for long periods of time, maintain a neutral pelvic position. Be aware of your posture, keeping the back straight when standing and sitting. Stand up or walk around at least once an hour if you're job requires long periods of sitting. Hunching and poor posture eventually cause soreness. When lifting - whether a load at work or your child at home - let your legs do the work, according to MayoClinic.com. Additional lifting recommendations include bending only at the knees, holding the load close to your body and avoiding lifting and twisting simultaneously. Evaluate shoes It's common knowledge that fashionable high heels are terrible for back health, but it's not only stylish shoes that can cause extreme pain. Ill-fitting shoes without proper support can shift a person's center of gravity, causing him or her to walk out of alignment and put undue pressure on the back. To relieve back pain, only wear supportive shoes that fit well. Keep in mind, shoes should never require a "breaking in" period; if they fit correctly, they should be comfortable right away according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Sleep well Sleep is important for overall well-being, allowing the body to recover from daily activities. Inadequate sleep and back pain go hand-in-hand, quickly creating a vicious cycle. To get a good night's sleep and encourage pain relief, it's wise to take a few steps before lights out. Start by placing a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back or between your knees if you're a side sleeper - this helps reduce stress on the spine. For a firmer, more supportive mattress, place wood supports between the mattress and base, or place the mattress directly on the ground. If back pain still persists, it may be time to go shopping for a new mattress. "Lower back pain is so prevalent in our society, but drug-free relief is an option for many people," notes Elsemore. "From proper exercise and sleep to relieving pain using innovations like Rapid Relief, a few simple steps can dramatically improve quality of life." Courtesy of BPT

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A Beautiful Opportunity in this Move-In Condition Home! Nov 2013: new granite in kitchen, and tile in master bath, and laminate in workshop installed. This quality built home features an open-concept floor plan with lots of natural light, decorative archways, wet-bar in basement. Basement plumbed for 2nd kitchen. No pets, no tobacco in house since it was built. Call to show/access code.

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Designed with Distinction in this energy-efficient home featuring granite counters, technology-ready wiring, stained concrete floors, SS appliances, plantations shutters, roll-in shower, walk-out bsmt, new 16 SEER 2-stage AC, RV parking w/RV dump, 78 cu. yd. of concrete flatwork. Adjacent to open space. Call to show/access code.

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Picture Perfect in Woods Cross! This Mint Condition Home features granite counters, staggered cabinets and SS appliances in the kitchen, surround sound (AV pkg throughout), two- tone paint, plantation shutters, master retreat w/ dual sinks, large shower + spacious walk-in closet, laundry on main level,reverse osmosis system, exterior under-eave lighting. In the boundary zone for Brand New elementary school starting next year. Call to show/access code.

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Accent on the Details in this over-5400-sq-ft home! Features spacious open-living floor plan, gleaming hardwood floors, impressive woodwork, 2 stone fireplaces, 2 kitchens, 2 laundry rooms, 2 water heaters, bonus room above garage, mud room and so much more! Call to show / access code.

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Move-In Condition and Affordable! Home features large windows for lots of natural light, solid-surface counters in kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Call to show / access code.

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Blow-Out Price! Dont Wait - Last Chance for New Home in Kaysville under $250k! Custom home built by one of Utahs premiere home builders since 1982. Home features granite counters, 3-tone paint, master suite w/separate shower + soaker tub, dual sinks, every bedroom has a walk-in closet, central air + 90% efficiency furnace. Call to show/access code.

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The Answer To Your House Hunting Problems! This mint-condition home features gas fireplace in family room, dual sinks in master bath with separate shower and soaking tub, decorative archway, laundry on main level. Move-Right-In! Call to show/access code.