The last time we saw a February 29 was in 2008 and before that is was 2004. A leap year usually occurs every 4 years, but why?
It has to do with the difference between a solar year and the annual calendar, which were meant to match up. However, the solar year is a bit longer . . . 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to be exact. That little bit add up each year, and over the course of a century, the difference between the solar year and the calendar year would be 25 days.
It was the Egyptians who were the first to come up with the idea of adding a leap day once every four years and then the Romans followed suit, resulting in Julius Caesar to introduce leap year by adding one day to the last month of the calendar year (February). In 1582, to confuse things a bit more, a slight adjustment was made which omitted leap year three times every 400 years. So if a century year is evenly divisible by 400 it is not a leap year.
This still doesn't stop life from happening on February 29, however, much to the frustration of a few software and Internet giants who didn't account for leap days when developing their product. Microsoft's Excel and Google's Blogger still have some glitches as a result of leap years.
Some people see it as a gift, where people are given one day extra to celebrate life. Some leapers, or people who have birthdays on the 29th, might see it as an opportunity to be able to pick their birthday each year: February 28 or March 1? Others may see it as the time to make or revisit their bucket list.
We are seeing it as an opportunity to pay special tribute to the just under 5 million "leapers" in the world. Having a birthday every four to eight years may keep you young enough but wouldn't be a lot of fun, so we wish all of you a big Happy Birthday. Live it large.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/leap-year-2012-what-will-_n_1293857.html
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/leapyear2.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/6494541/The-trouble-with-leap-year-birthdays
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Door-to-Door Scammers and Unethical Businesses
We've written about this topic before and think it is important to revisit it again. Unfortunately, in all industries there are people who engage in unethical business practices. How do consumers know who to trust?
The video below shows a couple in the Missouri area who were unsure of this particular alarm company's sales pitch but who were still talked into signing a contract, leaving them without security system for several days.
If you are approached by another alarm company who is wanting to "upgrade" your system, provide you with a "cheaper" monitoring service, or who says they've merged with your existing alarm provider, call your existing alarm provider first before you make any decisions. Most reputable companies who have purchased or merged with other businesses will send clients letters explaining the acquisition.
In all industries, ask for references and go online to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or contact them directly at 816-421-7800 (Kansas City's BBB) to check the company's ratings. Also, look for any unresolved complaints. The BBB will drop a business's rating if there are complaints that have not been resolved in an appropriate fashion (if a company does not respond to a complaint or shows no effort to work with the client.)
Protect yourself with knowledge and don't be embarrassed to ask questions. If you are confused by what a fast talking "salesperson" is telling you, ask them to leave or walk away. You can always call them back later if you have conducted thorough research and are satisfied that they are trustworthy.
The video below shows a couple in the Missouri area who were unsure of this particular alarm company's sales pitch but who were still talked into signing a contract, leaving them without security system for several days.
If you are approached by another alarm company who is wanting to "upgrade" your system, provide you with a "cheaper" monitoring service, or who says they've merged with your existing alarm provider, call your existing alarm provider first before you make any decisions. Most reputable companies who have purchased or merged with other businesses will send clients letters explaining the acquisition.
In all industries, ask for references and go online to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or contact them directly at 816-421-7800 (Kansas City's BBB) to check the company's ratings. Also, look for any unresolved complaints. The BBB will drop a business's rating if there are complaints that have not been resolved in an appropriate fashion (if a company does not respond to a complaint or shows no effort to work with the client.)
Protect yourself with knowledge and don't be embarrassed to ask questions. If you are confused by what a fast talking "salesperson" is telling you, ask them to leave or walk away. You can always call them back later if you have conducted thorough research and are satisfied that they are trustworthy.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Atronic Alarms Case Study: Construction Company Seeks Solution to False Alarms
What do you do when your company has a problem with false alarms? You re-evaluate your security system. That
is what JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City's very own national
construction company, did when they began experiencing multiple false
alarms with their preexisting beam intrusion system. False alarms were
occurring due to a combination of prairie grass or trash blowing through
the infrared beams, animals moving through the yard or the employees
setting items in a beam’s path.
Something different had to be done. So Atronic Alarms' design consultants Wes Cowsert and Rick Zink buckled in to come up with an ultimate solution. They wanted to build a sophisticated system that would center around motion activity with video verification and yet integrate into entry access so employees could easily arm and disarm.
Utilizing Honeywell outdoor wireless motion sensors, Panasonic PTZ cameras, a Panasonic NVR, the Honeywell Security and Fire control panel, the Bosch Easy Access Controller and Honeywell's Total Connect system, Wes and Rick custom design an integrated system that created a "cause and effect" that as a device was tripped, a live video feed would stream to the monitoring station. Monitoring personnel would determine if an intruder had entered the perimeter and whether proper authorities should be called.
With the Honeywell’s Total Connect service, authorized personnel can also access the system through any web-enable device, like a smart phone or iPad, and arm or disarm the system, open the gate or view a history of activity. Employees could also view cameras through the phone app, IP Cam View, as well as through a web browser on a desktop.
When finalized, both JE Dunn Logistic’s facilities were properly equipped to allow employees to check in on the status of the location 24 hours a day and provide video monitoring verification which eliminated their false alarms.
Something different had to be done. So Atronic Alarms' design consultants Wes Cowsert and Rick Zink buckled in to come up with an ultimate solution. They wanted to build a sophisticated system that would center around motion activity with video verification and yet integrate into entry access so employees could easily arm and disarm.
 |
| Most
companies with large lots need surveillance to help keep out intruders. Video monitoring and remote verification provides the economical solution to prevent loss and eliminate false alarms. |
Utilizing Honeywell outdoor wireless motion sensors, Panasonic PTZ cameras, a Panasonic NVR, the Honeywell Security and Fire control panel, the Bosch Easy Access Controller and Honeywell's Total Connect system, Wes and Rick custom design an integrated system that created a "cause and effect" that as a device was tripped, a live video feed would stream to the monitoring station. Monitoring personnel would determine if an intruder had entered the perimeter and whether proper authorities should be called.
With the Honeywell’s Total Connect service, authorized personnel can also access the system through any web-enable device, like a smart phone or iPad, and arm or disarm the system, open the gate or view a history of activity. Employees could also view cameras through the phone app, IP Cam View, as well as through a web browser on a desktop.
When finalized, both JE Dunn Logistic’s facilities were properly equipped to allow employees to check in on the status of the location 24 hours a day and provide video monitoring verification which eliminated their false alarms.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Access Control Systems for Your Business
Monitoring and restricting entry into certain areas of your building helps you manage your business more safely and efficiently. Access control is usually known as "keyless" entry because you provide keyfobs or cards to people, not keys. To enter / exit an area, the access control reader "reads" your keyfob or card and the door unlocks. You can also use it to open and close warehouse gates.
Access control systems are usually the second layer of security and are perfect for:
• Retail Shopping Centers
• Schools and Campuses
• Hospitals
• Daycare Facilities
• Warehouse/Manufacturing Plants
• Restaurants
• Businesses
It is also perfect for restricted access into certain areas of the building, like file rooms, IT rooms or other areas of sensitivity.
Keyfobs or cards can be managed electronically through a web-based program allowing you remote access at any time. Adding or removing people to the system is far less expensive then re-keying a door if one of your employees loses a key. (It is also easier than fumbling around for keys or remembering different security codes.)
At the end of the day you can get a list of people who entered and exited different areas of the building and the time of day it was recorded. You can also receive these notifications on your web-enabled smart phone.
Atronic Alarms has many different solutions for access control depending upon the application. Contact the office for more information at 913.362.0000.
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| Alysia LaRock, marketing and sales assistant for Atronic Alarms, Inc.,
presents her card to the reader to unlock the back door to the office. Photo by Rick Zink, commercial security consultant. |
• Retail Shopping Centers
• Schools and Campuses
• Hospitals
• Daycare Facilities
• Warehouse/Manufacturing Plants
• Restaurants
• Businesses
It is also perfect for restricted access into certain areas of the building, like file rooms, IT rooms or other areas of sensitivity.
Keyfobs or cards can be managed electronically through a web-based program allowing you remote access at any time. Adding or removing people to the system is far less expensive then re-keying a door if one of your employees loses a key. (It is also easier than fumbling around for keys or remembering different security codes.)
At the end of the day you can get a list of people who entered and exited different areas of the building and the time of day it was recorded. You can also receive these notifications on your web-enabled smart phone.
Atronic Alarms has many different solutions for access control depending upon the application. Contact the office for more information at 913.362.0000.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Our Favorite Mobile Phone Apps
How many apps do you have downloaded on your iPhone, iPad, Droid or other Internet enabled smart phones? Which ones are your favorite? With thousands of Apps to choose from it might be a daunting task to start, so that is why we came up with a list of Apps we like here at the office.
Curtis Mayes, Installation Manager at Atronic Alarms, says his most valuable apps on his phone include Snaplink for his alarm system, Nviewer for his cameras, his Email app, and Facebook. He also uses IP Cam Viewer to check his staff in the office when he is not there. His fun app? Drag Racing.
Rick Zink, Commercial Design Consultant, has over 582 apps on his iPhone, and says that he couldn't live without Dropbox, a cloud-based app that allows him to access documents from multiple computers; Geomeasure, which gives him the ability to measure a building in seconds; iReconcile, a checkbook, accounting app and Redlazor, a barcode app. Then there is of course Google, which is pretty standard on most phones. (His fun app? Too many to list!)
Alysia LaRock, Marketing and Sales Support, said that she likes Facebook, PinInterest and Redbox, and also uses her Email App, Alarmnet and Total Connect for her home's security.
Jason Rothrove, Design Consultant, says that his "must have" app is Email. He also likes Craigslist.
Other popular Apps for Atronic employees include IC Realtime, which allows you to access and control IC cameras from your iPad or iPhone, and the H@me app for the HAI Home Automation System. There is also Weatherbug, Google Sky, Pandora Radio, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Curtis Mayes, Installation Manager at Atronic Alarms, says his most valuable apps on his phone include Snaplink for his alarm system, Nviewer for his cameras, his Email app, and Facebook. He also uses IP Cam Viewer to check his staff in the office when he is not there. His fun app? Drag Racing.
Rick Zink, Commercial Design Consultant, has over 582 apps on his iPhone, and says that he couldn't live without Dropbox, a cloud-based app that allows him to access documents from multiple computers; Geomeasure, which gives him the ability to measure a building in seconds; iReconcile, a checkbook, accounting app and Redlazor, a barcode app. Then there is of course Google, which is pretty standard on most phones. (His fun app? Too many to list!)
Alysia LaRock, Marketing and Sales Support, said that she likes Facebook, PinInterest and Redbox, and also uses her Email App, Alarmnet and Total Connect for her home's security.
Jason Rothrove, Design Consultant, says that his "must have" app is Email. He also likes Craigslist.
Other popular Apps for Atronic employees include IC Realtime, which allows you to access and control IC cameras from your iPad or iPhone, and the H@me app for the HAI Home Automation System. There is also Weatherbug, Google Sky, Pandora Radio, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Five Reasons to Invest in a Monitored Security and Fire System
PERSONAL SAFETY
If someone breaks into your home, alarms will sound to scare off the intruder as the monitoring station is contacted. After an initial call is placed to the location, the police are dispatched.
PEACE-OF-MIND
If your kids are coming home to an empty house, how nice would it be to know the proper authorities would be contacted if something happens? Additionally, many systems now have the option to view your home over a secure Internet connect with IP cameras so you can check in on your kids at any time.
PET SAFETY
A monitored fire system provides 24-hour protection even when the system is disarmed. The fire department is dispatched immediately if a signal is sent, which helps protect your pets and your home’s assets while you are away. A fire can get out of control in minutes, and immediate notification of the proper authorities may make all the difference between rescue and drastic loss.
It is obviously a benefit to the insurance companies if a home is protected from fire and theft. Most providers offer discounts off your homeowner’s insurance for monitored security and fire protection.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFE SAFETY
Did you know that many systems have the ability to alert you to environmental changes in your home when you are not there? For example, if water is detected in your basement, if the temperature in your house is too low or if carbon monoxide is present.
If someone breaks into your home, alarms will sound to scare off the intruder as the monitoring station is contacted. After an initial call is placed to the location, the police are dispatched.
PEACE-OF-MIND
If your kids are coming home to an empty house, how nice would it be to know the proper authorities would be contacted if something happens? Additionally, many systems now have the option to view your home over a secure Internet connect with IP cameras so you can check in on your kids at any time.
PET SAFETY
A monitored fire system provides 24-hour protection even when the system is disarmed. The fire department is dispatched immediately if a signal is sent, which helps protect your pets and your home’s assets while you are away. A fire can get out of control in minutes, and immediate notification of the proper authorities may make all the difference between rescue and drastic loss.
“Ninety percent of your life and your survival come down to the small choices you make . . . Did you check the air pressure in your tires? Did you replace the batteries in your smoke detector?”INSURANCE DISCOUNTS
Author Ben Sherwood’s recounting of Sam Dunn’s experience in The Survivors Club
It is obviously a benefit to the insurance companies if a home is protected from fire and theft. Most providers offer discounts off your homeowner’s insurance for monitored security and fire protection.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFE SAFETY
Did you know that many systems have the ability to alert you to environmental changes in your home when you are not there? For example, if water is detected in your basement, if the temperature in your house is too low or if carbon monoxide is present.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Client Fights Vandalism with Video Analytics
Gardner Energy, an electric utility company serving the 18,000 plus residents of Gardner, Kansas, runs three energy substations within five miles of each other to power the entire community. After an episode where vandals entered the premises after hours and damaged the control boxes, Darrin McNew, electric operations supervisor, met with Wes Cowsert of Atronic Alarms.
As a six year design consultant for Atronic, Wes knew immediately that IP video analytics would be the perfect solution to their problem.
As a six year design consultant for Atronic, Wes knew immediately that IP video analytics would be the perfect solution to their problem.
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| Atronic Alarms' van at jobsite. |
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| Installation of cameras on existing pole structures. |
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| Actual video footage of the site, with the blue and red boxes identifying between objects and people. |
Video analytics are “smart” cameras that have the technology to distinguish between people, animals and vehicles which helps eliminate false alarms. About a third of the cost of a full-time guard service, video analytics provides 24-hour protection without hiring extra personnel or investing in recording equipment.
Atronic Alarms installed two wireless video analytic IP cameras at each substation which monitors all activity. Police are dispatched after verification that an intruder or vehicle may be trespassing.
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