Austin, Texas To Receive Google Fiber
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Austin residents may soon have access to Google’s ultra-fast Internet service, Google Fiber. Although it’s a few months behind schedule, the Mountain View company announced earlier this month that it would begin accepting signups in December.
Google Fiber will initially be limited to the southern portion of Austin, but Google plans to expand it throughout the city and surrounding area in the months to follow.
Google first announced plans to bring Google Fiber to Austin back in April 2013, with a follow-up post in 2014 saying it would begin connecting homes during the summer months. It took a little longer than intended, but it appears Google is finally bringing its next-generation Internet service to Austin residents.
“Today, we’re pleased to announce with Mayor Lee Leffingwell that Austin, Texas is becoming a Google Fiber city. It’s a mecca for creativity and entrepreneurialism, with thriving artistic and tech communities, as well as the University of Texas and its new medical research hospital. We’re sure these folks will do amazing things with gigabit access, and we feel very privileged to have been welcomed to their community,” wrote Google in a blog post announcing its plans to bring ultra-fast Internet to Austin.
Internet speeds have bottomed out in the past 5-10 years, with most ISPs offering minimal improvements to their customers. To put the power of Google Fiber into perspective, it’s expected to offer roughly 100 times the average Internet speed in the U.S., or about 1 gigabit of download data per second. Google first introduced its fiber system to Kansas City, Missouri, then Provo, Utah, and the third stop on its journey is Austin.
So, how much can you expect to pay for Google Fiber? Pricing details remain unknown at this point, as a spokesperson for Google declined to comment. Assuming the prices in Austin are similar to those in Kansas City, though, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for a bundle package featuring TV and Internet, or $70 per month for Internet only.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the signup process for Google Fiber will be similar to that of Kansas City. Neighborhoods will create rallies in which residents pay a $10 fee for pre-registration. If enough residents sign up, Google will dispatch a team of technicians to install its ultra-fast Google Fiber cables.
Visit https://fiber.google.com/about2/ to learn more about Google Fiber.
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Published in categories: Austin Texas, Community News
Remember These Must-Have Moving Accessories
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The right accessories can make a world of difference in a do-it-yourself move. While most moving truck companies charge extra for these accessories, it’s a smart investment that will pay off in the form of a faster, more efficient move. So if you’re planning to relocate in the near future, don’t forget the following must-have moving truck accessories.
Hand Truck
Arguably, the single most important moving truck accessory is a hand truck. It allows you to move stacks of boxes and large furniture without bending over. Slide the hand truck underneath the item, lift, and roll it to your destination.
If you intend to use it for heavy and/or awkwardly shaped furnishings, check to make sure it has straps. Securing the load with straps will reduce the risk of it falling over, which is especially important when traversing ramps or stairs.
Note: the average weight load of a hand truck is approximately 600 pounds.
Dolley
Contrary to what some people may believe, a dolley is not a hand truck. Although the two accessories look similar in appearance, dolleys are larger and designed to hold heavier items.
A standard model features four slats that create the carrying area. Some of them also feature rubber ends to protect the item being transported. Dolleys are used primarily for larger, heavier items that a hand truck cannot adequately support.
Note: the average weight load of a dolley is 1,000 pounds.
Moving Blankets
Moving blankets are designed to cover and protect furniture from damage during transit. When you’re loading hardwood furniture into the back of a moving truck, you’ll want some type of padding to protect it from scratches. Covering it with a moving blanket is a quick and easy solution, as it will absorb any direct blows.
You don’t have to necessarily purchase or rent moving blankets from the moving truck company, however. If you have some old comforter sets or quilts laying around your home – and you don’t mind them get dirty – feel free to use them during your move.
Extra Boxes
It’s a good idea to have some extra boxes on hand when you move. Even if 90% of your belongings are boxed and ready to go, you’re likely to come across some stray items. Tossing them into a box will save you time and energy, so you can hit the road and begin unpacking at your new home.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
Choosing The Right Moving Boxes: What You Should Know
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Whether you’re moving across state lines or just to the opposite side of the street, you’ll need plenty of boxes to transport your belongings. Placing your items in boxes will make them easier to carry, and it will protect them from damage.
If this is your first time moving, however, you might be surprised to learn just how many different types of boxes there are available. With so many different sizes and types, how do you know which ones to choose?
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are exactly what they sound like: cardboard boxes designed to hold and support hanging clothes. They are usually tall (stretching over 4 feet) and feature a metal bar at the top on which clothes are hung.
Wardrobe boxes are great for transporting jackets, dress shirts and other formal garments, but their high cost may turn some people away. A new wardrobe box usually costs upwards of $20; therefore, it’s best to selectively choose the garments for which you use it.
Of course, you don’t have to move all of your clothes in wardrobe boxes. Standard medium-sized boxes are perfectly fine, as long as you don’t mind folding your garments.
Kitchen Boxes
Dinnerware and cutlery is quiet heavy, which is why it’s important to transport it in a strong and durable box. Placing your plates, bowls and other dishes in a standard box could turn in a disaster, as the bottom could give out during transit.
Manufactured with thick corrugated cardboard, kitchen boxes (also known as dish boxes) are designed specifically for this reason. The extra cardboard material improves the box’s strength, allowing it to support the weight of dishes, utensils and other kitchen accessories.
All-Purpose Medium-Sized Boxes
These are the bread-and-butter of moving boxes. All-purpose moving boxes are available in a wide range of sizes, the most common of which his 3.1 cubic feet.
This is the perfect size for moving medium-sized items like DVDs/Blu-Rays, books, framed photos, candles, decorative accessories and more.
Just wrap up any fragile items with bubblewrap and gently place them inside the box. If there’s any open space, fill it with packing peanuts before taping the box closed.
Large Moving Boxes
Some of the larger moving boxes include sizes of 4.5 cubic feet and 6.1 cubic feet. In addition to offering more space, these boxes are also stronger and able to support more weight. You can fill these boxes with everything from small statues to comforter sets and pillows.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
How To Move With Your Garden
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You’ve invested both money and hard labor into creating a beautiful, thriving garden, but now you’re preparing to relocate to a different area. Sound like a familiar scenario?
It’s difficult for any avid green thumb to let go of his or her garden, but plants aren’t exactly easy to move. Even if you’re able to dig them up, they may die from shock before they are transplanted. With a little bit of work, however, you can safely relocate your garden to a new home.
Create a Temporary Nursery
The first step in moving a garden is to create a temporary nursery at your new home. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, as a basic patch of well-tilled soil in a shaded area will suffice.
Plants are often weak and susceptible to shock when they are transported, which is why it’s important to set up your temporary nursery in a shaded area. If there are no trees around for natural shade, try setting up a canopy.
Preparing Your Plants
To make the relocation process easier on your plants, it’s recommended that you water them daily for 4-6 days leading up to the move. Doing so will give your plants an invaluable boost of energy and nutrients, which will help protect them from shock. You can also use this time to prune away any dead or dying shoots. After all, you don’t want to carry any plant-based diseases into your new garden.
Digging Up Your Plants
Now comes the task of digging up your plants. Dig a circular around each of your plants with a small-to-medium sized shovel. Don’t worry about digging up the entire root, but instead cut through the roots around the drip line. After cutting the roots, wrap them in a burlap sack (sold at most home improvement stores) and spray it with water.
They key thing to remember is that you want to act fast. The longer your plants are out of the ground, the greater the risk of shock. Act diligently to dig up your plants so you can place them on the moving truck and head over to your new home.
Transplanting
When you arrive at your new home, go ahead and place your plants in the temporary nursery. Remove the burlap sack and gently place them into holes of the appropriate size. Use caution to avoid touching the roots, as this may trigger shock. Once the plant is placed inside the hole, cover it up with soil and move on to the plant.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
University of Texas Austin Ranked as One of The Top Universities In The World
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The historic University of Texas Austin was recently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, according to the 2013-2014 Times Higher Education World University rankings. Although it didn’t rank the first, it still achieved a highly respectable 28th place, which is pretty impressive given the fact that there are over 20,000 universities throughout the world. News of this accolade attests to the UT’s outstanding academic excellence.
About The Ranking
The Times Higher Education employs over a dozen signals to determine the rankings for universities. These signals are grouped into the following five categories:
1. Teaching (30%) – the overall learning environment; teacher experience, accreditation, etc.
2. Research (30%) – reputation and notoriety.
3. Citations (30%) – how the university’s research influences world.
4. Industry Income (2.5%) – innovation.
5. International Reach – (7.5%) – staff, students and research.
“I’m proud Times Higher Education has recognized UT as one of the world’s top 29 universities for the fourth consecutive year. It’s a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff. All Texans should take great pride that UT Austin keeps company with the world’s very best universities,” said UT President Bill Powers.
Brief History of UT
Originally founded on September 15, 1883, the University of Texas Austin is currently boasts the fifth largest enrollment in the U.S. In 2012, there were over 50,000 undergraduates and graduate students, along with some 24,000 staff members. It’s often referred to as a “Public Ivy,” meaning it’s a publicly funded university that offers an educational learning experience on par with privately funded Ivy League universities.
The University of Texas Austin places and emphasis on academic research, spending an estimated $640 million in research alone from 2009 to 2010. It houses numerous museums and libraries, some of which include the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and the McDonald Observatory.
But the University of Texas Austin is known for more than just academic excellent. The well-known sports publication Sports Illustrated ranked it as America’s Best Sports College in 2002. Its football team, the Texas Longhorns, play consistently well season after season.
In 2007, they were ranked as the third best team in college football based on win-loss ratios. The University’s baseball team is also known as a leading figure in college sports, making more trips to the World Series than another school (34 total trips).
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Published in categories: Austin Texas, Higher Education in The Austin Area
Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years
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When Austin City Limits (ACL) was first recorded and aired by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 1976, critics were skeptical whether or not people would actually watch it. Back then, Austin wasn’t the music “hub” it’s considered to be today. Producers were taking a big gamble when they decided to record ACL – but the gamble paid off, as ACL has now celebrated over 40 successful seasons and counting.
The first ACL show aired in 1975, featuring legendary country singer-songwriter and actor Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, and the Original Texas Playboys. While the show has seen countless changes since this pilot episode, it remains true to the theme of delivering music television with a live look and feel.
Granted, Austin City Limits isn’t aired live (usually), but it certainly gives the viewer the impression that he or she is watching it in real time. It’s this element that’s helped ACL survive the ups and downs of the music industry over the course of four full decades.
One of the most notable changes throughout the ACL’s history was its relocation from the University of Texas campus to the Moody Theater venue. The campus simply became too small and constricting for the show, and producers were left to scout new locations.
The Moody Theater offered the perfect setting for a large, ever-growing Austin City Limits show, and so began a new chapter in the ACL’s story.
The 40th anniversary ACL special featured a wide variety of musicians, including the popular rock band Foo Fighters who performed a cover of “Two-Headed Dog.” ACL producer Terry Lickona talked about the long-running show in a recent interview, noting that Nick Cave has been hosting it for 30 years.
“Can you believe, after 40 years for ‘Austin City Limits,’ 30 years for Nick Cave, this is the first time they’ve been on the stage in front of our cameras? When the festival started, the show had already kind of hit its stride, but I think we had also reached a plateau,” said Terry Lickona, the program’s producer. “[We] wanted the reputation, the legacy, the credibility that the show brought along with it. In the process, it introduced all of these young people to the brand.”
A celebratory 40-season Austin City Limits DVD/Blu-Ray will be released on December 2, 2014, titled Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years.
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Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Austin Texas, Community News
How To Move Furniture Without Scratching Your Floors and Walls
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There’s an inherit risk of damaging your walls or floors when you move furniture. If you accidentally bump a coffee table against the wall, for instance, it may leave a visible mark behind. Dragging furniture across the floor can also result in damage. Thankfully, you can prevent damage such as this from occurring by following some simple steps.
Disassemble Furniture Before Moving
If possible, try to disassemble your large furniture and furnishings before attempting to move them. By breaking them down into smaller pieces, you’ll be able to move them more easily without risking damage to your walls or floors. In fact, some furniture may not fit through the door frame without first being disassembled.
The key thing to remember is that you want to keep the pieces together so you can easily reassemble them later. Depending on the quantity and size of the pieces, you may be able to place them inside a box. Storing your furniture pieces in a box will keep them neatly organized throughout the move.
Cover Furniture With Blankets
When moving hardwood furniture like dining tables, end tables, dressers, chest of drawers, etc., try tossing a large blanket over them first. This will serve as a barrier of protection between the furniture and any walls or objects that it comes into contact with. Even if you accidentally bump it against a wall, the blanket will absorb the blow so it doesn’t cause any damage.
Carpet Protection Wrap
If you have carpet floors in either your old or new home, you should invest in plastic film protectors. This stuff is basically a sheet of thin plastic that’s designed specifically to protect carpet from stains and damage. You simply roll it across the carpet in areas where you intend to walk for quick and easy protection.
It’s important to note that carpet wrap will become slippery when wet; therefore, you should use caution when walking on it if it’s raining or otherwise wet outside.
Furniture Sliders
Whether you have carpet, laminate, hardwood or any other type of flooring, furniture sliders are a great way to move large pieces of furniture. The sliders are placed on the bottom of the furniture, allowing you to glide the piece across the floor rather than drag or carry it. This not only protects your floor from scratches and damage, but it also makes it easier to arrange your furniture.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
Satellite Launching Company Heading To Austin, Texas
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The California-based satellite launching and rocket technology company Firefly Space Systems is reportedly planning to relocate to Austin, Texas.
According to an article published by the Statesman.com, Firefly recently purchased some 200 acres of land in Burnet County, from which it plans to launch rockets. The rocket company confirmed the purchase shortly after, noting that it’s still searching for an area around Austin to relocate its headquarters.
One possibility that’s floating around is Firefly may set up base in Cedar Park – the northern part of Austin. Firefly’s headquarters is expected to hold 200 plus executives and employees.
Firefly Space Systems sets itself apart from other rocket and satellite launching companies in a few different ways, one of which is its focus on lightweight aerospike engines and self-pressurizing propellant. This combination results in greater payload capacity and lower costs for the client/customer.
Normally, rockets are boosted into orbit using reserves of pressurized inert gas that fill propellant tanks. Firefly’s design, however, uses a combination of pressurized methane and liquid oxygen, which subsequently maintains pressure and eliminates the need for inert gas reserves.
Firefly’s rockets are fully recoverable and reusable, further reducing the cost of a launch. Technical jargon aside, it’s a highly efficient and equally effective method for launching satellites into orbit.
Firefly Chief Executive Officer Thomas Markusic shared his thoughts on the current state of the rocket industry in a news interview, citing that his company’s launch services cost a fraction of what similar launch services used to cost.
“The bottom line here is what used to cost hundreds of millions of dollars is rapidly becoming available in the single digit millions,” said Thomas Markusic. “We are offering small satellite customers the launch they need, for a fraction of what it has cost historically, at around $8 or 9 million – the lowest cost in the world. It’s far cheaper than the alternatives, without the headaches of a multi manifest launch. This new partnership is an important milestone for us as we move forward to our first launch.”
So, when can you expect to see Firefly Space Systems launching rocket-propelled satellites into orbit from its new home in Austin? The company has yet to issue a date of completion, but analysts suggest it will likely occur within the next 1-2 years. The presence of Firefly’s headquarters in Austin will create hundreds of jobs while injecting millions of dollars into the city.
If you’re planning to relocate to Austin with Firefly Space Systems, or any other company for that matter, our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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Published in categories: Austin Texas, Community News
How To Pack and Move a Large Flat-Screen Television
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Flat-screen televisions have taken over the market in the recent years, with current data suggesting that 37 million units are sold each year in the U.S. alone. Whether it’s LCD, LED, plasma or then newer OLED model, the slim design is a welcome change from the large “box” like designs of the past.
But don’t let its thin body fool you into thinking it’s any easier to move. If you’re planning to move – either in the near future or further down the road – you should use caution to ensure your flat-screen television makes it safely to the desired destination without damage.
Don’t Lay Your Flat-Screen Television On Its Side
The golden rule to follow when moving a flat-screen television is to keep it upright at all times. Laying it down on its side will place excessive pressure on the glass panel, which could result in it cracking or breaking.
The thin panel of glass used on flat-screen televisions isn’t designed to support the weight of the actual unit, so make sure it’s upright when you move it. Most manufacturers also advise against tilting a flat-screen television more than 15 degrees.
Pull Out The Original Packaging
The easiest (and safest) way to move a flat-screen television is by placing it back in its original packaging. The exact packaging varies depending on the manufacturer’s preference, but most models are packaged in a foam sleeve that’s fitted over the television, followed by larger foam blocks or anchors, and then everything is stuffed inside the box.
This simple setup offers a high level of protection during transit, minimizing the risk of damage.
What If I Don’t Have The Original Packaging?
If you didn’t keep the original packaging for your television, there are a couple of different options available when preparing it for a move. One option is to wrap it in several layers of thick bubble wrap, place it inside a similar-sized box, and fill the empty space with packing paper to prevent it from moving around. Make sure you tape the box several times so it doesn’t fall through.
Another idea is to transport your flat-screen television to your new home without the use of any boxes or special packing supplies. Rather than placing it in the back of the moving van with the rest of your belongings, perhaps you can personally transport it in your own car or vehicle.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
SXSW 2014 Brings an Estimated $315 Million To Austin
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With its official slogan being “the live music capital of the world,” it’s safe to say Austin is a pioneer in the music scene. A recent report commissioned by Greyhill Advisors found the city’s recent 2014 South By Southwest (SXSW) music festival generated an eye-opening $315 million, nearly a third more than the previous year.
The annual event takes place in the heart of Austin in mid March each year. SXSW originally began in 1987, attracting just a few thousand attendees at the time. With each passing year, however, more and more people began to show up for the event. It’s now viewed as one of the most diverse music festivals in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from the east coast to the west coast.
South By Southwest is owned and operated by SXSW, Inc. In addition to running this world-famous multi-day music festival, the company also hosts various trade shows, festivals, parties and events. SXSWedu, SXSW Eco and SXSW V2V are just a few of the many events which are hosted by SXSW, Inc.
The economic impact of the 2014 SXSW on Austin is unparalleled. In an interview with the Austin Business Journal, director Hugh Forrest compared the music festival to the Super Bowl. Forrest notes that SXSW is comparable to 65% of the economic impact of the Super Bowl being hosted in New Orleans.
So, why was this year’s SXSW music festival such a success? Festivals such as this stimulate the local economy in a countless number of ways. In addition to purchasing the actual ticket, attendees also purchase hotel rooms, cabs/transportation, food, beverages, t-shirts, etc. This additional money gives local businesses a much needed boost, which in turn promotes growth and stability. It’s a snowball effect that begins with the end consumer.
“From entertainment venues that employ local bands to hotels to retail establishments and all the support industry that provides services that visitors require to the many innovative businesses that have relocated or started up here because of exposure Austin gained during SXSW, this event has helped drive the thriving economy in Central Texas,” Michael W. Rollins, Austin Chamber of Commerce president. “The fact is that all Austinites benefit from SXSW as the City of Austin has collected millions of dollars in taxes through the years that can be directly attributable to SXSW.”
The next South By Southwest music festival is scheduled to take place March 13-22, 2015.
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Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Austin Texas, In the News
