AUDM, a new app for smart phones,a text-to-audio helper

https://lifehacker.com/audm-lets-you-listen-to-long-form-journalism-instead-of-1834727297

Audm , a new app for smart phones (they are working on a similar version for normal PC’s) is a new service.  I read, or try to, a good bit of long form articles in publications like New Yorker as they are more detailed and relevant that “what happened yesterday” sort of news stories.  They explain the background of businesses, or the arts and why they are interesting or relevant to today’s world.  Or, which are just fun to read.

I was pleased to see that NewYorker magazine and others are partnered with this start up to have professional readers read these articles in audio book format, so I can listen to them rather than read them.  That’s perfect for short trips in the car, where I like to have good content such as an audio book, or professional lecture.

It is $7 a month, or $5 a month if you pay a year in advance.  I might give it a try, just one article a month would probably be worth it for me.   

Fire Extinguisher Suggestion Worth a Look $11 Each

https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-Extinguisher-Tundra-Fire-Extinguishing-Aerosol/dp/B002U0KGDY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=first%2Balert%2Btundra&qid=1574531352&sr=8-2&th=1

Tundra is a less complicated solution to fire extinguishers, and less costly.  It can not be refilled, but has a nice shelf life, and then you just buy new ones.  Home Depot and many fire departments will take unused, out of date Tundra units and recycle them.  At about $11 each these are cheap solutions to a problem almost everyone has --   the more expensive extinguishers have a short shelf life (I am told) and very few people bother to have them "serviced" after the date.  And many homes are without any fire extinguishers -- that's for sure.

With 700 plus reviews, mostly 5 star, I think this is a main stream product worth consideration.  Shipping is free with $25 or more purchase on Amazon. But they are also in Wal-Mart for about $12.

Chamberlain Garage Door opener APP for smart phone

I heard about this from a very happy customer I just met in a restaurant the other night.  He said he uses this new app and device all the time.  He can open or close his garage door with his smart phone even if he is at work or in another town.  And he knows whether or not the door is up or down by just looking at his phone.  Amazon must have some deal so they can open the garage door and put your purchases inside out of the weather and safe from theft, even if you are out of town.  A great idea. 

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Garage-Opener-Chamberlain-MYQ-G0301/dp/B075H7Z5L8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=chamberlain+garage+door+app&qid=1562808196&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I think it might be available at Home Depot and Lowes as well as Amazon and perhaps family owned hardware stores.

Based on my friend’s rave reviews, I would suggest you take a look at it if you have an electric garage door.  He said he often can’t remember if he closed the garage door when he left for work or not, this helps him know for sure.  And he can let his maid in through the door without giving her a garage door key or code.  She just calls when she arrives and he can open the garage door for her, and make sure it is closed when she leaves. He has two garage doors, and one of these on each, I saw the app, you can see both doors up or down on the screen.  Easy to touch either to open it or close it.