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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Do you find yourself fighting for outlet space as your familys collection of electrical gadgets grows? If youre tired of juggling three or four different chargers on a two-socket outlet, theres a new and simple solution.

Angies List has some tips for making the switch to USB outlets.

If your home seems to be running out of outlet space, maybe its time to give your outlets a reboot.

USB outlets are a new trend and they have been available for about a year now. Electricians expect that they will continue to become more popular, Angie Hicks from Angies List said.

By adding one or two USB ports right alongside the standard plugs in your electrical outlet, you can plug your devices straight into the wall and eliminate the need for bulky USB adapters that typically hog valuable outlet space.

As peoples countertops get [busier], their islands in their house get [busier], its a convenient spot. Beside your bed because you got two outlets there. One of them is usually a switch plug, which is half hot, so you need a place to plug in your USB or your phone to charge it while your alarm clock and all thats still working, general contractor Greg Wells said.

While this may seem like a swap you could do yourself, Wells has a word of warning for homeowners.

There are a lot of do-it-yourselfers out there these days that normally end up calling us to come fix it. But, I always say stick with what you know and call somebody that knows what they know, so you dont lose your phone, wire it up wrong, lose your phone, your laptop, what have you, Wells said.

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Angies List: Making The Switch To USB Outlets

By Jamie McKinnell And Gabrielle Dunlevy October 8, 2014, 5:00 pm

A chef may have spent up to two days attempting to dispose of his wife's dismembered body after a domestic violence incident that reached gruesome depths.

The remains of 27-year-old Indonesian woman Mayang Prasetyo were found boiling on a stovetop at an upmarket Teneriffe apartment building by police on Saturday night.

Ms Mayang, a young transgender woman who worked as a high-class escort to support her family in Indonesia, was allegedly slain at the hands of her husband Marcus Volke.

It has taken authorities four days to clean and gather evidence from the macabre crime scene Volke left behind.

The 27-year-old fled the building after officers arrived and hid in a nearby industrial bin where he took his own life.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tom Armitt confirmed there was no third party involved and police had recovered a murder weapon.

"It was found with Mr Volke," he told reporters on Wednesday.

Ms Mayang's time of death has also been narrowed down.

"Indications are that (she died) more than likely late Thursday evening or early Friday, however that has to be presented to the coroner," Det Sen Sgt Armitt said.

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Police uncover killer cook's murder weapon

Here are a fewtips from Steve Campolo, Levitons vice president of Codes, Standards & Compliance, on preventing electrical fires in your home. Don't make these mistakes:

1. You are using extension cords incorrectly. Each year, 3,330 residential fires originate near extension cords according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI), often because homeowners are using them incorrectly. Extension cords should only be used temporarily, and should never run along furniture or under rugs. Also, the third prong of the plug should never be removed just to fit an outlet. 2. You are using damaged receptacles. If your outlet wont hold a plug tightly, if part of your outlet is cracked or if your outlet is discolored, your receptacle is damaged and its best to change it as soon as possible in hopes of preventing one of the 5,300 fires that originate near electrical receptacles each year, according to the EFSI. 3. You are not using AFCI receptacles. More than 50 percent of the electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented with the installation of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs), according to the EFSI. AFCIs immediately shut off power when a fire hazard or arc fault is recognized. Try installing an AFCI receptacle such as Levitons SmartlockPro Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) AFCI receptacle in place of a traditional outlet to provide additional electrical safety. 4. You are overlamping your light fixtures. As a general rule of thumb, most light fixtures can accommodate up to 60W bulbs. Using any bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture is able to accommodate is called overlamping and should be avoided. Always be sure to check the warning label on the fixture or lamp for maximum wattage. Remember: You need to educate yourself before doing your own electrical wiring. Before doing any electrical wiring projects, it is recommended that you refer to credible resources located online, (such as those available at leviton.com or youtube.com/levitonmfg), for homeowners who are interested in doing their own electrical wiring. These resources outline electrical safety practices recognized by industry professionals and should be followed carefully while completing any electrical wiring projects to avoid serious fire hazards in the home. Be sure to check for any permits and inspections that may be required by your local building department. If you are unsure about any aspect of an electrical project, consult a licensed electrician.

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Tips: How To Prevent An Electrical Fire

The following are profiles of top executives of the highest-ranking companies on the following lists: Commercial General Contractors, published on March 17; Commercial Landscape Contractors, Sept. 8; Electrical Contractors, Feb. 10; HVAC Contractors, Sept. 8; licensed contractors on the Solar Companies list, June 16.

President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Ghilotti, 67, co-founded the general engineering contracting company in 1992. The company, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, has established offices in Marin and Napa counties and the East Bay and acquired North Bay Construction in 2010.

Revenues increased 25 percent companywide and nearly 44 percent for North Bay projects last year. The largest projects last year were $20 million in site work for the new Sutter Health medical center set to open this month north of Santa Rosa, $8.5 million at the Deer Creek Village shopping center project in Petaluma, and $7.8 million for SMARTs maintenance facility and pathways in various cities in Sonoma and Marin counties.

A large project this year is $53 million on Interstate 580 in Livermore.

Widening of Highway 12 through Jameson Canyon between Napa and Solano counties, a project the company was involved with, was recognized in the October issue of Roads & Bridges trade magazine as one of the top projects nationwide, according to readers.

Mike Ghilotti, 52, became president in 2000 of the general engineering contracting company his grandfather James Ghilotti started in 1914.

Revenue last year increased 5.9 percent for North Bay projects and 9.4 percent companywide.

Major projects last year were $20 million for widening Highway 12 through Jameson Canyon, $5 million for the first phase of the SMART rail line between Sonoma and Marin counties and $5 million in road improvements leading to the Graton Casino & Resort, finished in November in Rohnert Park.

A big project this year is $72 million for widening the Petaluma River Bridge on Highway 101 in Petaluma.

Roger Nelson, 68, has been owner and president of 78-year-old Midstate for 36 years.

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Top North Bay contractors of 2014

Crystal Palace trainee Ben Hayes killed trainee electrician George Verrier Mr Verrier, 17, had been trying to stop a street brawl after a birthday party Walked away from the attack, and police told him to 'get a bus' to hospital Was foundunconsciousat a friend's house the next day, and later died Mother called him, a 'healthy, funny and intelligent young man' Judge says punishment does not equate to loss felt by Mr Verrier's family Party was for 16th birthday of a Brit School dancer at her Bromley home

By Alex Finnis for MailOnline

Published: 13:52 EST, 6 October 2014 | Updated: 15:17 EST, 6 October 2014

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Footballer Ben Hayes, 18, has been jailed for four and a half years for killing a teenage peacemaker with a single punch in a post-party brawl

A Crystal Palace trainee who killed a peacemaker with a single punch when a drug-fuelled 16th birthday party ended in violence was jailed for four and a half years today.

Footballer Ben Hayes, 18, swung at trainee electrician George Verrier when he tried to stop a street brawl at the end of dancer Madison Morans celebrations.

Mr Verrier, 17, was able to walk away from the attack, but was found unconscious at a friend's house the following morning with severe bleeding on his brain, and died just hours later.

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Ben Hayes who killed teenage peacemaker with a single punch is jailed for just four-and-a-half years

Governor-General Peter Cosgrove meets, rear from left, Paris Morris 12, Catherine Morris, Eleana Campbell, 1, front from left, William Campbell, 5, and Amity Morris, 7, during the Government House open day. Lady Lynne Cosgrove can be seen in the background in black. Photo: Jeffrey Chan

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove was surrounded with tight security as he greeted visitors to Yarralumla on Sunday.

A queue formed to meet Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove during the annual charity open day at Government House.

More than 3000 visitors enjoyed brilliant spring weather and free entry to the extensive grounds of the property.

However, bags were searched at the gates and media photographers were asked to demonstrate their cameras were genuine.

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A circle of at least six security personnel kept watch on the crowd mingling with the vice-regal couple, while another half dozen were in the grounds close by, along with uniformed police.

Sir Peter led the International Force for East Timor in 1999 and was Chief of the Defence Force during the Iraq war.

He invited visitors inside to see the public areas of the residence, with its heritage furniture and fine art on loan, and spoke about the 400-year tree in the grounds and the lack of flies, compared with his early days at Duntroon.

"Government House Canberra might be the main residence of the Governor-General but it belongs to the Australian people and this is a unique opportunity to see one of the most historic and prominent houses in the country," he said.

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Governor-General Peter Cosgrove greets visitors at Government House open day

Fall is a time for home improvement and fix-up projects, but many people put off jobs becausethey can't find a good contractor or have hada bad experience in the past.

According to Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List,52 percent ofhomeowners have had problems with a contractor. More than a third of them fired or wish they had fired their contractor before their project was finished, according to a Harris Poll commissioned by Angie's List.

But, there are ways to minimize theangst. Here are 13steps to consider before taking on a project.

1. Clearly define your project: Before you begin talking with contractors, read remodeling magazines and search the Internet for information on designs and materials. Even rough ideas on paper give a potential contractor a better sense of what you hope to accomplish and what is required to make it happen.

2. Management issues: Large projects, especially those that may involve more than three different specialists (i.e. plumber, electrician, carpenter, mason) may go better if you have a general contractor to manage all the various tasks and timelines.

3. Structural issues: Projects that eliminate walls, add rooms or otherwise impact the structural integrity of your home, should involve an architect or a structural engineer.

4. Ask around: Ask neighbors, friends and Angies List about good, local contractors, but dont hire based on only one conversation.

5. Check references: Get names of previous customers and find out if they were pleased with the work and the timeline of the project, and if theyd hire the contractor again. Get the names of subcontractors and ask if they work with the contractor often and does he pay on time. If your prospective contractor balks at providing references, find another one. Check with trade associations to learn how your contractor stacks up among his or her peers.

6. Get estimates: Get at least three written estimates. Documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.

7. Where can I reach you? Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service. Never hire someone who comes unsolicited to your door and cant provide you proof of qualifications especially if he or she pressures you to hire fast and pay cash up front.

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13 steps toward a great remodel

UAAP Season 75 MEN'S VOLLEYBALL FINALS 3- NU vs FEU -

Game 3 of the Best of Three Finals game of the UAAP Season 75 Men's Volleyball between the host team the National University Bulldogs and Far Eastern Univers...

Game 3 of the Best of Three Finals game of the UAAP Season 75 Men's Volleyball between the host team the National University Bulldogs and Far Eastern Univers...

UST vs FEU UAAP 73 Men's Volleyball Finals (Game 2 Set 3) February 26, 2011 The Arena, San Juan.

Big time players make big time shots! Mac Belo brings the FEU Tamaraws back in the UAAP finals with his game-winning three pointer vs the DLSU Green Archers. Belo draws a total of 23 points and 8 rebs during their 2nd outing in the Final Four against the Archers. Subscribe to the ABS-CBN Sports And Action channel! - http://bit.ly/ABSCBNSports Visit our website at http://uaapsports.tv/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/uaapsportstv Tumbler: http://uaapsportstv.tumblr.com/ UAAP 77 Men's Basketball: Far Eastern University vs. De La Salle University - Oct. 1, 2014

UAAP 76 Men's Volleyball Highlights: NU vs FEU - January 16, 2014 Watch the game highlights between the Bulldogs and Tamaraws. Subscribe to the ABS-CBN Sports + Action channel! - http://goo.gl/J3vddM Visit our website at http://uaapsports.tv/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/uaapsportstv Tumbler: http://uaapsportstv.tumblr.com/

NU Bullpups beat FEU Baby Tamaraws, 72- 63, in Game 3. NU wins first jrs. title in history. (Sorry kung malikot ang camera)

Simply Amazing to see JERON TENG doing his 3 point shots =)

uaap season 70 women's volleyball finals game 3 set 5 feu is the champion!!!

UAAP 76 Men's Basketball: FEU vs NU - July 17, 2013 The NU Bulldogs lost against the FEU Tamaraws by 4 points! Watch the full game coverage of the Men's Bask...

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UAAP cage finals: FEU takes Game 1

align="right"> COVINGTON Ralph Hoffman Ralph William Bill Hoffman passed away in his Covington home, September 30, 2014, at the age of 90. Mr. Hoffman was a member and former deacon of the First Baptist Church, in Covington, where he also served as past chairman of the Board, Sunday School teacher and superintendent of the Intermediate Department. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. In addition to his service to his country, he supported his local community in various roles including: board member at Newton General Hospital for ten years, chairman of the Newton-Rockdale District Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America, senior vice commander of the American Legion Post 32, past president of the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Rotary Club before being elected president in February 1962. Mr. Hoffman was a founding member of the First National Bank of Newton County where he served 15 years as president. Additionally, he was a member of the Covington Elks Lodge # 1806. He and his wife, Betty, operated the local radio station WGFS for 25 years. Mr. Hoffman was a certified master electrician for both commercial and residential building. He enjoyed going to Waffle House, cutting his grass and traveling - especially his annual snow skiing trips with his family. Mr. Hoffman was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the entire community. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean (Vaughan) Hoffman; and his parents, Ralph William and Emily (Guild) Hoffman, Sr. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Steve Temples of Covington; son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Kendall Hoffman of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Heather and Chris Day of Monroe, Krista and Matt Holbrook of Monticello, Jake Hoffman, Cade Hoffman, both of Auburn, AL; great-grandchildren, Harli Hipps, Mason Day; brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Ann Hoffman of Decatur, AL; sister-in-law, Marie Hoffman of Melbourne, FL; his longtime friend and companion, Ann Hodges; as well as several nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service for Mr. Hoffman will be held Thursday, October 2, 2014, 11:00 AM, at Lawnwood Memorial Park, 1111 Access Road, in Covington, with Rev. Jack Wilson officiating. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605; or the Debt Retirement Fund @ First Baptist Church, 1139 Usher Street NE, Covington, GA 30014. http://www.caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolences 770-786-7062

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Ralph Hoffman

Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2014 5:57 am | Updated: 11:45 pm, Tue Sep 30, 2014.

Car crash damages Poland's famous Solidarity wall Associated Press |

WARSAW, Poland (AP) Polish police say a car crash has knocked down a historic wall that unemployed electrician Lech Walesa jumped over in 1980 to lead a Gdansk shipyard strike that grew into the country's massive Solidarity freedom movement.

Part of the Gdansk Shipyard wall was placed in downtown Gdansk as a symbol of the drive for freedom in the 1980s that eventually toppled communism in Central and Eastern Europe.

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Car crash damages Poland's famous Solidarity wall