Locks and Keys

24/7 Locksmith asked:


We would all like to feel as though our homes are completely safe and impenetrable, but   when you move into a new house, there is no reason to expect that it is completely secure and equipped with modern, up-to-date security solutions.  Many homeowners do not realize that the stock locks that have been installed around their homes may not be enough.  There is a lot that a qualified residential locksmith can do to make it practically impossible for a burglar to compromise your home security.  Unfortunately, too many homeowners don’t think about calling a locksmith until it is too late.

There have been a series of home burglaries in Jacksonville and Baker counties over the last year or so, and when you see these types of trends you need to consider being proactive and taking your home security to another level.  Being wise and taking prudent steps to protect your family and your property is just good common sense, and clearly, burglars target the homes and businesses that are the easiest to enter.  If you have quality security locks installed around your home, the thieves are not going to waste their time with your property.  They will move on to the houses that have old, low-end locks that could have been replaced for a tiny fraction of the cost of a home intrusion.

The Rolling Meadows neighborhood was being targeted recently, and the First Coast News is reporting that the police have arrested a suspect that they believe is guilty of this spate of burglaries and perhaps others in Baker and Jacksonville counties.  Jay Calvert, a 42-year-old Maclenny resident, admitted to police that he committed three burglaries in the Rolling Meadows subdivision.   He is believed to have been involved in the Ace Hardware heist that took place in Glen St. Mary in May, and officials feel as though he may also be connected to a series of construction site burglaries in Jacksonville.

“He was a sheetrock sub-contractor and that’s how he’d go in and see appliances and come back at night and steal the appliances…We found a refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher (at Calvert’s home) — things they were using in their house that were stolen,” said Baker County Sheriff Joey Dobson.

This is interesting to any Jacksonville locksmith, because there are modern keyless entry systems that enable homeowners to allow limited access to people like contractors or domestic employees.  Users can program the access code to allow entry only during certain times of the day and/or particular days of the week.  Plus, when you have a keyless entry system installed, there is no risk of duplicate keys floating around, which could stem back from when the house was actually being built.

Fortunately, Calvert was been apprehended and Rolling Meadows residents can breathe a sigh of relief.  But this series of burglaries underscores the need for enhanced home security.



ORVILLE

Jerry Gayle asked:


Although the road to building a website is not always a clear and easy path, you can forge your way through if you learn how to avoid trouble when picking a web host. Finding the perfect web hosting company to fit your needs does not have to be a difficult task. Follow these simple instructions to get you on the right track.

5 Must Have Features For Web Hosting



1.    Affordable Pricing – compare prices of different vendors and keep in mind the services offered in the plans. Check for any “hidden fees” and pick the one that best fits your budget.



2.    Uptime – make sure the host guarantees a high percentage of uptime service with as little downtime as possible.



3.    Technical Support – beginners and veterans alike usually run into problems at one time or another. Make sure the host you choose has a technical support team that will assist you in times of trouble.



4.    Backups – don’t even consider a hosting site that doesn’t offer backups for your site. This should occur daily so that all of your hard work is not lost.



5.    Flexibility – a good web host will not lock you in but will provide room for your site to grow and change as needed.

These features are all very important when picking a web host. One other thing you should consider before choosing is the site guarantee. Ask questions before signing up and know that if you change your mind that they will provide a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service.

The bottom line is that you need to make a checklist of the things that matter most to you and your website before choosing a hosting site. Having this firsthand knowledge will assist you when discovering how to avoid trouble when picking a web host.



JORGE

Jonathan Heusman asked:


If you are an avid motorcyclist it is likely that you’ll want take your motorcycle with you whenever you travel. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a motorcycle trailer. There are so many different kinds available that it can be hard to make the right choice.

The best way to make a decision is to think about where you’ll go with your motorcycle trailer. Traveling to rougher locations in harsher elements will require a top of the line, tough model. Many bikers need a motorcycle trailer that is durable and safe to protect their most important investment.

Before you can even begin to decide what kind of motorcycle trailer to buy, you have to check and see how much weight your vehicle can hold. Safety always comes first! You don’t want to end up getting a motorcycle trailer that is too large or too small. The information you need in order to choose can be found in your owner’s manual.

Once you’ve determined how much weight your vehicle can tow, you can match that capacity with the motorcycle trailer you are interested in. If you have smaller motorcycle, you can make do with a smaller trailer. Keep in mind that you may want to carry more cargo at some point. Find a happy medium so that you won’t be dissatisfied later on.

Even though you’ve considered the weight and size of the motorcycle trailer, you need to factor in what the weight will be when you put your motorcycle in. You body weight counts as well! You definitely don’t want to overload your vehicle with your motorcycle trailer or you will have a safety issue on your hands.

After you’ve fully considered the size and weight of the motorcycle trailer you’ll want to decide if you need an open or closed model. If the motorcycle you’ll be transporting in your motorcycle trailer cannot get wet, you’ll need a closed version. Another consideration is that you can lock the doors on a closed motorcycle for security reasons.

The doors on a motorcycle trailer will add some weight, but the added security and flexibility is a must for some bikers.

You’ll also need to consider how the motorcycle trailer will ride behind your vehicle. This is one of the reasons it’s necessary to get a high quality motorcycle trailer.

It is important to always make sure you load your bike onto the motorcycle trailer evenly. It can throw you off balance if not. If your vehicle dips and weaves it is possible that the motorcycle trailer is not evenly packed. If this is the case it may mean that you cannot stop quickly in case of an emergency.

If you’re driving down the road with your fully packed motorcycle trailer and you notice that you’re being thrown off balance you’ll want to stop and pull over to redistribute the weight.

There are many things to consider before you buy your motorcycle trailer and put it to good use. Always put safety first and double-check how much weight your vehicle can handle. If you do enough research you’ll find a motorcycle trailer that fits your needs perfectly.



ERROL

Avidbiometrics asked:


If you’re looking for an easy way to enhance your home or offices security and lose that heavy key chain, look no further than a fingerprint door lock.  Fingerprint door locks function similar to traditional key locks and deadbolts, only instead of using a key to unlock the lock, you can open and lock the door with just a press of your fingerprint.

Fingerprint door locks utilize biometric technology by capturing a unique record (through your fingerprint or thumb print) and allow access to anyone whose identity has been recorded as an authorized individual.  Most fingerprint door locks use a spring type latch, have a handle and can be opened with either the fingerprint or a mechanical key. 



How do you Install a Fingerprint Door Lock?

Easier then you think.  Most biometric door locks only require one or two holes to be drilled into the door to mount and secure the lock or deadbolt.  If you’re not up for the task, a local locksmith will usually install a lock for fifty to one hundred dollars depending on the specific door lock you buy.

Once you install a finger print door lock, you might wonder how you lived without one.  No more fumbling through keys in the dark or locking yourself out of the house.  Additionally, biometric door locks are generally more secure than traditional key units.  They’re more resistant to breakins, as people can not simply pick the lock. 

Also, some of the best fingerprint door locks have self locking mechanisms that lock themselves after the door has been closed for a specific amount of time (5, 10, 15 minutes, etc).  This takes the worry out of wondering if you locked the door before you left. 

Although the technology was off to a slow start, biometric door locks are now dependable, durable, and most of all affordable. 

For more information on fingerprint door locks visit AvidBiometrics.com



WILLIAMS

My Relationship Tips asked:


Getting into a relationship is like baking. The recipes are prepared, baking instructions at hand, and the first attempt begins. However, it did not turn out exactly as what is expected out of the whole baking experience so there’s a second attempt. Recipes are carefully selected, steps to baking are learned by heart, and the second trial happens. Still, it is not as good as it can be, but surely better than the first. The third experience is easier but there’s more hesitation. It could be that the feeling of insecurity and disappointment is more prominent than the longing for the cake.

Decisions of the heart are sometimes the most difficult to make. It is nightmare for some and definitely not a bed of roses for the others but still they find ways on how to make things easier to live with. The problem with some is that they judge other people based from their past bitter experiences.

Falling in love, getting hurt then loving again is a cycle as well. People learn from past mistakes and these shortcomings are used as guidelines on how to try to perfect the next relationship. For some, recovering from a break up or marriage separation is easy, but there are some who find it hard to get by and what keeps them from moving on are the memories they carry with them.

Such memories are what others know as emotional baggage. The pieces and small bits of the past linger on. They are like packed winter clothing and personal effects taken into a trip in Hawaii, not needed but the person can’t get away without them.

But what specifically are samples of emotional baggage?

- Old pictures of being together

- Tell tale stories that is played over and over again

- Common friends

- Places that could be a reminder of the person

- Songs that make them cry

- Communication with the other person’s family

- Gifts from the other person

- Self-pity (nobody will love them again, she’s not worth it, falling in love will mean getting hurt again)

These things smash up the remaining confidence and strength of a person who has been hurt from the past relationship. Dreams have been torn apart the world stopped evolving for sometime. The hope of getting back together with the person who caused the pain is normal, but never helpful. It will not lead a love life that is longed for and not successfully attained from the previous relationship. This is the time when it is so good to remind the person that his or her world could have evolved in him or her, but remember he or she is not the whole world. There is so much to experience out there and his/hers is just a part of the most promising things that is yet to come.

Love can mean kissing different frogs along the way. Five to six month is enough to sulk over a break up. Loss of self-esteem is the alarm clock. Once this sounds, there should not be a snooze button, rather, get up and bring one’s-self together back. Start eliminating broken memories by throwing or burning pictures, gifts or anything that is a reminder of the past. Cut all communication with his or her family members in the most civil way. Because if this is continued, there can never be peace of mind. Show friends that everything is all right now. This will keep them from mentioning the past in the most awkward moments. And last but most importantly, get that confidence oozing again.

Use the past as a challenge and a stepping-stone instead of a barrier to a happier next relationship. Learn to laugh again, hey! It’s all part of growing up. Be happy for what happened as this makes a person more mature and perked up. Move on and start making plans for the future again. It may not be a totally different plan, just a new way of reorganizing the ways to keep dreams come true.

Put every emotional baggage out of the closet, out of the bag, and out life. Start picking up the pieces and be ready to meet the frogs again.



RICKEY

Lester McGuiggan asked:


Plenty of consumers find the wide variety of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry available today to be confusing and difficult to navigate given all the choices available to them. We’ll explain what the commonly used categories mean in the following text and will help clear things up for you so you can make a more informed decision about your new kitchen and certainly have a better starting point to work from.

Cabinetry levels are defined on the basis of how willing the manufacturer is to modify their standard catalog offerings. Quality levels along with optional items and finish choices will vary from group to group. Going from lowest cost and quality to highest cost and quality; here’s how the list looks:

1) Stock Cabinetry

2) Semi- Custom Cabinetry

3) Custom Cabinetry

1) Stock Cabinetry

The name stock cabinetry does not refer to cabinetry that is already built and ready to ship but rather to the catalog from which it is available. The catalog is referred to as a stock catalog because nothing is available to be altered or modified in any way. Kitchen plans developed from stock cabinets can be a bit more restrictive and less unique in style but offer the least expensive option for your kitchen plans With stock cabinets the rule regarding the catalog is what you see is what you get and buyers are locked in to standard sizes.

On the plus side the speed with which these products can be manufactured and shipped is greatly increased so lead time issues can be minimized. When large volumes of cabinetry are needed on a regular and predictable schedule stock cabinetry is a good choice. If you are remodeling however you may want to take a look at upgrading and look for better quality with more selection.

2) Semi- Custom Cabinetry

More choices are available to homeowners with semi-custom cabinetry. Availability of size alterations will make kitchen plans come to life especially in odd shaped areas. Plan on having lots of choices for doors and finish selections too. Homeowners respond well to the better quality, greater flexibility and increased number of choices offered in the semi-custom group. Door designs, wood species and finishes and interior accessory options are all taken to the next level and make kitchen plans truly exciting.

3) Custom Cabinetry

You’ll find custom cabinets at the top of the class in terms of quality as well as price. They take much longer to build and the extra time really shows in the finished product. All of the cabinetry in the manufacturers catalog can be modified for the perfect fit in you home. Products in this category will make your kitchen plans one of a kind and the envy of your neighbors. Unique door designs, custom finishes and intricate carvings are all elements that add to the wow of a custom kitchen. By going with custom cabinets you will truly have a one of a kind kitchen limited only by your imagination. It’s worth a look to see if you can move up to the ultimate in style and quality - never be afraid to but the best; you won’t be disappointed.

By further researching the thoughts in this article you will have enough information to get the ball rolling on choosing the absolute best cabinetry for your look and budget. The best advice is to use the internet to gain more knowledge about the categories outlined here and further research the particular products with consumer reviews and ratings then view them in local showrooms. You also want to make certain the company you choose has all of the proper qualifications. Don’t forget to check references and view previous projects.



RICKY

Gail Sammy asked:


Protecting you is one of the main concerns of a dedicated lock smith San Francisco service provider.

 Nowadays, people are uncertain of which home security system is the best when it comes to protecting their family and property. The most important thing is choosing the correct security measures for your needs.

When looking for a lock smith San Francisco service provider, look for a company that has years of experience in home security and security lock systems.

Fortunately the locksmith industry is full of companies that specialize in multiple services such as security systems, alarm system, access control systems, security cameras and a full range of master lock systems and combination lock systems that provide you with proper security not only for your home but for your office and your work place as well.

Keep in mind that you don’t always need fancy security cameras and alarm systems to scare off the bad guys you can just get a good quality high security lock.

To protect against any possible entry, make sure you replace all hallow doors and windows of the house. Professional lock smith San Francisco service providers can advise you on which stronger materials you can use to replace them.

Be very careful with sliding doors and never forget to place a wood or metal latch along the track before leaving the house, This way it cannot be opened by force.

Having a pet dog can be very effective too, as a security system and as well as a threat to burglars.

You can add extra protection to your house by installing metal bars to your doors and window, safes for your valuables and a good quality lock & key system. This will lessen the possibility of any intruders’ gaining access to your home.

Most important of all the advice a lock smith San Francisco service provider will give you on home security is always have documentation and photographs of everything that is important in your home. So in case of an attempt break-in, you can easily show the list of your missing possessions to the police.



AURELIO

Knit Picks asked:


Alpaca

Hailing from South America, the alpaca belongs to the camelid family that also includes camels, llamas, guanacos and vicunas. They are a docile breed whose fleece spins into luxurious yarns. More than three quarters of the world’s alpaca population resides in Peru.1 In centuries past, the alpaca was an incredibly valuable animal, even more so than precious gems! Clothing created with alpaca was restricted for use by royalty. The alpaca has been domesticated and is treated as one of Peru’s national treasures. England has the double decker bus, the U.S. has Mt. Rushmore, and Peru has their alpacas. What a diverse definition of treasure!

Alpaca fleece is a “protein fiber”. This doesn’t mean knitting with it will make you stronger, it merely indicates that the fiber comes from an animal- namely, the alpaca. Alpaca fiber is strong, warm, and comfortable. Each fiber is hollow which makes it incredibly lightweight. Even the most delicate alpaca garments are warm for this reason. Perhaps alpaca’s greatest feature is that it can be worn next to the skin comfortably. The explanation for this is the behavior of the scales on the exterior of the fiber itself. They all lie flat in the same direction, making for a smooth surface. Less expensive than cashmere and with the strength of mohair, alpaca is highly desirable and functional. As with most natural fibers, alpaca needs to be handled with care when it comes to water exposure. Be sure to read and heed the washing instructions on your yarn or sweater.

While there are 2 breeds of alpaca, Huacaya and Suri, the former makes up a whopping 95% of the population.2 Differences between the two are numerous and as you may have guessed from the percentages, the Suri is harder to come by. Suri qualities include fleece that grows downward like human hair in wavy or curly locks with a silky texture. Huacaya fleece is coarser and grows straight outwards, at a right angle to the skin of the alpaca.

When alpaca fiber is processed, it is evaluated and sorted into one of several categories based on its micron count (in layman’s terms: the softness quotient). Micron count is a technical measurement determined by studying a sample of alpaca fleece and calculating the average diameter of the shaft of each fiber. Baby alpaca might have a micron count in the high teens whereas superfine alpaca would fall in the mid-twenties. The lower the number, the finer the fiber. *Please note that baby alpaca is a classification group, meaning it doesn’t always come from young alpacas. It merely refers to any fibers from an alpaca’s fleece that fall within said micron count. While fibers become coarser as an alpaca ages, it is possible for older alpacas to continue to produce fibers that fall in the baby alpaca micron count range.

If all of this jargon confuses you, then you might relate better to the methods used by Peruvian women who hand sort all of the fibers and determine their classification based on how they actually feel.3 The finest and softest feeling fibers are tagged as baby alpaca, and so on for fine and superfine yarns. Fiber from various parts of the animal can have different feels.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Knitted garments made of alpaca have some interesting properties. You should know that alpaca yarn is pretty stubborn when it comes to elasticity. It’s not that it won’t give, it actually has a tendency to be too generous. If you knit dense stitches and patterns or hang heavy embellishments on it, it will become distorted with no hopes of regaining its youthful figure. This is due to the aforementioned smoothness of the fibers. Since the scales lie flat in the same direction, the plies or strands of an alpaca yarn slide past each other instead of clinging and gravity can take its toll on the fabric. Gravity, as we know, can sometimes cause an undesirable elongating effect. So make those 100% alpaca projects light and airy, or use a blend for greater resilience and elasticity.

Speaking of which, all blends happen for a reason. There are ways to make alpaca yarn work for every project and that is by blending it with complimentary fibers. Blended yarns are not created arbitrarily. Wool, for instance, is a highly crimped fiber and therefore offers some elasticity. Since alpaca fibers contain only shallow waves, mixing in some wool makes an otherwise unyielding yarn a little more forgiving. Suri Dream is a hand knitting yarn innovation exclusive to Knit Picks. Imagine wearing a mohair sweater that wasn’t scratchy. Having trouble? By combining the super soft feel of Suri alpaca with a touch of wool and winding it around a strong nylon core, we have created an elegant alternative to mohair that causes zero discomfort. Sounds like a real dream to me!

Sources:

1“A Shaggy Business” The Economist. Vol. 377, Issue 8455, p. 38. 12/3/2005.

2Quiggle, Charlotte. “Alpaca: An Ancient Luxury” Interweave Knits. Fall 2000.

3Lavan, Cindy. “Evaluating Alpaca Fleece” AlpacaNation – Alpaca Industry’s Central Marketplace. June 2002. http://www.alpacanation.com/articles/AlpacaFuture_Oct02.asp



NORMAND

Hank. G asked:


No matter where you are in the world, it is important to know the name of a solid locksmith in your area. This way, you can be sure to keep yourself safe in the event of an accident or emergency. A locksmith can perform a number of functions to keep you and your home that much safer and secure. The following are just some of the things a locksmith can do for you.

One of the chief functions of a locksmith is to specialize in locks. This professional will not only be able to fit your home with locks and keys that will keep you safe but will also be able to come at a moment’s notice to change your locks in the event that they break or if there has been a security breach. Lock replacements can stop even the most experienced of thieves. If you have recently dealt with a messy break-up or divorce, this is yet another reason to consider a lock change.

A locksmith is great too because they can help you in the event that you lock yourself out of your home or car. This way, you will not have to damage your property to get inside your vehicle or the comforts of your own home. Many locksmiths are on-call: Even if you lock yourself out in the middle of the night, he or she will be able to come and help you. This is why it is important to keep the name and number of experienced locksmiths with you at all times. You never know when you will need such services!





BRUNO

James Gunaseelan asked:


One of the worst fears of a bike owner is the thought of having his bike lifted. He would like to have a bike lock that cannot be broken or picked. Fortunately, there are a whole range of bike locks that are available in the market. You just need to pick the right one. Here are five locks that are quite popular:

1: ABUS Granit Extreme 59/180HB: This German brand lock is 16 mm thick and comes with the following features:

— Square parabolic shackle with a hardened steel construction for maximum resistance against bolt-cutters

— Double locking cylinder with more than a million key variations

— Runner cover to sheathe the shackle

— Sliding cover to shield keyhole from dirt.

The only disadvantage of this lock is that it large and cumbersome to carry

2. Bully U-shaped Disc Lock: This is a strong lock and is not easy to pick. Its important features are:

— Double-roller-bearing locking mechanism,

— Hardened anti-drill discs

— Eight-disc hardened steel cylinder

— Specially heat-treated alloy steel construction

— Keyhole cover to keep dirt out

— Soft plastic to cover the shackle

3. Cobralinks Cable Lock: This is tough cable lock, and not easy to break. Its important features are:

— Hardened stainless steel links covering seven strands of top-quality aircraft cable

— Available in lengths of 6, 8, 10 & 12 feet

— Diameter of ¾ and 1 inch

— 10-15 pound weight

— Rolls up to make a11 inch coil

— Three keys included with patented setup

4. Kryptonite New York Disc Lock & Fahgettaboudit Security Chain: This chain and lock combo is marketed as the ultimate motorcycle lock. The hexagonal chain links made of triple-heat-treated steel are shaped to ward off attacks from bolt-cutters, saws, chisels and hammers. They have narrow inner width that does not encourage leverage assaults.

The New York Disc Lock is no less impressive. It has a:

— Hardened half-inch steel shackle

— Disc-style cylinder

— Steel sleeve over the crossbar

— Double deadbolt locking mechanism

— Sliding dust covers

5. MasterLock Python 6-inch Adjustable Cable Lock: The makers of this lock market it as “the world’s first fully adjustable locking cable that’s always the right length”. The cable that is six foot and comprises multi-strands works is easy to use. To use it, the bike owner needs to

– insert the cable into the lock

– pull tight

– turn the key.



FREDDY