Archive for August, 2009

Top Spy Supplies You Should Have

Ever wondered what spy supplies are available?  Learn the top 5 spy equipment you can buy to start or complete your collection.

People buy spy gears not just to help them create a more secure environment at work and at home but also as some sort of hobby.  Many people collect spy gears these days, finding their designs and features very fascinating and useful in many ways.  If you’ve been thinking of gettin a few spy equipment yourself, here are some of the most useful spy supplies you can find on the market:

Spy cameras
These are easily the most popular spy supplies being sold today.  Spy cameras come in all sorts of forms and designs.  These are mini cameras — small enough to be disguised and installed easily.  They are so small that they can even be worn as buttons or pendants and still remain unnoticed.

Spy cameras also come in a wide variety of forms, making them easier to disguise.  These days, you can find spy supplies like mini cameras in the form of stuffed toys, air humidifiers and alarm clocks.  Recording time varies; some models can record for only about 20 hours while newer ones can go as long as 60 hours.

Infrared camera
Another popular spy supply is the infrared camera, another version of the spy camera.  This is the preferred camera for use in low-light situations or total darkness.  This is a specialized function, although it can also be found in certain models of spy cameras being sold today.

Keyloggers
Keyloggers function as stealth recorders of activities performed on computers.  Once plugged or installed onto a computer, keyloggers will track, monitor and record all texts typed using the computer unit — that means every letter, number and symbol will be recorded, including passwords.

Use keyloggers with care, though.  Used improperly, the installation of a keylogger can be considered illegal, particularly when used without consent of the computer’s owner, if deployed in the workplace without the knowledge of management or if the intention is to steal information.

Digital voice recorders
Digital voice recorders are excellent for recording audio surreptitiously.  Most digital voice recorders are equiped with built-in storage, which means they can be used independent of any other equipment.  As long as the storage chip can be retrieved, the audio may be reviewed.

There are also digital voice recorders that can transmit voice data remotely, making live listening possible.

GPS Logger
The GPS logger keeps track of someone’s location at any given time.  It can keep track, monitor and store data independently, which means it can be used even without a third party service.

What You Need to Know About the Use of Canine Pepper Sprays

You’ve heard of canine pepper sprays.  But how effective are they really at deterring attack from an aggressive dog?

Sometimes, the one thing that stands between you and a very angry dog is a can of pepper spray.  Dogs are generally docile creatures, easy to tame and train.  But there are certain circumstances when dogs can be dangerous, particularly if they are aggressive or feral.  They can also be a threat if they are trained to attack and you somehow strayed into their territory.  To a dog, it’s simply trying to defend itself from what it considers a threat; to you, it’s a reason to be worried.  This is why you might want to consider using canine pepper spray to protect yourself and keep the dog from attacking.

what’s in a spray?
Canine pepper spray contains the same formulation used in regular pepper sprays, only stronger.  The common active ingredient is caled Oleoresin capsicum, a substance that’s found in certain species of pepper.

Canine pepper sprays rely on the ability of this substance to produce an adverse reaction both in humans and dogs.  The substance is incredibly irritating, causing immediate reaction on the mucus membranes found in the nose, eyes, mouth and throat of the dog.  When sprayed directly, the substance goes to work, causing the dog to sneeze, close its eyes involuntarily and gag.

The effect, while immediate, is temporary.  It can distract even a very aggressive dog for several minutes, giving you sufficient time to run away.

What to look for when buying canine pepper spray
The very first thing to consider when purchasing canine pepper spray is formulation.  Be careful with what the spray contains.  Look for the ingredient Oleoresin capsicum on the bottle or canister and check for other chemicals that may be included.  Remember that your intention is to stop, prevent or discourage an attacking animal from physically harming you, not to cause permanent or lethal harm.

If the label shows an ingredient or a different formulation, ask the retailer or shop owner for more clarifications.  Better yet, try to research regarding the harmful substances to avoid when buying canine pepper spray to ensure that you do not cause unnecessary harm.

Are there any harmful side effects on dogs?
The most direct result that canine pepper spray can produce on dogs are the symptoms mentioned above.  Other than that, these sprays are not known to cause permanent damage on dogs, although effects with prolonged exposure have not been studied.  Although the effects of canine pepper spray on dogs tend to produce negative reactions, it is actually considered a non-lethal — and therefore humane — way of controlling a wild, aggressive animal.  It is a far better alternative to, say, using physical force.

Can You Rely on the Security of Portable Alarm Systems?

These days, alarm systems are mandatory to keep yourself, your family and your home secure.  But can portable alarm systems really do the job?

The key to ensuring your home security is to provide a deterrent and an obstruction.  These are the functions and features you can find in most home alarm systems being sold today.  Although many home owners use sophisticated alarm systems to ensure that they are fully protected, most people simply rely on portable alarm systems to provide for their most basic security needs.  But how effective are portable alarm systems and can they truly provide enough protection for homeowners?

What are portable alarm systems?
The difference between portable alarm systems and other systems is that portable systems tend to be smaller, simpler and easier to install.  They are generally wireless, so they are handy and easier to carry anywhere.

Because they are portable, they can also be transferred from one location to the next and usually have a variety of uses.  Some portable alarm systems, for example, can be used to protect not just homes but also cars and even luggage.  Because they can be carried most anywhere, they can also be used to secure your hotel or motel room, RV or trailer.

How they work
Most portable alarm systems have built-in sensors that trigger an alarm when moved or separated.  A good example of this is the alarm door clip, which consists of two parts.  One part is attached to the door and the other to the jamb.  Once the alarm is activated, an alarm will be set off when the door is opened.

Another common design on portable alarm systems is the motion-activated alarm.  Once installed, the alarm will monitor a specific area.  If someone, such as an intruder, strays into the monitored area, a loud alarm will be set off.  This type of portable alarm system can also be installed on doors.

There are also portable alarm systems that may be connected to a telephone, which will then automatically call a pre-determined number that the user chooses if the alarm is triggered.

How effective are portable alarm systems?
Most portable alarm systems fulfill the most basic requirements that many people have regarding their security concerns.  People are attracted to them because they are portable, easy to use and generally a lot cheaper than other types of alarm systems.  In general, they work really well in providing users with a reliable means to deter and prevent intrusion, theft, burglary or other types of crime.

Because of their size, design and features, however, some portable alarm systems may offer a limited amount of security in terms of functions.  In most cases, though, portable alarm systems are best used in conjunction with other types of security tools.  The simple act of adding an extra lock or ensuring that windows and doors are closed and having a reliable portable alarm system installed will increase the level of security that your property has.

Top 25 DIY Spy Gears for Spying on a Budget

James Bond has the government budget at his disposal. Batman has Bruce Wayne’s fortune to rely on. But ordinary mortals like us don’t have huge bank accounts to sponsor our love for spy gadgets. Thus, we need to be a bit more resourceful and create our own. But don’t worry, you won’t need a degree in rocket science to make the gadgets below. All it’s going to take is patience and hard work. You might think those qualities may be difficult to come by, but at least they’re free!

Top Spy Gears for Covert Operations
Secrecy is the ultimate code for spies and special gadgets are required to keep what needs to stay hidden and uncover what needs to be revealed.

#5 Waterproof Clues
Liquid is many a times the death of clues, preventing secret messages to reach its recipient intact. If you want a surefire – pardon the pun – way to deliver your clues, rain or shine, use this waterproof message capsule.

#4 The Ultimate “Lookout” Gadget
James Bond – hail to the god of spies – never needed a lookout because his cool gadgets did all that for him. Now, you have the chance to enjoy the same. Learn how to create a special periscope that will eliminate the need for dangerous head-poking while exploring unknown rooms and walled areas.

#3 Secret Sleeve Pocket
Security checks will have your chest and pants pockets inspected. No one will suspect, however, that you have an extra secret sleeve pocket and within it lies your hidden camera or any other cool gadget.

#2 The Invisible Face Mask
Spies are not known to be masters of disguise for no reason. Blending with the crowd is, in fact, one of the most important skills that spies have to hone. Without a working disguise, nothing you do will be successful.

Reconstruction surgery is, of course, the best way to disguise yourself, but that’s a bit too extreme. Why not go with the next best thing and make yourself seem invisible instead? Check out the link below to know more.

#1 Bump Key
No door shall be left unopened when you have this amazing bump key in your pockets! Take care not to abuse its powers, though. As the great Master Yoda would tell you: wisely, you should use.

Top Spy Gears for Surveillance
Tailing is yet another critical activity for spies. Here are must-have gadgets to ensure that you know everything about the subject matter you’re interested in, may it be alive or not.

#4 Aircraft Band Receiver
If you need vital information pertaining to air traffic control, air shows, and maybe you’re looking for a specific civil aviation band transmission, this gadget will turn your old AM/FM transistor radio into an aircraft band receiver.

#3 Spy Glasses
In the movies, you’ll see a lot of spies, detectives, law officers, and MIB (God help your spy spirit if you don’t know MIB stands for Men in Black) wear sunglasses. One reason for that is because sunglasses make you look cooler and tougher. But another and more important reason is that those sunglasses they’re wearing could actually a camcorder in disguise.

To have your own DIY brand of spy glasses, you’ll need a pinhole camera. As for the rest, you’ll find them in the link below.

#2 Phone Tapper
This will be one of your most expensive DIY projects for spy gears, but if there’s an all-important phone call you want to listen to in secret then surely the price isn’t that high to pay! If it makes you feel any better, this DIY phone tapper can also be used with cordless phones.

#1 Remote Controlled Camera
Picture this (no pun intended). You leave your mobile phone at the room of the target. You want to know what he’s up to. So you send an SMS to your phone and a few moments later, you receive surveillance pictures in return. Creating a remote controlled camera using your cellular phone won’t be a piece of cake, but it’s doable, especially if you speak basic electronics.

Top Spy Gaears for Defense
Protect your identity, your secrets, and your property with these one-of-a-kind devices.

#3 Fake Money Test
There are many ways you can manually identify counterfeit money, but most of them take time. This test, however, will give you your answer in seconds.

#2 Hidden Camera Detector
Great spies always have great counterspies to worry about. It’s the way life goes. Do unto others what they do unto you and all that. If you’re spying on them, they’ll say “back atcha”. Know how far they’ve progressed by making your own hidden camera detector.

#1 Talking Booby Trap
Talk your target into getting caught literally red-handed with this one of a kind booby trap!

Top Spy Gears for Offense
We spies may be occasionally referred to as geeks, but we’re strong and armed geeks at least!

#3 Net Launching Gun
A good spy never hurts a target, but he doesn’t let the target get away either. If you have a slippery target on your sight and you know you’ll never have the same opportunity to catch hold of your target again, use this as a last resort.

The net launching gun is a simple but effective device. One shot and your target will be trapped like a small, helpless prey.

#2 DIY Boomerang
Use ordinary product packaging materials to create your own boomerang. It makes a great and effective last-minute weapon, but you can also use it to hit a target’s hand and make him lose hold of a particular object. Truth be told, the uses for this handy dandy weapon are limited only by your imagination.

#1 Air-Powered Pen Gun
Yes, pen guns may be purchased but where’s the fun in that? Ingenuity is our middle name, remember? So here’s how you can create your own hidden weapon – there may come a day where it could prove to be the ace that’s literally up your sleeve.

Top Spy Gears that Give You Cool Abilities
You don’t need outrageous wealth, incredible genius IQ, or alien blood to have cool abilities. These spy gadgets are enough to make you extraordinary in everyone’s eyes.

#10 Lens-Less Microscope
Do you have an unexpected need for a microscope, but all you have is your trusty old video camera? Well, great news: that’s exactly what you need to build a microscope that will do Einstein proud.

#9 Styrofoam Speaker
Now, normally spies go to great lengths not to be heard. But what if you need to do the opposite? No worries if that’s the case because you can create your own Styrofoam speaker in a short period of time.

#8 Firestarter
McGyver is yet another fictional hero that all spies should emulate. No matter what situation he finds himself in, he always gets out of it alive through sheer resourcefulness. Starting a fire is an essential survival skill that every person, especially spies like us, has to know. Here are a couple of items you can add to your spy gear pack: all of these can literally guarantee to bring a spark to your life.

#7 Magnet Control
You’re in danger but you can save yourself if you could…just…reach…out…and get a hold of any of your electronic gadgets. In such cases, it’s best to borrow a page from Magneto’s book and take advantage of magnets. These powerful little things allow you to control your spy devices hands free.

#6 Compass
One of the greatest embarrassments a spy can suffer from is to get lost. Avoid humiliation of this nature with your DIY compass.

#5 Easy Access to Fingerprint Security Systems
Yeah, yeah, fingerprint security is tough, but not enough to defeat spy powers! Here’s a cool neat trick to bypass fingerprint security.

#4 Invisible Writing
Leave your clues hidden in plain sight. You don’t need high tech gadgets to get your hands on invisible ink. The link below will give you seven – yes, you read that right! Seven! – different ways to create invisible ink and not one of them will hurt your pockets!

#3 Hear All Evil Stethoscope
Yes. Believe it or not, but a stethoscope can be converted not only to hear one’s heartbeat but also to hear through walls and record it even! Equip yourself with super hearing by clicking on the link below.

#2 Night Vision Headset with Camcorder
This is a must-have for any self-respecting spy. Now, the professionals would have high-tech infrared head gear to see in the dark. You, on the other hand, only need affordable but quite powerful LED lights to have the kind of night vision that would make cats seem blind. The link below will help you get started.

#1 Truth Band
Who needs a polygraph when you have this amazing truth band?

Raeford Plumber

Last Friday our water went out. As it was right at the weekend, I was sure that I wouldn’t get anyone out until Monday. But I called the local hardware and asked if they could recommend a plumber. They did and I called Plumbing Repair Inc.

Not only did the owner come out on a Saturday to diagnose and replace a broken water bladder, he increased our water pressure by more than it was before we had a problem. Thomas was very professional and took care of all our problems.

If anyone is in the Raeford, NC area and needs a plumber, I highly recommend this company to you. You will be very happy you chose them.

Dos and Don’ts for Using Suction Safety Grip Handles

Suction safety grip handles can certainly do their job, just as their ads tell you, but only if you know the right place and way to install them.

The Purpose of Suction Safety Grip Handles
The first thing you should be clear about is what suction safety grip handles can or cannot do. These devices are designed to provide additional safety, stability, and support. They cannot, however, be expected to act as miracle-makers and make a naturally slippery floor less slippery or a disabled individual to suddenly have the means of standing up if he’s previously unable to.

Suction Safety Grip Handles versus Screwed Safety Grip Handles
It may not seem like it, but suction safety grip handles are just as touch as screwed safety grip handles. They are designed to be highly durable but at the same time easy to install and remove. As such, suction safety grip handles are very travel-friendly: you can take them with you when you’re on a trip and ensure that you don’t suffer any bathroom accident while enjoying your vacation.

Choosing the Right Suction Safety Grip Handle
Here are several factors you should keep in mind when you go shopping for suction safety grip handles.

Capacity
Like screwed safety grip handles, those secured by suctions may also be designed to carry the maximum weight of 250lbs. Even if you don’t weigh that much, it’s still best to choose only safety grip handles with such capacity. When you suddenly slip, the force with which you’ll try to prevent yourself from falling will add extra weight to your body.

Grip
How much space is provided between the handle and the wall it’s attached to? Does it give you enough space to quickly and easily grip the handle? Is the surface covered with rubber or any similar material to give you a more secure grip of the safety handle?

Quality Standards
Make sure that the product meets the standards set by the necessary authorities especially if you are intended it for the use of individuals with physical disabilities or medical conditions.

Installation
Know what kinds of surfaces they may and may not be installed. Secondly, determine the appropriate height and distance they should be installed. They should be immediately accessible to its intended user/s from the position you expect them to be in when they find a need for the suction safety grip handle.

If in doubt about the use and installation of suction safety grip handle, most manufacturers offer pre and after-sale customer service support; do not hesitate to take advantage of it and ask for professional service.

Drive Burglars Crazy with the Sprinkler Head Key Hider

Nowadays, key hiders are available in all shapes and sizes, which is a good thing because the more variety there is, the more confused and frustrated burglars would be if they attempt to look for your spare key. One of the more innovative designs that have recently arrived in the market is the sprinkler head key hider.

How Sprinkler Head Key Hider Works
Like many hide a key devices, the sprinkler head key hider has a base that you can unscrew in order to hide your spare key in. Afterwards, screw the bottom back and you have a sprinkler head that looks no different from other ordinary sprinkler heads.

What is Sprinkler Head Key Hider Made of?
Durability is everyone’s first concern when it comes to hide a key devices. After all, they will be most likely exposed to various weather conditions and wear and tear. A device without a durable design can end up revealing its content without your knowledge and suddenly leave your home vulnerable to burglar attacks.

Thankfully, the sprinkler head key hider is made of tough, commercial-grade PVC plastic. Its base and cap also utilize a highly secure two-piece mold to make sure that your key will stay safely inside until you choose to take it out.

How to Maximize Use of the Sprinkler Head Key Hider
The sprinkler head key hider can better protect your home and loved ones if you use it the right way.

If you haven’t installed a sprinkler system in your lawn yet, so much the better! That way, you can “install” your sprinkler head key hider together with other sprinklers and no one will think your movements conspicuous.

If, however, you already have a sprinkler system, you might want to consider replacing everything – especially if they have a different shade with your sprinkler head key hider. Of course, your budget might not make the purchase of a replacement viable and in that case, you have another alternative: simply change the location of every sprinkler head in your lawn. While doing that, include the insertion of your sprinkler head key hider.

Don’t go out of your way to check if your spare key is still hidden inside but nor should you act complacent and leave it unchecked for a long period of time. While the sprinkler head key hider is certainly authentic-looking, if someone had notice something different in your behavior when installing or re-installing your sprinkler system, that could unfortunately lead them to deduce the right conclusion.

Protect Appliances with Your UV Invisible Ink Pen

Even with the best security measures, you can never truly know when or how your appliances at home or work may be stolen. As such, it’s best to pre-empt successful break-ins and burglaries by leaving unique, distinguishable marks on your property. Identifying those marks can serve as proof the recovered item is truly yours. Consider using, for instance, a UV invisible ink pen.

How a UV Invisible Ink Pen Works
In terms of appearance, a UV invisible ink pen is no different from any other ordinary pen you see being used everyday. It’s when you start using them to write that you’ll realize they’re different.

Special compounds are used to create so-called invisible ink. They are not, however, completely invisible. If you shine a UV or back light on them, the ink will show up. If you use it to write on a black surface, your writing shall show up as well.

Safeguard Your Appliances with Invisible Ink Pens
Use invisible ink pens to create unique and identifiable marks that no one will be able to guess at and completely prove your ownership of any stolen and consequently recovered appliances.

Name
Naturally, writing your name on the appliance is the first way to prove your identity.

Purchase Details
Secondly, write where and when you bought the item. If you have an OR (official receipt) number, include that as well. This is very important because thieves are unlikely to provide the same information about the stolen appliance if and when recovered. If you still have the OR then you can give that as proof of your claim. If not, the police can simply verify the data you have written on the appliance and with that, your ownership will be proven.

Unique and Secret Mark
Think of a word, number, or symbol that no one can guess at. That will serve as another identifying mark for your appliance. It can be the date of the first time you met your spouse, your favorite fictional character, or a drawing of your favorite animal.

Record Everything You Have Written
For additional proof in case the item has been stolen, copy everything you have written to a notebook.

Make It a Regular Routine
Do not delay identifying every newly purchased appliance with your invisible writing. Make sure, however, that you do not do it in view of others. It’s best to keep things secret as much as possible.

Refill Invisible Ink Pen Regularly
Last but not the least, make sure you refill your invisible ink pen regularly! It will be bad if you don’t get to properly identify your appliances immediately.

Metal Detectors Make Police Searches More Effective

Law enforcements worldwide are finding increasing use for metal detectors for deterring criminal activities and solving cases.

Great Britain Goes After Knife Crime
Using hand-carry metal detectors, which are commonly seen at airports, is one of the courses of action taken by Jacqui Smith, Home Secretary, as part of the Tackling Violence Action Plan.

Other preventive and protection measures that have been included in plan are providing parents access to criminal records and other pertinent data of pedophiles as well as procedures that are expected to deter binge drinkers from committing any acts of violence.

Metal detectors to be used are actually not handheld but made of collapsible and portable mobile arches. They can be stored inside the trunks of police cars then taken out whenever they’re called for. They are expected to be used outside schools, night clubs, pubs, and other establishments where knives may be potentially used for perpetrating crimes of any kind.

Fears of knife-related crimes have grown as statistics show an increase in such incidents. In 2005-2005, 219 knife-related cases have been reported. This has grown to 258 for the next year.

Knife crime, a Home Office spokesperson says, is something that “the government…takes very seriously.” Maximum sentence for individuals caught carrying a knife has been raised from two to four years. £1m has also been spent for a youth campaign against carrying weapons, one that would hopefully make clear to teenagers that carrying a knife only makes it a greater possibility for them to become a victim of violence themselves.

Handheld detectors, however, will be also used. At an underground station in East London, law enforcement officers have been seen to scan commuters for weapons as they get off the train.

While the use of metal detectors is hoped to deter armed individuals from using their weapons, the government is also determined to take other measures that would make the use of metal detectors unnecessary. Another part of the Tackling Violence Action Plan is devoted to discourage and punish retailers who plan to or have been caught selling alcohol to minors as well as confiscate liquor carried by minors.

Metal Detectors Provide Evidence to Break-In
In Princeton, Maine, Department One of the Washington County Sherriff had successfully recovered stolen handguns upon receiving a tip. Of the twelve guns reported missing from the break-in at the Four Corners Rod and Gun Shop, eight had been retrieved overall.

Deputy Tom Chambers sent the dive team of Department One to investigate and with the help of underwater metal detectors, Dive Master Dennis Dorsey was able to recover a handgun from the stream bottom.

Keyboard Logger – Your Virtual Detective for Infidelity

Keyboard loggers may be a USB device or a software program. Either way, they’ll be able to monitor every activity performed using the computer they have been installed. If your spouse uses the computer in any way related to his extramarital affairs, the keyboard logger is sure to catch it.

How to Install a Keyboard Logger
Keyboard logger devices have to be physically connected to the computer. With that, the program will automatically activate once the computer is turned on. Even if the computer is password-protected, the keyboard logger will still be able to work.

Keyboard logger software doesn’t have to be physically connected to any computer for it to be installed. You can even use a single program and install it in every computer in your home’s local network. There’s a catch, of course – you’ll need to know the passwords to secured computers before you can install the program.

How Keyboard Loggers Work
Keyboard loggers are “invisible” programs, monitoring computer activities in stealth. Most keyboard loggers record keystrokes and save the recorded data on a designated location. You can, however, also program it to send the files to your email address.

Besides keystrokes, keyboard loggers may also turn into covert audio and video recorders and record everything it sees and hears while you remain online. Other models are programmed to capture screenshots instead of keystrokes.

How to Catch Your Cheating Spouse with Keyboard Loggers
Here’s a number ways a keyboard logger can let you know how faithful – or unfaithful – your spouse is.

Passwords
Keystroke files may let you know the passwords for every account your spouse is opened. Just look for a word or phrase that’s constantly repeated right next to your spouse’s email address or anything that seems like a username.

Emails
Every time your spouse composes an email or sends a reply to someone, the keystroke will be there like a silent witness and give you a complete copy of those emails.

Photos
Keyboard loggers capable of taking screenshots will let you see any photos that your spouse have viewed or accessed for any reason.

URL
Know which websites your spouse visits every time he types in a URL.

Timestamp Recording
Lastly, recorded data will come with timestamps to let you know exactly when and what time your spouse has performed the indicated activity. If your spouse told you he was doing something else at that time, something definitely smells fishy.