#home security

[defensive-tactics]

Convince any burglar that your house is a hard target. They're going to break into someone's home, unfortunately. Your job is to make sure it isn't yours.

[xr250r]

Home Security

[9x19-balaclava]

[knight-in-sour-armor]

[lokavisi]

Unplanned Book Review Time!

I don't commit to doing book reviews on this blog because my ability to get through books in any sort of timely manner is spotty at best, but I've been reading two books lately that I really wanted to talk about. Disclaimer: I have not entirely finished either of the them, though my thoughts and feelings on them are strong enough that I can tell you whether or not I recommend them. (Honestly there's enough in the intros to each book to tell you whether they're worth reading or not.) I'm gonna give the reviews below the line since this is going to be long, so before deciding whether you read more I will say one book is on seidr and the other is on general protection magic.

First up is Dean Kirkland's Seiðr Magic: The Norse Tradition of Divination and Trance. I'm just gonna say it up top: do NOT waste your time or money on this. I bought it at Barnes & Noble (I knew nothing about the book or the author but wanted to encourage B&N to keep selling stuff like this), and I really wish I hadn't given this guy my money.

The biggest issue? Gatekeeping. He explicitly says in the introduction, on page 13, "If I am accused of gatekeeping[...]so be it." He's gatekeeping an open practice. That sentence alone tells you everything you need to know about why you need to skip this book. But let's get into specifics:

-He goes on to say that we shouldn't teach "just anyone" interested in seiðr about it because those without an aptitude for it will cause more harm than good. How the hell do people learn anything, then? Do we not know other magic to protect ourselves and undo any potential harm that may result from practicing a magical skill? He continues by explaining a Darwinian selection process of finding the people "meant" to practice seiðr. So you know, like eugenics.

-Any time he presents a ritual of any nature, he always makes it sound like you should be doing it exactly the way he describes, even if he ends the description with "but you can work with what you have." In one chapter he details this whole ritualized journey into the woods to find a branch from a tree to make your seiðr staff, and that you shouldn't just use dead fallen branches or the like. Literally every person I know who practices seiðr has been gifted their staff, through someone's direct intentions (like as a birthday gift or something) or more indirect ways like in my own experience: I was not looking for a staff when I went on a hike with my in-laws, but I picked up a fallen stick to use as a walking stick and Odin was like, "THAT IS YOUR MAGIC STICK TAKE IT WITH YOU IT IS YOURS." And I'm not gonna argue with Odin.

-Kirkland says you should spend as much money as possible on your ritual attire. This is after he acknowledges that Thorbjorg's extravagant costume (mentioned in the Saga of Erik the Red) is not about a display of wealth, but of spiritual power. He encourages you to build up your gear one piece at a time if you're financially struggling, but my guy, even that isn't possible for a lot of folks. You're saying people need to spend loads of money for a hood to wear over your head. You could have a designated seiðr hoodie and have just as effective a practice. Seriously.

-In the same vein, he always emphasizes that all materials used in your gear should be made from natural materials. As if that is always accessible to people. Not everyone is able to spend hours in the great outdoors. A lot of plastic-based goods are easier to obtain for folks. None of that prevents or prohibits you from a healthy seiðr practice.

-He also generally uses a lot of language that, on the surface, sounds logical and sound, but when you stop to think about it is super gatekeepy. This obnoxious and harmful tone colors the entire text and is frustrating beyond words.

As if gatekeeping weren't enough, Kirkland uses some credentials and experience to indicate expertise where he just doesn't have any. While he may have earned the right to put "Ph.D." after his name, including it on this book feels like he's chasing clout and feigning legitimacy. His Ph.D. is in ecology. Not anything related to religion or history of ancient Germanic Europe. But if you don't look closely, seeing he has a Ph.D. gives the appearance that he knows what he's talking about. It's disingenuous at best and intentionally deceptive at worst. His author biography mentions that he studied Andean shamanism under an indigenous paco. That's great! Good for him! But he's a white guy acting like an authority on various shamanistic practices, as he likens shamanic practices from several cultures to scant pieces of evidence we have to seiðr practice. This lends itself to the general issue with most books on seiðr, that our genuine lack of knowledge about the practice leads folks to fill in the gaps from other oracular traditions. If you utilize something like that based on your personal UPG and use that for yourself in your practice, that is one thing. But when you are teaching others with your UPG that involves traditions often closed to folks like yourself, maybe don't try to pass it off as the most correct way to practice seiðr. He says at the beginning that he will identify his UPG throughout the text, but he fails to do so quite often as he treats his connections to other oracular practices as Truth.

The truth is, pretty much every book we have on practicing seiðr includes the author's UPG and syncretism with other oracular traditions. If you're looking for "true" traditional seiðr practices, our archeological and written records offer extremely little. Personally, I would encourage you to build your own practice around your UPG (and maybe some appropriate SPG) and the known lore/practices if you are looking to develop a seiðr practice. My friends recently reworked Diana Paxson's method to include more lore-based elements, for example. As long as you know what sources you're filling in the gaps with for your personal practice, that's fine. Just make sure you explain that to others. Do not try to pass it off like The Way to Do Seidr like this jerk was trying to. There are a few interesting pieces of actual facts or rituals, but I wouldn't recommend spending money to read just for those trace elements. There are better people to learn seiðr from. (That said, if you lack an actual teacher and are learning from sources like Kirkland's, read this and all other seiðr books with a grain of salt and the understanding that this magical practice is not something we can fully and exactly recreate. Sorry, recons. You're gonna have to acknowledge the need to develop unique modern practices.)

And now for a book that I absolutely ADORE, Amy Blackthorn's Blackthorn's Protection Magic. This is one I borrowed from a friend and would love to spend the money to buy my own copy. Not being able to take notes and highlight in the book itself has been killing me!

Amy starts the book with an exercise for you to identify your own personal ethics in regards to protection of any kind. I did not expect anything like that, but I was pleasantly surprised. That kind of a foundation is crucial in practicing any form of magic, really, so starting the book with that solid foundation is incredibly useful before you even start to practice any of the spells and protection methods she explains through out the text. This is such an important conversation that witches need to be having internally and with each other. It made me contemplate things that I never had before, and reading her own responses to the questions she poses gave me insight into other perspectives on the matter of safety and protection.

Additionally, she makes a point to explicitly address mental health and physical protection. Understanding your mental health and any potential diagnoses is not only helpful for your general wellbeing, but it also helps you in discerning things like whether someone has cursed you or your depression is hitting you really hard. Equally important, she recognizes that spells aren't necessarily going to help you when someone's fist is coming towards your face. There is an entire section of the book dedicated to physical awareness and self-defense. Blackthorn's mindful acknowledgment of the balance of the mundane and the magical is something that I wish more magical practitioners understood and promoted, whether it's in regard to protection or any other kind of magic. It was absurdly refreshing to read any sort of witch, pagan, or adjacent text that so succinctly articulates this balanced approach.

As for the actual spells and methods presented in the book, I have yet to utilize many of them. (There's a lot and I am only one person, though some things I was already doing some version of myself, like visualizations.) However, I can say that she discusses the following in regards to protection magic techniques: visualizations, crystals/grids, plants and garden arrangements, physical and situational awareness, signs that you may be hexed/cursed/jinxed, home security, essential oils, use of tarot cards, incense, and various magical correspondences (like moon phases and colors). She offers a wide variety of options that you can pick and choose, and adapt to your personal needs or means. For instance, the chapter about plants discusses particular species and arrangements for outdoor gardens, as well as ones for indoor use (particularly useful if you live in an apartment and want to utilize plants in your magic); and visualizations require no materials whatsoever and is accessible to everyone.

Blackthorn also makes a point to help you determine the authenticity, quality, and traits of your tools. She explains ways to recognize counterfeit gemstones, how certain plants need to be tended to or how they interact with other plants, and how common items can be utilized for physical protection in a pinch. She presents everything in a way that empowers you to make informed decisions about your personal safety, which is what any sort of text like this should do.

From just the introduction piece on ethics alone, I would highly recommend this book. All of the practices and methods Blackthorn discusses are written in a clear and straightforward way. She covers several bases as someone who used to work in security herself, and really drives home the need for combining magical and mundane methods of protection to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your property as safe as possible. Again, I can't sing this book's praises enough. This would be an excellent addition to any witch's library.

If you've read either of these books, I'm curious what your thoughts on them are! Feel free to reblog, comment, or hit up my asks/PMs to discuss!

[infographicjournal]

10 Ways To Make Your Home Safer

Having trouble reading infographic here?

Check out the full size infographic at - https://www.mobileonthespot.com/ways-to-make-your-home-safer

[locksmithofdickinson]

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[zumainthyfuture]

Marie Van Brittan Brown, born on January 7, 1922, was an African-American nurse and inventor from Queens, New York City. In 1966, at the age of 44, she came up with the brilliant idea to create a unique home surveillance device with a closed circuit television security system.

She and her husband, Albert L. Brown, applied for the patent and invented a system with a motorized camera that could show images on a monitor. That patent (#3,482,037) was eventually granted, and her invention went on to become a technological precursor to how modern day home security systems would be designed.

Brown's invention had very unique features for the time; The motorized camera at the door could slide up and down to look out of four peepholes. Anything the camera captured would be displayed on a monitor. Her system also included a radio-controlled lock that would allow the front door to remotely unlocked, and an audio-video alarm system that could be used to see and communicate with whoever was at the door.

For her genius invention, which obviously contributed to the future of home security systems, Brown was given a prestigious award by the National Scientists Committee (NSC). But for the most part, her invention has gone unnoticed and undocumented by the mainstream media and literature.

Sadly, Marie Van Brittan Brown died on February 2, 1999 at the age of 77-years old.

[doloresbarnett98th]

6 Essential Work-from-Home Amenities In Apartment

Work-from-home helps people to emphasize their personal lives over a fast-paced work-centric existence. Implementing remote work amenities now will enhance lease renewals – and may even bring you additional prospects via referrals.

1.Reliable and high-speed internet. Technology has aided the work-from-home trend, and it is frequently the most desired work-from-home amenity for remote workers. High-speed internet is required to enable that technology.

2. Co-working spaces. Consider converting an underutilized or vacant area into a stylish co-working space! And if your apartment has an old, underutilized business center, you may already have the ideal location. Utilize this area by redesigning and renaming it as your own co-working space amenity.

3. Private conference rooms. Many remote workers spend the majority of their working hours in video-conference meetings. Convert a tiny space into a reservable conference room to accommodate these residents. Install additional lighting, cove smart security devices and paint the walls a single solid hue.

4. Enhanced concierge services. Every renter who works from home is different, but they all have one thing in common: the opportunity to be picky. Consider investing in improved concierge services to handle minor tasks for residents. This will improve resident satisfaction and make your house more appealing to potential tenants.

5. Fitness facilities. One advantage of working from home is the ability to fit in a workout during the day. Many remote employees use this benefit to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

6. Reliable phone reception. Spotty mobile service is a distraction that inhibits distant workers from concentrating and hinders productivity. To overcome this, get a cell phone signal booster, which will improve existing 3G, 4G LTE, and even 5G signals. As a result, your residents will have fewer dropped calls and unsent text messages.

[fin-has-opinions]

We get it; you hate minimalist interior design, certain color schemes, and home security cameras. Now stfu and go reflect on why you think that justifies you being a judgmental asshole about shit that has literally no impact on you or your life.

[defensive-tactics]

No Stranger Gets in Your Home

[propertynewsandupdates]

Importance Of Home Inspections: What To Look For And Why

When it comes to buying or selling a property, home inspections play a crucial role in the process. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, understanding the importance of home inspections and what to look for can save you from potential headaches and financial losses down the line. 

In this article, we will explore the significance of home inspections, discuss key factors to consider during the inspection, and delve into why it matters in the context of property valuation, home security, and the evolving real estate market.

Home Inspections

Home inspections are thorough examinations of a property's condition, conducted by professional inspectors. These inspections aim to identify any underlying issues, defects, or safety concerns that may exist within the structure. 

For buyers, a home inspection provides valuable insights into the property's overall condition, helping them make an informed decision before making a substantial investment. 

For sellers, it offers an opportunity to address any potential problems in advance, which can increase the marketability and value of the property.

Property Valuation

Property valuation is a critical aspect of any real estate transaction. A comprehensive home inspection can significantly impact the valuation process. By identifying any defects or issues, home inspections provide an accurate assessment of a property's true worth. 

Potential buyers can negotiate based on the findings, and sellers can take necessary actions to rectify any problems, thus improving the property's value. 

In the dynamic real estate market in India, where property prices are influenced by various factors, a home inspection helps both parties arrive at a fair and transparent price.

Home Inspection Services

Engaging professional home inspection services is essential to ensure a thorough evaluation of a property. Certified home inspectors possess the knowledge, expertise, and tools required to identify hidden issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. 

They meticulously examine the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, roofing, foundation, and other critical components of a house. 

By doing so, they provide buyers with a comprehensive report that outlines the condition of the property and any potential concerns that need to be addressed.

Home Security

Home security is another vital aspect to consider when it comes to the importance of home inspections. Inspections encompass evaluating the safety features of a property, such as the functionality of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and security systems. 

Ensuring that these features are in good working order is crucial for the safety and well-being of the occupants. A home inspection can identify any security vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for enhancing the overall security of the property, giving homeowners peace of mind.

With the rapid advancement of technology, the concept of smart homes has gained popularity in recent years. Smart homes are equipped with intelligent systems that automate and control various aspects of the property, including lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment. 

During a home inspection, it is important to evaluate the functionality and integration of these smart systems. Inspectors can verify if these technologies are working as intended and provide recommendations for maintenance or upgrades, ensuring that the home remains efficient and up to date with the latest advancements.

At present, many prominent real estate properties in Mumbai are offering smart homes. And implementation is also in progress in premium flats in Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, and many other cities.

Conclusion

Home inspections are of utmost importance when it comes to buying or selling a property. They provide crucial information about the condition of the property, enabling buyers and sellers to make informed decisions. By considering factors such as property valuation, home security, and the increasing prevalence of smart homes, home inspections serve as a safeguard against potential risks and ensure a smooth and secure real estate transaction. 

Engaging the services of certified home inspectors is key to obtaining accurate and comprehensive reports, which ultimately contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of both buyers and sellers.

[unirav]

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