It's Not Negotiable! Done, Done!

Many people don’t know the finer points of the emergency locksmith services, and they have no idea what to expect when you call a locksmith. It is not an indictment on them (or you, if this describes you). Not a lot of information about the job is made public. This can make it difficult to get information, and very easy to become misinformed. Some people see being a locksmith as a quick way to make money. It is not always seen as a noble trade or even a difficult range of skills that requires constant learning. But there is a great deal more to locksmithing than the average consumer would guess. Taking on the title of locksmith comes with responsibilities and expectations that most shy away from. It is a lifelong investment. It is a commitment to an education that never ends. And it is not always an easy job. It takes a certain type of person that loves the work and is always striving to be better.

Becoming a locksmith requires a lifetime investment. More than a financial investment, this trade demands the never-ending necessity of your time. That time is spent learning and practicing. Getting better, refining your craft, and changing with the demands of the consumer. Many skills of the profession are perishable. That means that if practice halts for any amount of time, the ability will atrophy. Lock picking might not be called for over the course of several days, and, as a result, your ability diminishes. For instance, if you prefer manual picking over electric picking, it is important to practice. The only way to combat that is to always be practicing. Even when the job does not demand something, it is still demanding it. Lock picks, security pins, and other parts of the locksmith arsenal can be made and these will be a handy addition to any lock pick set. It is going to take time to learn and perfect the process of making some of your tools. Making these materials can result in superior supplies, but getting to that point is going to require trial, error, and a whole lot of time. There will most likely be an investment in this process too, depending on your access to free scrap metal and old locks.

Because you should never pick locks that you do not own, or you own locks that are in use, you will need ways of getting a hold of practice locks. The best way to know that you can pick and rekey a Ruko or an Evva is to pick and rekey them. High-Security locks can necessitate the knowledge of that particular lock. Finding out how certain mechanisms work is reliant on taking some time with it, and taking it apart. Getting a hold of very particular locks can get expensive or time-consuming. Online communities and meet up groups exist that pass locks around to save money in this regard. These groups are undeniably beneficial to not just monetary savings, but also the wealth of knowledge you will have access to. Sharing insights and talking about the craft will deepen your understanding and make the process more personal. It can also be a lot of fun, but it goes to show, that the job spills over into personal life. Conversation and your own free time will start to center around the job. It can be hard to escape, so it needs to be something you enjoy.

Although there are many tools that you can make for yourself, there are certain things that you might need to purchase. Tools of the trade are often very expensive. There are often cheaper products, and ways like eBay to get higher quality supplies on a budget. Finding out what you need and buying on a budget will both rely on spending time. It will also take time to sift through the many brands of lock picking tools to see which one will be the best fit for you. It will also cost to get some of the information you may need. There are many locksmith training courses and schools out there that claim to have this type of information. Some definitely do. Just be wary of courses that claim to have quick comprehensive training or include declarations of how much money the skills will make you. The classes that are cheap can also be a little shady. Often cheap training courses rely on the upsell of unnecessary or overpriced tools to cover costs. Information with the underlying purpose of selling you goods will often be flawed in favor of the sale. That means they might stress the importance of a fiber optic light or a state of the art pinning tray when these items do not represent the job. And the investment does not stop there, one locksmith says:

…over half of what I charge goes right back into the company in the form of gas, insurance, advertising, trade organization dues, license fees, vehicle maintenance, tools, supplies, and other expenses…

The licenses, insurances, and bonds you have to carry can cost a small fortune. I have a city business license, a state locksmith license, a State Contractor’s License for 24/7 car door lock service and security work, two insurance policies (general liability and commercial vehicle insurance), two different bonds, and I am a member of two major national trade organizations. In California, you need to be fingerprinted and pass State and Federal background tests…

The cost of running a business like this can be overwhelming and there is always another tool you need to buy, another software update, or replacement parts/tools that need to be ordered. I am currently saving up for a high security key machine that retails for $5,800.

Always be wary of any of the information you are given, and try to corroborate everything you learn with a practical test or third party validation.

TIGER GATE SYSTEM

Tested – Exceeding 200,000 cycles

Integrated – Matched components from a single source

Guaranteed – Unsurpassed product support

Experienced – Over 20 years of proven best quality

Reliable – Reduced maintenance requirements

Tymetal Corp. is pleased to offer the complete TIGER security gate system package. The entire gate package is comprised of standard components which have been pre-tested as a system to assure compatibility and to expedite design and delivery while also reducing installation errors and facility maintenance requirements. The Tymetal TIGER system is the only fully integrated gate and operator package that has been tested over 200,000 cycles under constant duty testing in extreme weather conditions.

Also see: MIGHTY MULE 502 gate pener system review

The TIGER system is comprised of Tymetal’s Fortress Structural Cantilever Slide Gate, the TYM-VS variable speed operator, 1050-D Sliding Gate Lock, and “Secure Catcher” catch assembly. Available in chain link and ornamental designs, the TIGER system is perfectly suited to match almost any new or existing fence line

Drobo B1200i SSD announced with 300x performance

It’s time to get serious about a solid state drive upgrade with Drobo’s brand new B1200i SSD, complete with what the manufacturer says will be a performance boost of up to 300 percent over previous product iterations. This hardware will bring on a hybrid of solid state technology and traditional hard disk drives like SAS or SATA. And what’s fabulous for current owners of the B1200i is this: a software update is all you’ll need to gain new performance and functionality from Drobo, and it’s free!

This software update for you ol’ B1200i owners will be listed at Here ( DROBO B1200I )where you’ll be able to download and load it all for free. The new new B1200i SSD release announced this week has the ability to make use of a small number of SSDs alongside hard disk drives to make one single economically sound storage system. This system has also attained VMware Ready status with vSphere 5.0 certification.

Microsoft, VMware and Citrix environments will be able to make good use of the Drobo B1200i SSD, as will data protection solutions supporting Veeam, Acronis and Symantec backup and replication. Essentially you’re getting a product that works essentially anywhere you need it to – and with its ability to combine the many bits of storage and backup hardware you’ve already got on hand, you’ll be saving a ton of potential dollars you’d otherwise be spending in the future.

Have a peek at the lovely selection of Drobo content we’ve got in our Drobo portal and make sure you check out our Drobo timeline below as well to see which products appeared over the past few weeks and months that landed us here with the new and improved Drobo B1200i SSD!

Best Main Survival Flashlights for Camping

Elzetta Bravo


Some of you might be surprised that the Elzetta Bravo made one of our best of lists because it is not one of the brightest lights out there. On its highest setting the Bravo only emits 650 lumens but only because this model comes with an Automatic Voltage Sensing head that allows for the higher lumen output. The other model only emits 235 lumens. The AVS head features an optical lens that comes with several different lens options. It gives you the ability to change beam patterns, on its lowest setting, which is engaged by twisting the tailcap.

The tailcap also features a push button switch to power the light on and off. The reason why we rank the Elzetta Bravo so high on the list is because it is practically indestructible. The optical lens is the standard 7/8 inches thick but is one of the most durable on the market. The Bravo also features fully potted electronics, which adds to the lights durability. The thing about fully potted electronics is that it isn’t something that you normally find on flashlights. It is an important feature because it seals the circuit boards and solders joints, so they are locked into place.

Another downfall to this light, which is easy to overlook, is that you can only use non-rechargeable CR123A batteries with it. The reason behind this is that non-rechargeable CR123A batteries are the best choice in emergency situations, and they are the most durable. The batteries themselves are not widely available because they are a non-standard battery, but they do have a long shelf life and an amazing output in terms of powering the light.
Weight: 6.2 ounces without batteries
Dimensions: 5.6 inches long and 1.45 inch diameter
Highest Setting: 650 lumens for one hour and 30 minutes
Lowest Setting: 15 lumens for 60 hours

Budget Main Light (Non Standard):


If you read our previous survival flashlight review, you might remember the winner from last year was the Olight M22 Warrior this year we replace it with the Olight M23 Javelot. The best thing about the new winner is that it is very similar to last year’s winner, but offers an improved throw thanks to its dedomed CREE XP-L LED. One of the great things about this customized CREE XP-L LED is that it allows the light to reach up to 477 yards at night using its highest setting of 1020 lumens. The M23 Javelot features three different modes, along with a strobe mode. The highest mode reaches 1020 lumens for five minutes, mode two emits 350 lumens for two hours, and mode three is the lowest mode and emits 20 lumens for 30 hours.

The flashlight (for example: SUNJACK CAMPLIGHT )is considered a non-standard light because it requires two CR123A lithium batteries or a single 18650 lithium ion battery to run. At just under six inches long, this light is small enough to carry with you. It is also versatile enough to be used in a variety of settings. The tail cap is extremely stable allowing you to stand the light on its end to provide light for an entire room while freeing up your hands. The light comes with a holster and diffuser, which allows you to turn the beam into diffused light to better light up your surroundings.Weight: 5.29 oz without batteries
Dimensions: 5.66 inches long and 1.61 inch diameter
Highest Setting: 1020 lumens for five minutes
Lowest Setting: 20 lumens for 30 hours

Eagletac GX30A3D


The Eagletac GX30A3D makes our ‘Best Of list’ for a handful of reasons, but perhaps the most persuading is the fact that it is really two flashlights in one. The GX30A3D offers a spotlight that is almost as bright as lights powered by four AA batteries, but the light also comes with a diffuser mode. The diffuser mode allows users to use the light as a candle or even a lantern with its flood beam. The GX30A3D features a CREE XP-I hi V3 cool white LED that is powered by three AA batteries, which makes this light a standard flashlight. The beam from the light can reach up to 492 yards.

The lens itself is a white glass that features anti-reflective coating on both sides as well as a hardening treatment to help make it durable. One problem many standard lights have is the light dims after running for a certain period of time, but the Eagletac GX30A3D features a constant current regulation to prevent the light from dimming on every output level. Being that the light is really two lights in one, the amount of lumens emitted for each setting will vary based on what light you are using. With the spotlight the highest output is 1330 lumens for one hour, while the diffuser option provides 1000 lumens for one hour. The modes, which include five brightness levels for both spot and diffuser settings and three hidden auxiliary modes, are all accessed via the tail cap switch, plus this switch makes tail standing possible.
Weight: 4.8 ounces without batteries
Dimensions: 4.3 inches long and 1.4 inch diameter
Highest Setting: 1330/1000 lumens for one hour
Lowest Setting: 10/8 lumens for 100 hours

The brain of a mature whitetail is more complex than any high-tech trail camera ( for example: MOULTRIE PANORAMIC 150 GAME CAMERA ) that will ever be invented. Whitetails have survived for millions of years by programming predatory smells, sights and sounds into memory.

For example, say that a hunter shuts his truck door and walks to a tree stand several hundred yards away for two days in a row. While en route, he unknowingly passes upwind of a bedded buck both days. Even if the wind is in the hunter’s favor on the third day, the moment that buck hears the truck door slam, he’ll take for granted that a human is headed into his domain, and he’ll probably either sit tight or go the other way.

If an adult whitetail errs at all, it’s usually on the side of caution, and that means the hunter’s chance of success is near zero. Here are 8 trail camera tips that’ll help you on your quest for trophy bucks.

TIP NO. 1: BE DISCREET

The most detrimental aspect of a trail camera is overuse. A new unit in the hands of a first-timer is like a toy. The owner can’t wait to see results from day to day. This allows deer to program the camera owner’s activity more than vice versa.

Daily intrusion into the woods or along a field edge tells whitetails more about camera owners than those hunters will ever learn about their quarry through photos.

A camera is best placed in a transitional area where it’s easy to enter and exit without being detected. Avoid inspecting the unit for at least a week or more. Do not leave telltale human odor by touching the housing or mounting components with bare hands. A scent-blocking spray should be used on the unit and mount to inhibit foreign odors.

TIP NO. 2: MOUNT YOUR CAMERA HIGHER
Since the conception and subsequent heavy usage of trail cameras, there has been overwhelming proof that a flash will spook some deer from the immediate area. So what about the latest claims by manufacturers that infrared flash won’t spook game. Are they legitimate?

More than half of the photos I’ve taken with infrared flash indicate that the subject deer knew the exact location of the camera when the infrared flash triggered. These photos often demonstrate deer movement perpendicular to the camera, yet the deer’s head is almost always turned looking at the unit.

A whitetail likely first notices the passive infrared heat sensor beam and instantly turns its head toward the camera in time for the infrared flash. Though most professional trail camera users agree that infrared flash is better, they also concur that it still spooks some deer.

Seasoned trail camera user Terry Tank of Glenwood, Minnesota, was one of the first ever to address a solution for the flash problem. Terry began mounting cameras several feet above the sight plane of whitetails immediately after being temporarily blinded by his own camera. He found that this reduced the chances of deer spotting the origin of the flash or being blinded by it.

The higher mounting also prevents deer from smelling a unit at close quarters. He eventually invented the Trail-Pod, which is now marketed through many sporting goods outlets.

The Trail-Pod TM-100 tree mount model allows easy placement of any trail camera in less than a couple of minutes. Its removable universal mounting plate is fitted with a quick-detach lock for ease of camera access. The Trail-Pod has a camera-style ball head for adjusting the unit’s aim. Terry also markets the TLP-200 and Deluxe Camo TLP-300 tripod mount. These units can be placed in areas with no trees and without the noise of tamping a mounting post in the ground.

TIP NO. 3: MOUNT YOUR CAMERA FARTHER AWAY
Why do I get more deer hindquarters than heads? is an often asked question by new camera owners. Most current units offer motion detection and passive infrared heat sensing. Both must trigger to record an event or photo. This ensures that each snapshot contains a warm-blooded animal on the move.

When a less expensive unit is triggered, its camera is slower to power up, focus and record the photo. A five-second or more delay is possible on some economy models. If this is your problem, set the camera farther from the trail or at a 45-degree angle from deer travel. This allows a wider photo cone.

TIP NO. 4: CREATE A BEDDING AREA NEAR A FOOD SOURCE
The shots I get of shooter bucks on my food plot are always after 10 p.m. Why? This is another quandary for many camera users. It’s usually a sign that mature bucks are traveling some distance to the camera site. They likely spend the day in a less pressured area or where there’s more protected daytime bedding.

Creating a better bedding area near the food source will encourage bucks to bed closer and show up shortly before or after dusk. Your odds of harvesting them during hunting season will increase dramatically.

TIP NO. 5: FIND A BUCK’S HIDEOUT, BUT BE CAUTIOUS
My food plot photos show only does, fawns and small bucks. Why am I not getting photos of mature bucks in the area? Does need nutritious food in large quantity to stay healthy and produce milk for fawns. Older fawns and yearlings also need protein-rich food for growth. Though mature bucks need protein for maintaining muscle mass and minerals for antler growth, they often bachelor up in remote areas where food is adequate and human intrusion is less.

According to most studies on deer movement, mature bucks seldom move outside 55 acres during summer months. If you find that sweet spot, don’t overburden it with cameras and human scent, but by all means have some cameras in the area.

TIP NO. 6: PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
As with tree stands, theft is a major concern for camera owners. The loss of a $100 to $800 unit can be maddening and heart-wrenching. Here’s a solution that often prevents thievery. Post your property with signs that read: No Trespassing — This Property Has Video Surveillance On Its Borders — All Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted! The simple threat of having their photo taken causes thieves to think twice about crossing a property line.

TIP NO. 7: BE CAREFUL ABOUT CAMERA PLACEMENT AT RUBS AND SCRAPES
New trail camera owners are quick to place units over scrapes and rubs. This is OK if the flash is disabled and the camera isn’t checked more than once a week. Most mature bucks in pre-rut, however, freshen their scrapes after sundown. The wisest placement of a camera is 30 to 50 yards from the scrape on an incoming or outgoing pathway. This prevents excessive flash at the scrape or rub site and gives the camera user a better idea of the direction a buck is traveling.

TIP NO. 8: BUILD IT YOURSELF
Those who are electronically inclined can build a trail camera for half-price. Several Web sites sell the components, and other Web sites detail the how-to of assembling a high-quality unit. My nephew, Jake Davenport, began building all of his cameras after becoming disgruntled with $400 units that failed within the first month of use.

WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE?
Top-end trail cameras now offer the recording of time, temperature and moon phase with each photo. Barometer reading will soon be the next option. Remote units linked to cellular phones or computers are now available, but prices are quite high. Within a short time, however, trail camera users will be offered the affordable ability to set the camera and read its photos from afar. It likely will cost no more than a new compound bow.

Although the Boone and Crockett Club will recognize entries previously caught on removable trail camera film or memory card, the club has taken a stand against remote cameras viewed off location. This is seen as a deterrent to fair chase. One can only imagine a hunter sitting in a blind with a laptop or cell phone watching for more desirable deer activity at a second or third stand site. Some states already have laws in place disallowing this, but others will need to clarify current statutes detailing the “taking of wildlife with electronic devices.”


CONCLUSION
It seems there is no end to the devices man will invent to get the edge on mature whitetail bucks. Hunters rarely give this elusive animal enough credit for its innate ability to shun predators. The more we pressure them, the more they learn to avoid us. Rattling is a good example. In my area of west-central Illinois, it’s almost a given that rattling will forewarn older bucks of your presence.

Once archery season begins in October, it’s rare to see even a 4 1/2-year-old-plus buck during daylight hours. And though trail cameras have helped many users plan an effective ambush, they certainly can create a negative effect for hunters who refuse to pay careful attention to detail.

One thing is certain, though: It’s much less stressful sitting in a tree stand on a cold, windy, rainy day during the rut knowing you’ve got a trail camera photo of the buck of a lifetime!

2017 Financial Goals for Small Business Owners

If you are a small business owner, you should be setting goals as early as possible so that you are not caught behind the eight ball as the year goes by. Sweeping changes are expected in 2017, and you’ll need to be ready. For example, it’s predicted that 2017 will be the year that video finally overtakes text as the No. 1 form of communication on the internet. 2017 will also mark the rise of the independent mobile commerce culture, and, of course, virtual reality is on the immediate horizon.

Here’s how to prepare for the changes ahead.

Target Your Niche Even More Precisely

In order to grow your business, shrink your marketing. The major search engines, like Google and Bing, continue to reward localization and punish wide-net marketing strategies. There is also more competition in 2017 than ever before, including premium prices on the best keywords. You will need to stretch out your long-tail keywords even further and delve more deeply into a local or niche culture in order to get that organic traffic that drives the highest conversion rates.

Bother People

Many small business owners believe that the advent of new communications technologies means an automatic influx of customers. Even with the hands-down best product on the market, this is never the case. More robust communications only means more noise as potential consumers are bombarded with a deluge of advertisements and indirect marketing. In order to stand out, you have to personalize your messages – even going customer by customer. You cannot be afraid to bother people, and rejection cannot bother you.

Fundable.com Features International Vintage Watch Company (IVWC) in $1M Capital Raise

LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Vintage Watch Company (IVWC), a Los Angeles Based Luxury and Vintage Watch Company, has announced that it has teamed up with Fundable.com to raise a minimum $ 1 Million to help expand its global e-commerce vintage watch sales.   Click here for Fundable.com Vintage Watch Raise.

Based in the historic Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District, IVWC has quickly become one of the largest vintage watch dealers in the USA.  IVWC specializes in buying pre-owned classic, elegant timepieces in various conditions and meticulously breathing new life into their functions before making them available on several marketplaces worldwide.  Featured vintage brands include Omega, Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, IWC, Seiko, Longines and many others.

"Our team members each have over 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry.  Paired with our own appreciation for classic, quality watches, our operation is a labor of love," said Jack Abramov, co-founder and CEO of International Vintage Watch Company.

IVWC reports that 50% of its sales are International, placing the company in a position to compete with other trusted, American watch dealers in the global market.  The company expects to generate $ 3M in online sales in 2017, more than doubling its 2016 sales of $ 1.2M.

Offerings include 1930's – 1950's collector pieces, 1960's retro models, 1970's classics and 1980's – 2000's modern styles, all professionally cleaned, serviced and restored in stunning detail.

The company features collectable vintage premium Swiss and Japanese watches by the finest brands including: Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Omega, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, Franck Muller, Chronoswiss, Roger Dubuis, Universal Geneve, Bvlgari, Corum, Louis Vuitton, Tudor, Tiffany & Co., Panerai, Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hublot, Chopard, Bell & Ross, Breguet, Glashutte, Girard Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin, Baume & Mercier, Sinn, Zenith, Rado, Seiko, Bulova, Gucci, Citizen, Orient, Enicar, Technos, Elgin, Richoh, Milus, Wyler, Fortis, Tag Heuer, Longines, Movado, Benrus, Tissot, Fendi, Ebel, Movado, Raymond Weil, Oris, Hamilton and others.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE WATCH COMPANY (IVWC)

International Vintage Watch Company (IVWC) is one of the largest vintage watch dealers in the United States.  Based in the historic downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District, IVWC is world renowned for its expert restoration and supply of fine premium authentic vintage Swiss and Japanese made watches.   The company has over 1,200 vintage ladies watches in stock and sells its products globally on several e-commerce marketplaces including Chrono24 Germany, Ebay VividLily Store, Tradesy Online and others.