Home Security

We moved into our house a few months ago, and have been thinking about what kind of security modifications we would like to make. The house is prewired for an alarm system so naturally we thought about getting an alarm system. After doing research on alarm companies we decided not to get an alarm. Main reason, they do not physically make it harder for someone to get into your home. Criminals often know they have at least 10 minutes before someone will respond to an alarm. During my research I realize the most common entry points are doors and windows. It takes just seconds for a door to be kicked in. Reason for that is because the frames of the doors are so weak. The Strikemaster II is a 1/8th inch think steel plate that runs down most of the length of the door frame on the side were the deadbolt is. The company stand behinds their product, and the product has several positive reviews. After thinking about it for a few days we did go for the Strikemaster II. Now that the front door is secure our attention turned towards the windows. My wife wanted to go with security bars. There is no doubt they serve their purpose, but the downside is the looks, what the HOA may say, and the neighbors. Instead of security bars we decided to go with 3M Security window film. Someone can still break the glass, but the film will hold the glass in place. If a thief really tried hard enough eventually they would be able to get in through the window, but all their pounding and banging on the glass should give us enough time to react.

Hopefully these actions taken which are not visible to a thief will never have to be tested. We sleep better at night knowing we have taken these home security steps.

Blackberry Curve 8900

My wife has been wanting a new cellphone for a few years now. She has been using a basic model Samsung flip for the last five years. We have service with T-Mobile and have not been impressed with any of their new model phones recently. I have been interested in the G1 which came out a few months ago. Last Friday we went to a T-Mobile store and after looking at the phones they had my wife choose the BlackBerry Curve 8900. We were surprised to learn the phone just came out that same week. After learning all the capabilities of the Blackberry we now understand why people get addidcted to them, and why the have been nicknamed "crackberries." The problem in I know want to upgrade my Nokia flip phone.