With the release of the alleged Mel Gibson rant tapes it has left many people wondering just how someone could record a phone conversation without the other person knowing about it. To be honest, that is very easy with all of the new technology out there. You can buy Digital Phone Recorders that can plug right into your phone or some that can act as your home phone while being ready to record should the need arise.
The more popular of the two main types of Phone Recorders would be the small Digital Recorders. They simply plug right into the headphone jack of your home or even cell phones and then you hit the record button and it will record until you stop it or it runs out of space.
They also can be used to record sound from within a room either using the built-in or an external microphone and some of the better models even have a voice activated feature so it will only record when it “hears” voices.
The less popular type of Phone Recorder can only record phone conversation that come through itself which means that you could not use it to record your cell phone or even a phone from another room. They also do not generally have the ability to record sounds from within a room either which would account for the lack of popularity.
So as you can see recording a phone conversation is quite easy these days and the person on the other line would never know unless you tell them but that is another issue you must consider.
You see many states have what they call a “two party consent” law which requires both parties be aware that they are being recorded. You need to know what the law is for your state should you decide to start recording phone conversations so you do not wind up getting yourself into hot water with the law enforcement community of your area.
To see whether your state has a “two party consent” law or not you can look here at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_recording_laws.
If you live in a “two party” consent state then you may want to reconsider the use of a phone recorder or at the very least consult an attorney to know exactly what you can do without breaking the laws of your state.
The addition of a good Wireless Outdoor Security Camera can be a very inexpensive yet effective way to help protect your home from criminals. Unless there is some compelling reason for them to risk the added trouble of dealing with your security setup they will just pick an easier target.
At the very least, should some criminal either not notice or disregard your security camera you will hopefully have all the evidence the police will need to track down and prosecute the crook.
You have a few options when choosing your Wireless Outdoor Security Camera and one of the main things you will want to decide is whether you want the camera hidden or not. It makes a big difference in where you would want to install the camera as well as the effect it will have on criminals.
Remember that if it is hidden it will only really be useful for gathering evidence against the criminal unless you display placards that cameras are in use and at that point you may as well have used visible security cameras.
One of the best hidden wireless outdoor security cameras you will find is the Spotlight Hidden Camera. It is a motion activated spotlight with built in camera and DVR so there is no need to worry about buying a separate recording device.
Since it is a super bright spotlight with 80 LED lights it can easily light up the area to ensure you get a really good video of the criminals face as he is startled by the light. It has a view range of around 90 feet so you can see them from a distance should they not run off.
The Spotlight Hidden Camera is one of the easiest wireless outdoor security cameras you can use. After you install it where you need to protect you simply check the video whenever you want by removing the SD card.
You then can place that SD card into any card reader to review the video as well as transport the information to the authorities so they can use it in their investigation and prosecution.
For a standard Wireless Outdoor Security Camera you will need to have some type of recording device. The wireless receiver is attached to your recording device so it can feed in the signal coming from the camera.
As far as motion activation, generally it is controlled by the recording device you are using and not the camera itself. The camera is always sending a signal and motion activation just determines whether it is recorded or not.
You want to be sure any standard Wireless Outdoor Security Camera you may decide to install is weatherproof and infrared capable. It is usually a good idea to install these types of cameras in a visible area that has a good view of the area to protect.
Remember another benefit to this type of camera is the deterrent effect it can have by being visible. Most criminals prefer the path of least resistance and since there are no guarantees you can only hope to lower your odds by making things more difficult that it is worth to some two bit criminal to rob you.
If you know a young man that is either going to be or already is attending college than you need to consider his safety while he is away from home and help him to be prepared for anything life decides to throw at him. Too many people are under the misconception that the only victims are women and this is not the truth.
Besides the basic safety talk about avoiding drugs and alcohol as well as driving with idiots, you need to be sure he is thinking about his personal safety while he is out and about.
Here are just a few of the best self defense products for male college students that he can use to increase his level of safety while away at college:
• Diversion Safe – He can use one in his car and one in his dorm room to help hide his valuables from theft. Diversion safes come in all types of everyday products that people will not give a second look. They are very inexpensive and quite effective in hiding your items in plain sight.
• Door Brace – This can be used to secure his dorm room door without the need to permanently install anything you just extend it and brace it up against the door. Best of all the Door Brace is portable so he can take it with him as he travels to help provide safety in hotel rooms, apartments or any place he wants to make sure he can sleep without fear of attack.
• Pepper Spray – This is a great self defense device for both men and women. Even if he never needs to defend himself he made need to defend someone else and Pepper Spray can give him the edge he needs to do so safely.
• Expandable Baton – If you get the flashlight option he can keep it in his car to help with an emergency like a breakdown, an attempted car jacking or even a submerged vehicle. An Expandable Baton has many uses and for the price it is more than worth the money.
• Kubotan – This little device is very inexpensive as it is usually around five dollars. It can serve many purposes and does not really require any kind of training. A Kubotan is more of a use however you need it type of item since it can defend you from attack by using it as a stabbing device or flail. It too can be used in a car emergency kit as well since it can be used to break out a window if needed.
With the items on this list you can help to ensure your son has at least a fighting chance to defend himself or someone else should the need arise whether it be in his home or his vehicle.
It appears Texas is about to attempt to follow Arizona’s lead by reforming their current immigration laws.
What confuses me the most is that it isn’t already against state law to be an ILLEGAL immigrant since it is against federal immigration laws.
But everyone now is freaking out stating “there will be racial profiling” but there is such an easy fix that should have been in place all along.
EVERYONE should have to carry proof of citizenship and EVERYONE gets checked when they have police contact, period!
It is just that easy. That way there is no profiling because EVERYONE regardless of race, color, creed or religion will be getting checked. How hard is that? Not hard at all!
The fact that this is an issue amazes me. How dare we try and secure our borders and determine who is here criminally, hence the ILLEGAL immigrant moniker, right? I mean it isn’t like terrorists would ever use our wide open borders to sneak in and attack us, not on our soil right?
With the tough economic times we live in right now, more folks are turning to crime and this can lead to a rise in residential home burglaries. Thankfully, there are some economical ways to help bring down your likelihood of falling victim to this brand of crime.
Whenever you park your car in your driveway or in the street be sure the windows are rolled all the way up, the doors are locked and you hide any items you leave in your car. The less items you leave out in plain sight the less the temptation to break into your vehicle. If you keep your garage door opener in your car be sure it is secured. Most people don’t lock their garage door entrance into the house so if someone gets your garage door opener they can come right into your home.
Employ motion activated lights on all sides of your house to ensure that a criminal cannot use the dark to hide as he attempts to break into your home.
Keep bushes trimmed short and slender so that no one can hide
behind them and use them as cover for a break in or attack. Do not make it simple for a criminal to use your landscaping against you.
Install Dummy Surveillance Cameras in extremely visible locations. They are virtually indistinguishable from actual surveillance cameras and are very effective and inexpensive to acquire. They will absolutely give the illusion that you have a full size surveillance system in place.
Get “bump proof” deadbolts for all of your outside entrance doors. Bumping a lock is a method that involves making a special key that can be placed in any vulnerable lock and subsequently tapped on the end to unlock the deadbolt in a matter of seconds. If the lock doesn’t say it is bump proof than it means it is most likely vulnerable to this type of access.
Employ an inexpensive alarm system like the Voice Alert Alarm
System. You can setup sensors inside vulnerable areas, including your driveway, and be alerted by voice should something trigger the sensor. Best of all, you will know precisely where the trespass is originating from as you can record your own message for each zone.
With just a small amount of effort on your part you can greatly lower your probability of falling victim to a home burglary without spending a fortune on elaborate alarm systems. Bear in mind common sense also goes a long way to increasing your safety so use your head.
In your golden years the only thing you should have to worry about is how to enjoy the remainder of your life to the fullest but sadly that is not the case.
Now, more than ever, senior citizens need to worry about their personal safety and do what they need to in order to remain safe.
1. Auto Dialer alarm system for your home. Criminals enjoy preying on the elderly and this can keep you from coming home to an intruder. It will call you if it detects motion in your home and you can then call the police instead of walking in on the criminal.
2. Electronic Dog Chaser. This will help keep you safe as you walk around your neighborhood or local parks. It emits a 130db ultrasonic frequency as well as utilizing pulsing lights to scare off aggressive dogs. This is perfect for you as you walk your dog or simply walk by yourself out in public where there is a risk of an off leash dog attacking you.
3. Runt Mini Stun gun. It is a very small, light and easy to use stun gun. It fits nicely in your hand or pocket and can be used on the attacker even if he is touching you since the electricity will not pass through to you.
4. A small, lightweight Pepper Spray for your key chain. If you happen to use any type of wheel chair or walker, you can hide one in the pocket of the chair so you always have it on hand. Be sure to aim for the eyes and get to safety as quick as you possibly can.
5. Personal alarms. They are a must have addition to your safety tool chest. When you need assistance, having the 110db alarm can mean the difference between life or death. This is true for security as well as medical situations. Should you need help for any reason, a Personal alarm can help get you the attention you need.
All of the items on this list are lightweight and very easy to use which is something you should be sure any self defense weapon you may choose has for a feature.
The last thing you need is more stress when trying to protect yourself from an attack.
Many home burglaries can go from just a property loss crime to something much more heinous if the criminal is interrupted by the homeowner and usually the results are devastating to the homeowner and anyone with them.
But at least you can lower your odds of coming home to find some lowlife there for very little money by getting an alarm system. Most people think right away about monitored alarm systems when you mention home alarms and these can be very expensive to purchase and get installed not including the monthly monitoring fees.
The monthly fees and expensive contracts that can come with monitored alarm systems can put these types of alarms out of the reach of most us, especially these days. The good news is that thankfully there are other options from which you may choose.
I am referring to auto dialer home alarm systems which generally range in price from $75.00 to about $200.00. The real beauty of these devices being that once you purchase them there is no additional fees to pay as you have with the monitored type of alarm systems.
Now you may be thinking “so what is an auto dialer type alarm anyway”?
Simple, auto dialer alarms are generally motion activated and are connected to an active phone line. When the alarm detects any motion it will sound a loud alarm as well as call the first number on the phone list you programmed into it during installation.
Many of these alarms will allow you to listen in to the room to see if maybe a pet or authorized visitor accidentally just set off your alarm before you incorrectly dispatch police to your home. Some even allow you to broadcast your voice.
Most of the better models of this type of alarm will continue to dial a predetermined amount of phone numbers until the alarm has been properly deactivated by using a code.
This is especially helpful if you have family, friends or neighbors that you trust to be backups for you in the event that you cannot be reached.
Since an auto dialer alarm will call you to warn you that someone is in your home, I am sure you can see how it can help to prevent ever coming home to walk in to a bad situation with a criminal.
Whether you need to protect your family while you are working nights or you are a woman living alone, these types of home alarm systems can help you lower your odds of becoming a victim!
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, there are still blind spots that prevent you from seeing what you need to see in order to prevent a car crash. Many car crashes could have been prevented over the years if only today’s technology had been available. Now that it is available in the form of a rearview mirror hidden camera, you can feel more secure when driving. The use of a hidden camera attached to your rearview mirror will give you better vision for what is coming up around you and aid in preventing an accident.
Since even today’s newer cars have blind spots, the option to add camera surveillance in the form of a hidden camera aids in better vehicle security and safety. It is a safety precaution we all need in today’s world. Now that you know how a rearview mirror hidden camera can benefit you in preventing an accident, we will cover how it works and the product features.
This particular hidden camera attaches to your rearview mirror and has front and rear color cameras along with built in DVR functions as well as audio.
The following is an overview of the features available on the rearview mirror hidden camera.
• Built-in Color Camera – Featuring digital technology that is compatible with an SD card (8 MB card included but accepts up to 16 MB card) all contained in this small 1/4 inch color camera.
• Rotation and Recording – This tiny color camera rotates 330 degrees and allows for recording via built-in DVR. The rotation includes interior and exterior views so you can see inside and outside of your car with no blind spots.
• External Wireless Camera – Included with this is a wireless camera that can be mounted in the rear dash or to an area on the outside of your vehicle.
• Easy to Read LCD Monitor – The monitor is a 3.6 inch LCD Thin Film Transistor style that plays or replays activity on your rearview mirror. You can switch from external to front camera options with the touch of a button.
• Battery – This also includes a convenient built-in rechargeable battery that you can charge through your cigarette lighter or a USB option for your computer. This is completely portable and easy to use.
This rearview mirror hidden camera is truly the most revolutionary way to provide yourself with more effective vehicle safety and peace of mind. You can get more information on this amazing piece of vehicle safety equipment and even see videos of it in action online.
There are two easy ways to use your PC for recording video from hidden and professional cameras as well.
The first way is to use an IP camera. They are extremely versatile devices that can connect to either your DVR, PC or right into your existing network using an Ethernet/CAT5 cable.
Most IP cameras come with software that you install on your PC or DVR to allow you to view the recorded video as well as to adjust any available features the camera may have.
If you also have your home network connected to the internet. You can generally use the software for the IP camera to create a secure webpage that can been seen only by you across the internet.
This means that you can access either real-time or recorded video from the IP camera across the internet from any PC in the world. This is very useful if you are away from and want to keep an eye on, things at home.
The second way to use your PC to record video is by using an USB DVR. These devices are generally small and are connected to an open USB port on your PC.
Most USB DVR’s come with software that you install on your PC to allow it to record video and for you to view that video live and recorded video across the internet, not unlike the IP camera.
One limitation to the USB DVR is that most only allow 4 cameras maximum to be installed at any time and if your needs require more, this may not be the right option for you.
IP cameras generally allow up to 16 cameras to be installed and are generally a better fit for those with larger needs.
So depending on how many camera you would like installed, either of these two options will allow you to use your PC record the video coming from your hidden or not, camera.
As their names imply, wired hidden cameras need to have a wire connected between it and its’ recording device; while wireless hidden cameras do not use a wire to send their data but instead it sends it right through the air to a receiver.
There are pros and cons for both wired and wireless hidden cameras. For instance, with wired cameras you must run a wire all the way from the camera to whatever device you may be using for recording which can severely limit your options on where you can place these devices.
A con for the wireless camera is that they are susceptible to interference from other devices and they also have distance limitations but they are small in comparison to wired cameras.
For most decent wireless hidden cameras the range is generally 1500 feet or more, line of sight. Line of sight means that everything in between the camera and the receiver diminishes the signal, shortening the distance.
As far as operation and quality goes, there is generally no major difference in operation and as long as the signal is strong, no difference in quality either.
So as you can now see, the only real difference between the wired and wireless hidden camera is how they send their video signals and how they are installed.
It makes deciding between the two, much easier. With a wireless hidden camera, you simply place the camera where you want it. Supply it power by either battery pack or electricity and plug the receiver into your recording device.
With a wired hidden camera, you place the camera in the location you want it. You then connect the cable to the hidden camera and run it to the recording device. There is no need to worry about power because most wired hidden cameras utilize a Siamese cable to carry video and supply power.
Your main job with a wired hidden camera is to find a way to run the cable from the camera, all the way to the recording device and have it not be noticeable by others.
Protecting your privacy from a potentially nosey or just plain perverted landlord, is more of a worry today than it has been in past years due to the volume of options and availability of hidden cameras. Hidden cameras disguised as every day items are the best known but hidden camera can also come in the form of pinhole cameras.
When you first move into your new apartment, rented room or home you need to do a thorough walk through and pay attention to all of the little things. This is especially true if the place comes fully or even partially furnished.
When you do your initial inspection you need to check the following very carefully:
• Air vets for the air conditioning and heat.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
• Any mirrors, paintings or wall decorations you don’t install yourself.
• Corners of each room, check the ceiling for small holes this also goes for the walls to any adjoining apartments.
• Check the bathroom carefully paying close attention to the shower and toilet areas
What you are looking for are wires that appear out of place and seem to go no where, and small holes that make no sense. If you turn out the lights and get it pitch black in your place you can look for lights in odd places.
Most cameras come with some type of power on light that can much more easily be seen in the pitch dark through careful examination. As I mentioned before you need to pay close attention as you do your inspection.
The bad thing about apartments and rented houses are that the landlord can come in under false pretenses and install cameras at any time after you move in. So you may also want to consider buying a bug detector.
Bug detectors can let you find any wireless cameras or microphones. Best of all you can occasionally sweep your living area to be sure nothing gets slipped in after your initial inspection.
Another bonus to getting a bug detector is that it can be used to ensure your privacy in dressing rooms and public bathrooms as well. We have all seen the news stories of perverts placing cameras in these public places and you don’t want to fall victim.
A little prevention can save you a lot of heart ache down the road.
It never ceases to amaze me. Ocean city Maryland was the newest mislead city to ban stun guns and tasers.
What kills be is that they do it under the guise of wanting to keep people safe when that isn’t it at all. They just want another way to get money from people and keep you scared and reliant on them to keep you safe. It is sad really. These people wouldn’t even have the right to concealed weapons if it wasn’t for the fact that the NRA has more money than Bill Gates, ok not really but they have a ton and can buy quite a few politicians’ support.
As you can see by the links ALL of these items and many other regular everyday items have all been used in crimes at one point or another.
Like I said it is silly. All they do is make it harder for the non gun toting people to protect themselves by using non lethal weapons like stun guns or tasers.
We need to get a leash on our politicians cause I think they have forgotten they work for us and they may need a reminder kick in the pants!
Maybe it is the fact that most sexual predators are men or that I just could never see myself doing it but the whole manny thing is a bit creepy to me.
It is different if you plan on being there the whole time and he is there more for support than to be alone for long periods of time with your children. But other than that, you may want to re-think that idea.
Take for example 23 year old Donald Shepherd, who was just arrested for molesting a 10 year old boy he was babysitting. The police believe there may be more victims because he sought jobs all over the US that would put him alone with kids.
Whether it is a man or a woman, be sure you know WHO is alone with your children. A little diligence on your part can save your child from a lifetime of scars.
Don’t forget nanny cams, they can be a life saver.
I have noticed in the news as of late, an increase in home invasions across the country. If you go to google news and search home invasion you will get back thousands of recent news stories of home invasions, many of which ended in death.
The worse our economy gets, the worse crime will get; any third world nation can show you that. Eventually our economy should recover, we are pretty good at that but in the meantime, we need to take steps to try and avoid becoming a target.
This may sound silly but things like not placing electronics boxes out in front of your home, can help keep from drawing unwanted attention. Too may times we get the urge to, well frankly, show off what we have. Bear in mind that doing that just ups your odds of becoming a target.
I am not saying build fake walls and hide your stuff. Just be smart and not draw a lot of attention your way. Take electronic boxes (after breaking them down) to be recycled and then no worries about them sitting out for people to see and you help the environment so it is win win
Get some solar powered lights for your walkway and get motion activated lights for the all 4 sides of the house. If you can’t afford to do it all at once do it in phases. Something is better than nothing.
I have before and will again, recommend getting a door brace for both front and back doors and secure sliding glass doors (as much as glass can be secured). It may sound paranoid but better safe than sorry. Inside your house you have better control of your situation so keep it secure.
This includes not being lured out of your house at night or into opening the door for a stranger. Also, be sure to talk to the kids, they should not be opening the doors even in daylight. These crimes happen as often in daylight these days as they do at night. If only adults are in control of who enters your “safe zone” you will be much better off. More than one crime has started but some little child opening the door for the wrong guy.
As far as your own self defense, some may choose a gun next to their bed, I prefer they never get in by following the steps above. But if they do you need to be prepared. For those of you with kids, determine a hiding place where they should go should you tell them to. If they are safe then you can concentrate on getting help and protecting you and your family.
I like the steel baton approach. I keep one next to my bed, in close reach should I need to get to it. I also have pepper spray in various spots around the house so no matter where I may encounter an intruder, I can get something in my hands to help protect myself.
In my truck, I keep one of the new double trouble stun guns in my center console and have both a heartattack keychain weapon and a pepper spray on the keychain as well. I would make a good boy scout cause I am a firm believer in being prepared for any situation.
A while back I told you story about a deaf woman attacked while walking her dog along a busy street and no one stopped. A lot of my preparation goes into not just protecting myself but in being able, should the need ever arise, to intervene and protect someone else as well.
I know many families who are trying to sell of their homes because foreclosure is looming. The bad part is that more and more people are choosing to do it themselves to save the real estate agent fees.
The problem with this is simple, you are opening your home to strangers and if they come when you are alone and you still let them in you can find yourself in trouble.
We just had a homeowner attacked here over the weekend. She was selling her own home and having an open house. A guy showed up early and was supposedly interested in the home and wanted to see it.
Here is where desperation came in, she let him in thinking she might get the sale. Instead he pistol whipped her and then tied her up. She was lucky enough to break free and run for help.
She is VERY fortunate to only walk away from this with a beating cause you can imagine what could and probably was going to happen to her.
This goes for more than just selling houses, it goes for anything like that. There have been many people selling some type of item who have been robbed, raped and even killed by someone who used this as a way in.
People tend to drop their guard when potential money is involved but it can cost you big.
If you have something, whether it be your home, car or even a bicycle, there are some simple rules to follow.
The most obvious rule, keep your self defense weapon of choice handy no matter how harmless someone looks.
Tell your friends, family and neighbor if you plan on having strangers come over; especially if you are crazy enough to be alone doing this.
Make sure you never let them walk behind you. When walking them into your home, they go first and you follow. Better to be attacked from the front if it is going to come.
Keep yourself an out. What I mean is simple, keeping them in front of you like I just mentioned, allows you to have a clear path to a door out. If someone goes wrong you can run for it.
Like I mentioned, selling things to strangers when alone is just plain crazy. This goes for any female realtor you may know.
Be prepared to defend yourself which means a lot more than just having some type of weapon. You need to mentally decide you will NOT be a victim. Attitude can make a huge difference.
And the golden rule…..when in doubt kick em in the junk and run screaming your head off! Much easier to apologize to the now high pitched man than to take the chance and be attacked.
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but they have a ton and can buy quite a few politicians’ support.