4 Fortress Moats that Rock

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

They say that a man’s home is his castle, so it is understandable that homeowners should make every effort to keep their homes safe and secure. The use of traditional and deadbolt locks on doors, high security locks and even monitored alarms and video surveillance systems is not uncommon.

Safety and security are not new concerns, but the manners in which they are dealt with have evolved over time. Long before the days of keyless entry and smart phone controlled locks, castles and forts around the world used moats as a preliminary line of defense. Some of these structures are still in use today, and many others, like those listed below, are tourist attractions that are open to the public.

Fort Bourtange, Netherlands

A star fort located in the Netherlands, Fort Bourtange was erected in the 1590s to control the only road between Germany and the town of Groningen, Netherlands, which was under Spanish rule during the Eighty Years’ War. The fort’s final battle occurred in the early 1670s, but it continued to help defend the German border until it was converted into a village in 1851.

Fort BourtangeImage courtesy Wikipedia

The village began to deteriorate over time, and local government officials decided to restore Fort Bourtange to its earlier appearance. It became –and presently remains – a historical museum that is one of the main tourist attractions in the northern Netherlands.

Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan

Surrounded by moats and stone walls, the Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is just a short walk from Tokyo Station. Constructed after World War II on the site of the former Edo Castle, which was built in 1457, the present-day palace is comprised of several buildings that are interconnected.

Tokyo Imperial PalaceImage courtesy Necromage

The general public can visit public parks located on the outer grounds, but those interested in touring the Imperial Palace must apply for visitation approval.

Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland

Although located on Scotland’s southern coast, the triangular-shaped Caerlaverock Castle’s close proximity to England caused it to be involved in numerous border conflicts over the years. Originally built to control trade in the 13th century, Caerlaverock Castle was demolished and rebuilt numerous times yet always retained its distinct triangular shape.

Caerlaverock Castle, ScotlandImage courtesy Mars Rover Driver

Surrounded by an impressive moat, this medieval fortress is in ruins and is under the care of Historic Scotland. Visitors are welcome, but they are advised to consult the castle’s operating schedule before arriving.

Castillo de San Marcos, Florida

Located on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by an impressive moat on its inland sides, Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, was constructed in the early 1670s when Florida was under Spanish rule. The city of St. Augustine became the capital of East Florida after Britain gained control in 1673, and this stone fortress changed possession six times between four different governments. At present, Castillo de San Marcos is a national monument run by the U.S. National Park Service and is open to the public for tours every day of the year except Christmas Day.

Castillo de San Marco FloridaImage courtesy Syndicated News

While it may not be practical – or even legal – to surround your home by water, protective moats can still be found around the world. They are even considered ornamental and decorative in some more modern facilities. The four fortresses described above are definitely examples of moats that rock!

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The Phoenix Music Scene: Headliners and Hidden Gems

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Nicknamed Valley of the Sun, Phoenix has so much more to offer beyond the world-famous online university that carries its name. Not only is this beautiful desert town the capital city of Arizona, but also, residents and visitors can enjoy professional sports events, art galleries, museums and public parks in addition to a variety of dining and shopping opportunities. Most importantly for music lovers, there is a plentitude of live shows and concerts throughout the metropolitan area. Following is a list of some local favorites.

Arizona State Fair

An annual favorite among kids of all ages, the Arizona State Fair boasts an impressive concert lineup in addition to the traditional fair displays, midway, and carnival rides. In 2011, Fair performers included Billy Idol, Snoop Dogg, Darius Rucker and Brett Michaels, among others. Not too shabby! Concerts are also held throughout the year at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, located on the fairgrounds property.

Arizona Veteran's Memorial Coliseum
Image courtesy of Wikimedia

The Trunk Space

Another kid-friendly Phoenix music staple, The Trunk Space is a coffee bar/art gallery/performance space that hosts local musicians as well as up-and-coming artists and better known bands and singers. Musical genres that are often represented include jazz and hip hop, but avant garde shows that are dubbed “noise” and “experimental” performances are fairly common here as well.

The Trunk Space
Image courtesy of Ian Wajand

The Crescent Ballroom

The Crescent Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 people per show, which typically is performed by local and popular musicians and bands. The Ballroom includes a full-service bar and lounge as well as the Cocina 10 restaurant. The menu includes plenty of Southwestern favorites like tacos, burritos and churros. If you are in the Phoenix area but not in the mood for a concert, consider visiting on Trivia Night for food and drink specials as well as prizes for the winning teams.

The Crescent Ballroom
Image courtesy of Ian Wajand

The Lost Leaf

A unique venue that is occasionally considered part dive bar, part hipster hangout, The Lost Leaf’s customers can enjoy a variety of microbrews, tap beers and wines. Note: The Lost Leaf is and always has been 21 and up, so keep the kiddos at home this time. Local art decorates the walls, and the nightly live musical performances, which range from punk and folk to rock and roll, are always free. The Lost Leaf has hosted over 2200 performances since opening its doors in 2007.

The Lost Leaf
Image courtesy of Ian Wajand

Char’s Has the Blues

Voted the best blues bar in Phoenix on multiple occasions, Char’s Has the Blues is the place to go when you want to hear live blues, Motown, soul, funk and R&B music. Plan to arrive early as this small venue can fill up quickly. The live music starts at 9 PM every night of the week. There is no cover charge on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Char’s Has the Blues
Image courtesy of Alan Levine

Comerica Theater

Harry Connick, Jr. was the first performer to grace the stage at the Comerica Theater in downtown Phoenix when it opened in 2002. Then known as the Dodge Theater, the venue received its current moniker in October 2010 when Comerica Bank purchased the theater’s naming rights. The Comerica seats roughly 5,000 people and hosts stand-up comedians, Broadway-style musicals and sporting events in addition to performances by nationally renowned musicians.

Comerica Theater
Image courtesy of Derrick Autsinson

As you can see, it truly is possibly to get “blown away” by the music scene in the Phoenix area. Enjoy your preferred types of music and venues, or step outside your comfort zone to see a live performance at a place you’ve never been. You just may find a new favorite!

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Music Events in Mesa: From Pop and Punk to Culture and Country

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

While perhaps not as well-known to the rest of the country as Phoenix, which lies just 20 miles to the west, Mesa is the third largest city in the state of Arizona. Its gorgeous desert landscapes and mild winters make the area a popular place to live and visit. In fact, Mesa’s vast assortment of restaurants, leisure activities, and shopping opportunities benefit both residents and tourists alike.

Just as golfers enjoy the variety of clubs and courses in and around Mesa, occasional concertgoers and true music enthusiasts appreciate the varied assortment of theaters, clubs, and venues located throughout the area. One of the most popular musical events in Mesa would have to be the annual Mesa Easter pageant sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but here are five other places where you can enjoy concerts and shows throughout the year:

Nile Theater

Dubbed “world famous,” by the facility itself, the Nile Theater originally opened in 1924 as the area’s first and then largest movie theater. Throughout the decades the venue also operated as a clothing store, night club, and even a church. These days, the Nile is home to plenty of heavy metal, punk, and rock shows and can accommodate approximately 800 people. The Underground, formerly known as The Nile Basement, is a more intimate venue that can hold roughly 300 guests. The Underground is located—you guessed it—downstairs underneath the main Nile Theater.

Nile Theater - Mesa, AZ
Image courtesy of Derrick Austinson

Mesa Arts Center

It’s not impossible to enjoy a little bit of culture in the desert! The largest comprehensive arts campus in the state of Arizona is none other than the Mesa Arts Center. Comprised of four separate performance venues, this $95 million facility is even home to performing arts classroom studios as well as outdoor presentation areas and gathering spaces. Upcoming concerts and performances in fall/winter 2013 include the renowned Boston Pops orchestra and Matthew Morrison of Glee fame, who will be performing with the Phoenix Symphony.

Mesa Arts Center - Mesa, AZ
Image courtesy of Wikimedia

Tempe Center for the Arts

Just a quick drive from Mesa is the city of Tempe and the publicly owned Tempe Center for the Arts. The Center is home to numerous music, theater and dance groups in addition to four public art pieces that are permanently on display and a visual arts gallery. Concerts and performances include Broadway-style musicals, symphony orchestras, choirs, and even weekly open mic nights.

Tempe Center for the Arts, AZ
Image courtesy of Alan Levine

Mesa Amphitheatre

The outdoor concert venue of choice in Mesa is hands down the Mesa Amphitheater, which has been in operation since 1979. The Amp routinely hosts live performances by locally-known acts as well as big name headliners. One-day festivals and events are commonly held on the Amp’s grounds as well. Performance tickets are sold for general admission; spectators sit on a tiered lawn to watch the shows rather than in assigned seats.

Mesa Amphitheatre, AZ
Image courtesy of Clintus

The Black Keys
Image courtesy of Clintus

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill

Named for the popular country singer’s 2003 hit single “I Love this Bar,” Toby Keith’s full-service restaurant includes a bar in the shape of a guitar. Live musical entertainment is provided by local musicians, but chart topping acts including Keith himself have been known to make appearances at various location across the country. The Mesa bar and grill opened its doors in 2009 and is often at full capacity. Who doesn’t love a little honky tonk with their hamburgers?

Toby Keith's Bar and Grill Logo
Image courtesy of Wikimedia

Toby Keith's Bar and Grill
Image courtesy of AstroCos

As you can see, wherever your musical tastes and preferences lie, it’s possible to enjoy live music during your night on the town in Mesa, Arizona.

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Women: Reduce Your Chances of Assault

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Despite the fact that we live in a world that is continually changing and improving, violence against women still occurs. Statistics have found that one out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape during her lifetime, yet sexual assault and other violent crimes often go unreported out of fear, shame or embarrassment.

While no one can predict the future, there are several steps that women can take to help reduce their chances of assault in various situations. Anyone can become a victim at any time, but here are some critical suggestions that all women should heed:

Woman Walking on city street.Image courtesy of Ed Yourdon

Stay Safe in Your Home

  • Know your neighbors so that you have a safe place to go in the event of an emergency.
  • Keep your home well lit after dark and ensure that all windows and doors are locked, especially if you live alone.
  • Never let a stranger inside, even if he or she claims to be having an emergency. If you want to help out, offer to make a phone call while the stranger waits outside. Lock the door when you close it.
  • Ask for photo identification from anyone who you must allow inside, such as service representatives like cable employees or plumbers as well as police officers or government officials.
  • Don’t enter your home if, when you arrive, you find an open door or window. Leave and call the police from a neighbor’s house.
  • Have locks that can only be opened from the inside installed on your doors.

Lock Pick Image courtesy of Darrell Hamilton

Stay Safe While Walking or Exercising Outdoors

  • Keep your head up and pay attention to your surroundings, especially the people who you pass.
  • Appear confident. Looking confused or jittery can make you an easy target.
  • Alter your workout routine regularly. A potential attacker can easily figure out where you go at a certain time if you always walk or run the same route after work.
  • Don’t look down to fiddle with your phone or iPod
  • Exercise during daylight hours or on well-lit streets
  • Scream or yell for help if someone tries to harm you
  • Take self-defense courses to give you skills to fight back, if necessary.

Self DefenseImage courtesy of  Stepan Mazurov

Stay Safe While Out on the Town

  • If you know that you’ll be consuming alcohol, go out with a group of people who you know and trust.
  • Wear shoes and clothing that allow you to move easily. Clothing that is too tight and heels that are too high can make it difficult to run away from an attacker.
  • Never accept an open drink from a stranger.
  • Always keep tabs on your drink. If you set it down to use the restroom or walk away for any other reason, order another. Date rape drugs and other harmful substances can be slipped into a glass or bottle in seconds.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Never agree to meet a blind date or someone you barely know in a bar or restaurant to which you have never been.
  • Choose a bright, well-known location and tell a friend or family member where you are and when you should be leaving. Ask that person to call you during the date to check in.

Flat Shoes for easy movementImage courtesy of UltraKickGirl

Stay Safe in Your Car

  • Keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times. If you ever get lost or stuck in traffic, you could run out of gas in a dangerous place.
  • Take your car for regular oil changes and tune-ups to lessen the possibility of breaking down or stalling. If you do break down or get a flat tire, call for help and stay inside the vehicle until someone you know arrives to help. If you must call AAA or a towing service, ask for identification from the person who arrives.
  • Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up at all times while you are in the car.
  • Never drive home if you’re being followed. If you realize that someone is trailing you, head to a local fire department or police station.

Above all, always trust your own instincts. If someone or something is making you feel uncomfortable, excuse yourself and leave. If you are ever attacked or harmed in any way, shape or form, notify the proper authorities as soon as possible.

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Why You Need a Professional to Assist You in Preventing Home Invasions

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Relying on just a regular lock and key for your home and family’s safety? Take a look at these startling videos.

This brave woman’s nanny cam caught a brutal home invasion as she desperately sought to protect her toddler who was cowering on the couch. The perp has since been caught, and lets all hope he gets what is coming to him.

Perpetrators don’t care about niceties like knocking nor do they pay much attention to locked doors.

Home video surveillance systems? We can help with that.

Motion sensors? We’ve got those covered, too.

Too easy for these two to just walk in. We’ve got better lock systems.

We can give you advice on travel safes that will prevent thefts like this.

We can stop door kick-ins.

We can tell you how to have an neighborhood watch program that actually works.

Windows can be safely secured and protected in many ways so this doesn’t happen to you.

We have door security that will make losing your key a non-issue.

A complete system, rather than a partial system, would benefit home owners like these.

For malicious break-ins such as this, where harm is intended, we can help you find more ways to protect yourself if you are not comfortable with firearms.

For more sophisticated robberies with malicious intent, we know how to help you.

Kudos to this young woman who stayed alert when her place of work was invaded, measured the situation, stayed in control, and helped to nab the thief!

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Prickly Plants Provide Perfect Perimeter Protection

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Picture a traditional security barrier. What do you see? You might see a chain-link fence. You might imagine a tall white wall littered with rotating cameras. You might even picture an electrified metal fence.

What do all of those images have in common? They’re effective, to be sure, but there’s more to the visual story here. Those materials are, well, ugly. They don’t fit the mold of what you likely want for your own home’s landscaping, and they would likely violate a local ordinance if you tried to install them.

Barred Window

Luckily, you can find the perfect perimeter protection – especially from pesky animals – in the form of prickly plants. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular prickly plants for security use.

Pyracantha

Pyracantha is a very hardy plant. It’s an evergreen, meaning that it will stay green in the winter as well as the summer, and generally grows well in both the sun and the shade, so you don’t need to worry too much about the sunlight on your property.

Pyracantha is also a plant around which you will want to be careful; it grows two-inch spikes amongst its thick branches. It’s not the kind of plant you would want in your garden, unless you use it as a wall to keep people out. Luckily, that’s exactly the role Pyracantha can fill to a T.

Pyracantha Plant


Agave

While many people associate Agave with sweetness – it will produce edible flowers during its final season – the Agave plant itself can be a good deterrent for a number of encroachers. These grow particularly well in Mexico and the American southwest as they’re better suited for dryer climates. The Agave comes in a number of varieties, many of which feature leaves that are hard and prickly – just the way you want them.

Agave Plant


Berberis

If you don’t want your security plants to look like security plants, you might want to consider growing Berberis. This plant can be very colorful, depending on which type of species you’re growing, and grow shorter spikes that provide security without drawing too much attention. As the Berberis is an evergreen, like the Pyracantha, you won’t have to worry about it becoming useless in winter.

Berberis Plant


Blackthorn

If you like your hedge to offer some color in early spring, then Blackthorn may be the security plant for you. Despite its name, Blackthorn actually grows white flowers in early spring, which can look great as a hedge for your property. The visually-frightening thorns work well as a deterrent to unwanted visitors, of course, but a chief advantage to Blackthorn is that it can be easily spread over a larger property with minimal investment of time.

Blackthorn Plant

No matter which plant you decide to use for your security, remember that you can interweave your plant-growing layout with your security plans. The hedge of your garden can be a hidden wall that both keeps out unwanted visitors and keeps your property looking as attractive as it ever.

Photo Credits: 1,2,3,4,5

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Hide Your Car from the Thieves’ Radar

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Crime may be on the rise, but with new technology you can be one step ahead of criminals well-seasoned in grand theft auto. It takes time for the FBI to compile all the data from the various counties and states across the United States. 2013 is currently being put to good use in calculating the final numbers for the year 2012. America is the country leading the world in auto theft. That is no surprise as we have more automobiles per capita than any other nation.

There are, however, certain things you can do that will significantly reduce your chances of becoming an FBI statistic. Follow these tips and play it smart. You will outwit the nitwits who want what you’ve got and don’t seem bothered by the fact that they didn’t work hard and earn it.

Car Theft and Security in the USA

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How to Monitor the Safety of your Home

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Everyone wants to have a place they can go where they feel safe. Most people probably feel safest at home. But then you hear about burglars robbing people’s houses, or perhaps somebody you know loses his home in a fire. This is where home security companies come in. While they may not be able to prevent all tragedies all the time, they are in place to help monitor and step in to have the proper help or authorities dispatched to your home quickly if a problem does arise. Here are just a few of the various services home security companies offer.

Monitoring Services

Theft – To help prevent burglary, as part of the home security system, there are motion sensors, glass break sensors, and door or garage sensors. These sensors detect movement inside your house, when doors are opened, or breaking glass. There are also cameras that can help you keep tabs on what’s going on while you are away. If any of the sensors detect something, the control panel alerts the team at the monitoring station, and they can quickly dispatch police to check it out.

broken glass burglary

Fire – When a fire is detected, getting the fire department to your house quickly can sometimes make all the difference. The faster they arrive, the greater the chance that you won’t end up losing everything. The people who help monitor 24/7 can get you the help you need, when you need it.

residential fire

Carbon Monoxide – Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer. With special detectors, you can be alerted if the levels of this poisonous gas get dangerously high.

carbon monoxide detector

Water – Floods can strike when we least expect them. Monitoring water situations can help protect your home from water damage.

Medical Emergencies – Some security companies offer monitoring services for medical issues. In an emergency, an ambulance can be notified with just the push of a button. This is great for the elderly who may need a little extra care but don’t want to move into a nursing home if they can avoid it.

medical emergencies seniors

Temperature – A few companies offer temperature monitoring, which monitors your heating and cooling units and will alert you if there is a significant change in temperature. This helps you to make sure that your systems remain in working order.

temperature monitors

System Features

Cellular Monitoring – With cellular monitoring, you can keep tabs on what is going on at home while you are away, all with the use of your phone. You don’t have to rely on a land line or internet connection, both of which can easily be cut, rendering your system useless. You can also stream video to your smartphone to keep an eye on what’s going on.

Home Automation – You can control your thermostat and lights from your phone while you are away, helping to save energy usage and reduce your electric bill.

home automation

Professional Installation – While you can pick out your own do-it-yourself system, many companies offer professional installation and will even show you how the system works, which can make learning the system easier than trying to figure it out by reading a manual.

professional home security installation

Email or Text Alerts – Companies can send you an email or text when a problem is detected while you are away. This can also help you keep tabs on what’s going on.

home security email and text alerts

Whatever security system or company you choose, a monitoring system can offer a little peace of mind as it ensures that someone is available to step in and get the right people to your place should something happen to your home while you are away.

References:

  • http://www.6webs.com/best-home-security-systems/
  • http://www.protection1.com/home-security-systems/shop/alarm-systems/packages/
  • http://www.adt.com/home-security

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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How to Protect Your Sleep-walking Child

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

sleepwalkingProtecting a child from harm is one of the great concerns of every parent. Parents of young children make sure to know where the little ones are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing at every hour of the day. But what about at night? It’s easy to take it for granted that a child will stay put in his bed at night, but with the prevalence of sleepwalking (18% of the population, with incidents being more likely for children than adults), it may not be a safe assumption. If your child is prone to sleepwalking, his safety is at risk. Take a look at these tips for keeping your child safe even when he or she is sleepwalking.

Low-tech & High-tech Solutions for Keeping Track of Your Child

Since staying awake and watching your child every night would be overkill (and highly impractical), find ways to keep yourself apprised of your child’s whereabouts at night without actually having to stay awake and stand guard.

  • High-tech: Programmable motion sensors can alert you to your child’s movement around the house at night.
  • High-tech: Place some kind of noisemaker around your child’s bed, such as a string fence with bells, and use a baby monitor app (available for Android or iPhone) that will place a call to the phone number of your choice when your child gets up and triggers the noisemaker.
  • Low-tech: Hanging a wind chime on the child’s doorknob is another very simple method to alert you to your child’s movement at night.

Minimize Sleepwalking Risks

If your child succeeds in leaving his room at night without your knowing it, various hazards throughout the house could put him at risk, so think ahead and ensure that your home is safe for a sleepwalking child. Breakable or sharp objects should be kept out of reach, and the floors should be clear of tripping hazards. A sleepwalking child should not sleep in the upper berth of a bunk bed where he could easily fall while attempting to get up at night. If your child sleeps upstairs, make sure to block off the stairs. A safety gate may be adequate for this purpose if your child is smaller.

Keep Your Child In

baby gateIt is of vital importance that a child not leave the house at night while sleepwalking. Keep doors and windows locked. An older sleepwalker may be able to disengage a lock in his sleep, so a more complicated lock or a lock to which you can hide the key may be a better option. If your house has a security system, be sure to arm it at night so that you will be alerted if a door or window is opened.

An Ounce of Prevention…

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Try to identify the stressors that cause sleep-walking in your child. Fatigue? A full bladder? Too much television or computer use just prior to bedtime? Try keeping a record of what your child has been doing and how he has been sleeping over the course of several weeks. Make a note of each night that he experienced a sleepwalking incident. Eventually you may notice a trend that could indicate what causes the episodes. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep and sticking to a healthy routine. If you’re unable to identify the causes of your child’s sleepwalking, or your attempts to prevent it are continually unsuccessful, consider consulting a medical professional.

Photo credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/areyoumyrik/271971594
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strocel/3529615848/

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Knock! Knock! Enviable Decorative Door Knockers

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Phoenix Lockmaster

Your neighbor’s got it all, right? The house, the car, the entertainment center, the yard – all the stuff that spells success and strikes envy deep in your heart. But what about his door knocker? Is it up to snuff? Is it enviable material? This just might be an area where you can one up him. If you lack inspiration in the door knocker department, check out the examples offered below. If they do not inspire you, then you might as well go ahead and call your neighbor the winner in this category as well.

Go Gothic

Add a bit of medieval authority to your home with an imposing gothic-style knocker. Gothic architecture is represented in the commanding, awe-inspiring style of many old cathedrals, abbeys, palaces and town halls of old Europe. While not the friendliest looking knocker, this snake knocker will definitely add interest to any door.

serpent door knocker(Source: SoulStealer.co.uk)

If striking terror in the heart of your visitors is more your cup of tea, check out this scary looking knocker from East Sussex. It might just make that salesman think twice before knocking at your door!

Needful Things - Door Knocker(Source: Dominic Alves)

Give it a Hand

Hand-shaped knockers seem to have been quite popular in days gone by. They do offer a unique twist on more traditionally-shaped (and boring) knocker options. Although some of the hand options out there lean toward the cute and whimsical like this one in Carcassonne, France …

Door knocker II Carcassonne(Source: Stepheye)

… others look a bit more grotesque, offering the appearance of a dismembered hand hung up as a warning, as seen below.

portugal door knocker(Source: hottholler)

Roar into Style

For many, hearing the words “door knocker,” brings the image of a lion head to mind. For whatever reason, the massive feline has long been a popular design element on doors. Whether it was simply because of its imposing features or some other deeper meaning behind the use of a lion’s head, countless doors feature variations of the flowing mane, intense gaze and large mouth of a lion.

Lion door knocker(Source: grongar)

Say it with Animals

From owls to turtles, snakes to cats, animals are often prominent features on door knockers. Some people seem to prefer a cute and friendly appearance, others go for traditional and still others go for creatures with a bit of fierceness. Again, it is all about the style that fits the individual personality or creates the desired message. This owl knocker is a middle-of-the-road traditional-type knocker:

Owl Door Knocker(Source: Cindy Funk)

Make ‘em Smile

Walk up to a door with this impish knocker on it, and you are sure to smile no matter what your mood may be.

funny door knocker(Source: zimpenfish)

Something about this knocker can change your mood and make you laugh, perhaps making life easier for the inhabitants of the house – guests can leave their sour attitudes outside!

Say it with Flowers

Yes, even your door knocker can have a floral message befitting your lovely garden or offering maintenance-free floral beauty to your home. This particular knocker is somewhat austere for a flower but still brings a touch of nature to your doorway.

Door-knocker Provençal (in Seguret)(Source: Jay Bergesen)

Keeping with Tradition

Of course, door knockers don’t have to be interesting, pretty or frightening. This elegant brass ring knocker, though somewhat plain in comparison to the above examples, certainly gets the job done. However, installing this type of knocker on your door may not lead to too much neighbor envy.

gold door knocker(Source: Mike GL)

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