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The primary point of every good security strategy is good quality commercial locks. Most business people do not realize the level of difference between commercial and residential security requirements.

Typical residential locks are not made to:

• Constant daily use
• Employee turnover
• High customer traffic
• Forced entry attempts

Lock of commercial grade is constructed to withstand and be durable. Grade 1 deadbolts, enhancement of strike plates, and hardened hardware form a great first line.

The need to upgrade the high security cylinders can also prevent picking and bumping of locks which are two common ways of breaking into. Although the upgrades might be insignificant, they severely cut the time and effort needed to gain unauthorized access and may deter intruders altogether.

The Portland small businesses that need to improve their security and that can afford lock upgrades, the latter is the most affordable way to start.

Period 9 fengshui

Things to know about Period 9 (九运, Jiu Yun) in Fengshui (风水)

The Chinese saying “天时地利人和” refers to the alignment of the right time, right place and right people. In fengshui (风水) , time plays an important role, categorised by fengshui cycles and periods. At present, we are in the midst of transiting from Period 8 to Period 9 (九运, Jiu Yun). What do we mean by period in fengshui? How does this affect our home fengshui and the various aspects of our lives? Read on to find out!

What is the “Period” in fengshui?

In ancient China, where fengshui originated, Chinese sages spent hundreds of years studying the movement of planetary stars, and how the changing positions affect the energies of our space, i.e. homes, offices, buildings, etc. This led to a multi-planetary calendar system known as the Chinese lunisolar calendar, sometimes called the Farmer’s Calendar. This calendar became an important point of reference for fengshui.

In classical fengshui, the “Three Cycles and Nine Periods” [三元九运 ] spans over 180 years. The Three Cycles refer to the Upper, Middle and Lower Cycle, where each cycle consists of three fengshui periods. There are nine periods in total, which corresponds with the 9-grid Flying Stars Chart. Each fengshui period lasts 20 years, and is under the influence of a Star.

Wondering how your home fengshui fares in 2025? Read now

Which Period are we in?

At present, we are nearing the end of Period 8 in fengshui. This refers to the years 2004 to 2023. Period 8 is represented by the Gen [艮] trigram of the Earth element. Associated with mountain and young men, this fengshui period reflects an unusual rise of young male entrepreneurs that rise to stardom. Businesses associated with teenagers and young adults are also more successful. 

With the strong Earth element, it’s no wonder that land and property prices are increasing around the world like never before. In fact, those in construction are striving in the current period! This is just an aspect of how understanding fengshui can bring about good opportunities. 

For those who missed the opportunities in Period 8, here’s a piece of good news: a transition to a new Period entails a change in energy in various sectors, which could affect important aspects of our lives such as our health, family harmony, career, wealth, etc. 

Period 9, which starts from 2024 to 2043, is fast approaching and now is the time to get prepared so we can make the most of fengshui to our advantage. It is crucial to review and make the necessary adjustment to fengshui arrangement. Note that what used to work may no longer be effective, i.e. fengshui emblems designed for Period 8, the positioning of certain furniture, etc. 

Before you start rearranging your furniture or throwing things out, here’s what you need to know about Period 9.

Read more: Period 9 fengshui