July 2008

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My First Earthquake – Observations

July 29, 2008 in Emergency Readiness, Off Topic, Uncategorized by admin | 1 comment

I just experienced my first earthquake after living in Los Angeles for about one year.  No, not the “Big One” – just a 5.4.  Just strong enough to get my attention.  Mrs. Fencepost and I are both unhurt, and none of our stuff is damaged that we know about.  :)

Some minor injuries have been reported, and the building inspectors are out responding to complaints of possible structural damage.  There have been more than 20 aftershocks, but I haven’t felt any of them.

Local authorities are referring to this earthquake as a “wake up call.”  People who, like me, are new to Southern California and did not previously know what to expect in this situation, are thinking about their state of preparedness and what needs to improve.  Here are a few thoughts and observations based on my experience.

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In the Midst of Death

July 27, 2008 in Mystery, Uncategorized by admin | No comments

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Author: Lawrence Block

Genre: Mystery

Rating: *** (3 Stars)

Summary:

About the Series

In the Midst of Death is one of Lawrence Block’s many Matthew Scudder novels. They tell the story of an ex-police officer turned private investigator, who retired from the police force after the accidental death of a little girl during a shoot-out with two armed robbers. He is also a heavy drinker, although he doesn’t admit that to himself until much later in the series. Although the novels follow a rough chronological progression, they don’t have to be read in order. Each story stands alone, and backstories are briefly described for the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with them.

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The Talisman

July 22, 2008 in Action/Adventure, Uncategorized by admin | No comments

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Author: Stephen King

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

Summary:


The Talisman is a collaborative effort between Stephen King and Peter Straub. It and its sequel, Black House, tell the story of Jack Sawyer, a very special boy who has many magical adventures while saving his mother’s life.

Jack is in his early teens. His father has been killed in a hunting “accident” which later turns out to be murder, and his mother, Lily, a retired actress, is terminally ill with cancer. Morgan Sloat, a business partner of Jack’s father is harassing Lily as part of a scheme to take over the Sawyer family’s share of the business.

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Mystery Shopping Q&A

July 22, 2008 in Announcements, Uncategorized by admin | No comments


I received an email from a reader who had some questions after reading my post about SecretShopper.com.  For the benefit of other readers who may have the same questions, I’m posting the email and my reply:

I just recently applied to be a secret shopper on the same
website you did and I am debating whether it’s worth the while.  You
said that you only received $23 from the company, if they made you buy
something from the store did they pay for it? Also I am concerned
about the fact that i gave them my SSN, probably not a good idea.  If
you could email me back at your convenience I would really appreciate
it.  Thank you!

T.

Here’s my reply:

T,

I only received $23 from the SecretShopper.com, because I only completed one job for them.  When you sign up as a mystery shopper, you decide what jobs you will take – there is no minimum workload.

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