I sure am glad I am not in New York City right now… With Hurricane Sandy about to strike, the city appears to be virtually shut down. There were lines out the door at grocery and wine stores yesterday, and people are making sure they are prepared.

As I mentioned yesterday, we’ve been staying in southern New Hampshire until our house is ready, and it sounds like we are going to avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Sandy. We are still expecting some rough weather (rain and wind), but hopefully it won’t end up being too bad.

Here’s a funny sign advertising ark curtains from the Linen & Shade Bin, a store that sells window treatments in New Hampshire. 🙂

If you are in the path of Hurricane Sandy, I hope you make it through without any damage.

I think I just felt an earthquake… in southern New Hampshire (Nashua). It was a very small quake, but the house was definitely shaking.  I can’t even imagine what a larger earthquake would feel like.

My non-expert opinion is that it was less than a 2.5, but of course, this is my first earthquake experience. (Guess I was way off, although we aren’t all that close to the epicenter)… pretty crazy.

*** Update ***

The USGS is reporting it was a 4.6 magnitude earthquake about 20 miles from Portland, Maine (near Lake Arrowhead).

I heard some terrible news about a friend’s mom who was found dead in her home over the weekend. Her car was missing, and police are asking for the public’s help in locating it (see the accompanying photo and information below). I wish there was more that I could do to help, but perhaps someone who reads this will come across this vehicle.

You can read more about this on the local ABC website and see more information on the website the family created  .

Here is some information that was posted on my friend’s Facebook wall:

We ask for your help on finding out who is responsible for the death of our loved one Susie Ko. She was found dead Friday night (oct 5th) around 10pm at her home in Hercules, CA. Her car is missing. It’s imperative for us to find this car so we find out who is responsible for her death.

She was such an amazing School Teacher, a kind Mother, Sister, and Daughter and always tried to help people. Lets give back and help the police find this Low Life.

The car may have been spotted in Bakersfield last night and possibly headed south or towards the 15.

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK
COLOR: SKY BLUE
LICENSE PLATE #: 1A1F680 (State of Idaho)
PLEASE ALERT THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE IT.
They need the EXACT CROSS STREETS and TIME you see the vehicle
Call 911 or 510-724-1111

I moved to New York City in August of 2002, and I remember exactly where I was when the terror attacks took place. It’s always a somber day here in NYC, and it’s a good time to reflect.

It’s sad to watch the reading of the names of those who were killed, especially when young kids are reading the names of their parents who they barely had the opportunity to know.

Here’s an interesting video taken on 9/11 by a biker as the horrific events unfolded.

When I added the two comment buttons, the only feedback that was negative was that “agree” and “disagree” didn’t always make sense. Someone recomended that I change the buttons to like and dislike, and it seems that they are working well for the most part.

I have not had any complaints since I added the like and dislike buttons, but I received one yesterday. I am interested in knowing your opinion on the like and dislike buttons now that you’ve seen them and have been using them for a couple of weeks.

Please vote in the poll below and let me know if I should keep them or get rid of them. I will strongly consider the feedback the poll provides.

I’m a bit behind in my 2012 fundraising goal of $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House, but I am determined to help raise/donate that amount or more before the year is over.  I am offering the 120 x 600 skyscraper banner on my blog for two months in exchange for a donation to the Ronald McDonald House. You can pay RMH directly so you can get the tax benefit, too.

You can see the IDN Tools banner to see the size and location of this banner.

There are two ways to get it:

1) Be the highest bidder (made in the comment section of this post) by Thursday, August 23 at 5pm Eastern.

2) Agree to the Buy It Now price of $1,000 for the 2 months (total cost)

So… feel free to start bidding, or choose the “Buy it Now” price of $1,000 for two months and bypass an auction. The two month period can start as early as the day after this offer ends or as late as September 1.