Another Earthquake in Louisa County.

Today at 06:39:47 PM there was a 3.2 magnitude earthquake in Louisa County, again. I was working out in the garage with my son, Ian, and neither one of us felt it. I went to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) web site to read more about the earthquake. Lousia had a smaller earthequake 2 days ago. The URL is http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/. This site is very informative. Being the techie type, I love information overload.

USGS has a real time earthquake gadget for iGoogle at http://www.google.com/ig/adde?moduleurl=earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/mapplets/earthquakes.xml&source=imag

You can sign up for the USGS Earthquake Notification Service at https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/

USGS has notifications via two twitter accounts: @USGSted and @USGSBigQuakesat. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/ted/.

There are a ton of other services on the USGS web page. I highly recommend visiting.

For information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake go to FEMA's web page at http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

Artificial Intelligence Running Your HVAC?

Yes, if you use the Nest™ Learning Thermostat™. After using the thermostat for 1 week it remembers how you adjusted the temperature. The thermostat has a motion sensor. After 2 hours of no movement it assumes that no one is home and it will turn off the HVAC system to save energy. When you approach the thermostat it will automatically light up. If it's night time the light will be dim. The Nest™ Learning Thermostat™ also uses a Wi-Fi connection to monitor the weather and forecasts so it can understand how the outside temperature affects energy usage. You can control the thermostat through a computer, tablet or smart phone using an internet connection. Up to 10 thermostats can work together. I would be impressed if anyone actually has a 10 zone HVAC system. http://www.nest.com/

The Family Handyman

One of the best home related magazines, in my opinion, is The Family Handyman. This monthly publication has been around since 1951 and is now a part of the Reader's Digest company. I have been reading it for years. I have issues back to the 1950's. (I did not buy them new. I'm not that old.) It has practical projects & repairs for the average home owner. Plus, it uses a lot of pictures. The Family Handyman also has a digital edition. Their webpage is informative and you can subscribe to 7 different e-newsletters if you like. Everyone has a "honey-do" list. The Family Handyman can help keep it small. I have a .pdf copy of the Quick & Easy Fixes & Repairs if anyone would like a copy. http://www.familyhandyman.com/

USB Wall Plate Charger

This adapter turns any standard home dual AC power outlet into a USB outlet in seconds, with fast, full-speed charging for 2 smartphones or 1 tablet, and standard power via the pass-through AC outlet. Truly Plug 'N Play. RCA's website sells it for $19.95. There is a 10% discount code for the winter: Winter10. http://www.rcaaudiovideo.com/portable/chargingstations/?sku=WP2UWR

Former American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi, 1923 home is for sale for only $10 million.

Former American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi, 1923 home is for sale for only $10 million. Her home is 7,600 sq. ft. on 3+ acres off of Ventura Blvd. in L.A. To view the listing follow this link: http://www.californiamoves.com/ID/1532910.