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Major Overnight 8.9 Earthquake Hits Japan

Bronze Statue of Amita Buddha Daibutsu or Great Buddha
Bronze Statue of Amita Buddha Daibutsu or Great Buddha

Update(s)


3/15/2011 – A new group was started on Facebook that I think needs to be highlighted:

I will open my home to a family from Japan

It is a great idea, and if you think you can NOT afford it, remember, they have NOTHING!

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If you are just waking up, there was a major 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan overnight.

This is one of the largest ever recorded, and from early reports, has caused all sorts of damage, including issues at one of the northern nuclear plants. Many after quakes have also been reported, and many of those are 6.0 and above.

On Facebook, I have gotten notice that friends/neighbors that are in China are safe and sound, I can only wait, hope and wonder for those I know on the main island.

Some of my friends and followers on the west coast, have posted that they watched video of some of the Tsunami reaching Hawaii, live.

I had the chance to go to Japan in 1994, just before the big Kobe earthquake several months late, and while I was there, a small 4.3 shook the house that I was in.

If you have never been in an earthquake, it is a very strange sensation, namely because one has no control of what is going on around you.

Needless to say, in the coming hours, days, weeks and months, there will be much sorrow, pain and suffering.

Also, be aware, that in times like this, some people will try and take advantage of donations. Be very aware of which organizations which you pledge your money.

I do not subscribe to any particular religion, but please take a moment today, to just send your thoughts to those that may have lost a great deal.

– Andrew
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Related Sites and Info

Japanese Quake Person Finder
Earthquakes near Japan – earthquake.usgs.gov

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Categories
00 - Alerts Online Life Scams

SoLow.com, it might cost me $20…

While paying my bills today, I noticed on my wireless bill, an additional charge for an item called “Premium TXT Messaging” service.

I am proud to admit, I did NOT use my cell phone for anything other than placing or receiving a call.

I have occasionally used my cell phone to verify accounts, Google, Facebook, etc., but that is it.

I do not do ring tones, or games or any text messaging.

I am boring on my cell phone.

So I was a little surprised to see two charges for this “Premium TXT Messaging” service.

I went online to my carrier’s website, logged in and found that there was no additional information on these charges, including billing contact info, so I resorted to calling my Carrier.

In talking with the Customer Service representative, I got the opinion that the Carrier has received numerous calls on this topic.

The Rep was able to provide me with a number to Text message (23687) a Cancellation request (stop), but was unable to provide a Refund for the charges, and it was up to me to contact the Vendor.

I went to the Vendor’s website, www.solow.com, and easily found a contact number: (877) 402-3687.

SoLow.com is a sister website to www.sendmemobile.com, and both websites offer Cell Phone users a chance to sign-up for games, ring tones, etc.

Again, I do NOT use any of these enhancements, and was prepared to do some battle for a refund.

When I got a human on the first try, I was surprised. I explained my situation, and requested a refund.

I was told that they would be more then happy to take my number off their list and block any additional requests from my phone, but could not offer me a refund.

I said to the representative that I would blog about my experience, and would suggest a deceptive business practice, at which point she offered me a “Complimentary” Refund for one of the charges.

I tried to get a second one, but no luck.

In 2-3 weeks, I should be getting a check.

We’ll see.

In the mean time, I did a quick Google search on SoLow.com, and found the following:

One of the complaints suggests that the Vendor got the Users Cell Phone number from a Facebook game…

I am not sure how this happened to me, but I just wanted to illustrate how easy it can happen.

I know I have some Lawyers in my audience, is there anything else I can do?

Bottom line – Keep an eye on your Cell Phone bill.

Andrew


Update 10-Mar-26
Just got a $9.99 check today from SendMe mobile! Let’s see if it clears!
– Andrew
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