On the first Day of December: Beach Drive Blog Christmas Photos

This photo was not taken this year; however, it was kindly contributed by neighbor Ron Sterling of the Argosy Christmas Ships by Lowman Beach.   A little teaser for when the ships will actually be cruising by on the evening of Saturday, December 8th.

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Thanks for sharing, Ron! 

Breathtaking Sunset

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I’m Celebrating a Blogo-versary

It’s not Beach Drive Blog’s 1st year…yet.   Do check out the count down that I added in the upper right corner of the blog.    My very first blog, which was nationally recognized this year, turned one this week.   One year in the blogo-sphere is a long time for a blog.  Many sadly fizzle out…I just can’t stop!

Anyhow…to celebrate I treated myself (and my blogs) to a Flip Video Camera.  It’s amazing!  Very small and lightweight.  This camera runs on two AA batteries and plugs directly into my computer and to simply download the video…for less than $150.  There’s a couple of models to choose from.   It’s just fun and I can’t wait to share more videos with you on my blogs!

Happy Birthday, Mortgage Porter and thanks to everyone for reading Beach Drive Blog.  Shameless plug…I know…but it’s my birthday!

SW Precinct Public Safety Newsletter

November 30, 2007

Dear Community Friends,

Holiday Safety Tips

If You’re Traveling…

q       Set an automatic timer for your lights.

q       Do not place packages or gifts near windows or other high-visibility sites.

q       Ask your trusted neighbors to watch your home while you are gone and park their vehicle in your driveway from time to time.

q       Do not drink and drive. When attending holiday celebrations, consider designating a driver or using a cab.

If You’re Shopping…

q       If you take your children shopping, teach them to get help from police officer, store security/clerk if they get separated or lost.

q       Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.  Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

q       Only use ATMs in safe, secure locations and do not keep your PIN on your person.

q       Avoid carrying large amount of cash.  Use credit cards or checks and carry your Drivers License or ID card with you.

q       Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Criminals may try to distract and confuse you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

q       Do not leave anything of value in plain view in your car.  Packages and shopping bags should be hidden out of sight. Do not just cover them with a coat or blanket.

q       Park in a lighted area and lock your vehicle doors.

q       Always check the back seat of your vehicle before entering. 

q       Be aware of your surroundings when unlocking your vehicle.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door…

q       Stay alert to suspicious-looking couriers delivering packages to you or your neighbor’s home.

q       Many con artists take advantage of holiday generosity by going door-to-door. 

q       Never open the door to strangers. 

q       If you want to make a donation to a worthy cause, then do your own research where 100% of your donation goes to the charity.

q       Post a “No Solicitor” sign on your door.

q       If someone still knocks at your door, then tell them through the door to read your sign and that you are not interested.

Preventing Banking Fraud

Stay safe from Phishing: Easy clues to help you keep your personal information secure.

The main goal of a phishing email is to get you to a site where you will provide your personal information.  With these basic, but powerful clues, you can easily recognize the threat and ensure the safety of your identity and finances.

q       The Bank will not ask you to verify your personal information in response to an email.

q       Most phish emails convey a sense of urgency by threatening discontinued service or information loss if you don’t take immediate action.

q       Many phish emails have misspellings, bad grammar, or poor punctuation.

q       Deceptive links in phishing emails look like they are to a valid site, but deliver you to a fraudulent one. 

q       Many times you can see if the link is legitimate by just moving your mouse over the link.

q       Many phish emails use generic salutations and generic information (e.g. "Dear Customer" or "Dear Account Holder") instead of your name.

q       Many phish emails come from an email address not from the company represented in the email. 

q       If you suspect an email to be phishing, do not click on any links in the email.  Type the valid address directly into your web browser.

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald

http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

This web page is update every week on Wednesday.

Seattle Police Department main web page

http://www.seattle.gov/police/

Southwest Precinct Web-page

  http://www.seattle.gov/police/Precincts/Southwest/default.htm

Seattle Police Crime Statistics

http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/crime/stats.htm

For More Information Call:

Benjamin Kinlow

,

Crime Prevention Coordinator, (206) 684-7724 benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov. 

Fruitcake Fixins

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This was spied at the Metropolitan Market…lets hope its just for a display and that someone is not really making this much fruitcake!    Posted live…

WSB posts the Grand-Daddy of Beach Drive Christmas Lights

Of course it’s the Menashe Home…I posted earlier when it was light-less.   Here is West Seattle Blog’s post …the photo is great and you know it’s worth the drive to check out their fantastic holiday display.

I’m holding off on my Christmas shots until December because:

  1. I’m not seeing many Beach Drive homes decked out yet.   I’m seeing other lights up and around West Seattle…we’re not Bah-Hum-Bug-Beach-Drive!  Where’s the lights???
  2. I’m hoping that Beach Drive residents will send me photos of their (or other neighbor’s) decked out homes.   If you cannot shoot and email a photo, email the address and we’ll make it happen.
  3. Macy’s had Christmas trees up before Halloween…we have to save something for December!
  4. All of the above.

Seriously, one photo a day of holiday photos is a big task…maybe I’m shooting for too high of a goal but I’m game with your help!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!   Okay…I know I’m a few days away from December but seeing that photo from West Seattle Blog of the Menashe home was a huge shot of holiday spirit!

Lost Pug

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Jacobsen and 49TH.   Posted live via my Treo.

Sorry that it’s a bit hard to read…I’ll try to doctor this up.   I know this is a little away from Beach Drive, however it’s a lost pug and I have an old pug of my own.   This sign is on top of Jacobsen, the phone number (I believe) is 206-358-8907 (or 353-8907)

FREE Bed Frame

Just noticed this at 4707 Beach Drive.  I’m not sure if it’s a queen or full size bed frame (the bottom part with the wheels)…but it’s sitting out front, next to the garage with a FREE sign.

Good Morning, Moon

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I need your help sharing holiday cheer

I have a goal for Beach Drive Blog of posting one holiday photo per day during the month of December of homes in our neighborhood.    West Seattle Blog is all ready doing a wonderful job (as always) sharing photos of homes decked out in West Seattle…even they are asking for reader help.

If you have your home decorated for the holidays or have seen one along Beach Drive, please send me an email with the photo or an address.   I can give you kudos for your photo, or not, your choice.

Let’s share the spirit!