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Obituary average age. December 8, 2014: 76.24

Swamp SideThe average age of those listed in the twelve obituaries in the December 8, 2014 Free Lance-Star was 76.24. The median was 77 with a sample standard deviation of 10.48. The ages ranged from 55 to 91.

This is the fourteenth day I’ve been collecting this data.
The mean of  obituary average ages  using {77.375,64,74.143, 62.5, 55,66.8333, 74.11,71.27,68.82, 76.92,63,76.71,70.75,76.24} at Wolfram alpha is 69.83, up .49 from the previous computations.

Some words in the obituaries that caught my attention:

  • In his younger days, he once won a seaplane!
  • He was world champion Top Fuel Dragbike racer in 1979 and held the record for three years.
  • His amazing sense of humor carried him and his family through many adventures.
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2014 12 09 ernie Commentary Comments (0) Permalink

Brief Review. Black Skies: An Inspector Erlendur Novel by Arnaldur Indridason

Black Skies: An Inspector Erlendur Novel by Arnaldur Indridason



 Interesting development of the personality of Sigurdur Oli one of the two detectives that works with Erlendur. Delving into his shortcomings in personal relations and his own efforts at coming to understand himself. In this novel as in another, Inspector Erlendur is not present. The story also delves into the growth and fall of Iceland’s finances.

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2014 12 09 ernie Books Comments (0) Permalink

Brief Review. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho



A story of purity of purpose and intention. COnstantly stressing morals. Learn your passion and follow it regardless of the cost. You will be rewarded in the end.

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2014 12 09 ernie Books Comments (0) Permalink

Cold remedies

Rappahannock River shoreI had severe cold symptoms for about two weeks. Now, close to a week later, the symptoms aren’t sever. Lynn had made me some cough syrup that included thyme sprigs and honey. It was very helpful. Here is a list of some sources for cold remedies.

Today’s special: “If you wish another to keep your secret, first keep it yourself.”

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2014 12 09 ernie Commentary
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Brief Review. Sidetracked: A Kurt Wallander Mystery (5) by Henning Mankell

Sidetracked: A Kurt Wallander Mystery (5) by Henning Mankell


 Another good Wallander mystery. The interesting writing keeps you reading at steady pace, wanting to know what comes next. The usual cast of characters in the police. This was the second time I’ve read this and it was as interesting as the first read.

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2014 12 07 ernie Books Comments (0) Permalink

Brief Review. Silence of the Grave (Reykjavik Murder Mysteries, No. 2) by Arnaldur Indridason

Silence of the Grave (Reykjavik Murder Mysteries, No. 2) by Arnaldur Indridason



 This was the 3rd book I read written by Indridason. The writing is interesting and not flamboyant. A specific Icelandic slant to it all. Keeping in the tradition of modern mystery writers, the mystery to be solve is only one part of the work. Here he also writes about the effects of domestic violence and the relationship he has with his family, although the latter is present in all his books. He also maintains the same set of characters in the police. Very nicely done.

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2014 12 07 ernie Books Comments (0) Permalink

Brief review. The Keeper of Lost Causes: The First Department Q Novel (A Department Q) by Jussi Adler-Olsen

The Keeper of Lost Causes: The First Department Q Novel (A Department Q) by Jussi Adler-Olsen



 A detective comes back to work after a colleague is killed and anther paralyzed. His heart isn’t in it and he is relegated to an office in the basement with a Syrian refugee who is more than his documents say as an assistant. He is in charge of the ‘lost causes’ cases that have not been solved. Combine that with a woman held captive, in isolation for 5 years and you’ve got a very good story.

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2014 12 07 ernie Books Comments (0) Permalink

Brief Review. Better to Rest (Liam Campbell Mysteries, Book 4) by Dana Stabenow

Better to Rest (Liam Campbell Mysteries, Book 4) by Dana Stabenow



A mystery set in Alaska, as is the case in other books by Dana Stabenow. The protagonist in this one is Liam Campbell, an Alaska State Trooper. It seems a little slow going at times with no big surprises in the story line but a surprisingly good deal of heterosexual sex sprinkled throughout the story. It appears that individuals living in Alaska are very independent and have sex at almost every opportunity. Of course, a lesson to take from the book is that it is often better to leave things alone rather than try to apply a change.

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A Place to Bury Strangers release video for Straight from Transfixiation


A Place to Bury Strangers released the official video for Straight from their upcoming album Transfixiation. The video seems to match the music very well.

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Brief review. The Black Path by Asa Larsson

The Black Path by Asa Larsson.





The third in Asa Larsson”s trilogy of mysteries set in northern Sweden. This keeps the same set of characters, those not murdered, as the first two. It has a special emphasis on the mental health of Rebecka and likewise delves into the feelings of several of the characters. A very enjoyable read taking you with the characters to reach resolution.

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