Congratulations to last week's winners: Kathy Ferraro, Kristine Kilkenny, Heather Lawrence, Karen Mokrzycki, and Dennis Rinde. Please note: Even if you've won a mug, we welcome your votes and comments.

Responses to last week's question: With stories of the Seattle earthquake in the news last week, readers were asked if they were ready for the next earthquake in our area. The response was 8 yes, 13 no, and 5 unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"I think the only thing an individual can really do in an earthquake is not panic, and I'm pretty used to them since I've lived in California all my life."

"Everyone in this area should have together an "earthquake kit" - water, vitamins, change (for phone calls), flashlight, radio, etc.-- just in case."

"There's nothing like a good shaking to bring the community together and lower housing prices."

On the no side:

"One may be prepared in terms of shelter and food storage, but psychologically there is no way to adequately prepare for that kind of devastation."

"I'd like to think that I am, but when I look around my apartment, and think of what would happen if everything started shaking, I realize that I am not ready."

"I know what to do during a quake, but don't have any supplies prepared. Also, since many of us spend more 'awake' time in our offices than at home, we also need to prepare in case the next one happens when we're at work, and I'm not ready for that, either."

Unsure:

"Mentally I am never ready. I have lived through two major earthquakes and they scare the heck out of me. Yes, I do have a lot of supplies that would come in handy if I needed them and I have a camper van that I could live out of if need be."
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. One mug per person.

This week's question: UC President Richard Atkinson recently proposed dropping the SAT from the UC admissions process. Do you think this is a good idea?

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