5.1. When the Market Moves

Imagine you're studying a fascinating bit of protoplasm under a powerful microscope. The heavy base on which the microscope sits ensures that it stays firmly grounded on the table, and its giant gears allow the lens mechanism to gently glide up and down with precision. With just a few small adjustments, the device enables you to focus tightly on the object of your interest.

Until an earthquake hits, that is. Microscopes are designed to withstand the small bumps and jiggles they may encounter in normal laboratory conditions, but if the ground starts shaking, all bets are off. The likelihood is pretty good that when it's all over, you'll have to refocus the instrument, if not pick it up off the ground and put it back ...

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