Saturday, September 12, 2009

We missed heaven

From my mother's journals in 1966:

From here to there

The other night, I needed to go to a part of Fitchburg that I'd not visited for probably 40 years. I used to know the city pretty well, - Fitchburg Music where I bought a Gibson guitar, the college where my mother attended and where I tried to look older and cooler, the Co-op where you could buy pastries that were almost as good as my grandmother's. It's been quite a while, so I needed some help.
First stop these days is generally Google Maps. There are other mapping tools to be sure and I even have GPS on my phone. The latter costs money, so I only use it when I'm really lost.
I think that maps are among the most interesting things that humans have created. To develop a flat representation of a physical world is quite an achievement. I can study maps for hours, marveling at the connectedness of places. Old maps, in particular, before the advent of aerial photography, shows how science and imagination can bring us something beautiful.
But, we can't afford to confuse maps with reality. Maps, as good as they are, are mnemonics, giving us clues to help us remember or interpret the reality that's in front of us.
Recently, I read You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost in the Mall, by Colin Ellard. In the book, we learn how, as a species, we're not very good at managing life in spaces. We get lost easily (as shown here and here) in fairly small spaces. Some peoples, such as the Inuit, have imbued their language with a sense of direction that allows the name of a place to include its location. By comparison, New Englanders in particular are quite content to give directions such as "go past the mall where Caldor's used to be." (with apologies to Jeff).
Google Maps fall prey to the  "more information is better" trap. The amount of detail regarding each turn, notably each route or street sign, obscures the often simple reality that's in front of us.
For example, taking the leisurely route up through Princeton, Google Maps tells me to "Turn right at Gregory Hill Rd/MA-31/MA-62" when it would be much simpler to say, "Take a right after the Prince of Peace Church." It's much easier to spot a church than to read street signs.
Of course, if I was in need of serious help, I could have picked up a GPS gadget and had Bob Dylan or Homer Simpson narrate my travels. (I'll leave the "How many roads" and "D'oh" quips for readers imagination.
More seriously, as we let GPS units and the turn-by-turn instructions from various mapping services, we're losing our ability to navigate by the stuff around us. By extensions, we're also no longer seeing where we are.
Some neurological studies of patients with Lyme and Alzheimer's diseases and others whose  frontal lobes have been compromised develop spatial disorientation or loss of geographic memory. Places that were once familiar are no longer. New memories can grow, but old memories of places seem to be gone forever. As we rely on gadgets and website to provide us with navigational guidance, it's going to fun (for varying values of fun) to see what we forget and what we discover anew.

Friday, September 11, 2009

The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity

The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity: "A stupid person is a person who causes losses to another person or to a group of persons while himself deriving no gain and even possibly incurring losses."

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, August 31
12:12 a.m. Suspicious person on bicycle on Main St.
8:19 a.m. Deceased cat removed from Main St.
8:40 a.m. Caller with stray cat problems
9:21 a.m. House on Highland St. hit with eggs last night
9:58 a.m. Work crew blocking road on Chapel St.
10:07 a.m. Called residence to request removal of tree debris from road
3:05 p.m. Main St. business asking police to speak with boys asking them to leave parking lot; ongoing problem
3:09 p.m. Motorcycle knocked over during traffic stop
3:26 p.m. Caller requesting radar on Chapel St.
6:37 p.m. Traffic barrels in lane of travel on Salisbury St.
6:48 p.m. Youths on Bascom Parkway being loud and obscene; asked to move along
7:35 p.m. Large party with kids riding bicycles through yards
9:17 p.m. Mother calling about encounter her son had with officer earlier in the day
9:56 p.m. Three suspicious females on Johnson St.
10:59 p.m. 911 Report of suspicious vehicle driving around development slowly, passenger getting in and out
Tuesday, September 1
6:32 a.m. Patrol officer flagged down by pedestrian to complain about speeders on Birchwood Dr. and Brattle St.
11:57 a.m. Caller concerned about neighbor having a person sleep in back yard in tent for a few weeks
12:40 p.m. Party called regarding cone being in middle of the road on Main St.
2:53 p.m. Gunshots heard on rail trail
3:14 p.m. Report of a raccoon near town hall; gone on arrival
5:29 p.m. Neighbor dispute regarding signs on Colonial Rd.
5:44 p.m. Loose dog followed person on the rail trail
6:17 p.m. Kids on bikes acting suspiciously on Mason Rd.
Wednesday, September 2
12:53 a.m. Suspicious party with backpack on Shrewsbury St.
7:56 a.m. Caller about kitten in the neighborhood
10:26 a.m. Report of tree truck blowing through red light while fire department was trying to respond to an alarm
4:01 p.m. 911 Report of suspicious male near business on Main Street for past few days, looking in windows and vehicles
8:47 p.m. 911 accidental; meant to dial 411
Thursday, September 3
12:26 a.m. Report of loud gathering in apartments near Senior Center, someone screaming intermittently
10:38 a.m. Workers doing construction on Main St. causing traffic problems
11:27 a.m. Homeowner asking if he can enter house he rents to close windows; hasn't heard from tenant in a week
11:31 a.m. Complaint about cars parked over railroad tracks by Sunnyside Ave.
12:01 p.m. Branches covering stop sign at Chapel and Malden
1:28 p.m. Rutland reports erratic operator headed to Holden
6:57 p.m. Tree branches on Parker Ave. in roadway
8:04 p.m. Caller about friend possibly involved in bicycle accident
9:25 p.m. Cars reported speeding on Chapel St.
Friday, September 4
6:00 p.m. Neighbor problems on Holden St.
8:39 p.m. "International issue"
9:44 p.m. Sump pump alarm going off on Nelson St.
Saturday, September 5
12:10 a.m. Dog loose on Main St.
9:25 a.m. Bike reported missing
9:26 a.m. License plate missing
11:18 a.m. Suspicious person with metal detectors on Highland St.
1:29 p.m. Neighbor set up chairs on wrong side of property line on Holden St.
1:30 p.m. Caller from Nelson St. upset about response of water department to his complaint
4:05 p.m. Info regarding stolen bike
5:51 p.m. Two highly intoxicated teenagers reported on Quinapoxet St.
7:34 p.m. Report of fireworks, possibly on Mason Rd.
8:08 p.m. Woman reports bat in the house; referred to Critter Control
11:14 p.m. Two suspicious persons on Reservoir St.; okay, girls having sleepover
Sunday, September 6
2:14 a.m. 911 Caller reports hearing pops, possibly gun shots, on Wachusett St.
7:51 a.m. Caller inquiring when would be good time on Sunday during holiday weekend to start up chainsaw
2:25 p.m. Branch removed from road on Malden St.
7:55 p.m. 911 Twinbrooke Dr. resident heard gunshots; neighbor heard scream prior to gunshots; kids nearby say they heard shots but no scream
8:21 a.m. Youths on Main St.
9:44 p.m. 911 Brennan Way resident reports 40-50 gunshots
10:06 p.m. Report of gunshots near Holden St.

Paxton

Monday, August 31
5:51 p.m. Suspicious vehicles on Brooks Rd.; owner of property advised first that they do not have permission to be there, then said it's okay
6:24 p.m. Caller inquiring if Rutland has its own fire department; given number
10:02 p.m. Wilde Wood Dr. resident reports no water; water in bathrooms but not in kitchen; internal problem
Tuesday, September 1
1:26 p.m. Large branch hanging on Pleasant St.
2:00 p.m. Tractor trailer speeding on Rte. 56
6:50 p.m. Suspicious vehicle unattended in DPW lot
Thursday, September 3
8:40 a.m. Syringe found on West St.
Friday, September 4
8:36 p.m. 911 from Streeter Rd.; child playing with phone
Saturday, September 5
7:38 a.m. 911 Small dog in road on Pleasant St.
8:54 p.m. Fireworks reported on Lancelot Dr.
10:53 p.m. Lookout requested by Hubbardston PD

Princeton

Monday, August 31
6:04 a.m. Assist animal control officer, Sterling Rd.
10:43 a.m. Assist fire dept., Beaman Rd.
Tuesday, September 1
10:25 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Town Hall Dr.
8:03 a.m. Caller says she's locked behind gate at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Mountain Rd.
Wednesday, September 2
7:28 a.m. Traffic control duty, Sterling Rd.
1:14 p.m. Public service, Beaman Rd.
Thursday, September 3
7:30 a.m. Traffic control duty, Sterling Rd.
9:01 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Redwood Dr.
Friday, September 4
6:23 p.m. Assist fire dept., Ball Hill Rd.
6:44 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Thompson Rd.
Saturday, September 5
11:09 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, Matthews Ln.
4:01 p.m. Traffic control duty, Brooks Station Rd.
5:26 p.m. Public service, Rocky Pond Rd.
7:30 p.m. Traffic control duty, Mountain Rd.
Sunday, September 6
3:28 p.m. Public service, Goodnow Rd.
4:50 p.m. Public service, Rte. 140 N
6:15 p.m. Public service, Fitchburg Rd.
7:20 p.m. Public service, Mountain Rd.
7:43 p.m. Suspicious person, Rte. 140 N

Rutland

Monday, August 31
12:13 p.m. Suspicious males in white pickup truck attempting to sell meat, Campbell St.
12:42 p.m. Report of injured possum, Kenwood Dr.
7:35 p.m. Gate open to Mass Highway sand pits
Tuesday, September 1
12:57 p.m. Request to speak with dog officer, Central Tree Rd.
3:56 p.m. Caller says someone left a litter of kittens in her driveway, Helen Ave.
4:23 p.m. Person came to station to speak with an officer, Main St.
5:34 p.m. Complaint about parking, Central Tree School
8:51 p.m. Person reports being contacted by individual who isn't the landlord and wants rent money, Maple Ave.
Wednesday, September 2
2:55 a.m. Transformer making a loud humming noise, Athens Ave.
11:32 a.m. Person came to station to speak with an officer, Main St.
1:42 p.m. Missing shepard puppy, Bushy Lane
2:14 p.m. Caller has Labrador mix dog in yard, has collar with rope attached, East County Rd.
Thursday, September 3
3:47 p.m. Report of a naked male sunbathing on his front porch, and kids are walking by on way to school, Maple Ave.
6:43 p.m. Person came to station to report losing a GPS system, Main St.
7:14 p.m. Person complaining about a neighbor banging on the walls, Maple Ave.
10:00 p.m. Report of small kitten in yard, Maple Ave.
11:51 p.m. Complaint about loud noise, Maple Ave.
Friday, September 4
8:36 a.m. Bank employee reports receiving crank calls, Main St.
8:45 a.m. Shitzu escaped from car on Rte. 68. Dog is pregnant, has no collar. Dog found later in day
4:22 p.m. Lost wallet and FID card, Main St.
6:16 p.m. Cars blocking road, Central Tree driveway
7:13 p.m. Juveniles brought into station to speak with officer, Main St.
Saturday, September 5
1:06 a.m. Report of loud party, threats overheard, Main St.
2:11 a.m. Fight at party, Main St.
8:02 a.m. Assist other police department with motorist who didn't pay for gas in Hubbardston, East County Rd.
4:47 p.m. Small dog found on East County Rd.
7:35 p.m. Person came to station to speak with officer, Main St.
7:43 p.m. Report of bus with lights left on, Rte. 68
9:37 p.m. Disturbance, Bethany Dr.
Sunday, September 6
7:15 p.m. Loud bang coming from house on East County Rd.
8:21 p.m. Report of people making threats, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, August 31
12:19 p.m. Caller concerned about bobcat that sits on her door step at night, Twine Rd.
Tuesday, September 1
9:25 a.m. Dead raccoon in roadway, Malvern Hill Rd.
1:53 p.m. Dog off leash and in neighbor's yard disturbing her dog, Sunset Dr.
6:55 p.m. Large male German shepherd with no collar in yard, Mellon Hollow Rd.
7:24 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about property (wood chipper) she wants returned to her, Leominster Rd.
Wednesday, September 2
7:53 a.m. Ongoing problem with cars parking at corner at school bus stop, person would like no-parking sign installed, Riverview Rd.
8:31 a.m. German shepherd loose in area of Legate Hill Rd.
12:58 p.m. Caller reporting suspicious activity at Oak Hill Cemetery, several men with large Ryder truck, Clinton Rd.
1:00 p.m. Escort individual to Osgood Rd.
1:36 p.m. 911 hang-up, officer confirmed accidental, Waushacum Ave.
3:16 p.m. Transport student to residence from school on Boutelle Rd.
9:46 p.m. Motorist reports suspicious activity by male climbing over gate, Metropolitan Rd.
Thursday, September 3
7:29 a.m. Three motor vehicles parked in posted "no parking" area, Riverview Rd./Greenland Rds.
Friday, September 4
8:07 a.m. Parking complaint, Riverview/Greenland Rds.
10:05 a.m. Skunk in yard, Newell Hill Rd.
8:50 p.m. Suspicious activity, car alarm sounding, Kitchener Rd.
Saturday, September 5
7:11 a.m. Horses running around near Albright and Country Club Blvd.
7:59 a.m. Possible scam for Publisher's Clearing House, Rowley Hill Rd.
9:13 a.m. Large loose dog, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
10:47 a.m. Assist citizen with car seat installation, Leominster Rd.
12:10 p.m. Complaint about large yard sale sign obstructing view, Gates/Worcester Rds.
1:31 p.m. Report of vehicle being driven very slowly, Redemption Rock Trl.
1:52 p.m. Suspicious activity, possible shooting, Acorn Way
3:01 p.m. Person at station reporting men in area asking people for $400, telling them they'll receive $2.5 million in return, Albright Rd.
4:53 p.m. Group of youths in back of school, Boutelle Rd.
8:41 p.m. Group of kids playing guitars at gazebo, Main St.
Sunday, September 6
5:37 a.m. Officer wanted to check out strange noise in home, Wilder Rd.
2:37 p.m. Caller reports someone running a dirt bike near pond, Lucas Rd.
5:25 p.m. Disturbance/noise complaint, Westland Farm Rd. Parties making noise on Stuart Pond. Loud band, snowmobiles/4-wheelers run by people without helmets, open containers on the street, homeowner advised of infractions
8:28 p.m. Caller requesting to speak with officer regarding threats, Holden Rd.
8:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home, Holden Rd.
9:32 p.m. Caller reports loud noise, possibly shotgun, John Dee Rd.
9:45 p.m. Loud noise, possibly fireworks or gun shots, Main St.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Don't go near her. She has meat breath.

Cautionary advice to women and, in these days of modern times, others who might want to kiss the boys:
From a Helsingin Sanomat story about food myths
Kun syö lihaa, niin pojat vihaa, kun syö kalaa, pojat halaa
(roughly translated: "If one eats meat, boys retreat. If one eats fishes, boys give kisses")


Back to school

This morning I will be taking a class at Quinsigamond Community College. More about this as we go forward.
Of course, I'm older than nearly all the students, faculty, staff, and buildings and will need remediation on modern college life.
Most students who attend community colleges these days are focused on getting a new or better job. Here are some of the college majors that lead to the best salaries.
DegreesDegrees
Methodology
Annual pay for Bachelors graduates without higher degrees. Typical starting graduates have 2 years of experience; mid-career have 15 years. See full methodology for more.
I already have my plan for my next job: be myself.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Spyware fail

Quite often I get calls from frantic family members and friends, reporting that their computer has become infected by viruses and that they've been told to download a program to clean up the problems.
In many, if not most, cases, the message is bogus, delivered by an unscrupulous web site owner who wants you to download a program that, in all likelihood, is going mess up your system.
For example, I stumbled upon a site this morning that showed this screen:
The site I was visiting was momentarily hijacked by a rogue company and presented a simulated virus scan of my system. The gotcha, however, is that I'm not running Windows. (I use Linux.) The whole scan and virus report was made up in the browser. I was repeated asked, via some annoying dialog boxes, to download a program. (The owners quickly got control of their web site. Later visits to the same page didn't bring up this fake scan.)
If you happen to encounter something such as this, you may not be able to stop the download of the program, but you don't have to and shouldn't run it. Close your browser and delete the file that you might have downloaded.
If you did run the program, here are some steps that you can take to remove it: How to remove Personal Antivirus (Removal Guide).
There are a number of very good and safe anti-virus and anti-spyware programs available for Windows computers. If you have them installed, be sure to update the program and problem or virus definition files and then run a full scan as soon as you can. If you don't have an up-to-date set of security programs on your Windows system, I'll be glad to provide some recommendations.

Update: 9/14/09 - New York Times pwned to serve scareware pop-ups

Monday, September 07, 2009

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, August 24

12:08 a.m. Princeton advises of motor vehicle accident on Princeton St., car swerved to avoid deer
1:58 a.m. Several female parties on foot on Holden St.
8:39 a.m. Business machine reported lost
10:35 a.m. Worcester resident reports harassing phone calls; advised to report it to Worcester PD
10:50 a.m. Caller requesting officer speak to wife about dropping breaking and entering charges
6:20 p.m. Kids reported breaking things behind Wong Dynasty; throwing rocks at bees' nest
6:59 p.m. Report of skunk in front of house
9:40 p.m. Kids in pool making loud noise on Fort Sumter Dr.

Tuesday, August 25

11:15 a.m. Lawn mower lost from rear of vehicle on Sunnyside Ave., but recovered
12:10 p.m. Multiple calls about open water hydrant on Holden St.; ok, water department running dirty water out of lines
7:30 p.m. Two individuals arguing about motorcycle cutting off another motorcycle on Main St.
7:54 p.m. Black bear spotted on Mason Rd.
8:01 p.m. Two dogs walking in road on Sunnyside Ave.
9:52 p.m. Report of two teens in front of Friendly's trying to hitchhike
10:35 p.m. Male and female yelling outside home on Reservoir St.; persons said they were working, not yelling
11:59 p.m. Unidentifiable dead animal on Main St.

Wednesday, August 26

9:50 a.m. Caller concerned about woman walking on Parker Rd. near Shrewsbury St.
10:15 a.m. Bullard St. at Oregon Trail may be shut down due to water main break
10:29 a.m. Caller asking why there's no water on Bullard St.
10:31 a.m. Brattle St. resident wants to know what is being done about egg throwing in that neighborhood
12:55 p.m. Report of elderly woman walking on Main St. dressed in long-sleeved shirt; all set
12:58 p.m. Water department blocking one lane on Main St. at Alpha Rd. without detail
3:27 p.m. Report of vehicle being driven up and down Brentwood Dr. with person shining a spotlight into houses on Aug. 23
4:00 p.m. Dog on porch of home on Holden St. attacking people as they walk by; taken to Animal Rescue League
4:48 p.m. Out of control 12-year-old on Elmwood Ave.
4:53 p.m. Party given warning about having blue light bar on roof of pickup truck
5:51 p.m. Request for extra patrols at pool area due to graffiti
7:25 p.m. Power line down in middle of Putnam Lane, and is making a noise; wire moved off the road
7:33 p.m. 911 Report of water main break on Chapel St.
11:18 p.m. Power out on Quinapoxet St.

Thursday, August 27

4:38 a.m. Tree blocking roadway on Salisbury St.
7:58 a.m. Damage to freshly painted courts at recreation area
8:03 a.m. Caller reports damage to trash cans
1:26 p.m. Caller concerned about census bureau employee coming to elderly person's door; wants to know if it's legitimate

10:50 p.m. Suspicious male sitting in gazebo on Main St.; OK, waiting for someone to pick him up
11:25 p.m. Possible domestic on Parker Ave.; OK, just a verbal dispute

Friday, August 28

2:45 a.m. Demolition material in road on Quinapoxet; DPW advised to pick up debris
11:37 a.m. Inquiry regarding how to get hold of driver history
2:29 p.m. Three bags of brush fell off truck on Main St.
7:46 p.m. Sterling PD found poodle
7:52 p.m. Dogs reported barking all day/night on Winthrop Lane

Saturday, August 29

12:03 a.m. Area of Main Street flooded out; MassHighway advised
6:32 a.m. 911 Elevator entrapment on Boyden Rd.
1:52 p.m. Suspicious person on General Hobbs Rd.; party broke down, waiting for a ride

Sunday, August 30

12:01 a.m. Loud gathering on Quinapoxet St.
4:38 p.m. 911 Report of eight to ten youths loitering outside gym at Davis Hill School
6:26 p.m. Youths rolling down hill near Davis Hill School in black plastic pipe dispersed
8:20 p.m. Report of vehicle following too closely
8:49 p.m. Neighbor reporting poor air quality due to neighbor's fire pit and tiki torches
9:14 p.m. Raccoon on Bailey Rd.
9:46 p.m. Report of unreasonably loud noise on Armington Lane

Paxton

Monday, August 24

9:56 a.m. Well-being check requested by daughter, saying mother dropped the phone and started yelling; okay, husband fell, but isn't injured
10:35 a.m. Caller wants dead skunk in front of house on Richards Ave. removed
3:15 p.m. 911 Caller reports plane looked like it was going to crash at Grove St. soccer fields

Wednesday, August 26

10:13 a.m. Caller requesting assistance removing skunk from yard on Keep Ave.
12:33 p.m. Caller asking if there is warrant out on her; advised can't give that info over the phone

Thursday, August 27

4:31 p.m. Walk-in reports auto shop in Rutland won't give her her car back; advised to contact Rutland police
5:36 p.m. Solicitors in Asnebumskit area

Friday, August 28

6:37 a.m. 911 Inquiry regarding current hunting season; said she heard shots fired near Briarcliff Lane around 4:30
4:31 p.m. Caller concerned about window solicitor; advised they checked in

Saturday, August 29

12:36 p.m. Maine State Police requesting help with contacting resident whose belongings were found in that state
2:45 p.m. Caller inquiring if next week's recycling is paper or plastic

Sunday, August 30

7:00 p.m. Lost dog may be in area of Suomi St. and Marshall St.
10:34 p.m. Report of loud party in area of Wildwood Dr.
11:24 p.m. Report of man pushing motorcycle on Pleasant St. tried to buy gas from Pleasant St. resident
11:54 p.m. Female yelling and motorcycle on side of road on Pleasant St.

Princeton

Monday, August 24

12:12 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Rte. 140 S
3:03 p.m. Officer investigation, Rte. 140 N

Tuesday, August 25

5:25 p.m. Disturbance, Calamint Hill Rd. N
5:53 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Thompson Rd.
8:30 p.m. Person at station with item found on E. Princeton Rd.
10:24 p.m. Assist fire department, Sterling/Forslund Rds.

Wednesday, August 26

6:45 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, E. Princeton Rd.
8:24 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Rocky Pond Rd.
10:45 a.m. Fraud, Bigelow Rd.
7:26 p.m. Suspicious incident, Administration Rd.
8:12 p.m. Public service, Mirick Rd.
8:15 p.m. Annoying phone calls, Ball Hill Rd.
8:45 p.m. Public service, Hubbardston Rd.

Thursday, August 27

1:25 a.m. Open door, Mountain Rd.
8:34 a.m. Public service, Bullock Ln.
12:51 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Goodnow Rd.
2:39 p.m. Officer investigation, Ball Hill Rd.

Friday, August 28

8:17 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, E. Princeton Rd.
11:12 a.m. Officer investigation, Hubbardston Rd.
11:14 a.m. Request for traffic control, Worcester Rd.
11:46 a.m. Request for traffic control, Mountain/Worcester Rds.
7:52 p.m. Assist other PD, Patricia Rd., Westminster
8:20 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Rhodes Rd.

Saturday, August 29

6:30 a.m. Request for animal control office, Hubbardston Rd.
3:32 p.m. Open door/window, Goodnow Rd.
6:35 p.m. Public service, Ball Hill Rd.
7:16 p.m. Public service, Town Hall Dr.
8:56 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Mirick Rd.

Sunday, August 30

12:45 p.m. Public service, Mountain Rd.
1:59 p.m. Disturbance gun shots, Worcester Rd.
4:05 p.m. Trash/litter complaint, Gregory Hill Rd.
5:55 p.m. Assist animal control officer, Bullard Rd.
8:35 p.m. Disturbance, gun shots, Worcester Rd.

Rutland

Monday, August 24

11:07 a.m. Officer requested to help with aggressive dog, River Rd.
3:32 p.m. Officer assists with person performing community service, Main St.
5:11 p.m. Person found burnt flag in playground, Memorial Dr.

Tuesday, August 25

2:25 a.m. Suspicious person walking toward center, Pommogussett Rd.
9:51 a.m. Report of dead dog in road, car that hit it is gone, Pommogusset Rd. No dog found.
10:34 a.m. Person in to speak with officer about ongoing issue, Main St.
12:41 p.m. Report of small gray car parked on side of road with two male occupants, Campbell St.
3:51 p.m. Suspicious male walking around pool, asking for people's names, Main St.
7:15 p.m. Missing female beagle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, August 26

3:32 p.m. Officer assists person doing community service, Main St.
3:56 p.m. Lost golden retriever near Oakham town line, Barre Paxton Rd.
4:01 p.m. Caller reporting a young child sitting in lap of driver, Main St.
7:41 p.m. Report of several vehicles parked at end of Michael Dr.

Thursday, August 27

4:45 p.m. Officer wanted, Main St., individual says he can't get his car back from auto shop

Friday, August 28

10:04 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
2:50 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:24 p.m. Small dog walking around Cheryl Ann Dr.
8:08 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
8:56 p.m. Juvenile knocking on doors requesting ride home, Main St.

Saturday, August 29

12:41 a.m. Report of people arguing, Blair Dr.
4:30 p.m. Person complaining about go-carts driving near his property, Barre Paxton Rd.

Sunday, August 30

12:02 a.m. Assist Princeton PD with motor vehicle stop, Brooks Station/Ball Hill Rds.
11:10 a.m. Reports that water at homes on Valle View Circle is brown
11:56 a.m. Complaint about loud motorcycle, Pleasantdale Rd.
6:07 p.m. Caller reports neighbor yelled at her when she was running equipment in her yard, Birchwood Rd.

Sterling

Monday, August 24

2:25 a.m. Caller reports animal making strange barking noise, not a dog, Rowley Hill Rd.
7:34 a.m. Caller says man was at his home claiming he had been walking for two days trying to get to Westborough, Chace Hill Rd.
12:31 p.m. Assist motorist with tow situation, Redemption Rock Trl., Princeton
3:13 p.m. Missing white cat, Twine Rd.
6:06 p.m. Police escort requested to go to home on Laurelwood Rd. to serve paperwork regarding home inspection
7:02 p.m. Three kids driving dirt bikes and a 4-wheeler very fast in Campground Rd. area

Tuesday, August 25

8:49 a.m. Dog ripping apart trash in Gates Terr. neighborhood
1:24 p.m. Possible rabid raccoon, attempting to attack cars as they pass, Princeton/Beaman Rds.
2:37 p.m. Missing orange cat, Princeton Rd.
4:43 p.m. Person at station with paperwork regarding dispute, Leominster Rd.
6:12 p.m. Person at station to discuss paperwork he wants to serve to tenant, Laurelwood Rd.
6:20 p.m. Injured raccoon in yard, Newell Hill Rd.
7:11 p.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer regarding dog severely injured when hit by car, Beaman Rd.
7:55 p.m. Report of wobbly raccoon on deck of home, Princeton Rd.

Wednesday, August 26

1:19 p.m. Dead chicken beside road, Elizabeth Ln.
3:43 p.m. Motor vehicle accident I-190 S, injuries
7:52 p.m. Suspicious activity on White Oak Way, civil citations issued to two individuals

Thursday, August 27

9:44 a.m. Two bicycles recovered from side of Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
7:08 p.m. Caller reports hearing gunshots, Taft Rd.

Friday, August 28

8:47 a.m. Escort individual to town line, Worcester Rd.
11:06 a.m. Military at residence checking belongings of individual that lived there, Ridgewood Rd.
4:31 p.m. Brown Labradoodle may be injured, Pamela Ln.

Sunday, August 30

10:21 a.m. Report of bloodhound in yard at home, Mill St.; seems to be injured
12:30 p.m. Escort for motorcycle run, Legg Rd./Redemption Rock Trl.
1:36 p.m. Escort for motorcycle ride, Pratts Jct./Leominster Rd.
9:40 p.m. Officer requested for intoxicated people that have active fire pit, Maple St.
10:31 p.m. Dog with Worcester tag at home, Beaman Rd.

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