Saturday, February 13, 2010
Whose woods these are, I wish I knew
So, what do you think?
A case could be made for a black bear, except that only four toes are distinct. Bobcat? Then what about the large rear print?
The one on teh right could also be one of these, except that he'd not be walking bare (bear) foot in the snow.
More on Linux software
Linux is an open source operating system that, on most days and in most respects, is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Windows. Most days. There are times, however, when Linux betrays its bleak, geeky soul.
For example, OpenOffice 3.2 was released this week. The new version will be available as a part of a system update feature shortly. (It takes a while for testing and configuration of new products.) If you want to have the new version of OpenOffice on your Ubuntu (a popular version of Linux and the one that I use) system, you can install it yourself.
Happy Birthday, Michael
Editor's note: Michael is our oldest grandchild, turning 20 today.
Continuing the drive to irrelevance
From the Worcester Business Journal, we learn that the Fitchburg Sentinel-Enterprise plans to start charging for selected content. The bankrupt parent company, Media News Group, is considering a model similar to what it thinks the New York Times will use, giving free access to a limited number of page views and then charging users for more access.
Dan Ariely offers some ideas about how pay walls can and should work - My Take on the NY Times Pay Wall. In brief, in order to be successful, a paid site must offer a unique experience so that the site visitor is being charged for the same old stuff that used to be free.
So, let's see what the Sentinel has to offer.
This?
via Police / Court - Sentinel & Enterprise
Sign me up.
Dan Ariely offers some ideas about how pay walls can and should work - My Take on the NY Times Pay Wall. In brief, in order to be successful, a paid site must offer a unique experience so that the site visitor is being charged for the same old stuff that used to be free.
So, let's see what the Sentinel has to offer.
This?
Sign me up.
Men of science
I think that it was son Mike who asked, a long time ago, and I'm paraphrasing here, "If there is a God, why are there mosquitoes?"
The answer, son, is that mosquitoes give us a chance to develop new weapons: Slashdot Science Story | Directed Energy Weapon Downs Mosquitos.
Of course, we should also remember that much of our science, as well as our understanding of many social issues, is just trying to catch up with what Monty Python told us 40 years ago.
The answer, son, is that mosquitoes give us a chance to develop new weapons: Slashdot Science Story | Directed Energy Weapon Downs Mosquitos.
Of course, we should also remember that much of our science, as well as our understanding of many social issues, is just trying to catch up with what Monty Python told us 40 years ago.
Smart city. Not yours.
I wonder what something like this plan for Holyoke, Cisco Plans to Make a Massachusetts City Smarter, Rather Than Build One From Scratch, would do for Worcester.
Granted, Worcester is a much larger city by a factor of four, so the project would be that much more complex. It may also be that Holyoke, being a poorer city, would show more dramatic improvement.
A lot of politicking, in the better sense of the word, goes into a project such as this, raising the issue of how well Our Fair City can articulate its value to potential corporate investors.
Is Holyoke a better place to live now? Probably not. Will Holyoke be a better place to live than Worcester? Could be.
Granted, Worcester is a much larger city by a factor of four, so the project would be that much more complex. It may also be that Holyoke, being a poorer city, would show more dramatic improvement.
A lot of politicking, in the better sense of the word, goes into a project such as this, raising the issue of how well Our Fair City can articulate its value to potential corporate investors.
Is Holyoke a better place to live now? Probably not. Will Holyoke be a better place to live than Worcester? Could be.
If you're so smart, how come you're dead?
So, let me see if I've got this right: children with a high IQ have a reduced risk of mortality as adults.
Now, we've all heard about the Darwin Awards, special recognition that we give to people who, by their stupid actions, improve the gene pool by taking themselves out of it. This latest study, however, is the first that tries to make a direct correlation between intelligence and a long life.
The study includes a twist, however, because the correlation between high IQ and decreased mortality is stronger for males than for females. Other data show that, on average, women live longer than men, although the gap is narrowing (free registration required to view link).
Two quick thoughts come to mind:
Now, we've all heard about the Darwin Awards, special recognition that we give to people who, by their stupid actions, improve the gene pool by taking themselves out of it. This latest study, however, is the first that tries to make a direct correlation between intelligence and a long life.
The study includes a twist, however, because the correlation between high IQ and decreased mortality is stronger for males than for females. Other data show that, on average, women live longer than men, although the gap is narrowing (free registration required to view link).
Two quick thoughts come to mind:
- Harry Belafonte told us a long time ago - Man Smart, Woman Smarter. (
) - If we're smart enough, will we live forever? Two sources say yes.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 20 suspicious items this week.]
2:41 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
7:01 a.m. 911 from resident having issues shutting off water in bath tub, Flagler Dr.
7:51 a.m. Attempt to make warrant arrest
9:13 a.m. State police report teens walking in roadway, Reservoir St.
1:49 p.m. Child locked in car with engine running, Mason Rd.
3:51 p.m. Walk-in about annoying phone calls, wants to identify phone number; advised to call phone carrier and if problem continues, call
4:18 p.m. Possible rabid beaver, Village Way; animal transported
9:10 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Reservoir St.
2:21 p.m. Fraud reported
4:16 p.m. Driver without placard parked in handicapped space
8:22 p.m. West Boylston PD transferring individual to town
1:14 p.m. Individual reportedly kicked dog, then harassed homeowner
1:59 p.m. Rabid fox reported near high school football field
5:14 p.m. Motorist requesting directions
7:55 p.m. Several items found in roadway, Wachusett St.
1:10 p.m. Caller reports seeing drug transaction taking place
2:32 p.m. Sterling PD reports daughter texted mother that fight was to take place at Grove Cemetery; multiple youths found there
8:16 p.m. Suspicious vehicle going into several driveways, Blair Dr.
9:18 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with individuals possibly smoking or doing something they shouldn’t, Main St.
9:25 p.m. Loose dog, Bailey Rd.
12:40 a.m. Suspicious person dressed in black staggering into roadway, Wachusett St.; party transported
12:59 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, manager of business
1:12 a.m. Suspicious person, Wachusett St.; returned home
1:27 a.m. Suspicious person at Grove Cemetery; sent on his way
1:25 p.m. 911 call; child called number to show what he learned at school
1:45 p.m. Animal Rescue League has Holden resident’s dog; owner notified
2:18 p.m. Worcester PD requests lookout for car full of males throwing trash at passing cars
9:44 p.m. Loud noises from neighbors, Fruit St.
10:46 p.m. Dog hit by vehicle, Plymouth Rd.
3:15 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended, Main St.
8:10 a.m. Loose white dog with leash, Richards Ave./Arrowhead Dr.
9:13 a.m. Resident at station to have fire dept. remove ring from finger, Pleasant St.
12:15 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Pleasant St.
4:03 p.m. Caller reports male followed him to business on Pleasant St., hit his car, then continued to follow him to another location
7:25 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked in front of home, Shanandoah Dr.
5:15 p.m. Person at station reporting phone calls soliciting money, Pleasant St.
6:42 p.m. Two vehicles speeding on Maple St, driving onto front lawn on Grove St.
8:42 a.m. Injured deer beside Hubbardston Rd.
10:49 a.m. Traffic control, Merriam Rd.
1:15 p.m. Person at station for advice regarding recorded phone conversations, Town Hall Dr.
9:06 p.m. Caller reports black dog in road with flashing collar, Coal Kiln Rd.
9:40 p.m. Traffic control, Merriam Rd.
4:50 p.m. Officer removed muffler/traffic hazard from middle of Rte. 140 N
6:05 p.m. Police transport person from disabled vehicle to Wachusett Mountain from Rte. 140 N
8:42 p.m. Large white horse in middle of Beaman Road; owner notified
7:00 p.m. Black and chocolate Labrador missing, Beaman Rd.; found and returned to owner
10:47 a.m. Police assist person getting into Town Hall
12:40 p.m. Caller found brown pit bull with no collar, Fitchburg Rd.
7:00 p.m. Vehicle is traffic safety hazard, must be moved, Ball Hill Rd.
8:21 p.m. Police find open gate, Mountain Rd.
9:25 p.m. Traffic control, Merriam Rd.
2:05 p.m. While out walking, woman reports man wanted to take photo of her, Rolling Ridge Estates
3:46 p.m. Report that sliding door is off its track, Maple Ave.
4:00 p.m. Person in for community service, Main St.
4:46 p.m. Larceny by false pretenses, Charnock Hill Rd.
5:52 p.m. Loose black/brown dog, Peters Ave.
7:19 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
8:14 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about registry problem, Main St.
12:14 p.m. Missing cat, Brintnal Dr.
3:26 p.m. After motor vehicle stop, person needs to make arrangements for a ride, Main St.
5:15 p.m. Caller reports two dogs in her yard, Hickory Dr.
9:00 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
2:01 a.m. Records check, Main St.
10:51 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer regarding student that brought inappropriate items to school, Main St.
10:51 a.m. Request for officer for traffic control at school dance, Main St.
12:45 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
2:28 p.m. Golden retriever followed person home, Bigelow Rd.
11:26 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Miles Rd.
6:21 p.m. 911 hang-up, Evergreen Cir.; children playing with phone
8:23 a.m. Attempt to serve warrant, Holden Rd.
8:39 a.m. Attempt to serve warrant, N. Cove Rd. Person moved
9:00 a.m. Caller reporting dog tied up at Brookside Ln./Wilder Rd. Transferred to animal control officer
9:14 a.m. 911 hang-up, Park St. Everything secure
1:06 p.m. Caller reports people with political signs harassing people walking into building, Main St.
8:32 a.m. Dog, possibly cocker spaniel, hit and injured, Rowley Hill/Taft Rds.
9:16 a.m. Caller lost wallet, Leominster Rd.
3:23 p.m. Officer wanted, issue with child on van, Boutelle Rd.
4:06 p.m. 911 hang-up, Boutelle Rd. Caller was child
9:55 p.m. Caller reports a lot of howling in Meetinghouse Hill Rd. area
10:12 p.m. Footprints near rear entrance of building, Albright Rd. Caller wants police to make extra checks at night
10:25 p.m. Request for assistance securing door, Park St.
d. 2:29 p.m. Caller received text message regarding fight about to happen in a Holden graveyard
3:50 p.m. Beagle-type dog found, Pamela Ln.
8:18 p.m. Burglar alarm, Northeast Blvd. Workers on site, all secure
8:50 p.m. Animal rescue organization from Maryland trying to get back German wirehaired pointer from its new owner because he has not complied with contract, Rowley Hill Rd.
1:02 p.m. Burglar alarm, Boutelle Rd. Door was unsecured
1:32 p.m. Request for officer, Boutelle Rd. Unsecured door
8:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Chocksett Rd.
2:48 p.m. Police check doors where burglar alarm sounding, Boutelle Rd.
3:35 p.m. Wallet found, Leominster Rd.
6:36 p.m. Officer investigation, Taft Rd.
[Editor's note: There were 20 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, February 1
2:41 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
7:01 a.m. 911 from resident having issues shutting off water in bath tub, Flagler Dr.
7:51 a.m. Attempt to make warrant arrest
9:13 a.m. State police report teens walking in roadway, Reservoir St.
1:49 p.m. Child locked in car with engine running, Mason Rd.
3:51 p.m. Walk-in about annoying phone calls, wants to identify phone number; advised to call phone carrier and if problem continues, call
4:18 p.m. Possible rabid beaver, Village Way; animal transported
9:10 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Reservoir St.
Tuesday, February 2
10:45 a.m. Missing beagle, Malden St.2:21 p.m. Fraud reported
4:16 p.m. Driver without placard parked in handicapped space
8:22 p.m. West Boylston PD transferring individual to town
Wednesday, February 3
12:27 p.m. Tool box in road, Reservoir St.1:14 p.m. Individual reportedly kicked dog, then harassed homeowner
1:59 p.m. Rabid fox reported near high school football field
5:14 p.m. Motorist requesting directions
Thursday, February 4
4:45 p.m. Owner locked out of vehicle; will fetch extra key7:55 p.m. Several items found in roadway, Wachusett St.
Friday, February 5
12:28 a.m. Possible breaking-and-entering, Chapel St.; nothing out of place1:10 p.m. Caller reports seeing drug transaction taking place
2:32 p.m. Sterling PD reports daughter texted mother that fight was to take place at Grove Cemetery; multiple youths found there
8:16 p.m. Suspicious vehicle going into several driveways, Blair Dr.
9:18 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with individuals possibly smoking or doing something they shouldn’t, Main St.
9:25 p.m. Loose dog, Bailey Rd.
Saturday, February 6
12:09 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicles at high school12:40 a.m. Suspicious person dressed in black staggering into roadway, Wachusett St.; party transported
12:59 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, manager of business
1:12 a.m. Suspicious person, Wachusett St.; returned home
1:27 a.m. Suspicious person at Grove Cemetery; sent on his way
1:25 p.m. 911 call; child called number to show what he learned at school
1:45 p.m. Animal Rescue League has Holden resident’s dog; owner notified
2:18 p.m. Worcester PD requests lookout for car full of males throwing trash at passing cars
9:44 p.m. Loud noises from neighbors, Fruit St.
10:46 p.m. Dog hit by vehicle, Plymouth Rd.
Sunday, February 7
2:28 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended in post office lot, Princeton St.3:15 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended, Main St.
Paxton
Tuesday, February 2
1:33 a.m. Motor vehicle rollover, driver not located, Reservoir Rd. Operator summoned8:10 a.m. Loose white dog with leash, Richards Ave./Arrowhead Dr.
9:13 a.m. Resident at station to have fire dept. remove ring from finger, Pleasant St.
12:15 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Pleasant St.
Wednesday, February 3
9:30 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in area of Marshall/Hemlock Sts. Person taking pictures of homes in area4:03 p.m. Caller reports male followed him to business on Pleasant St., hit his car, then continued to follow him to another location
7:25 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked in front of home, Shanandoah Dr.
Thursday, February 4
2:44 p.m. Person brought license plate he found to station5:15 p.m. Person at station reporting phone calls soliciting money, Pleasant St.
6:42 p.m. Two vehicles speeding on Maple St, driving onto front lawn on Grove St.
Sunday, February 7
9:30 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, person taking photos, Hemlock St.Princeton
Monday, February 1
8:26 a.m. Traffic control, Sterling Rd.8:42 a.m. Injured deer beside Hubbardston Rd.
10:49 a.m. Traffic control, Merriam Rd.
1:15 p.m. Person at station for advice regarding recorded phone conversations, Town Hall Dr.
9:06 p.m. Caller reports black dog in road with flashing collar, Coal Kiln Rd.
9:40 p.m. Traffic control, Merriam Rd.
Tuesday, February 2
11:47 a.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about neighbor’s dog, Dowds Ln.Wednesday, February 3
7:22 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Houghton Rd.4:50 p.m. Officer removed muffler/traffic hazard from middle of Rte. 140 N
6:05 p.m. Police transport person from disabled vehicle to Wachusett Mountain from Rte. 140 N
8:42 p.m. Large white horse in middle of Beaman Road; owner notified
Thursday, February 4
5:15 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about suspicious checks, East Princeton Rd.7:00 p.m. Black and chocolate Labrador missing, Beaman Rd.; found and returned to owner
Friday, February 5
10:14 a.m. Report of suspicious activity, Main St.10:47 a.m. Police assist person getting into Town Hall
12:40 p.m. Caller found brown pit bull with no collar, Fitchburg Rd.
Saturday, February 6
4:52 p.m. Police transport individual to station after car towed, Town Hall Dr.7:00 p.m. Vehicle is traffic safety hazard, must be moved, Ball Hill Rd.
8:21 p.m. Police find open gate, Mountain Rd.
9:25 p.m. Traffic control, Merriam Rd.
Rutland
Monday, February 1
12:48 p.m. Attempt to serve restraining order, Watson Ln.Tuesday, February 2
9:06 a.m. Attempt to serve restraining order, Pleasantdale Rd.2:05 p.m. While out walking, woman reports man wanted to take photo of her, Rolling Ridge Estates
3:46 p.m. Report that sliding door is off its track, Maple Ave.
4:00 p.m. Person in for community service, Main St.
4:46 p.m. Larceny by false pretenses, Charnock Hill Rd.
5:52 p.m. Loose black/brown dog, Peters Ave.
7:19 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
Wednesday, February 3
11:18 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked near Laurelwood Rd./Edson Ave.8:14 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about registry problem, Main St.
Thursday, February 4
10:15 a.m. Loose dog in neighborhood, Peters Ave.12:14 p.m. Missing cat, Brintnal Dr.
3:26 p.m. After motor vehicle stop, person needs to make arrangements for a ride, Main St.
5:15 p.m. Caller reports two dogs in her yard, Hickory Dr.
9:00 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
Friday, February 5
1:35 a.m. UMass calling for information on individual involved in previous incident, Main St.2:01 a.m. Records check, Main St.
10:51 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer regarding student that brought inappropriate items to school, Main St.
10:51 a.m. Request for officer for traffic control at school dance, Main St.
Saturday, February 6
9:39 a.m. Caller concerned about young beaver attempting to build dam in her yard, Campbell St.Sunday, February 7
11:43 a.m. Golden retriever in yard, Campbell St.12:45 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
2:28 p.m. Golden retriever followed person home, Bigelow Rd.
11:26 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Miles Rd.
Sterling
Monday, February 1
8:44 a.m. Caller wants to speak to officer about letter he received, Bean Rd.6:21 p.m. 911 hang-up, Evergreen Cir.; children playing with phone
Tuesday, February 2
6:52 a.m. Caller’s van broke down, Heywood/Tuttle Rds.8:23 a.m. Attempt to serve warrant, Holden Rd.
8:39 a.m. Attempt to serve warrant, N. Cove Rd. Person moved
9:00 a.m. Caller reporting dog tied up at Brookside Ln./Wilder Rd. Transferred to animal control officer
9:14 a.m. 911 hang-up, Park St. Everything secure
1:06 p.m. Caller reports people with political signs harassing people walking into building, Main St.
Wednesday, February 3
7:22 a.m. 911 hang-up, Chestnut Ave. All secure8:32 a.m. Dog, possibly cocker spaniel, hit and injured, Rowley Hill/Taft Rds.
9:16 a.m. Caller lost wallet, Leominster Rd.
3:23 p.m. Officer wanted, issue with child on van, Boutelle Rd.
4:06 p.m. 911 hang-up, Boutelle Rd. Caller was child
9:55 p.m. Caller reports a lot of howling in Meetinghouse Hill Rd. area
10:12 p.m. Footprints near rear entrance of building, Albright Rd. Caller wants police to make extra checks at night
10:25 p.m. Request for assistance securing door, Park St.
Friday, February 5
9:04 a.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about tracks in snow, Heywood/North Row Rds.d. 2:29 p.m. Caller received text message regarding fight about to happen in a Holden graveyard
3:50 p.m. Beagle-type dog found, Pamela Ln.
8:18 p.m. Burglar alarm, Northeast Blvd. Workers on site, all secure
8:50 p.m. Animal rescue organization from Maryland trying to get back German wirehaired pointer from its new owner because he has not complied with contract, Rowley Hill Rd.
Saturday, February 6
8:31 a.m. Burglar alarm accidentally set off by employee, Clinton Rd.1:02 p.m. Burglar alarm, Boutelle Rd. Door was unsecured
1:32 p.m. Request for officer, Boutelle Rd. Unsecured door
8:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Chocksett Rd.
Sunday, February 7
12:32 p.m. Suspicious male walking and jogging, Princeton Rd.2:48 p.m. Police check doors where burglar alarm sounding, Boutelle Rd.
3:35 p.m. Wallet found, Leominster Rd.
6:36 p.m. Officer investigation, Taft Rd.
Spring begins at noon today
The 2010 Spring Training Truck Day presented by JetBlue Airways is scheduled for Friday, February 12. The Red Sox equipment truck will depart Fenway Park for the 1,480-mile trip to the club's Spring Training home in Fort Myers, Florida on Friday at approximately 12 noon.
Spring Training Truck Day Presented by JetBlue Airways Scheduled for Friday, February 12 | redsox.com: Official Info
A road by any other name ...
If you get away from geometry and algebra for three or four decades, you're likely to forget quite a bit of stuff. Even a long walk on a country road can't bring it back. It doesn't help, either, that you're walking on one country road that has three names from there to here....
Continued at OntheCommon.com
Continued at OntheCommon.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
It's a good thing that I'm not relying on WTAG for my storm info
We have to go all the way to Boston to find out what's going on in our fair city.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Obligatory Super Bowl notes
- The best thing about the Super Bowl is reading yesterday morning's newspapers today.
via One thing not up for debate: Colts will win - The Boston Globe
- It'll be interesting to learn if the on-side kick was a part of the plan going into the game.
- We had a good discussion early in the 4th quarter about who should be MVP. At that point, Garrett Hartley, Pierre Thomas, or Drew Brees could have credible candidate. At game's end, Brees was a good choice.
- Has a lineman, offense or defense, ever won an MVP for anything? Arguably, Peyton Manning would be just a very good quarterback if it wasn't for the Indianapolis front line (even if Jeff Saturday made some lousy snaps.)
Wouldn't it be great for some 300lb. defensive tackle to be shouting out, "We're going to Disney World!" - It was good Who.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 10 suspicious items this week.]
5:30 p.m. Caller lost wallet
7:02 p.m. Caller asking for nephew to be picked up until he can come get him
8:44 a.m. Worker on Timber Lane locked keys in vehicle
6:20 p.m. Party reporting disabled motor vehicle in Worcester; advised to call Worcester PD
11:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot, Shrewsbury St.
9:33 a.m. Caller doing walk-through at property; wanted police to know due to history with wife
11:15 a.m. Kayak with gear inside found on Quinapoxet River; belongs to party in West Boylston
1:39 p.m. Caller reports mailbox destroyed, Reservoir St.[1]
1:56 p.m. Raccoon on Flagler Dr.
3:23 p.m. Vandalism/graffiti to electrical box in yard, Jennifer Dr.
6:13 p.m. Road rage incident started in Worcester, now on Brattle St.
7:18 p.m. 911 hang-up, Blair Dr.; woman concerned about computer virus
10:01 p.m. Princeton PD calling about whether town had contact with individual; advised negative
6:54 a.m. Pedestrian could not be located
10:25 a.m. Animal freezing or sick, Chapel St.; appears to be porcupine
12:44 p.m. West Boylston PD requests back-up, Woodland St.; later advises disregard
4:24 p.m. Cars parked on both sides of Laurelwood Rd.
4:27 p.m. Snow drifts on Reservoir St./South Rd.
7:57 p.m. Officer reports that fire department disobeyed road sign exiting plaza after fire call
10:18 p.m. Seven youths left Main St. headed down Holt Rd.
10:40 p.m. Flag stuck in light fixture outside home, Wachusett St.
10:55 p.m. Vehicle egged multiple times, mirror damaged, Rte. 122A
7:24 a.m. Caller reports animal in attic; advised to contact Critter Control
8:00 a.m. No water at residence, Johnson St.
9:50 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
8:30 p.m. Dog found on Sterling Rd.
12:59 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
9:26 a.m. Coyote seen in yard, Cook St.; advised to keep animals and kids in. Second call reporting same
11:00 a.m. Railroad gate down with no train
10:07 p.m. Car carrier picking up vehicle, Pleasant St.
5:11 p.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Nipmuck Rd.
6:06 p.m. Recycling bin in middle of Pleasant St., creating hazard
5:30 p.m. White poodle found, Maple Ave. Owner found
8:12 a.m. Trash truck off road, Pheasant Hollow Run
3:45 p.m. Police assist motorist locked out of vehicle, Main St.
7:18 p.m. Dog found wandering in middle of Gregory Hill Rd., brought to police station. Owner found
4:34 p.m. Two suspicious males selling meat door to door from truck, Houghton Rd.
8:45 p.m. Westminster PD requests assist with transporting person to Pheasant Hollow Run
2:00 p.m. Police remove trash containers and recyclables from roadway, Boylston Ave.
7:46 p.m. Suspicious males in vehicle in driveway of home, Ball Hill Rd.
8:44 a.m. Police stand by with disabled motor vehicle until it is towed, Rte. 140 N
10:00 p.m. Caller reports deer walking in road appears to have been hit, Main St. Ran into woods
3:51 p.m. Westminster PD requests assistance, Worcester/Patricia Rds., Westminster
5:55 p.m. Suspicious person standing at end of driveway, Birchwood Rd.
11:17 p.m. Person reporting black ice, Barre Paxton Rd.
9:21 a.m. Police out at Rutland Plaza
2:00 p.m. Person rang doorbell and is in back yard of home, Carly Cir. Found to be assessor
2:06 p.m. Yellow dog in trash, Skyline Dr.
3:32 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer, Main St.
4:55 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about juveniles throwing objects at car when she picks up passenger at bus stop, Hickory Dr.
11:28 a.m. Suspicious men walking around neighborhood, Wildbrook Dr.
1:32 p.m. Officer wanted, juvenile issue, Main St.
2:32 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer re: juvenile issue, Main St.
3:18 p.m. Complaints about person throwing snow from the road into woman’s flower garden, Birchwood Rd.; neighbor dispute, police had to return
3:40 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:24 p.m. Person complaining about car parked on corner near restaurant, Fairview Ave.
6:38 a.m. Caller locked keys out of small school bus, Wachusett St.
10:04 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
10:32 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about ongoing issue, Main St.
1:10 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about road rage incident, Intervale Rd.
1:51 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about incident between her and her daughter, Main St.
3:20 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:24 p.m. Caller needs help getting out his dog stuck under the deck, Bushy Ln.
2:50 p.m. Complaint about two dogs on private property, Hickory Dr./Sumac Cir.
4:54 p.m. Stray poodle, Maple Ave.
11:39 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer about bail, Main St.
10:06 p.m. Assist person locked out of vehicle, Miles Rd.
5:27 a.m. Deer struck and in roadway, North Row Rd.
3:51 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Leominster Rd.
4:05 p.m. Caller reports seeing bobcat, Legate Hill Rd.
5:10 p.m. Community policing, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
10:04 a.m. Civil complaint left in mailbox, Malvern Hill Rd.
1:09 p.m. Person at station about possible missing check, Leominster Rd.
2:10 p.m. Civil complaint put in mailbox, Patriots Way
11:19 p.m. Police respond to burglar alarm, Boutelle Rd. Likely caused by wind
12:30 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about item given to his son, Leominster Rd.
[Editor's note: There were 10 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, January 25
10:56 a.m. DVD found at Dunkin’ Donuts5:30 p.m. Caller lost wallet
7:02 p.m. Caller asking for nephew to be picked up until he can come get him
Tuesday, January 26
8:42 a.m. Motor vehicle struck by vehicle that didn’t stop, South Rd.8:44 a.m. Worker on Timber Lane locked keys in vehicle
6:20 p.m. Party reporting disabled motor vehicle in Worcester; advised to call Worcester PD
11:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot, Shrewsbury St.
Wednesday, January 27
7:35 a.m. Driver believes may have hit cat; ran off9:33 a.m. Caller doing walk-through at property; wanted police to know due to history with wife
11:15 a.m. Kayak with gear inside found on Quinapoxet River; belongs to party in West Boylston
1:39 p.m. Caller reports mailbox destroyed, Reservoir St.[1]
1:56 p.m. Raccoon on Flagler Dr.
3:23 p.m. Vandalism/graffiti to electrical box in yard, Jennifer Dr.
6:13 p.m. Road rage incident started in Worcester, now on Brattle St.
7:18 p.m. 911 hang-up, Blair Dr.; woman concerned about computer virus
Thursday, January 28
8:03 p.m. 911 caller’s dog hit by car10:01 p.m. Princeton PD calling about whether town had contact with individual; advised negative
Friday, January 29
12:30 a.m. Open door at Dawson School, clothes on ground, burglar alarm sounding6:54 a.m. Pedestrian could not be located
10:25 a.m. Animal freezing or sick, Chapel St.; appears to be porcupine
12:44 p.m. West Boylston PD requests back-up, Woodland St.; later advises disregard
4:24 p.m. Cars parked on both sides of Laurelwood Rd.
4:27 p.m. Snow drifts on Reservoir St./South Rd.
7:57 p.m. Officer reports that fire department disobeyed road sign exiting plaza after fire call
10:18 p.m. Seven youths left Main St. headed down Holt Rd.
10:40 p.m. Flag stuck in light fixture outside home, Wachusett St.
10:55 p.m. Vehicle egged multiple times, mirror damaged, Rte. 122A
Saturday, January 30
12:06 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Shrewsbury St.7:24 a.m. Caller reports animal in attic; advised to contact Critter Control
8:00 a.m. No water at residence, Johnson St.
9:50 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
8:30 p.m. Dog found on Sterling Rd.
Sunday, January 31
12:17 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in parking lot, Shrewsbury St.12:59 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
9:26 a.m. Coyote seen in yard, Cook St.; advised to keep animals and kids in. Second call reporting same
11:00 a.m. Railroad gate down with no train
Paxton
Tuesday, January 26
9:50 p.m. Report of ice in road near Camp St./ Rte. 12210:07 p.m. Car carrier picking up vehicle, Pleasant St.
Thursday, January 28
9:51 a.m. Caller reporting she has no water, Marshall St.5:11 p.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Nipmuck Rd.
6:06 p.m. Recycling bin in middle of Pleasant St., creating hazard
Saturday, January 30
10:47 a.m. 911 hang-up call, West St., at school. Child playing with phone5:30 p.m. White poodle found, Maple Ave. Owner found
Sunday, January 31
5:12 p.m. Caller concerned about children on ice in Worcester. Worcester PD advisedPrinceton
Monday, January 25
7:38 a.m. Police stand by while vehicle is pulled from snow bank, Rte. 140 N8:12 a.m. Trash truck off road, Pheasant Hollow Run
3:45 p.m. Police assist motorist locked out of vehicle, Main St.
7:18 p.m. Dog found wandering in middle of Gregory Hill Rd., brought to police station. Owner found
Tuesday, January 26
8:21 a.m. Police transport person to Thomas Prince School from Houghton Rd.4:34 p.m. Two suspicious males selling meat door to door from truck, Houghton Rd.
8:45 p.m. Westminster PD requests assist with transporting person to Pheasant Hollow Run
Wednesday, January 27
9:30 a.m. Police assist motorist with fixing flat tire after striking rock in road, Sterling Rd. Police remove rockFriday, January 29
12:45 a.m. Police find gate open, Mountain Rd.2:00 p.m. Police remove trash containers and recyclables from roadway, Boylston Ave.
7:46 p.m. Suspicious males in vehicle in driveway of home, Ball Hill Rd.
Saturday, January 30
8:15 a.m. Police remove large branch from roadway, Rte. 140 N8:44 a.m. Police stand by with disabled motor vehicle until it is towed, Rte. 140 N
10:00 p.m. Caller reports deer walking in road appears to have been hit, Main St. Ran into woods
Sunday, January 31
11:42 a.m. Report of black Labrador wandering in Worcester Rd.3:51 p.m. Westminster PD requests assistance, Worcester/Patricia Rds., Westminster
Rutland
Monday, January 25
4:25 p.m. Report that teen isn’t cooperating, Highland Park Rd.5:55 p.m. Suspicious person standing at end of driveway, Birchwood Rd.
Tuesday, January 26
6:33 p.m. Community service, Main St.11:17 p.m. Person reporting black ice, Barre Paxton Rd.
Wednesday, January 27
8:09 a.m. Report of missing old, blind, deaf Yorkie dog, East County Rd. Dog picked up on Rte. 68 and returned to owner9:21 a.m. Police out at Rutland Plaza
2:00 p.m. Person rang doorbell and is in back yard of home, Carly Cir. Found to be assessor
2:06 p.m. Yellow dog in trash, Skyline Dr.
3:32 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer, Main St.
4:55 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about juveniles throwing objects at car when she picks up passenger at bus stop, Hickory Dr.
Thursday, January 28
11:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in driveway, Juniper Ln.11:28 a.m. Suspicious men walking around neighborhood, Wildbrook Dr.
1:32 p.m. Officer wanted, juvenile issue, Main St.
2:32 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer re: juvenile issue, Main St.
3:18 p.m. Complaints about person throwing snow from the road into woman’s flower garden, Birchwood Rd.; neighbor dispute, police had to return
3:40 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:24 p.m. Person complaining about car parked on corner near restaurant, Fairview Ave.
Friday, January 29
3:34 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.6:38 a.m. Caller locked keys out of small school bus, Wachusett St.
10:04 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
10:32 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about ongoing issue, Main St.
1:10 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about road rage incident, Intervale Rd.
1:51 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about incident between her and her daughter, Main St.
3:20 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:24 p.m. Caller needs help getting out his dog stuck under the deck, Bushy Ln.
Saturday, January 30
12:05 p.m. Two dogs loose in yard, Hickory Dr./ Sumac Cir.2:50 p.m. Complaint about two dogs on private property, Hickory Dr./Sumac Cir.
4:54 p.m. Stray poodle, Maple Ave.
Sunday, January 31
12:42 a.m. Disabled motor vehicle, police stand by while tire is fixed, Main St.11:39 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer about bail, Main St.
10:06 p.m. Assist person locked out of vehicle, Miles Rd.
Sterling
Monday, January 25
12:30 a.m. Vehicle stuck diagonally across Colby Rd. due to ice5:27 a.m. Deer struck and in roadway, North Row Rd.
3:51 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Leominster Rd.
4:05 p.m. Caller reports seeing bobcat, Legate Hill Rd.
5:10 p.m. Community policing, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
Tuesday, January 26
11:07 a.m. Police assist Dept. of Conservation and Recreation personnel advising person not to post signs on Rail TrailWednesday, January 27
8:38 a.m. 911 hang-up, children playing with phone, Riverview Rd.10:04 a.m. Civil complaint left in mailbox, Malvern Hill Rd.
1:09 p.m. Person at station about possible missing check, Leominster Rd.
2:10 p.m. Civil complaint put in mailbox, Patriots Way
Thursday, January 28
12:19 a.m. Caller reports some sort of animal beside roadway, Redemption Rock Trl./Crowley Rd.11:19 p.m. Police respond to burglar alarm, Boutelle Rd. Likely caused by wind
Friday, January 29
1:45 p.m. Caller reports seeing wolf in area of Holden/Mason Rds.Saturday, January 30
10:02 a.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Pine St.12:30 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about item given to his son, Leominster Rd.
Note to self:
A contractor friend of mine used to say that the best shortcut on any project is a trip out to the truck to get the right tool for the job.
In that spirit, I've learned that nail-clippers, even large ones, are a very poor substitute for needle-nose pliers. Needle-nose pliers can do two things - forcibly extract that widget from that place and pick out the pieces of broken plastic that resulted from forcibly removing the widget.
When it comes to extracting software, it's often the case that that there are pieces left over. Windows applications are supposed to obey a standard set of protocols for installation and uninstallation. Anything that is written to the Registry should be removed when the product is uninstalled. Files, including programs, configuration resources, and even data files, should be removed when you decide to remove a product.
Most programs, however, fall short of these best practices. As a result, after installing trial versions of programs and the like, it's easy to have a bloated Registry full of unused keys, your Program Files directory littered with stray entries, and your %APPDATA% directory cluttered with old data.
Enter one of my favorite programs and one of the first things that I install when I get a new Windows system -
Revo Uninstaller. It not only runs an application standard uninstallation script, but it also scrubs the registry and file system of detritis. The free version does a great job, while the paid version adds some extra system maintenance tools and gives you the satisfaction of paying for something that you find of value. (Feature comparison table is here.)
And, yes, there are other solutions - sandboxes, virtual machines, and the like - for installation and removing trial software. Having trashed system configurations beyond repair by editing the Windows Registry when trying to remove a badly configured installation, I know that Revo Uninstaller is the right tool when you need it. It's a lot better than trying to make your own tools.
see more There I Fixed It
In that spirit, I've learned that nail-clippers, even large ones, are a very poor substitute for needle-nose pliers. Needle-nose pliers can do two things - forcibly extract that widget from that place and pick out the pieces of broken plastic that resulted from forcibly removing the widget.
When it comes to extracting software, it's often the case that that there are pieces left over. Windows applications are supposed to obey a standard set of protocols for installation and uninstallation. Anything that is written to the Registry should be removed when the product is uninstalled. Files, including programs, configuration resources, and even data files, should be removed when you decide to remove a product.
Most programs, however, fall short of these best practices. As a result, after installing trial versions of programs and the like, it's easy to have a bloated Registry full of unused keys, your Program Files directory littered with stray entries, and your %APPDATA% directory cluttered with old data.
Enter one of my favorite programs and one of the first things that I install when I get a new Windows system -
Revo Uninstaller. It not only runs an application standard uninstallation script, but it also scrubs the registry and file system of detritis. The free version does a great job, while the paid version adds some extra system maintenance tools and gives you the satisfaction of paying for something that you find of value. (Feature comparison table is here.)
And, yes, there are other solutions - sandboxes, virtual machines, and the like - for installation and removing trial software. Having trashed system configurations beyond repair by editing the Windows Registry when trying to remove a badly configured installation, I know that Revo Uninstaller is the right tool when you need it. It's a lot better than trying to make your own tools.
see more There I Fixed It
Give me your tired, your poor
So, here's an idea. People want to come to America? Give 'em snow shovels and let them help to dig our nation's capital out of Snowmaggedon. That's what they're doing in Finland. Asylum seekers are clearing the snow from Helsinki streets.
As an increasing number of people seek safety from oppression and terror in Iraq and Somalia, they're settling in Finland and other European countries. Finland is trying to do the right thing by providing information to refugees and asylum seekers, even to the point of building new shelters, reception centres, they call them.
No word if the refugees were using the Pikku-Mikko LUK-45 (Little Mike) or other products from hakkarainen.com.
As an increasing number of people seek safety from oppression and terror in Iraq and Somalia, they're settling in Finland and other European countries. Finland is trying to do the right thing by providing information to refugees and asylum seekers, even to the point of building new shelters, reception centres, they call them.
No word if the refugees were using the Pikku-Mikko LUK-45 (Little Mike) or other products from hakkarainen.com.
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