Saturday, November 28, 2009
Between rain and snow is the wind
Usually when there's a strong northwest wind, we have a tough time getting the fire in wood stove to behave. We get a strong downdraft and the room fills with smoke until the stove pipe is hot enough to draw the smoke up and, most importantly, away. This morning, however, the fire started nicely.
There are a couple of places where the weather-stripping around the back door need to be replaced. And, I'm not sure if the downstairs thermostat is behaving properly. And, I've been meaning to install FreeBSD 8.0 on a virtual machine to, you know, see what's new. I'm pretty happy with Ubuntu most of the time, but 9.10 has a couple of annoying bugs.
In case you haven't guessed, I have a term paper to write. It's due next Friday. I have a pretty good first draft that I haven't touched in a month. I plan(ned) to write about some of the ways that intellectual property law touches blogging.
Most of the paper, I think, will deal with fair use and the recent FTC guidelines on endorsements. There's a boatload of other stuff in the news as well - Bilski (PDF), Groklaw - An Explanation of Computation Theory for Lawyers, Google's inclusion of court opinions in Google Scholar, free and open source software, software licensing, and a limitless number of wormholes.
It's a rainy/snowy morning, a good time to settle in, do the paper, and then enjoy the rest of the weekend. I'll get started just as soon as I finish this article that's been sitting in my reading queue for several days, Splitting Time from Space—New Quantum Theory Topples Einstein's Spacetime: Scientific American.
There are a couple of places where the weather-stripping around the back door need to be replaced. And, I'm not sure if the downstairs thermostat is behaving properly. And, I've been meaning to install FreeBSD 8.0 on a virtual machine to, you know, see what's new. I'm pretty happy with Ubuntu most of the time, but 9.10 has a couple of annoying bugs.
Most of the paper, I think, will deal with fair use and the recent FTC guidelines on endorsements. There's a boatload of other stuff in the news as well - Bilski (PDF), Groklaw - An Explanation of Computation Theory for Lawyers, Google's inclusion of court opinions in Google Scholar, free and open source software, software licensing, and a limitless number of wormholes.
It's a rainy/snowy morning, a good time to settle in, do the paper, and then enjoy the rest of the weekend. I'll get started just as soon as I finish this article that's been sitting in my reading queue for several days, Splitting Time from Space—New Quantum Theory Topples Einstein's Spacetime: Scientific American.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 14 suspicious items this week.]
11:24 a.m. Suspicious van, Union St.; OK, party stopped for lunch
11:35 a.m. Two tires and rims dumped on property, Muschopauge Rd.
12:43 p.m. Parking issues, Sunnyside Ave.
3:40 p.m. Erratic driver, Bullard St.
4:43 p.m. Caller says younger son is home with friends over without permission, wants officer to remove individuals
4:59 p.m. Parking space altercation, Shrewsbury St.; one driver threw penny at the other’s vehicle, resulting in small dent
5:24 p.m. Erratic driver, Newell Rd.
5:26 p.m. Erratic driver, Main St.
5:35 p.m. Power flickering, Parker Ave.
5:40 p.m. Vehicle drove off from gas station without paying, Main St.
9:00 p.m. Caller says neighbor trespassing on property, Pinecroft Ave.
8:47 a.m. Tree crew dropping limbs onto sidewalk and roadway, Jamieson Rd.
11:04 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Holden Commons Plaza
2:09 p.m. Damage to WTAG tower front posts, Shrewsbury St.
3:29 p.m. Resident blowing leaves into neighbor’s yard, Sycamore Dr.
4:19 p.m. Three youths in parking lot told to move along, Main St.
4:27 p.m. Situation resolved through diplomacy
9:30 a.m. Possible domestic by the side of road, Main St.; OK, just verbal argument
1:15 p.m. Suspicious male reported by mail carrier
2:50 p.m. 911 hang-up from pharmacy; accidental dial
4:40 p.m. Suspicious activity, male calling young kids to come up to apartment, Main St.
11:40 p.m. 911 caller thought he heard woman screaming in area of Winthrop Ln.; no sign of anything out of order
2:42 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in parking lot, Shrewsbury St., two parties sleeping inside
2:48 a.m. Worcester PD requests lookout for vehicle with two males wearing hoodies, unknown direction of travel; assist Worcester PD with search at Holden/Worcester line with thermal imager
8:52 a.m. Request for assistance with neighbor’s pitbull, Putnam Rd.
12:47 p.m. Rail Trail damage in Sterling reported in case it’s done in Holden
3:09 p.m. Kids assaulting other kids with sticks, Shrewsbury St.
3:55 p.m. Small child on side of Salisbury St. with no adult; getting picked up from day care
5:09 p.m. Kids on bikes; one stepped out in front of vehicle and spit on it, Boyden Rd.
6:52 p.m. Two large animals that resemble cats in road, Putnam Rd.
7:45 p.m. Missing dog, High St.
4:52 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle partially in roadway, Pleasant St./Reservoir Rd.
7:00 p.m. 911 hang-up, Pleasant St. Hunters in back yard
8:49 p.m. Abandoned 911 call, police respond to verify all OK, Grove St.
5:15 p.m. Assist citizen getting car out of road, Crowningshield Dr.
5:41 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Old Lantern Cir.
4:40 p.m. Possible gunshots behind Burtenmar Cir.
4:41 p.m. Public service, Mountain Rd.
12:02 p.m. Officer investigation, Town Hall Dr.
8:15 p.m. Assist animal control officer, Brooks Station Rd.
5:41 p.m. Disturbance, motor vehicle, Main St.
7:54 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Stagecoach Rd.
6:46 p.m. Assist other PD, Redemption Rock Trl./Beaman Rd., Sterling
7:24 p.m. Arrest: ... speeding, marked lanes violation, no inspection sticker, failure to wear seatbelt, reckless operation of motor vehicle, failure to stop for police,operating motor vehicle with revoked license, resisting arrest
[Editor's note: See Sterling report at this same date and time.]
6:11 a.m. Request for light dept., power outage, town wide
12:56 p.m. Officer investigation, Town Hall Dr.
9:29 a.m. Business owner concerned because very punctual employee didn’t come to work and hasn’t called, requesting welfare check, Maple Ave.
10:26 a.m. Devereaux staff dropped off unknown substance found on school property, Miles Rd.
11:00 a.m. Loose sheep in road, Main St./Pleasantdale Rd.
1:51 p.m. General police services, Main St.
3:08 p.m. Wire hanging in roadway, Main St.
3:24 p.m. Police services rendered, Main St.
3:31 p.m. Person at station with license plate found on front lawn, E. County Rd.
3:30 p.m. Report of bus speeding mornings and afternoons, Bigelow Rd.
4:16 p.m. Report of gun on campus, Miles Rd.
4:03 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
4:49 p.m. Gunshots in field next to house, Irish Ln.
2:19 a.m. Remove debris from roadway, Main St.
11:22 a.m. Person at station to file complaint about speeding drivers, Glenwood Rd.
1:03 p.m. Services rendered, Maple Ave.
1:13 p.m. General police services, Pommogussett Rd.
6:05 p.m. Several calls about a large tarp blocking part of Maple Ave.
7:06 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
1:08 p.m. Officer out of cruiser near pharmacy, Maple Ave.
1:39 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
3:44 p.m. Young, male student causing disturbance on bus, Miles Rd.
4:10 p.m. Report that people with truckload of beef are giving away “free steaks,” Maple Ave.
4:28 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:53 p.m. Very tame ferret found in garage, East County Rd.
8:53 p.m. Report of altercation between youths, Maple Ave.
8:55 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about dispute, Orchard Hill
2:51 p.m. Loose, small white dog, Welch Ave.
5:07 p.m. Person at station with skateboard they ran over in road, Main St.
6:15 p.m. Large branches in road, Prescott St.
4:30 p.m. Someone shooting in area, Clealand Cir.
7:46 p.m. Caller says vehicle is “all over the road” and has no rear lights, Main St.
7:02 a.m. What appears to be German shepherd dragging hind quarters across field; may have been hit by vehicle, Chocksett/Clinton Rds.
8:48 a.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Jewett Rd.
4:11 p.m. Attempt to deliver summons; three residents home refusing to answer door, Jewett Rd.
6:20 p.m. Summons left, Jewett Rd.
9:54 a.m. Suspicious activity: Caller observed gray station wagon stopped at mailbox, then “disappeared,” Ridgewood Dr. OK, post office using civilian vehicles for delivery
4:15 p.m. Elderly beagle walking in roadway, Wiles/ Clinton Rds.
5:02 p.m. Red boxer with collar/no tags in caller’s yard, same as last week, Chace Hill Rd.
7:06 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, John Dee Rd.
12:24 p.m. Dog went missing while husband cut lawn, friendly boxer with floppy ears, named Sampon, Pine St.
12:59 p.m. Chocolate Lab wandering Rte. 140, jumped into caller’s motor vehicle, requests animal control officer; advised not in on Thursdays but will try to contact, Redemption Rock Trl.
13:01 p.m. Animal control advises caller located dog tag, called Town Hall and is delivering dog home
1:39 p.m. Caller found puppy running around street, advised she did not know where she was. After discussion, determined she is on Rte. 110 3:17 p.m. Husky running alongside northbound lane, Rte. I-190
8:45 p.m. Officer requested to check on noises coming from garage, Elliott Rd.; nothing unusual located, something probably fell
8:53 p.m. Injured coyote in caller’s yard running only on front legs, Albright Rd.
6:35 p.m. Car off roadway in ditch, Beaman Rd./ Redemption Rock Trl. Car still running but no one inside, driver possibly walking toward Princeton Rd.
7:24 p.m. Princeton PD requests assistance for driver who failed to stop, marked lanes violation and speeding more than 60 MPH, Redemption Rock Trl. Stop sticks deployed, both rear tires flat, vehicle swerved trying to strike officer at beginning of attempted stop. Princeton PD made arrest
9:51 p.m. Officer wanted to check suspicious male sitting at bank, appears drunk, Main St. Female in custody, parents paid $40 bail.
9:06 p.m. Report of cow lying in middle of Tuttle Rd. Officer arrived to find owner on scene
1:05 p.m. Caller reports juveniles playing in swamp, Bean Rd.
7:26 p.m. Chocolate Lab missing, Beaman Rd.
[Editor's note: There were 14 suspicious items this week.]
Monday, November 16
8:00 a.m. 911 caller reporting no hot water, Dorothy Ave.11:24 a.m. Suspicious van, Union St.; OK, party stopped for lunch
11:35 a.m. Two tires and rims dumped on property, Muschopauge Rd.
12:43 p.m. Parking issues, Sunnyside Ave.
3:40 p.m. Erratic driver, Bullard St.
4:43 p.m. Caller says younger son is home with friends over without permission, wants officer to remove individuals
4:59 p.m. Parking space altercation, Shrewsbury St.; one driver threw penny at the other’s vehicle, resulting in small dent
5:24 p.m. Erratic driver, Newell Rd.
5:26 p.m. Erratic driver, Main St.
5:35 p.m. Power flickering, Parker Ave.
5:40 p.m. Vehicle drove off from gas station without paying, Main St.
9:00 p.m. Caller says neighbor trespassing on property, Pinecroft Ave.
Tuesday, November 17
7:00 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with young male sleeping inside8:47 a.m. Tree crew dropping limbs onto sidewalk and roadway, Jamieson Rd.
11:04 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Holden Commons Plaza
2:09 p.m. Damage to WTAG tower front posts, Shrewsbury St.
3:29 p.m. Resident blowing leaves into neighbor’s yard, Sycamore Dr.
4:19 p.m. Three youths in parking lot told to move along, Main St.
4:27 p.m. Situation resolved through diplomacy
Wednesday, November 18
12:06 a.m. Party called PD for ride into Holden; advised to call a taxi9:30 a.m. Possible domestic by the side of road, Main St.; OK, just verbal argument
1:15 p.m. Suspicious male reported by mail carrier
2:50 p.m. 911 hang-up from pharmacy; accidental dial
4:40 p.m. Suspicious activity, male calling young kids to come up to apartment, Main St.
11:40 p.m. 911 caller thought he heard woman screaming in area of Winthrop Ln.; no sign of anything out of order
Thursday, November 19
2:40 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Autumn Cir.2:42 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in parking lot, Shrewsbury St., two parties sleeping inside
2:48 a.m. Worcester PD requests lookout for vehicle with two males wearing hoodies, unknown direction of travel; assist Worcester PD with search at Holden/Worcester line with thermal imager
8:52 a.m. Request for assistance with neighbor’s pitbull, Putnam Rd.
12:47 p.m. Rail Trail damage in Sterling reported in case it’s done in Holden
3:09 p.m. Kids assaulting other kids with sticks, Shrewsbury St.
3:55 p.m. Small child on side of Salisbury St. with no adult; getting picked up from day care
5:09 p.m. Kids on bikes; one stepped out in front of vehicle and spit on it, Boyden Rd.
6:52 p.m. Two large animals that resemble cats in road, Putnam Rd.
7:45 p.m. Missing dog, High St.
Friday, November 20
7:31 a.m. Catch basin flooding over, Rte. 122A/Sunnyside Ave.Paxton
Monday, November 16
11:12 a.m. Loose dog going through rubbish, Howard St.4:52 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle partially in roadway, Pleasant St./Reservoir Rd.
7:00 p.m. 911 hang-up, Pleasant St. Hunters in back yard
8:49 p.m. Abandoned 911 call, police respond to verify all OK, Grove St.
Tuesday, November 17
3:11 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Grove St.5:15 p.m. Assist citizen getting car out of road, Crowningshield Dr.
5:41 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Old Lantern Cir.
Thursday, November 19
12:35 p.m. Dog defecating on front lawn and acting aggressively, Suomi St.4:40 p.m. Possible gunshots behind Burtenmar Cir.
Princeton
Monday, November 16
3:28 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, Redemption Rock Trl. N4:41 p.m. Public service, Mountain Rd.
Tuesday, November 17
7:23 a.m. Traffic control duty, Ball Hill Rd.12:02 p.m. Officer investigation, Town Hall Dr.
Wednesday, November 18
1:16 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Fitchburg Rd.8:15 p.m. Assist animal control officer, Brooks Station Rd.
Thursday, November 19
11:02 a.m. Disturbance, gunshots, Coal Kiln Rd.5:41 p.m. Disturbance, motor vehicle, Main St.
7:54 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Stagecoach Rd.
Friday, November 20
5:37 A.M. Suspicious incident, Lovers Ln.6:46 p.m. Assist other PD, Redemption Rock Trl./Beaman Rd., Sterling
7:24 p.m. Arrest: ... speeding, marked lanes violation, no inspection sticker, failure to wear seatbelt, reckless operation of motor vehicle, failure to stop for police,operating motor vehicle with revoked license, resisting arrest
[Editor's note: See Sterling report at this same date and time.]
Saturday, November 21
12:03 a.m. Assist fire dept., Houghton Rd.6:11 a.m. Request for light dept., power outage, town wide
12:56 p.m. Officer investigation, Town Hall Dr.
Rutland
Monday, November 16
8:22 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.9:29 a.m. Business owner concerned because very punctual employee didn’t come to work and hasn’t called, requesting welfare check, Maple Ave.
10:26 a.m. Devereaux staff dropped off unknown substance found on school property, Miles Rd.
11:00 a.m. Loose sheep in road, Main St./Pleasantdale Rd.
1:51 p.m. General police services, Main St.
3:08 p.m. Wire hanging in roadway, Main St.
3:24 p.m. Police services rendered, Main St.
3:31 p.m. Person at station with license plate found on front lawn, E. County Rd.
3:30 p.m. Report of bus speeding mornings and afternoons, Bigelow Rd.
4:16 p.m. Report of gun on campus, Miles Rd.
Tuesday, November 17
11:33 a.m. Two people at station to speak with officer, Main St.4:03 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
4:49 p.m. Gunshots in field next to house, Irish Ln.
Wednesday, November 18
1:58 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Maple Ave.2:19 a.m. Remove debris from roadway, Main St.
11:22 a.m. Person at station to file complaint about speeding drivers, Glenwood Rd.
1:03 p.m. Services rendered, Maple Ave.
1:13 p.m. General police services, Pommogussett Rd.
6:05 p.m. Several calls about a large tarp blocking part of Maple Ave.
7:06 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
Thursday, November 19
11:12 a.m. Caller reports seeing very large wolf, Pleasantdale Rd.1:08 p.m. Officer out of cruiser near pharmacy, Maple Ave.
1:39 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
3:44 p.m. Young, male student causing disturbance on bus, Miles Rd.
4:10 p.m. Report that people with truckload of beef are giving away “free steaks,” Maple Ave.
4:28 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
5:53 p.m. Very tame ferret found in garage, East County Rd.
8:53 p.m. Report of altercation between youths, Maple Ave.
8:55 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about dispute, Orchard Hill
Friday, November 19
10:35 a.m. Officer requested. Neighbors’ guest took parking place, Maple Ave.2:51 p.m. Loose, small white dog, Welch Ave.
5:07 p.m. Person at station with skateboard they ran over in road, Main St.
6:15 p.m. Large branches in road, Prescott St.
Saturday, November 20
2:25 p.m. Person at station to report they hit a cat, Main St.4:30 p.m. Someone shooting in area, Clealand Cir.
7:46 p.m. Caller says vehicle is “all over the road” and has no rear lights, Main St.
Sterling
Monday, November 16
6:12 a.m. Caller reports dog barking all night, Wilder Rd.7:02 a.m. What appears to be German shepherd dragging hind quarters across field; may have been hit by vehicle, Chocksett/Clinton Rds.
8:48 a.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Jewett Rd.
4:11 p.m. Attempt to deliver summons; three residents home refusing to answer door, Jewett Rd.
6:20 p.m. Summons left, Jewett Rd.
Tuesday, November 17
7:32 a.m. Complaint about neighbors’ dog in caller’s yard again; violator fined $25, Belmont Dr.9:54 a.m. Suspicious activity: Caller observed gray station wagon stopped at mailbox, then “disappeared,” Ridgewood Dr. OK, post office using civilian vehicles for delivery
Wednesday, November 18
6:31 a.m. Caller’s wife struck deer, unsure if still there, Worcester Rd.4:15 p.m. Elderly beagle walking in roadway, Wiles/ Clinton Rds.
5:02 p.m. Red boxer with collar/no tags in caller’s yard, same as last week, Chace Hill Rd.
7:06 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, John Dee Rd.
Thursday, November 19
7:39 a.m. Burglar alarm, Kendall Hill Rd.; OK, accidental by mother-in-law12:24 p.m. Dog went missing while husband cut lawn, friendly boxer with floppy ears, named Sampon, Pine St.
12:59 p.m. Chocolate Lab wandering Rte. 140, jumped into caller’s motor vehicle, requests animal control officer; advised not in on Thursdays but will try to contact, Redemption Rock Trl.
13:01 p.m. Animal control advises caller located dog tag, called Town Hall and is delivering dog home
1:39 p.m. Caller found puppy running around street, advised she did not know where she was. After discussion, determined she is on Rte. 110 3:17 p.m. Husky running alongside northbound lane, Rte. I-190
8:45 p.m. Officer requested to check on noises coming from garage, Elliott Rd.; nothing unusual located, something probably fell
8:53 p.m. Injured coyote in caller’s yard running only on front legs, Albright Rd.
Friday, November 20
10:51 a.m. Loose young male boxer causing traffic problems, Metropolitan Rd.6:35 p.m. Car off roadway in ditch, Beaman Rd./ Redemption Rock Trl. Car still running but no one inside, driver possibly walking toward Princeton Rd.
7:24 p.m. Princeton PD requests assistance for driver who failed to stop, marked lanes violation and speeding more than 60 MPH, Redemption Rock Trl. Stop sticks deployed, both rear tires flat, vehicle swerved trying to strike officer at beginning of attempted stop. Princeton PD made arrest
9:51 p.m. Officer wanted to check suspicious male sitting at bank, appears drunk, Main St. Female in custody, parents paid $40 bail.
Saturday, November 21
7:50 p.m. Caller reports house egged, Maple St. Officer found no one throwing eggs, but did find smashed pumpkins at Waushacum/School Sts.9:06 p.m. Report of cow lying in middle of Tuttle Rd. Officer arrived to find owner on scene
>Sunday, November 11
12:16 a.m. Leicester PD requests be-on-look-out for missing person, Clinton Rd.; called back to report person just arrived1:05 p.m. Caller reports juveniles playing in swamp, Bean Rd.
7:26 p.m. Chocolate Lab missing, Beaman Rd.
More on DEC
It's going to be a rainy day. Here's a superb time-waster for the ex-DECcies in the crowd:
Index of /pdf/dec
via http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/competitiveAnalysis/Engineering_Strategy_Review_Mar82.pdf
A bit more about why Gordon Bell might be scared, from the same document:
Index of /pdf/dec
A bit more about why Gordon Bell might be scared, from the same document:
DEC and IBM - the view of the future from the past
A glimpse into how DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) viewed IBM (IBM - What does IBM stand for? Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary.) in 1983.
And, then, the paper notes that there are three types of corporate culture in the computing industry: marketing, technology, and financial. DEC was a technology shop, a board shop, as friend Tom described it, down to its corporate DNA. The next lines are heart-breakingly prescient:
And, then, the paper notes that there are three types of corporate culture in the computing industry: marketing, technology, and financial. DEC was a technology shop, a board shop, as friend Tom described it, down to its corporate DNA. The next lines are heart-breakingly prescient:
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Letters of Note: Unhappy Franksgiving
Many people were upset when Franklin Roosevelt changed the day of Thanksgiving from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday (to boost Christmas spending) - Letters of Note: Unhappy Franksgiving:
I am afraid your change for Thanksgiving is going to cause the calendar manufacturers untold grief. If very many customers demand 1940 calendars to correspond with your proclamation, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be lost by the calendar companies, and in many instances it will result in bankruptcy.And,
"I see by the paper this morning where you want to change Thanksgiving Day to November 23 of which I heartily approve. Thanks.
Now, there are some things that I would like done and would appreciate your approval:
1. Have Sunday changed to Wednesday;
2. Have Monday's to be Christmas;
3. Have it strictly against the Will of God to work on Tuesday;
4. Have Thursday to be Pay Day with time and one-half for overtime;
5. Require everyone to take Friday and Saturday off for a fishing trip down the Potomac."
Engage with Grace
Friend Patti at Networks, Complexity, and Relatedness reminds us that it's never an easy time to have certain discussions, but that's why they're important.
My parents were clear about what they wanted; not surprisingly, my mother put her wishes in writing. Both died at home under hospice care. Each in their way gave us a great gift by letting us travel that last, short distance with them.
Somewhere between that last slice of turkey and the first slice of pie, think about this and talk if you can. It's not easy, but the important stuff rarely is.
My parents were clear about what they wanted; not surprisingly, my mother put her wishes in writing. Both died at home under hospice care. Each in their way gave us a great gift by letting us travel that last, short distance with them.
They're not even playing football today
It's not a holiday in Canada today, so let's look at some recent news from and about our True North Strong and Free.- You can get there from here: Grand opening for new Maine-New Brunswick border
- But, the CBC reports that you won't make as much money: Immigrants face wage gap in Canada
- That might be due to the fact that some of their gold has gone missing: RCMP rule out theft for Mint's missing millions
Police are ruling out theft for $15.3 million in gold missing from the Royal Canadian Mint, though the mint isn't yet ready to say what happened to the fortune or whether it has been recovered.
...
The mint is understandably relieved.
"There's no theft," said Christine Aquino, mint spokeswoman. "It validates what the mint already knew, that we have extremely rigorous measures in place which makes us one of the most secure facilities in Canada."
What happened to the more than half a metric ton of gold remains a state secret, at least for now.
- Meanwhile, our favorite non-dead-fish former-governor who can see both Russia and Canada from her house has a prescription for socialized medicine.
Palin Suggests Canada Should 'Reform' Health System To 'Let The Private Sector Take Over'
via Pam's House Blend - Time For Some Turkey Posts!
- Cuz you don't want to try not to get H1N1 up there: Canada reports 'unusual number' of bad reactions to flu shots. Here's more on that from the Globe and Mail.
- Finally, it's true, Canadians aren't playing football today. They've got their own thing going this weekend.
CFL.ca - Official Site of the Canadian Football League
The average hourly wage of an immigrant worker in 2008 was $21.44, $2.28 less than the $23.72 Canadian-born employees earn. The gap exists regardless of when the immigrant landed, the study found, though immigrants who landed within the previous five years had the largest wage gap, earning $5.04 less than Canadian-born employees. The wage gap was also about $5 an hour when comparing immigrant and Canadian-born workers who both have university degrees.
Another classic
Friend Bill sent me a link to this performance of Beethoven's 5th Argument by Sid Caesar and Nanette Fabray in response to my Silent monk sing-a-along from the other day.
We gather together for kibbles and scritches
We have company this weekend. Her name is Maya. She's a six-month-old Golden/poodle mix, a Goldendoodle of a dog. Her family is traveling for the holiday; she's staying with us until Sunday.
Maya brings good energy to the household. The brain says puppy, even if the body says dog. (It's never polite to guess a lady's weight.) We've not had a dog who's more interested in playing than pretty much anything else, including eating. She's well-behaved. (She's been to school and it shows.) With young ears and young eyes, she hears and sees much and is curious about it all. Did I mention that she's ready to play?
She runs (bounces, really) full-tilt around the yard, gaining energy as she goes.
And Marley? He knows his world and he's sticking to it. He'll play outside for a while, but then wants to come back in the house. Occasionally, he'll get a bit cranky and fill his mouth with chew toys just to make sure that she knows that he can have anything that he wants.
And us? We can benefit from a dose of youthful energy, too.
She runs (bounces, really) full-tilt around the yard, gaining energy as she goes.
And us? We can benefit from a dose of youthful energy, too.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
There, I fixed it.
The newswires are abuzz with a recall notice for a crib. The drop-side, the side that, um, drops down so that you can lift baby in and out of the crib more easily, can fall out of position, leaving a gap into which the child can fall. Four children have died as the result of this defect.
- In this crib that's been sold with this defect since 1993.
- Among the problems with the crib are that some people installed drop-side upside-down.
Therefore, the manufacturer is offering a repair kit that you can install to correct the problem that resulted from the drop-side being installed upside down.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Two nights on the town
You might not think that it's a big deal, but, for us, going out two nights in a row is first-order news.
Friday night, Mike and Lynn took us out for a great dinner wrapped in great company at the Sole. We didn't get home until after nine o'clock.
Last night, we needed a few things for an on-going winterization project. We hadn't been to Lowe's in Lincoln Plaza in a long time, perhaps ever. So, it was dinner at Denny's and then across the street for our shopping.
Denny's hasn't had an easy time of it, mostly of its own making. The legacy of lawsuits isn't far away, even if the company appears to put things right.
Our server, Bobbie, was one of the we've seen anywhere. She was attentive and funny. When Sandra ordered a healthier choice for one of the side dishes, Bobbie offered the turkey bacon instead of sausage.
The meal was good and the coffee, even the decaf, was fresh.
The display of Christmas stuff is like a highway accident. You want to turn away in horror, but you're compelled to look.
Friday night, Mike and Lynn took us out for a great dinner wrapped in great company at the Sole. We didn't get home until after nine o'clock.
Last night, we needed a few things for an on-going winterization project. We hadn't been to Lowe's in Lincoln Plaza in a long time, perhaps ever. So, it was dinner at Denny's and then across the street for our shopping.
Denny's hasn't had an easy time of it, mostly of its own making. The legacy of lawsuits isn't far away, even if the company appears to put things right.
Our server, Bobbie, was one of the we've seen anywhere. She was attentive and funny. When Sandra ordered a healthier choice for one of the side dishes, Bobbie offered the turkey bacon instead of sausage.
The meal was good and the coffee, even the decaf, was fresh.
The food was good, but we're not quite ready to have Denny's cater our Christmas breakfast.
As is common on shopping trips, we didn't find what we wanted, but came home with stuff anyway. Some weeks ago, we bought some sheets of foam insulation at The Home Depot. Lowe's didn't have the same thing. Instead, we bought some bird seed, wrapping paper, and those little parafin fire starters for the wood stove. (Sometimes, the wood is wet and we need to get its attention.)The display of Christmas stuff is like a highway accident. You want to turn away in horror, but you're compelled to look.
Making Baby Jesus cry at Lowe's
We were home a bit after eight o'clock and asleep shortly after the closing joke on The Vicar of Dibley.Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Interrupting sheep.
Interrupting shee
Bah, bah
p who?
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 23 suspicious items this week.]
12:30 a.m. Suspicious group in McDonald’s lot, Main St.
12:37 a.m. Suspicious vehicle unoccupied in Earl Johnson Florist lot, Doyle Rd.
1:03 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in Big Y lot; asked to move along
3:22 a.m. 911 call from Rutland about possible intruder; Rutland PD contacted
3:30 a.m. House egged, Walnut St.
10:01 a.m. Jeep all over the road, Rte. 122A
10:37 a.m. Bike recovered, Mt. Pleasant St.
11:02 a.m. Solicitors with no permit, Fort Sumter Dr.
11:33 a.m. Neighbor dispute, Main St.
1:18 p.m. Caller with question regarding suspicious activity, Colorado Dr.
2:27 p.m. Caller requesting escort to pick up paycheck
3:30 p.m. Caller to speak with officer about incident, Colorado Dr.
6:27 p.m. Caller reports inadequate safety cones at construction site, Holden St.
7:44 p.m. Tractor trailer stuck under railroad bridge, Main St.
9:12 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Wachusett St.
8:34 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Cranbrook Dr.
12:09 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, Sunnyside Ave.
5:49 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Main St.
6:26 p.m. Construction equipment obstructing vision on Holden St.
7:32 p.m. 911 caller about pet dog missing
8:22 p.m. Driver’s window shot out while driving in Worcester; advised to report it to Worcester PD
8:58 p.m. Caller reports neighbor sounds horn every morning at 6:30
9:58 p.m. Person waved down cruiser; suspicious about demeanor of those who showed up to give ride
10:21 p.m. Suspicious vehicle pulled into high school lot, swerving in lanes
10:53 a.m. People ringing doorbell, Wachusett St.
11:34 a.m. Party in road on pocket bike; told to keep off roadway
12:53 p.m. Suspicious male acting strangely, Shrewsbury St.
12:59 p.m. Debris in roadway, N. Adams Rd.
3:20 p.m. West Boylston PD reports Holden resident in station to report NSA and NASA trying to control him through cell towers/technology; he hears Christmas music constantly
5:17 p.m. Resident reports power out, Brunnell Dr.
6:57 p.m. Keys found, Main St.
7:41 p.m. National Police Association League calling Parker Ave. resident for donation
7:49 p.m. Strange phone number on caller ID; resident unable to call back
11:06 a.m. 911 report of argument with brother
11:24 a.m. Well-being check on canine
1:44 p.m. Plastic debris in road, Main St.
2:37 p.m. Construction plates shifted, making passing difficult, Highland St.
2:42 p.m. Dog running in and out of traffic, Salisbury St.
6:43 p.m. Mailbox missing, Mason Rd.
8:56 p.m. 911 call about dog barking for hours, Wachusett St.
2:45 a.m. Rutland PD requesting assistance
5:45 a.m. Vehicle repossession, Brattle St.
7:42 a.m. Caller believes vehicle stolen; was repossessed
8:30 a.m. Bike left on side of road, Fox Hill
11:58 a.m. Tractor trailer truck hit bridge and ripped off roof, Main St.
2:41 p.m. Caller injured and locked out of home, Pilgrim Dr.
5:02 p.m. Steel plates shifted, causing hazard to traffic, Highland St.
5:07 p.m. Lost dog, Moscow Rd.
6:11 p.m. Small wild animal in garage, Donald Ave.
6:43 p.m. Fight in Wong Dynasty parking lot, Towle Dr.
6:42 p.m. Woman driving without lights for about four miles, Main St.
8:45 p.m. Stray cat, Main St.
1:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicles, Industrial Dr.
2:57 a.m. Lights on in dairy, Salisbury St.; building secure
8:32 a.m. Caller’s truck window appears to have been shot out by BB during night
10:33 a.m. Suspicious incident, Donald Ave.
3:18 p.m. Two parties trapped in elevator, Boyden Rd.
4:28 p.m. Vehicle collided with deer, Old Broad St.
2:58 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Trout Brook; OK, Boy Scouts at lodge
6:53 a.m. Street light down, Mayo Dr.
9:10 a.m. Utility pole hit by green vehicle, probable front-end and headlights damage, Mayo Dr.
3:17 p.m. Glass in road, Mayo Dr.
2:09 p.m. Loose dog near church rectory, Richards Ave.
6:06 p.m. Two large hay bales in roadway, West St.
5:25 p.m. Caller reports that cars are parked on mulch bed. Wants cars removed, Camp St.
8:55 p.m. Tree limb across roadway, Pleasant St.
5:13 p.m. Assist other PD, Sterling Rd.
4:30 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Rhodes Rd.
9:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Worcester Rd.
9:14 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Rhodes Rd.
3:46 p.m. Safety issue, Redemption Rock Trl. Message delivered
5:08 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Calamint Hill Rd. S
12:12 p.m. Assist light dept., Beaman Rd.
12:21 p.m. Request for light dept., Beaman Rd.
1:34 p.m. Assist fire dept., Birchwood Rd.
5:59 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Brooks Station Rd.
1:46 p.m. Disturbance, motor vehicle, Gregory Hill Rd.
7:18 p.m. Assist animal control officer, Rte. 140 N
10:04 a.m. Car being driven on wrong side of road, Main St.
11:15 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
1:27 p.m. Small dog running in the road, Maple Ave.
1:35 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer regarding cars speeding on her road, Birchwood Rd.
8:42 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
10:08 a.m. Two people want to talk about detail officer for flu clinic, Main St.
11:55 a.m. Loose dog, Main St.
2:41 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
3:40 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
8:09 p.m. Six heifers loose near DPW area
12:48 p.m. Stray dog found at home on Maple St. Owner found
4:42 p.m. License plate returned to owner, Lewis St.
6:18 p.m. Caller wants officer to look at weather stripping that she thinks was sliced, Maple Ave.
9:00 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer about former employee that won’t return key, Main St.
10:01 a.m. Man says former employee is making multiple harassing phone calls to him, Main St. Civil matter
4:47 p.m. Latch on garage is broken, Blueberry Ln.
8:15 p.m. 911 call, school staff has control of situation, Miles Rd.
3:10 p.m. Rubbish container repossessed, contents dumped, Park Way
9:34 p.m. Someone bothering vehicles at end of Demond Pond Rd.
1:52 a.m. Assist motorist finding gloves, Main St./Kenwood Dr.
6:23 a.m. Request for record check, Main St.
2:25 p.m. Report of dog attacked by another dog, Cherylann Dr.
7:15 p.m. Erratic driver, Main St. Slow driving due to fog
11:34 p.m. Caller bitten by his dog, Central Tree Rd.
11:54 p.m. Officer wanted, suspicious activity at two homes on Walnut St.
2:33 p.m. Check on vehicle identification number of dirt bike left at home, Clinton Rd.
3:07 p.m. Officer wanted to check on suspicious landscaping truck, Pratts Jct. Rd.
5:02 p.m. Caller reporting solicitation calls for donations, Lakeshore Dr.
5:48 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about family problems, Leominster Rd.
1:54 p.m. Documents stolen, Swett Hill Rd.
6:10 p.m. Person at station to report something struck and damaged her windshield, Leominster/Laurelwood Rds.
6:13 p.m. Officer investigation, Wiles Rd.
6:08 p.m. Assist at store with person having difficulty placing order, Main St.
8:19 p.m. Suspicious activity, delivery trucks with open doors, Redemption Rock Trl.
9:16 p.m. Caller arrived home to find her dog outside and man’s wallet in the house, Rugg Rd.
4:18 p.m. Caller says her phone isn’t working and husband just released from hospital, Kendall Hill Ln.
[Editor's note: There were 23 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, November 9
12:30 a.m. Suspicious group in McDonald’s lot, Main St.
12:37 a.m. Suspicious vehicle unoccupied in Earl Johnson Florist lot, Doyle Rd.
1:03 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in Big Y lot; asked to move along
3:22 a.m. 911 call from Rutland about possible intruder; Rutland PD contacted
3:30 a.m. House egged, Walnut St.
10:01 a.m. Jeep all over the road, Rte. 122A
10:37 a.m. Bike recovered, Mt. Pleasant St.
11:02 a.m. Solicitors with no permit, Fort Sumter Dr.
11:33 a.m. Neighbor dispute, Main St.
1:18 p.m. Caller with question regarding suspicious activity, Colorado Dr.
2:27 p.m. Caller requesting escort to pick up paycheck
3:30 p.m. Caller to speak with officer about incident, Colorado Dr.
6:27 p.m. Caller reports inadequate safety cones at construction site, Holden St.
7:44 p.m. Tractor trailer stuck under railroad bridge, Main St.
9:12 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Wachusett St.
Tuesday, November 10
8:34 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Cranbrook Dr.
12:09 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, Sunnyside Ave.
5:49 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Main St.
6:26 p.m. Construction equipment obstructing vision on Holden St.
7:32 p.m. 911 caller about pet dog missing
8:22 p.m. Driver’s window shot out while driving in Worcester; advised to report it to Worcester PD
8:58 p.m. Caller reports neighbor sounds horn every morning at 6:30
9:58 p.m. Person waved down cruiser; suspicious about demeanor of those who showed up to give ride
10:21 p.m. Suspicious vehicle pulled into high school lot, swerving in lanes
Wednesday, November 11
10:00 a.m. Moving van blocking travel lane/view, Shrewsbury St.10:53 a.m. People ringing doorbell, Wachusett St.
11:34 a.m. Party in road on pocket bike; told to keep off roadway
12:53 p.m. Suspicious male acting strangely, Shrewsbury St.
12:59 p.m. Debris in roadway, N. Adams Rd.
3:20 p.m. West Boylston PD reports Holden resident in station to report NSA and NASA trying to control him through cell towers/technology; he hears Christmas music constantly
5:17 p.m. Resident reports power out, Brunnell Dr.
6:57 p.m. Keys found, Main St.
7:41 p.m. National Police Association League calling Parker Ave. resident for donation
7:49 p.m. Strange phone number on caller ID; resident unable to call back
Thursday, November 12
10:02 a.m. Vehicle lockout, Shrewsbury St.; car is running11:06 a.m. 911 report of argument with brother
11:24 a.m. Well-being check on canine
1:44 p.m. Plastic debris in road, Main St.
2:37 p.m. Construction plates shifted, making passing difficult, Highland St.
2:42 p.m. Dog running in and out of traffic, Salisbury St.
6:43 p.m. Mailbox missing, Mason Rd.
8:56 p.m. 911 call about dog barking for hours, Wachusett St.
Friday, November 13
1:21 a.m. Assist lost motorist, Main St.2:45 a.m. Rutland PD requesting assistance
5:45 a.m. Vehicle repossession, Brattle St.
7:42 a.m. Caller believes vehicle stolen; was repossessed
8:30 a.m. Bike left on side of road, Fox Hill
11:58 a.m. Tractor trailer truck hit bridge and ripped off roof, Main St.
2:41 p.m. Caller injured and locked out of home, Pilgrim Dr.
5:02 p.m. Steel plates shifted, causing hazard to traffic, Highland St.
5:07 p.m. Lost dog, Moscow Rd.
6:11 p.m. Small wild animal in garage, Donald Ave.
6:43 p.m. Fight in Wong Dynasty parking lot, Towle Dr.
6:42 p.m. Woman driving without lights for about four miles, Main St.
8:45 p.m. Stray cat, Main St.
Saturday, November 14
12:17 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in lot at Dawson Recreation Area; dispersed1:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicles, Industrial Dr.
2:57 a.m. Lights on in dairy, Salisbury St.; building secure
8:32 a.m. Caller’s truck window appears to have been shot out by BB during night
10:33 a.m. Suspicious incident, Donald Ave.
3:18 p.m. Two parties trapped in elevator, Boyden Rd.
4:28 p.m. Vehicle collided with deer, Old Broad St.
Sunday, November 15
12:21 a.m. Suspicious person refuses to produce ID, claims he’s Fred Astaire; wants to lodge complaint about activity on Main St.2:58 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Trout Brook; OK, Boy Scouts at lodge
6:53 a.m. Street light down, Mayo Dr.
9:10 a.m. Utility pole hit by green vehicle, probable front-end and headlights damage, Mayo Dr.
3:17 p.m. Glass in road, Mayo Dr.
Paxton
Monday, November 9
1:48 p.m. Erratic driver “all over the road” heading toward Holden, Holden Rd.2:09 p.m. Loose dog near church rectory, Richards Ave.
Tuesday, November 10
10:18 a.m. Suspicious person driving down road taking pictures of mailboxes, Hemlock St.Friday, November 13
9:14 a.m. 911 hang-up. Police check, no problem at residence, William Allen Dr.6:06 p.m. Two large hay bales in roadway, West St.
Sunday, November 15
4:12 p.m. Caller reporting that stream under Brooks Rd. is flooding her home5:25 p.m. Caller reports that cars are parked on mulch bed. Wants cars removed, Camp St.
8:55 p.m. Tree limb across roadway, Pleasant St.
Princeton
Monday, November 9
3:55 a.m. Assist fire dept., Calamint Hill Rd. S5:13 p.m. Assist other PD, Sterling Rd.
Tuesday, November 10
7:14 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Main St.Wednesday, November 11
6:24 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Allen Hill Rd.4:30 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Rhodes Rd.
9:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Worcester Rd.
Thursday, November 12
1:10 a.m. Open gate, Mountain Rd.9:14 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Rhodes Rd.
3:46 p.m. Safety issue, Redemption Rock Trl. Message delivered
5:08 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Calamint Hill Rd. S
Friday, November 13
12:30 a.m. Assist other PD, Old Oak Ave.,WestminsterSaturday, November 14
12:30 a.m. Narcotics, E. Princeton/Merriam Rds.12:12 p.m. Assist light dept., Beaman Rd.
12:21 p.m. Request for light dept., Beaman Rd.
1:34 p.m. Assist fire dept., Birchwood Rd.
5:59 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Brooks Station Rd.
Sunday, November 15
12:16 p.m. Assist fire dept., Stagecoach Rd.1:46 p.m. Disturbance, motor vehicle, Gregory Hill Rd.
7:18 p.m. Assist animal control officer, Rte. 140 N
Rutland
Monday, November 9
8:32 a.m. Small dog running loose, Main St.10:04 a.m. Car being driven on wrong side of road, Main St.
11:15 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
1:27 p.m. Small dog running in the road, Maple Ave.
1:35 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer regarding cars speeding on her road, Birchwood Rd.
Tuesday, November 10
5:19 a.m. Branch in roadway, Pommogussett/ East County Rds.8:42 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
10:08 a.m. Two people want to talk about detail officer for flu clinic, Main St.
11:55 a.m. Loose dog, Main St.
2:41 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
3:40 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
8:09 p.m. Six heifers loose near DPW area
Wednesday, November 11
12:00 p.m. Person dropped off license plate found on Bond St., Holden12:48 p.m. Stray dog found at home on Maple St. Owner found
4:42 p.m. License plate returned to owner, Lewis St.
6:18 p.m. Caller wants officer to look at weather stripping that she thinks was sliced, Maple Ave.
Thursday, November 12
6:38 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Maple Ave.9:00 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer about former employee that won’t return key, Main St.
10:01 a.m. Man says former employee is making multiple harassing phone calls to him, Main St. Civil matter
4:47 p.m. Latch on garage is broken, Blueberry Ln.
8:15 p.m. 911 call, school staff has control of situation, Miles Rd.
Friday, November 13
9:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Maple Ave.3:10 p.m. Rubbish container repossessed, contents dumped, Park Way
9:34 p.m. Someone bothering vehicles at end of Demond Pond Rd.
Sunday, November 15
12:24 a.m. Car off road, driver unable to get vehicle out of ditch, Barrack Hill Rd.1:52 a.m. Assist motorist finding gloves, Main St./Kenwood Dr.
6:23 a.m. Request for record check, Main St.
2:25 p.m. Report of dog attacked by another dog, Cherylann Dr.
7:15 p.m. Erratic driver, Main St. Slow driving due to fog
11:34 p.m. Caller bitten by his dog, Central Tree Rd.
Sterling
Monday, November 9
12:22 p.m. Report of hens killed by fisher cats. Advised to bring domestic animals in before dark -- very active time of year for wildlife, Griffin Rd.11:54 p.m. Officer wanted, suspicious activity at two homes on Walnut St.
Tuesday, November 10
8:03 a.m. Theft of bulldozer, Northeast Blvd.2:33 p.m. Check on vehicle identification number of dirt bike left at home, Clinton Rd.
3:07 p.m. Officer wanted to check on suspicious landscaping truck, Pratts Jct. Rd.
Wednesday, November 11
12:02 p.m. Pocketbook found beside Pratts Jct. Rd.5:02 p.m. Caller reporting solicitation calls for donations, Lakeshore Dr.
5:48 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about family problems, Leominster Rd.
Thursday, November 12
11:32 a.m. Report of person calling asking for money. Call not from relative, Redstone Hill Rd.1:54 p.m. Documents stolen, Swett Hill Rd.
6:10 p.m. Person at station to report something struck and damaged her windshield, Leominster/Laurelwood Rds.
Friday, November 13
1:08 p.m. Elderly person locked out of house, Justice Hill Cutoff Rd.6:13 p.m. Officer investigation, Wiles Rd.
Saturday, November 14
5:25 p.m. Truck blocking post office drop-off, Clinton Rd.6:08 p.m. Assist at store with person having difficulty placing order, Main St.
8:19 p.m. Suspicious activity, delivery trucks with open doors, Redemption Rock Trl.
9:16 p.m. Caller arrived home to find her dog outside and man’s wallet in the house, Rugg Rd.
Sunday, November 15
1:00 p.m. Caller reporting group of people drinking beer, Griffin Rd.4:18 p.m. Caller says her phone isn’t working and husband just released from hospital, Kendall Hill Ln.
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