An American tune

Downstairs in the Goodnow-Pearson building in Gardner, you take a 45 rpm record a listening booth and, for the two minutes and and change, be transported into the world of rock-and-roll.
The listening booth at Goodnow's wasn't the first place I'd heard Hound Dog. Maybe it was the radio in the Studebaker pickup. I didn't have a radio in my room yet. My parents kept the clock radio tuned to WBZ/WBZA, which had a regular lineup of disc jockeys and played a lot of rock and roll.
Most likely, though, I heard Hound Dog at the homes of one of the older kids in the neighborhood, the ones who had their own record players and stacks of 45s from Elvis, Little Richard, Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, and more.
Hound Dog was the first Elvis song that I knew. The longer and more complex story of how important he was or wasn't is best left for another day.
Just think about a little and very white kid in an enclave of first and second generation immigrants listening to a white kid from the south cover a song of anger and betrayal written by a couple of Jews and first heard when sung by black woman and you'll be thinking about America.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 13 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

[Editor's note - Special bonus item from the Telegram.com - Holden police: Recycled metals fed public works fund]

Monday, December 28

12:58 a.m. Suspicious male wearing all-dark clothing, walking on Doyle Rd.; transported
9:14 a.m. Animal quarantine, Woodland Rd.
9:51 a.m. Shrewsbury/Main Sts. traffic lights not functioning
10:05 a.m. Aluminum stolen over the weekend, Industrial Dr.
11:39 a.m. Caller reports unwanted people in garage, Holden St.; OK, looking at house to be auctioned
8:48 p.m. 911 accidental call from WRHS elevator
9:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind building at Eagle Lake beach, Hilltop Ave.

Tuesday, December 29

12:08 a.m. Suspicious person in parking lot, Main St.
10:04 a.m. Hunters who’d shot deer asked homeowner if they can go through her yard; told them no
4:32 p.m. Garbage on side of Malden St.
6:55 p.m. 911 hang-up, Manning St.; child playing with phone
8:34 p.m. Senior having trouble resetting Lifeline

Wednesday, December 30

9:36 a.m. 911 accidental; child playing with phone
11:49 a.m. Two dogs chasing cars, Manning St.
1:07 p.m. 911 hang-up, Reservoir St.; no problem
2:33 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Holden St.; OK, driver unfamiliar with area
4:28 p.m. Suspicious truck loading, Thorny Lea Rd.; OK, doing work for homeowner
7:45 p.m. No power, Crestview Dr. area

Thursday, December 31

12:43 p.m. Caller concerned about earlier accidental 911 call from landline hardly ever used
7:22 p.m. Several calls about loud bang before losing power, Mason Rd.
10:40 a.m. What appears to be cable wire hanging in road, Bullard St.
11:03 a.m. Caller regarding legitimacy of Police Family Services phone call
2:38 p.m. 911 hang-up, Highland St.; OK, trying to call 411
9:22 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Jamieson Rd.

Friday, January 1

12:57 a.m. Five people walking on Rte. 68 carrying alcohol; appear to be intoxicated
8:17 a.m. Caller wants to speak to officer on duty, refuses to say why
10:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Village Way

Saturday, January 2

12:41 a.m. Black Lab missing, Stonehouse Hill Rd.
8:04 a.m. Oakwood Ext. resident reporting rusty water
8:27 a.m. Several requests by DPW to have vehicles moved from road for snow removal
9:26 a.m. Mass. State Police reports unrestrained dog, Holden St.
9:40 a.m. Caller inquiring if PD accepts stuffed animals
2:35 p.m. Mother and children advised to stay off train tracks, Bailey Rd.
5:25 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout at Carr Pond
7:40 p.m. Caller asking why daughter’s vehicle towed

Sunday, January 3

12:40 a.m. Vehicles obstructing traffic, Main St..
2:29 a.m. Towle Dr. resident complaining about loud party next door
4:11 a.m. Vehicle parked on Shrewsbury St. needs to be removed
5:19 a.m. Guardrail piece missing, Main St.
5:25 a.m. Vehicle door wide open, Glenwood St.; OK, problem with latch
9:25 a.m. Lockout of running motor vehicle, Main St.
11:33 a.m. Several requests for motor vehicles to be removed so DPW can plow
2:34 p.m. DPW reports person blowing snow back into Wachusett St.
4:54 p.m. Complaint about trash barrels blocking sidewalk, Shrewsbury St.
5:10 p.m. Two calls reporting dog in road, Holden St.; owner retrieved
6:25 p.m. Pine Haven Dr. resident reports road unplowed

Paxton

Monday, December 28

1:09 a.m. Suspicious male walking down Richards Ave.
9:56 a.m. Request for officer to verify vehicle, West St.
11:30 a.m. Caller reporting gun shots, Pleasant St.
3:35 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about suspicious vehicle on Hemlock, Red Oak Ln.

Tuesday, December 29

10:37 p.m. Suspicious truck outside home, West St.

Wednesday, December 30

5:00 a.m. Possible water main break, Asnebumskit/ Crestwood Rds.
10:57 a.m. Caller reports trees being cut down behind houses, Baxter Road
6:28 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Forestdale Rd.

Friday, January 1

4:44 p.m. Report of large hole in road in area of Keep Ave.

Saturday, January 2

8:30 a.m. Parking violation, vehicle impeding snowplowing, Lancelot Dr.
12:10 p.m. Report of someone stuck in an elevator in Worcester. Referred to Worcester PD
4:42 p.m. 911 hang-up call. All set, child playing with phone, Pleasant St.

Sunday, January 3

9:30 a.m. Report of dog running in traffic, Pleasant St.

Princeton

Monday, December 28

5:15 p.m. Individuals on ATVs deliberately driving in front of plow on numerous occasions, Sharon Dr.
6:34 p.m. Assist fire personnel at scene of oven fire, Rte. 140 S
11:35 p.m. Person at station reports he hit deer, E. Princeton/Mirick Rds.

Tuesday, December 29

8:18 a.m. Vehicle skidded into mailbox during night, hubcap left behind, Rhodes Rd.
9:34 a.m. Officer removed limb blocking travel lane, Rte. 140 N
6:00 p.m. Officer transports driver of vehicle to home in Westminster

Wednesday, December 30

No calls for service

Thursday, December 31

12:20 p.m. Westminster PD requests transport home for three Princeton residents involved in motor vehicle accident
12:46 p.m. Truck stuck on Gregory Hill Rd. impeding both lanes of traffic. Officer unable to find vehicle

Friday, January 1

3:35 p.m. Person lost two sleds from back of pickup truck, Rte. 62 between Princeton and Sterling
3:40 p.m. Officer spoke to individual about snow piled in middle of Fitchburg Rd.

Saturday, January 2

5:20 a.m. Request for highway department, townwide
11:24 a.m. Report of ATVs driving around, Havenwood Dr.
3:11 p.m. 911 hang-up, Calamint Hill Rd. N. Child playing with phone

Sunday, January 3

12:55 a.m. Officer responds to burglar alarm, Worcester Rd. All OK.
10:51 a.m. Motor vehicle stuck in snow drifts in middle of Bullock Ln.
6:30 p.m. Motor vehicle struck moose, Rte. 140 N
8:01 p.m. Assist fire dept., Westminster Rd.
8:32 p.m. Broken water pipe at building, Westminster Rd.

Rutland

Monday, December 28

8:08 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, Prison Camps near ruins
8:39 a.m. Report of vehicle off the road in Rutland, found to be Causeway St., Holden
9:51 a.m. Caller upset her phone was shut off. Advised to call phone company, Peters Ave.
1:10 p.m. Water coming from abandoned home, cellar full of water to the rafters, Johnson Way
11:53 p.m. Burlington, Vermont PD wants to speak with officer regarding student from Rutland school, Miles Rd.

Tuesday, December 29

8:30 a.m. Vehicle lockout, engine running, Barre Paxton Rd.
9:00 a.m. Resident complaining about shots fired, Lowry Ln.
9:05 a.m. Glare ice at Main/Naquag Sts. Vehicles sliding onto Main St.
11:52 a.m. Snowmobile in middle of pond with no one around, Martin’s Pond off Pommogussett Rd.
11:57 p.m. Injured deer on side of E. County Rd.

Wednesday, December 30

5:43 a.m. Officer removes debris from Turkey Hill Rd.
3:41 p.m. Officer checks on repeated 911 call, Miles Rd.
4:56 p.m. Caller reports two dogs barely moving, out on ice all day, Dakota Trl. Owner advised to get dogs shelter
8:30 p.m. Annoying phone calls, Watson Ln.

Thursday, December 31

3:07 p.m. Caller reports someone cutting trees on private, MDC land, Ware Rd.

Friday, January 1

8:44 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
1:42 p.m. Ongoing complaint about two loose dogs in yard, Hickory Dr.
2:35 p.m. Older black Labrador found in woods off Ridge Rd. at Princeton line. Brought out by sled; dog missing for days
4:57 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
4:58 p.m. Caller wants to speak about ongoing issues with police officer, Main St.
5:26 p.m. Caller filing complaint about personnel in police and dispatch department, Main St.
6:46 p.m. Caller requesting information of where to send complaint, says dispatcher is uncooperative and wants it logged, Main St.

Saturday, January 2

6:15 a.m. Assist other agency, motor vehicle in way of plows, Maple Ave.
7:02 a.m. Vehicles need to be moved for plowing, Jamie Ann Dr.
7:28 a.m. Assist DPW getting vehicles moved so plows can get through, Blair Dr.
9:02 a.m. Malnourished owl, Brintnal Dr.
9:31 p.m. Suspicious person in front of home, Maple Ave. Wants officer to check

Sunday, January 3

5:16 a.m. Holden PD reports section of guardrail missing, Main St.
7:21 a.m. Parking violation, impeding snow removal, Orchard Hill Dr.
7:48 a.m. Parking violation, impeding snow removal, Eastern Ln.
10:20 a.m. Parking violation, impeding snow removal, Bethany Dr.
7:46 p.m. Request that police check on individuals possibly enroute from Hubbardston to Spencer
10:19 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, December 28

2:16 a.m. Assist citizen, Leominster Rd.
10:50 a.m. Caller reports stranger approached youth riding scooter; police check, no problem
2:37 p.m. Car versus tree, no injuries, Rowley Hill Rd.
4:32 p.m. Injured raccoon in garage, Birch Dr.
8:21 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Leominster Rd.

Tuesday, December 29

3:03 p.m. Officer checks building where burglar alarm sounding. High winds may cause problem, Boutelle Rd.
3:12 p.m. Dog dumped off in area of Chocksett Inn, Laurelwood Rd. Animal control officer picked up dog

Wednesday, December 30

5:39 p.m. Suspicious males in vehicle on White Oak Way

Thursday, December 31

8:14 a.m. Caller reports two bobcats in her yard, Osgood Rd.
9:26 a.m. Caller complaining about loud noise from trees being cut, Flanagan Hill Rd.
10:27 a.m. Assist citizen inquiring about legality of license plate, Leominster Rd.
11:58 a.m. Police check for possible motor vehicle accident, Redemption Rock Trl. None found
1:55p.m. Motor vehicle accident, property damage, Redemption Rock Trl.
9:26 p.m. Motorists reports girl walking in middle of road, crying, being followed by male in vehicle, Waushacum Ave./Newell Hill Rd.

Friday, January 1

11:58 a.m. Dog found on Chace Hill Rd.
2:21 p.m. Vehicle unsafe to drive, Princeton Rd. Towed
7:44 p.m. 911 hang-up, Fox Run Rd.
9:19 p.m. Officer wanted, Main St.

Saturday, January 2

2:36 p.m. Officer wanted, gun found, Worcester Rd.
5:13 p.m. Report of person placing snow in roadway, Clinton Rd.
6:50 p.m. Two ponies in caller’s back yard, Wiles Rd.

Sunday, January 3

1:43 a.m. Disabled motor vehicle, officer transporting three people to Clinton, Main St./Leominster Rd.

Children demanding apologies - please form a line on the right

Consumer Reports Health Blog: Q&A: Is there any good reason to take cod liver oil?
No

More on The Salvation Army

Alright, so last Sunday, the Telegram published a lengthy, front-page story (in partnership with the New England Center for Investigative Reporting at Boston University), about the local Salvation Army. The article focuses on the house that the army provides for Majors. Michael J. and Carol Ann Copeland, who lead the Worcester center. The Salvation Army purchased the house for $350,000[1].
It's a nice house in a nice area, about a quarter mile from where we live. It is, as Major Copeland described, "... a place where you can kind of get away from things, recoup. So when you come back you're renewed and refreshed."
The major goes on to say, "Because of some of the people we deal with, often we're not sure of their backgrounds. We certainly don't want to be so accessible that somebody shows up on our front door in the middle of the night."
We're also not far from the state police barracks. One time, a few years ago, one of our neighbors came running to our door, exclaiming "A Puerto Rican escaped from the state police barracks." That's a rare event. The area is generally very quiet and, well, white.
I don't begrudge anyone finding a good, safe place to live, nor do I think that it's a problem that the Salvation Army provides housing to its key employees. Churches have provided parsonages to their clergy for centuries. That's fine.
Similarly, I have seen the good works of the Salvation Army. They do the hard work that most of us would never dream of doing.
One aspect, though, is problematic. The Telegram story reports that "the $350,000 colonial was the only suitable house he could find in a good school district after more than a year of looking. The major said that city schools are not acceptable for the children of Salvation Army officers."
It's nice that the town gets a shout-out for its schools, but it shows little support for the schools where the children of Army's clientèle must attend.
And, then, the former mayor jumps in with a barrage of bad facts and misdirected anger.

From Salvation Army « The Official Blog of The Jordan Levy Show

1. See Its vs. it's: avoiding dorky grammar mistakes
2. The Salvation Army of Worcester has annual budget of $5 million. Because The Salvation Army is a religious organization, it is exempt from filing detailed IRS Form 990, so budget information is not generally available to the public. The 2009 report is here.
3. AskOxford: When should I use 'less', and when should I use 'fewer'?
4. The Salvation Army states in its annual report that "Eighty-two cents of every dollar spent, or $2.5 billion, went toward program services; the remainder was accounted for by management and general expenses of $375 million and by fundraising costs of $169 million." That's about 18% for overhead. The Better Business Bureau reported that, in 2006, 16% was spent on overhead Charity Review of Salvation Army (National Corporation). 

All the facts, indeed.

I saw the best minds of my generation ...

It used to be that Marley would run into the other room when I started cooking. We had a very sensitive smoke detector that would sound the alarm whenever it, well, detected smoke. I'm a better cook now, more careful, more patient. I also rely on the microwave to pre- and re-heat a lot of foods.
So, it was serious when those puffs of acrid smoke came from bottom of the microwave as I prepared our contributions to Christmas Eve dinner. At his age, Marley's got better things to do that to be running from my cooking again.
Sandra and I brought the microwave to the Sears repair department. Upon learning that there was a $90 minimum charge for repairs, we told the repair tech that he was the proud owner of a microwave that only emitted smoke when it was on. We then went upstairs to buy a new oven.
The guy selling appliances looked like so many guys I know, guys I went to school with, guys a lot like me. I'll bet that he didn't look in the mirror often, but when he did, he was surprised by the white hair that was taking over.
Sears had taught him the basics about features for each of the appliances, but he had to check the weekly sales flyer to find out about specials.
As we looked at the various models, sometimes a price tag fell to the floor. "I'll get it," he said, thinking that he could pick up something from the floor as easily as he could 40 years ago.
We decided to go with one of the larger units.

We wanted it in white. He checked the computer and told us that he didn't have it in white.
"Can we buy a floor model?" we asked.
"I'm sorry. I can't sell floor models."
"What other colors do you have?" we asked.
"I'll have to go downstairs and check." With that, he left the floor and went to the stockroom to write down model numbers of what was in inventory.
While he was gone, I sent a Twitter message.

Sears won't sell us the last microwave we want because then they won't have any.

He came back and told us that there were no other microwaves in other colors. We asked about the stainless steel model that was on display.
"It's $199.99"
"But the sticker in front of it says $152.99."
"That's for the black or white."
"But you don't have those."
"Right."
"Do you have any stainless steel?"
"No."
"Can we buy the floor model?"
"I'd love to sell it to you, but the company won't let me."
"Because if you did," I said, "then you wouldn't have any left."
"If this was a Mom-and-Pop store," he said, ignoring me, "they'd sell you the floor model just like that. I can't do it, though."
And so we left without a microwave and Sears didn't get our $152.99 or $199.99.

A few hours later, Sears customer service finds me on Twitter and sends me some notes.

Hello, I would like to buy a fish license, please.

The first workday of the year brings a trip to the town hall to renew Marley's license. He got number 12, which is pretty good, considering that I didn't get to the clerk's office until after nine o'clock. We've yet to make to a single digit. Here's hoping that we get the chance to do so for years to come. (Marley turns 14 in April.)
While at the window, I decided to get fishing licenses as well. Sandra's going to have more time at the camp this year, so we decided that it would be good to have a license to go along with the time to fish.
It seemed like a very good idea until the point at which I had to fill out the identification portion of her license application. Most of it was straight-forward. Birthday, place of birth, all of that was fine. I've known the color of her beautiful blue eyes since the first time we met. What I didn't and don't know was her weight.
We've been married a long time and take our vows (for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health) very seriously. We know a lot about each other. We know each other's password mnemonics. I just never needed to know her weight.
One of Hakkarainen's Laws of Social Order goes something like this - "Nothing good comes from estimating someone's age or weight."
Not only did I not know what it was, I have no real idea what it should be.
It's just a number, right? Pick a number, plead ignorance, ask for forgiveness.
The seconds clunked along like old gears while the patient town clerk looked on.
It's just a number, right? I picked one, paid for the licenses, came along home, told the story, asked for forgiveness, and changed the subject. She returned the favor and didn't look at the number while I was watching. That's how good marriages work.

Originally posted at OntheCommon.com

Over the horizon

On Monday, Michael Danciger [1] died of cancer. Michael was the husband of Sandra's lifelong friend, Janet.
A short while ago, Michael sent out the 24th installment of his journal that chronicled his physical journey through illness and treatment and also his mental and spiritual journey to a place that, well, let's let him say it.

Since the last time I wrote, two very important things have happened. One, I lost my vision in both eyes. Second, the cancer has progressed and my chest is full of cancer. The cancer doesn’t hurt except for shortness of breath and bouts of coughing. I was having so much trouble breathing I was in the hospital for a week with chest tubes and oxygen.
Since this has occurred and especially more recently, I’ve discovered how much love there is in my life – not only in my life but in everyone’s life…..all you have to do is open your heart and you feel it as palpable as a physical body and that feeling is available to everyone. It is more available than we think. It’s a matter of a small shift in attitude and a belief that things can change.
Now I am on a new regime of medication that seems to be working well but we don’t know how long it will last.
I am at home and getting really good care from my family and friends and medical staff. Since this may be my last installment, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for staying with me for the past 19 months.
With love and respect,
Michael.

To Janet, Jeffrey, and Meryl - you carried Michael across a tough portage. Let's hope that your friends and family can carry you for a while so you can get some rest.

Would there be enough money?

OK, so the news that Red Sox agree to deal with Adrian Beltre is encouraging for fans of the Olde Towne Team. Beltre is a good ballplayer by modern standards. He's had some very good years, including Golden Glove awards.
Still, $9 million a year for a lifetime .270 hitter?
Yes, I know that they played in different eras and all that. Nevertheless, let's take a look at Beltre's stats along with those of Ted Williams and Willie Mays. They ask yourself how much you'd have to pay The Kid or the Say Hey Kid. You'd probably need at least one extra zero.

via Adrian Beltre Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MLB.com: Team

via Ted Williams Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MLB.com: Team

via Willie Mays Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MLB.com: Team

And, by the way, here's the salary range for a Paramedic in the Worcester area.

via Paramedic - Worcester, MA 01608

More on TV news

Every time someone watches a WHDH newscast, an angel pokes Walter Cronkite with a sharp stick.
With the typical TV newscast having about 17 minutes available in a 30-minutes show, the big story ought to be the big story.

There is an old joke producers scream when young reporters say they need more time for a story. "What do you think you’re covering?" they yell. "This story isn’t worth it. For the end of the world, you get two minutes. But only if you have good video."
via How TV Newscasts Work - from Winning with the News Media

 To their credit, WHDH (Channel 7) in Boston did mention the current snowstorm, the 94 people killed in a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan, terrorism.

So, of course, they used up two minutes and 17 seconds for a story from last Wednesday about a Tennessee knucklehead who stole a Coke machine by hooking a chain to it and driving away. The cops recorded the high-speed chase and finally put "a cap on a cola caper's crime".

via WHDH

Wingnuts claim victory in 'Obamacare' skirmish

The WingNutDaily reports that Gun owners claim victory in 'Obamacare' skirmish. By which, they mean,

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., told a constituent, "There is no mention of 'gun-related health data' anywhere in the Senate's health reform bill, and there is nothing in the bill that would result in any such data being reported to the government.

There is also nothing in the bill (link to big, honkin' full text) about underwear. Kids everywhere will be glad to know that there's also no mention of broccoli, Brussels sprout, or homework. Parents may be disappointed that the bill doesn't recommend that teenagers be put on an island until age 25. There's no mention of allowing Martians to use our dental floss. We're still on our own regarding cooties. So, in spite of several improvements to the bill, the American public opposes the Senate plan.
And, the worries persist.

"It's still possible that ATF agents could troll through your medical information and send that data to the FBI, who in turn, could use it to deny honest Americans their right to keep and bear arms – similar to the 150,000 military veterans who have now lost their gun rights," the Gun Owners' of America said.

Further,

"By its own fiat, OSHA could outlaw the possession of firearms in every workplace and every employee parking lot in the United States," wrote columnist Dave Kopel at the Independence Institute in Colorado

OSHA should, we'd guess, stick to its primary task of limiting employee exposure to lead, as it did in a Worcester case at the end of the Bush term, and not worry about exposure to lead that might be in bullets.