What do you get when you put a bunch of bloggers in a room?

Me, neither.
Let's find out.

Blogger Coffee
5:30 pm on December 8, 2010
Panera Bread
120 Gold Star Boulevard
Worcester MA

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One thought for one day

Return of the credit wave

This afternoon's mail brought three letters from banks with whom I have no accounts. They're offering me credit - two credit card offers and one for a home equity loan. There have been similar offers lately. About one in three has the same misspelling of my name.
The envelopes make a brief stop at the desk before heading to the wood stove.

Didn't we go through this a few years back? Didn't the credit card companies offer new cards to anyone who could fog a mirror? Didn't some folks wind up with an inch-thick stack of cards, all maxed out, unable to pay and the companies unable to collect?

Let us give thanks

... that we have just a month and day until the nation's retailers can start stocking the shelves with Valentine's Day detritus.
I'm weary. It's been a long siege already. It started in late August when pallets of Christmas started to appear in the back of the stores.
By the end of September, the green-and-red packaging was unabashedly on display. The music started in October.
For most of this month, newspapers have been running stories about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the great American hunger for cheap stuff made in China, southeast Asia, and south Asia. Walmart has positioned crates of things that we've just got to have, wrapped in black plastic, around their stores in readiness for that great and glorious day, which is not Christmas or Judgment Day, but the day when we shop even more deliriously.

The Boston Globe has discovered that, during Advent, they can make more money from their advertisers by giving their paper away on Thursdays.

I don't enjoy being a curmudgeon about Christmas. I want to share the joy of Christmas morning with the grandkids, but even there it's getting sketchy. When the local news station reports that kids want the iPad more than any other gift, I grieve because we may have lost another generation.
We'll make it, though. The spirit of Christmas triumphs over stupid each year, although each year the score is closer. We'll make it. We always do.

In sickness and in health

A cross-post from my OnTheCommon.com blog: In sickness and in health
Our six-year-old granddaughter has made certain that we understand that, under no circumstances, will she tolerate this joke:

"How old are you?"
I'm six."
"Oh, you're sick. that's too bad. I hope you get better soon."

She got tired of it during the summer, several months before she turned six. She's already figured out that the family has a tradition of bad jokes. Some of the jokes she enjoys.

"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Interrupting cow?"
"Interrupting c.."
"MOO!"

Last weekend, we learned on NPR's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" that there's a word for this condition. Researchers have identified a mental condition and they've called it Witzelsuch.

"Why was 6 scared of 7?"
"Why?"
"Because 7 8 9."

Apparently, damage to the right frontal lobe can lead people to tell bad jokes and to do so inappropriately.
(You can read more than you ever thought you wanted to in this 2005 report by Taiwanese researchers here (PDF document).)

"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Interrupting fish?"
"Interrupting fish ..."

As we can see, the line between family holiday gatherings and pathology is pretty thin indeed.

"What does the farmer say when he discovers that his tractor is missing?"
"I don't know. What?"
"Where's my tractor?"

Old folkies still have something for the youth of today

As Gordon Lightfoot told us so many years ago, You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train.
Delvonte Tisdale was last seen at his family's home in North Carolina less than 24 hours before his mutilated body was found in a wooded area of Milton MA. Police have yet to explain how Tisdale could have made it to the Boston area and be beaten up so badly in such a short time.
The latest theory is that the young man hid in the wheelwell of a plane and fell out as the plane lowered its landing gear.

It's not personal. It's business.

KH Note:
After discussion with a commenter and reflection from this side of the keyboard, I've decided to remove this post. I made a mistake.

Mitt Romney taking a page from the Nixon playbook

Last month, Dan Balz of the Washington Post wrote about Mitt Romney's campaign activity for Republican candidates around the country.The article points out Romney, rarely shy about promoting himself, is trying to stay out of the spotlight. In Ohio, for example, Romney attended a tech conference in support of then-candidate and now Senator-elect Rob Portman. Asked by a reporter about his 2012 plans, Romney replied, "I'm just working for this guy [Portman]. Let's get this guy in."
After his defeat in the 1962 California gubernatorial election, Richard Nixon famously declared himself out of politics, only to re-emerge six years later with the Republican presidential nomination. How'd he do that? In the 1966 mid-terms, he worked hard on behalf of local candidates, particularly in the South, raising money, helping with organizations, doing the tedious work of building a network of gratitude. When he announced his candidacy for the 1968 nomination, he already had the party workers on his side. Unlike what we've typically thought of Nixon, he worked from the bottom up, rather than trying to get to his goal from the top down.
So, too, does it appear that Mitt Romney is working hard to build that network. In the bright lights of 24-7 news, it's not as easy to stay out of view. In addition, because fund-raising is now more complex, it's not surprising that campaign donations may take odd paths from donor to campaign. Nevertheless, we're not likely to see Mitt Romney speaking directly on his behalf for quite a while. That's not where nominations are won.

Why Holden needs three national pharmacy chains.

Another in the occasional series about Holden's need for three national pharmacy chains.
This edition focuses on how the pharmacy chains are helping our fair townspeople celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, by the sharing of gifts.
'Cuz nothing says I love the Baby Jesus like the Turbo Snake at CVS.

But, Mom might need something special, so let's go to Rite-Aid.

If those don't seem just right, you can just give your loved one some breath mints from Walgreens. I'm sure they'll appreciate the thought.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]

Monday, November 8

5:35 a.m. Report of tree in road on Wachusett; no tree on Wachusett, but one on Chapel St.
8:45 a.m. Loose dog recovered, Wachusett St.
9:11 a.m. Caller reports banner loose across Main St.
10:22 a.m. Caller reports suspicious phone call about grandson being in auto accident in London and needing money; advised it is most likely a scam
12:30 p.m. Elderly female in road, Malden St.
4:05 p.m. Injured turkey, Harris St.; bird should be fine
4:09 p.m. 911, individuals stuck in library elevator; precocious child caused problem
6:58 p.m. Dog missing from Rutland
7:17 p.m. Vehicle reported driving in sandpit at night on Quinapoxet St. for several nights; owner spoken to; all is in order
8:13 p.m. Two suspicious males standing in doorway of business, Main St.
9:10 p.m. Caller reports finding bank deposit slip dated today in her house; she hasn’t left house all day, concerned that someone was in her garage
9:15 p.m. 911, out of control female teen; screaming in background

Tuesday, November 9

12:05 p.m. Suspicious truck in parking lot, Main St.
2:04 a.m. Suspicious person, Main St.
2:10 p.m. Several cars removed from business lot, Main St.
2:20 p.m. Assist with chainsaw matter at business, Main St.
5:35 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Shrewsbury Street
6:52 p.m. 911 hang up; meant to call 411
7:52 p.m. Request for well-being check on Causeway St.; no one home
11:50 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Reservoir St.

Wednesday, November 10

8:03 a.m. Inquiry regarding Pop Warner donation and possible scam
8:08 a.m. 911 misdial; children playing with phone
8:36 a.m. Vehicle driving on wrong side of road; operator said she was sneezing
2:05 p.m. Caller reports neighbor upset with him for burning his wood stove
5:25 p.m. Caller reports bicycle missing from West Boylston store; advised of West Boylston police department number

Thursday, November 11

12:10 a.m. West Boylston advises ponies in road, Malden St.
7:45 a.m. Motor vehicle taking up entire travel lane, Chapel St.
8:50 a.m. Caller reports ponies in her backyard, Malden St.; advised to contact West Boylston PD
9:08 a.m. Motor vehicle back in roadway, Chapel St. blocking lane of travel
9:21 a.m. Rutland PD requests help contacting individual whose vehicle has been parked at business in their town for several days
6:33 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Causeway St.
8:45 p.m. Walk-in with 13-year-old son; says he used profanity to his parents

Friday, November 12

6:58 p.m. Unfamiliar vehicle driving kind of fast, Winthrop Lane
7:28 p.m. Report of suspicious vehicle in sand pit, Quinapoxet St.

Saturday, November 13

4:36 a.m. Homeowner reports garage door opening and closing over and over, someone may be in garage; faulty door
10:01 a.m. Caller displeased that motor vehicle passed too close to him while riding his bicycle, Shrewsbury St.
10:09 a.m. Caller reports he was yelled at by angry cyclist, Shrewsbury St.
12:14 p.m. Suspicious person pulled over, Salisbury St.
2:19 p.m. 911, female teen walking on Reservoir St., male appears to be trying to get her to come back into car
4:47 p.m. Caller wants periodic checks on son at home alone; on probation and should have no one at the house
5:16 p.m. Suspicious man stopping by pedestrians, Salisbury St.

Sunday, November 14

12:02 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Salisbury St.
1:27 p.m. Water reported dirty, High St.
2:08 p.m. Motor vehicle drove over lawn on Ridgewood Rd.; children regularly play in area, vehicle almost struck hydrant

5:40 p.m. Suspicious individuals, Lowell Ave.
6:02 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
7:38 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.

Paxton

Monday, November 8

3:46 p.m. Old couch dumped on Winter St.

Tuesday, November 9

3:54 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at end of driveway, Holden Rd.

Wednesday, November 10

9:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on Winter St.
5:16 p.m. Solicitors selling beef products from white van, Whitney Dr. Caller concerned about legitimacy of business
9:16 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.

Thursday, November 11

12:05 p.m. Several youths climbing on school roof, West St.
3:00 p.m. Jack Russell terrier found, Maple St.

Friday, November 12

6:04 p.m. Vehicle in parking lot with lights on and no license plate, Pleasant St.
7:00 p.m. Missing pit bull mix dog, Wildwood Dr.

Saturday, November 13

10:01 a.m. Resident burning brush, Crystal St. Advised of burning regulations
2:38 p.m. Person advises he will be shooting in his backyard, Rockland St.

Sunday, November 14

7:54 a.m. Power out. Report of fuse blown by deceased squirrel, Knollwood Rd.
9:45 a.m. Suspicious people on private property, Hemlock St.
11:45 a.m. Person wants to speak with animal control officer about dog, Pleasant St.

Princeton

Monday, November 8

3:30 a.m. Police officer removed tree from roadway, Sterling Rd.
6:25 a.m. Bus company requests officer to assist while backing bus up onto Rte. 31; can’t get by due to large tree down, Mirick Rd.

Tuesday, November 9

9:35 a.m. Police transport female from parking lot on Hubbardston Rd. to residence on Wheeler Rd.
12:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked at playground at Leominster Rd./Main St. Person goes there for better cell service

Wednesday, November 10

9:36 a.m. Suspicious parked vehicle, Merriam Rd.
11:43 a.m. Westminster PD requests Princeton PD check parking lots at Leominster State Forest for unattended vehicles

Thursday, November 11

9:43 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked for long time, Mountain Rd.

Friday, November 12

3:20 p.m. Public service, police stand by while person inspects his boundary line, Goodnow Rd.

Saturday, November 13

12:35 p.m. Minor car accident, Mile Hill Rd. Found to be in Westminster
6:39 p.m. Report that hunter entered woods early in the morning and truck is still parked beside Beaman Rd.

Rutland

Monday, November 8

8:59 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about female wanting ride from Pleasantdale Rd. to Holden. Photo of missing female from Rutland sent to Holden PD.
9:45 a.m. Large limb fell from leaning tree, Ridge Rd.
2:12 p.m. Missing Norwegian elk hound with electric fence collar, Sumac Cir.
2:25 p.m. Person upset about ongoing issues, Main St.

Wednesday, November 10

9:52 a.m. Caller reports about 50 cats living around her house and under the porch, Hope Way

Thursday, November 11

1:08 p.m. Weimeraner missing, Brintnal Dr.
2:00 p.m. Balloon in tree with box attached, Irish Ln.

Friday, November 12

11:40 a.m. Attorney asking police to remove male picketing business, Barre Paxton Rd.
4:13 p.m. Report of poor business practices at business, Barre Paxton Rd.
4:24 p.m. Kids on dirt bikes, some with helmets but no headlights, pulling kids on regular bikes, Blueberry Ln./Beechwood Dr.

Saturday, November 13

4:54 a.m. Two dogs in area, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:36 p.m. Skunk in yard all day, walking funny, rolling around on leaves, spraying every so often, Ridge Rd.

Sterling

Tuesday, November 9

6:51 a.m. Stray yellow and black Labrador dogs in yard, Redstone Hill Rd.
12:56 p.m. Suspicious male soliciting. Police advise subject to check in at police station in future, Main St.
1:42 p.m. Two German shepherds attacking an animal, people screaming, Clinton Rd.

Wednesday, November 10

12:12 p.m. Request police for unruly employee, Chocksett Rd.

Thursday, November 11

8:26 a.m. Two small vials containing fluid found in vehicle, Leominster Rd.
9:16 a.m. Report of phone calls that person had won large sum of money, Beaman Rd.
11:48 a.m. Dog and skunk in fight, Shady Ln.
9:09 p.m. Assist State Police looking for individual who bailed out of vehicle, went into woods; tracking dog unable to locate

Friday, November 12

7:19 a.m. Stray cat at home, Riverview Rd.
9:40 a.m. Missing Lab/shepherd mix, James Rd.
3:49 p.m. Report that dog rips open trash bags on curb and recently jumped into car and stole a roast, Upper N. Row Rd.
4:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle pulling in and out of driveways, Redemption Rock Trl.
6:19 p.m. Gold wedding band lost on rail trail in September

Sunday, November 14

8:24 a.m. Terrier found, Laurelwood Rd.
12:34 p.m. Police attempt to find people on ATVs, Beverly Dr.
3:28 p.m. Assist person with child seat, Leominster RD.
11:24 P.M. Suspicious vehicle near home where no one lives, Rowley Hill Rd.