- A decade ago, I could pick up the BBC on shortwave. The Beeb stopped broadcasts to North America in 2001. 'BUR's BBC service isn't a straight feed. They mix in different features that may be of greater interest to New Englanders. (The regular broadcast includes a lot of news about cricket and what they call football.)
This time, I was listening to the BBC on my Android phone with the TuneIn Radio app. I easily switched between the BBC and ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company). [1] - Twitter, which didn't exist in 2004, offered a rich source of on-the-shaking ground reports. I saw a couple of tweets from people looking for help with Japanese translations.
- Live online TV/video news feeds were surprisingly hard to find. Doc Searls did a good analysis of the online channels, Earthquake turns TV networks into print. I commented on his post, as did others, that the BBC was online with live news much of the time.
I looked at Al Jazeera and would have watched them except that they used RealPlayer plug-ins for their video. RealPlayer's practices annoyed me a few years ago and I've resisted using their products.
[3:14AM update: For reasons that aren't clear, the Al Jazeera live feed plays without additional plug-ins in the Chrome and Internet Explorer 8 browsers. Firefox is still demanding RealPlayer. - NHK World English offers lives news in English. At this writing, a new round of multilingual tsunami warnings are coming out, along with the very scary news at the nuclear reactors. Folks in Japan are being reassured that, even if there was a meltdown, people outside a 10km radius won't have to worry.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
News of two tsunamis
As with news about the Sendai earthquake and resulting tsunami, I heard about the 2004 Indonesian came during the middle of the night (Eastern U.S.) from the BBC. In 2004, I was listening to WBUR's overnight BBC broadcasts. Quite a bit has changed the ways that we get our news. With those changes have come changed expectations.
News of two tsunamis
As with news about the Sendai earthquake and resulting tsunami, I heard about the 2004 Indonesian came during the middle of the night (Eastern U.S.) from the BBC. In 2004, I was listening to WBUR's overnight BBC broadcasts. Quite a bit has changed the ways that we get our news. With those changes have come changed expectations.
- A decade ago, I could pick up the BBC on shortwave. The Beeb stopped broadcasts to North America in 2001. 'BUR's BBC service isn't a straight feed. They mix in different features that may be of greater interest to New Englanders. (The regular broadcast includes a lot of news about cricket and what they call football.)
This time, I was listening to the BBC on my Android phone with the TuneIn Radio app. I easily switched between the BBC and ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company). [1] - Twitter, which didn't exist in 2004, offered a rich source of on-the-shaking ground reports. I saw a couple of tweets from people looking for help with Japanese translations.
- Live online TV/video news feeds were surprisingly hard to find. Doc Searls did a good analysis of the online channels, Earthquake turns TV networks into print. I commented on his post, as did others, that the BBC was online with live news much of the time.
I looked at Al Jazeera and would have watched them except that they used RealPlayer plug-ins for their video. RealPlayer's practices annoyed me a few years ago and I've resisted using their products.
[3:14AM update: For reasons that aren't clear, the Al Jazeera live feed plays without additional plug-ins in the Chrome and Internet Explorer 8 browsers. Firefox is still demanding RealPlayer. - NHK World English offers lives news in English. At this writing, a new round of multilingual tsunami warnings are coming out, along with the very scary news at the nuclear reactors. Folks in Japan are being reassured that, even if there was a meltdown, people outside a 10km radius won't have to worry.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Where we sent them and what we said
As a follow-up to Nicole's post about Worcester State Hospital photos, I stumbled upon, via, Massachusetts - Asylum Projects, a wiki containing architectural plans, photographs, and historical reports about various asylums and related institutions.
I remember when Gardner State Hospital closed. I worked at the Friendly's in Gardner. The folks from the hospital drifted in for several days. A couple slept in the Salvation Army clothing bin (before they got the fancy people-proof chutes). One guy sat at the counter and drank large tumblers of water, a sign of unchecked diabetes. Eventually, within a few weeks, they all went to where they were supposed to go: away.
When Worcester State Hospital was reducing the number of beds in the early 80s, protests arose. A counselor friend of mine was on the front lines, picketing. A Telegram reporter asked her if the state couldn't close the hospitals and couldn't afford to keep the patients institutionalized.
"Well," she said, offering her modest proposal, "we could shoot them."
The words used to describe the people who occupied these facilities, no doubt, were meant to be kind and hopeful, even if they sound cruel and dismissive to contemporary ears. Our language is always in a race to describe those who differ from the norm. Each word or phrase that we bring in establishes a new standard for inclusion. A half-step later, our meaner spirits say, "Oh, ok, now we're gonna call 'em this."
Around college campuses, we're seeing signs about The “r” Word Campaign. That's good. It brings awareness about language and how our choice of words lands on real people. I believe that it will work, that we'll push the word retarded into the dustbin of old lexicons. Sad to say, we'll find another word because, it seems, there's something in us that needs cruel words.
I remember when Gardner State Hospital closed. I worked at the Friendly's in Gardner. The folks from the hospital drifted in for several days. A couple slept in the Salvation Army clothing bin (before they got the fancy people-proof chutes). One guy sat at the counter and drank large tumblers of water, a sign of unchecked diabetes. Eventually, within a few weeks, they all went to where they were supposed to go: away.
When Worcester State Hospital was reducing the number of beds in the early 80s, protests arose. A counselor friend of mine was on the front lines, picketing. A Telegram reporter asked her if the state couldn't close the hospitals and couldn't afford to keep the patients institutionalized.
"Well," she said, offering her modest proposal, "we could shoot them."
The words used to describe the people who occupied these facilities, no doubt, were meant to be kind and hopeful, even if they sound cruel and dismissive to contemporary ears. Our language is always in a race to describe those who differ from the norm. Each word or phrase that we bring in establishes a new standard for inclusion. A half-step later, our meaner spirits say, "Oh, ok, now we're gonna call 'em this."
Around college campuses, we're seeing signs about The “r” Word Campaign. That's good. It brings awareness about language and how our choice of words lands on real people. I believe that it will work, that we'll push the word retarded into the dustbin of old lexicons. Sad to say, we'll find another word because, it seems, there's something in us that needs cruel words.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: there were 14 suspicious items, people, or events this week.]
Holden
Monday, February 21
1:21 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Osgood/Pinecroft Aves.
1:30 a.m. Parking violations, Pinecroft Ave./Sagewood Cir.
2:44 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Chapel St.
11:11 a.m. Caller says person parked vehicle in his driveway and walked away, Main St.
4:35 p.m. Vehicle parked in handicapped area without placards, Reservoir St.
5:53 p.m. Person at station to be fingerprinted, Main St.
6:14 p.m. Wife at station regarding husband who locked her out of her house, General Hobbs Rd.
6:20 p.m. Police asked to check empty home where dogs are barking in area, Woodland Rd.
Tuesday, February 22
6:07 a.m. Public service, Main St.
8:36 a.m. Roll-over vehicle accident, Main St.
9:10 a.m. Disabled vehicle, Sherwood Hill Dr./Mail St.
1:20 p.m. Person at station regarding fingerprinting, Main St.
3:46 p.m. Caller rear-ended, Main/Reservoir Sts.
4:15 p.m. Youths advised of no skateboarding at plaza, Reservoir St.
8:38 p.m. Snowmobile driving on railroad tracks, Holt Rd.
Wednesday, February 23
11:30 a.m. Police check area for wandering beagle, Shrewsbury St.
12:31 p.m. Welsh terrier broke free from leash, Manning St. Dog later returned
12:59 p.m. Police deliver package, Main St.
6:06 p.m. Vehicle drove off without paying for gas, Main St.
10:55 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Avery Heights/ Jennifer Dr.
Thursday, February 24
9:45 a.m. Man reports wife left house while he was in the shower, Chapel St.
9:55 a.m. Suspicious incident, male in pickup truck punched female in face, Timber Ln. All set, kids fooling around in truck
9:57 a.m. Three suspicious people in Birchwood Dr. area; checking for Asian longhorned beetles
11:42 a.m. Request for police to check on youths in area of senior center, Main St.
12:53 p.m. Possible drunk driver, Salisbury St.
5:57 p.m. Report of large group of teens beating male teen on the ground, Manning/Wachusett Sts. Police report that group was not fighting
11:57 p.m. Caller reports three children left at Wachusett Mountain, attempting to reach parents. Police go to residence, Sterling Rd.
Friday, February 25
8:54 a.m. Yellow tabby cat trapped in cellar, Alpha Rd.
1:20 p.m. Person requesting assistance picking up knocked over trash barrels, Malden St.
Saturday, February 26
8:54 a.m. Suspicious male, Main St. Person trying to hitchhike
Sunday, February 27
3:00 a.m. Vehicle hampering plowing operations, Main St.
5:00 a.m. Owners of two vehicles cited for impeding snow removal, Vista Cir.
5:35 a.m. Police cite owner of vehicle for impeding snow removal, Jackson St.
6:24 a.m. Vehicle obstructing plows, Oregon Trl.
7:08 a.m. DPW requests vehicle impeding snow removal be moved, Briarcliff Ln.
8:20 a.m. Police remove rock from road, Newell Rd./Salisbury St.
10:08 a.m. Police assist DPW with removal of vehicle impeding snow removal, Briarcliff Ln.
6:39 p.m. Male knocked on door of home on Malden St. and then walked toward Bullard St.
Paxton
Monday, February 21
2:09 p.m. Police check person reportedly soliciting without permit, Indian Hill Rd.
Tuesday, February 22
12:55 p.m. Suspicious male attempting to open doors at building, West St.
Wednesday, February 23
9:15 a.m. Multi-colored cat found, Pleasant St.
1:34 p.m. Person at station complaining about way disposal truck employee operated trash truck on Grove St.
Thursday, February 24
No calls for service
Saturday, February 26
4:14 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, Pleasant St.
11:10 a.m. Possible rabid raccoon, Knollwood Rd.
12:10 p.m. Lost dog wandering in traffic, Pleasant St.
12:15 p.m. Fraudulent $20 used at business, Pleasant St.
3:36 p.m. Caller reports buying item from person in Paxton, Holbrook Ln., and item doesn’t work. Advised nothing police can do
Sunday, February 27
5:26 p.m. Person lost boxer dog, Pleasant St.
Princeton
Tuesday, February 22
2:26 p.m. Sick raccoon in driveway, Ball Hill Rd. Homeowner advised to take dog for rabies booster shot since it was close by
Wednesday, February 23
7:13 a.m. Person spoke with officer regarding family member, Schoolhouse Rd.
11:06 p.m. Two suspicious vehicles at bottom of hill, Worcester Rd.
Thursday, February 24
1:40 p.m. Jacket lost at Wachusett Mountain
4:20 p.m. Report of dead fisher in middle of Mountain Rd.
5:43 p.m. Caller received several suspicious phone calls, Radford Rd.
8:05 p.m. Request for officer to check home with lights on, Pheasant Hollow Run
Friday, February 26
3:29 p.m. Slush and mail in roadway by mailbox, Hubbardston Rd.
Saturday, February 26
8:44 a.m. Report of road not plowed, Dowds Ln.
12:39 p.m. Possible sick possum in yard, Ball Hill Rd.
2:23 p.m. Suspicious pickup truck driving up and down Ball Hill Rd.
8:16 p.m. Suspicious person walking on Pine Hill Rd.
Sunday, February 27
8:37 a.m. Vehicle accident, Mile Hill Rd. Found to be in Westminster
6:01 p.m. Lost hikers. Dispatcher directs them to trail where police pick them up for transport
to their vehicle, Administration Rd.
Rutland
Monday, February 21
11:05 a.m. Loose pony at end of Sassawanna Rd. Pony later captured
Tuesday, February 22
2:32 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Maple Ave.
5:35 p.m. Walk in regarding incident at business on Main St.
Wednesday, February 23
8:43 a.m. Report that truck has lost its load at intersection of Barre Paxton & Fishermans’ Rd. Police unable to locate vehicle
10:42 a.m. Person reports having a visit from federal census people asking strange questions, East County Rd.
3:29 p.m. Report of dead deer in yard, appears to be coyote kill, River Rd.
Thursday, February 24
3:58 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Rolling Ridge Rd.
4:37 p.m. Walk in regarding personal matters, Main St.
Friday, February 25
10:52 a.m. Stray dog at home for past two days off and on, Thurston Hill Rd. Dog later picked up by owner
6:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with no lights on, Kenwood Dr.
Saturday, February 26
6:34 p.m. Report of two brothers fighting, Vista Circle
Sunday, February 27
12:54 p.m. Report of large bobcat in yard, Cheryl Ann Dr.
Sterling
Monday, February 21
11:12 a.m. Princeton PD reports dead golden retriever wrapped in sleeping bag near gate to Leominster State Forest. Animal control officer advised
11:35 a.m. Police retrieve dog, Lucas Rd.
Tuesday, February 22
10:05 a.m. Caller wants to speak to animal control office regarding “pack of dogs.” Advised there is a pack of coyotes in area of Rugg Rd. Caller says dogs are German shepherds and big black dogs
Wednesday, February 23
6:07 a.m. Deer hit, Metropolitan Rd. W. Boylston PD advises it is in their town
7:39 p.m. Motorist struck deer, animal injured, car damaged, Metropolitan Rd. Deer couldn’t be found
Thursday, February 24
2:35 a.m. Van into wall, airbags deployed, heavy damage to vehicle, no one around, Kendall Hill/Malvern Hill Rds.
11:01 a.m. Spray paint on driveway, roadway and snowbank, caller had problem with kids/alcohol in past, Redstone Pl.
7:04 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked at intersection for long time, Princeton Rd.
Friday, February 25
6:31 p.m. DPW requesting officer to notify people that have cars in roadway, impeding sanding, Goulding Rd.
6:40 p.m. Threatening phone call about drug deal and money owed, Boutelle Rd.
8:23 p.m. Group of youths outside liquor store, Redemption Rock Trl.
Saturday, February 26
7:35 a.m. ER calling about person bitten by dog, Leominster Rd.
Sunday, February 27
11:20 a.m. Escort services requested, Leominster Rd.
[Editor's note: there were 14 suspicious items, people, or events this week.]
Holden
Monday, February 21
1:21 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Osgood/Pinecroft Aves.
1:30 a.m. Parking violations, Pinecroft Ave./Sagewood Cir.
2:44 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Chapel St.
11:11 a.m. Caller says person parked vehicle in his driveway and walked away, Main St.
4:35 p.m. Vehicle parked in handicapped area without placards, Reservoir St.
5:53 p.m. Person at station to be fingerprinted, Main St.
6:14 p.m. Wife at station regarding husband who locked her out of her house, General Hobbs Rd.
6:20 p.m. Police asked to check empty home where dogs are barking in area, Woodland Rd.
Tuesday, February 22
6:07 a.m. Public service, Main St.
8:36 a.m. Roll-over vehicle accident, Main St.
9:10 a.m. Disabled vehicle, Sherwood Hill Dr./Mail St.
1:20 p.m. Person at station regarding fingerprinting, Main St.
3:46 p.m. Caller rear-ended, Main/Reservoir Sts.
4:15 p.m. Youths advised of no skateboarding at plaza, Reservoir St.
8:38 p.m. Snowmobile driving on railroad tracks, Holt Rd.
Wednesday, February 23
11:30 a.m. Police check area for wandering beagle, Shrewsbury St.
12:31 p.m. Welsh terrier broke free from leash, Manning St. Dog later returned
12:59 p.m. Police deliver package, Main St.
6:06 p.m. Vehicle drove off without paying for gas, Main St.
10:55 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Avery Heights/ Jennifer Dr.
Thursday, February 24
9:45 a.m. Man reports wife left house while he was in the shower, Chapel St.
9:55 a.m. Suspicious incident, male in pickup truck punched female in face, Timber Ln. All set, kids fooling around in truck
9:57 a.m. Three suspicious people in Birchwood Dr. area; checking for Asian longhorned beetles
11:42 a.m. Request for police to check on youths in area of senior center, Main St.
12:53 p.m. Possible drunk driver, Salisbury St.
5:57 p.m. Report of large group of teens beating male teen on the ground, Manning/Wachusett Sts. Police report that group was not fighting
11:57 p.m. Caller reports three children left at Wachusett Mountain, attempting to reach parents. Police go to residence, Sterling Rd.
Friday, February 25
8:54 a.m. Yellow tabby cat trapped in cellar, Alpha Rd.
1:20 p.m. Person requesting assistance picking up knocked over trash barrels, Malden St.
Saturday, February 26
8:54 a.m. Suspicious male, Main St. Person trying to hitchhike
Sunday, February 27
3:00 a.m. Vehicle hampering plowing operations, Main St.
5:00 a.m. Owners of two vehicles cited for impeding snow removal, Vista Cir.
5:35 a.m. Police cite owner of vehicle for impeding snow removal, Jackson St.
6:24 a.m. Vehicle obstructing plows, Oregon Trl.
7:08 a.m. DPW requests vehicle impeding snow removal be moved, Briarcliff Ln.
8:20 a.m. Police remove rock from road, Newell Rd./Salisbury St.
10:08 a.m. Police assist DPW with removal of vehicle impeding snow removal, Briarcliff Ln.
6:39 p.m. Male knocked on door of home on Malden St. and then walked toward Bullard St.
Paxton
Monday, February 21
2:09 p.m. Police check person reportedly soliciting without permit, Indian Hill Rd.
Tuesday, February 22
12:55 p.m. Suspicious male attempting to open doors at building, West St.
Wednesday, February 23
9:15 a.m. Multi-colored cat found, Pleasant St.
1:34 p.m. Person at station complaining about way disposal truck employee operated trash truck on Grove St.
Thursday, February 24
No calls for service
Saturday, February 26
4:14 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, Pleasant St.
11:10 a.m. Possible rabid raccoon, Knollwood Rd.
12:10 p.m. Lost dog wandering in traffic, Pleasant St.
12:15 p.m. Fraudulent $20 used at business, Pleasant St.
3:36 p.m. Caller reports buying item from person in Paxton, Holbrook Ln., and item doesn’t work. Advised nothing police can do
Sunday, February 27
5:26 p.m. Person lost boxer dog, Pleasant St.
Princeton
Tuesday, February 22
2:26 p.m. Sick raccoon in driveway, Ball Hill Rd. Homeowner advised to take dog for rabies booster shot since it was close by
Wednesday, February 23
7:13 a.m. Person spoke with officer regarding family member, Schoolhouse Rd.
11:06 p.m. Two suspicious vehicles at bottom of hill, Worcester Rd.
Thursday, February 24
1:40 p.m. Jacket lost at Wachusett Mountain
4:20 p.m. Report of dead fisher in middle of Mountain Rd.
5:43 p.m. Caller received several suspicious phone calls, Radford Rd.
8:05 p.m. Request for officer to check home with lights on, Pheasant Hollow Run
Friday, February 26
3:29 p.m. Slush and mail in roadway by mailbox, Hubbardston Rd.
Saturday, February 26
8:44 a.m. Report of road not plowed, Dowds Ln.
12:39 p.m. Possible sick possum in yard, Ball Hill Rd.
2:23 p.m. Suspicious pickup truck driving up and down Ball Hill Rd.
8:16 p.m. Suspicious person walking on Pine Hill Rd.
Sunday, February 27
8:37 a.m. Vehicle accident, Mile Hill Rd. Found to be in Westminster
6:01 p.m. Lost hikers. Dispatcher directs them to trail where police pick them up for transport
to their vehicle, Administration Rd.
Rutland
Monday, February 21
11:05 a.m. Loose pony at end of Sassawanna Rd. Pony later captured
Tuesday, February 22
2:32 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Maple Ave.
5:35 p.m. Walk in regarding incident at business on Main St.
Wednesday, February 23
8:43 a.m. Report that truck has lost its load at intersection of Barre Paxton & Fishermans’ Rd. Police unable to locate vehicle
10:42 a.m. Person reports having a visit from federal census people asking strange questions, East County Rd.
3:29 p.m. Report of dead deer in yard, appears to be coyote kill, River Rd.
Thursday, February 24
3:58 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Rolling Ridge Rd.
4:37 p.m. Walk in regarding personal matters, Main St.
Friday, February 25
10:52 a.m. Stray dog at home for past two days off and on, Thurston Hill Rd. Dog later picked up by owner
6:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with no lights on, Kenwood Dr.
Saturday, February 26
6:34 p.m. Report of two brothers fighting, Vista Circle
Sunday, February 27
12:54 p.m. Report of large bobcat in yard, Cheryl Ann Dr.
Sterling
Monday, February 21
11:12 a.m. Princeton PD reports dead golden retriever wrapped in sleeping bag near gate to Leominster State Forest. Animal control officer advised
11:35 a.m. Police retrieve dog, Lucas Rd.
Tuesday, February 22
10:05 a.m. Caller wants to speak to animal control office regarding “pack of dogs.” Advised there is a pack of coyotes in area of Rugg Rd. Caller says dogs are German shepherds and big black dogs
Wednesday, February 23
6:07 a.m. Deer hit, Metropolitan Rd. W. Boylston PD advises it is in their town
7:39 p.m. Motorist struck deer, animal injured, car damaged, Metropolitan Rd. Deer couldn’t be found
Thursday, February 24
2:35 a.m. Van into wall, airbags deployed, heavy damage to vehicle, no one around, Kendall Hill/Malvern Hill Rds.
11:01 a.m. Spray paint on driveway, roadway and snowbank, caller had problem with kids/alcohol in past, Redstone Pl.
7:04 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked at intersection for long time, Princeton Rd.
Friday, February 25
6:31 p.m. DPW requesting officer to notify people that have cars in roadway, impeding sanding, Goulding Rd.
6:40 p.m. Threatening phone call about drug deal and money owed, Boutelle Rd.
8:23 p.m. Group of youths outside liquor store, Redemption Rock Trl.
Saturday, February 26
7:35 a.m. ER calling about person bitten by dog, Leominster Rd.
Sunday, February 27
11:20 a.m. Escort services requested, Leominster Rd.
Twitter, democracy, and the importance of a clean car
As one Twitterer tweeted, "Hey this democracy stuff is great, but have you seen the price of gas?"
With the warm rains upon us, we quickly forget that it was very cold at the end of last week. I stopped for gasoline early on Friday. The temperature had just made a fingerhold on 10°.
Prices were maybe 20¢ more than they were at my last fill-up. A glance at the other pumps showed numbers of even denominations. People weren't buying a full tank. They bought $10, $20 at a time.
While I pumped my gas, I watched a guy walking up the street. He was about my age, maybe a bit younger. He was dressed for the outdoors, in layers, in clothes that were clean but old. He carried three plastic grocery bags filled with empty cans and bottles. He picked through each of the trash cans at the station, careful not to spill any of the trash, and found a few more bottles. I turned away to finish my purchase and, when I looked back he was gone.
My guess is that each of the grocery bags held 20 cans or bottles. He would need three bags and a start on the fourth to buy gas at the old price. A twenty-cent per gallon increase means that this guy would have needed to find an extra four cans or bottles. If you don't have a car, though, then it's not really the same problem. Three bags of bottles and cans and well into the fourth. Pure profit.
With the warm rains upon us, we quickly forget that it was very cold at the end of last week. I stopped for gasoline early on Friday. The temperature had just made a fingerhold on 10°.
Prices were maybe 20¢ more than they were at my last fill-up. A glance at the other pumps showed numbers of even denominations. People weren't buying a full tank. They bought $10, $20 at a time.
While I pumped my gas, I watched a guy walking up the street. He was about my age, maybe a bit younger. He was dressed for the outdoors, in layers, in clothes that were clean but old. He carried three plastic grocery bags filled with empty cans and bottles. He picked through each of the trash cans at the station, careful not to spill any of the trash, and found a few more bottles. I turned away to finish my purchase and, when I looked back he was gone.
My guess is that each of the grocery bags held 20 cans or bottles. He would need three bags and a start on the fourth to buy gas at the old price. A twenty-cent per gallon increase means that this guy would have needed to find an extra four cans or bottles. If you don't have a car, though, then it's not really the same problem. Three bags of bottles and cans and well into the fourth. Pure profit.
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