True Facts

On I-190, between Exit 1 and the I-290 interchange in Worcester, the sign on the side of the road says, "Powerlines Overhead".

Sure enough, about 20 feet later, there are powerlines overhead.
So, now I know something that I didn't know before but it does me little good. If I'm driving a vehicle that's affected by the powerlines, it's too late for me to do anything. I've already passed the exit (southbound) and have no breakdown lane in which I can safely stop. If I was driving a very tall vehicle that hadn't already hit the overhead highway signs, I could, quite literally, be toast.
It's important to remember that communication isn't just about the conveyance of information, even if we think that the information could be helpful. Good communication includes an awareness of context. A true fact, given in the wrong context, is worse than useless.
The other day, a friend of my wife was telling a story. The friend's mother had many bird feeders that attracted a wonderful variety of birds year-round. The mother passed away in the winter. The mother's neighbors kept the bird feeders filled through the cold season so that the birds that had relied on these feeders wouldn't go hungry.
"You know," I said, "birds don't really need to be fed year-round. There's plenty of food. When we feed them, we feed them for our own pleasure and convenience, not for their need."
My wife ever so gently kicked me under the table.
It seems that I was offering facts which a) just showed off that I knew something, and b) missed the whole point about a loving thing that the neighbors were doing in memory of their friend.
Good communication requires an awareness of the other's particular concerns at a particular time.

via Why Men Should Not Write Advice Columns | Daily Shite

We report. You shop.

Generally when dealing with public bullies, I follow the guidance of Bobcat Goldthwait. Asked about Andrew Dice Clay, Bobcat said, "Let him talk. Maggots die in the sun."
So, the publisher of In City Times decides to post the home address of a blogger because that blogger deigned to criticize said publisher, it's time to bring a bit of sunshine to the scene.

via InCity Times » Blog Archive » To blogger Nicole ...
Nicole posted a few clips from the ICT as a part of commentary on the paper's rather lax approach to journalism, Lessons Learned.
The attorney will no doubt immediately start researching a doctrine called Fair Use.

By the way, In City Times asks readers to tell their advertisers that they read ICT:

It's probably a good idea to let those advertisers know what they think of the company that they keep.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 16 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, May 3

6:09 a.m. Lockout of home, baby in house; window broken to gain entry
12:41 a.m. Found cell phone turned in
2:04 p.m. Found cell phone turned in
6:49 p.m. Three young girls reported running into street trying to stretch rope across Wachusett St.; gone on arrival
7:57 p.m. 911 call for West Brookfield; attempted to transfer
8:44 p.m. Caller heard someone screaming outside

Tuesday, May 4

8:20 a.m. Vehicle blocking sidewalk, Mt. Pleasant Ave.
8:33 a.m. Two people in plain clothes in manhole, Blair Dr.
8:43 a.m. Crew in road on Mount Pleasant Ave.
9:45 a.m. Bear at Bailey and Reservoir roads intersection; ran into woods
10:23 a.m. Request for animal control at Grove Cemetery
11:43 a.m. Garage door can’t be closed at residence
2:03 p.m. Vehicle stolen with dog inside, Worcester resident reports; OK, different vehicle
2:50 p.m. Cyclist on ground reported; subject sleeping, told to move along
2:50 p.m. Caller arrived home to find trash bins and grill in her breezeway; requests officer to go through house with her
3:48 p.m. Water sample bottles left at door, Fort Sumter Dr.
6:40 p.m. Suspicious young people hanging around near ECC, kissing, etc., Princeton St.
8:17 p.m. Person taking fill (dirt, rocks), Main St.; sign says it’s free
8:56 p.m. Bear running across Salisbury St.; now in tree
9:57 p.m. Vehicle with teens behind school; OK, just janitors smoking

Wednesday, May 5

6:21 a.m. Missing dogs returned this morning
8:44 a.m. Two teens encountered on Main St.; should be at high school; transported
8:49 a.m. Ducks on Phillips Rd.
9:17 a.m. Dog found at Trout Brook
12:06 p.m. Checkerberry Village resident left purse on top of car
2:33 p.m. ATV speeding on Mt. Pleasant Ave.; driver says he’s trying to work the bugs out; advised accordingly
6:25 p.m. Report of hitchhiker, Rte. 68
6:26 p.m. Ducklings walking into traffic, Main St.
6:33 p.m. Dog in closed car, Reservoir St.
7:41 p.m. People cutting through the no-access road on Princeton St.
10:44 p.m. Three kids videotaping in parking lot, Main St.

Thursday, May 6

9:22 a.m. Lovell Rd. resident reports Charter left note on door; advised to contact police if someone suspicious arrives
9:40 a.m. Party lying on side of road with motorized bicycle, Wachusett St.
9:42 a.m. Loose canine reported, Bullard St.
9:53 a.m. Black dog running in and out of traffic nera Rutland line, Main St.
4:00 p.m. Suspicious person, Shrewsbury St.
4:13 p.m. Solicitor in area, Stoneleigh Rd.
5:34 p.m. Group behind bank, Main St.
6:59 p.m. Three kids trespassing at business, Main St.
7:35 p.m. Two suspicious cars in lot, Main St.
8:30 p.m. Pickup truck with flat tire at gas station
9:24 p.m. Male hitchhiking, Main St.
9:46 p.m. 911 report of kids ringing door bells then running away, Jackson St.

Friday, May 7

12:33 a.m. Large amount of water in roadway, High Ridge Rd.
1:16 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Princeton St.
7:18 a.m. Tractor trailer delivering generator to public safety building, blocking traffic
9:03 a.m. Citizen says drinking and driving vehicle exhibit in front of police station should be more dramatic
9:09 a.m. Caller regarding solicitors on Bullard St. yesterday
1:24 p.m. 911 caller reports vehicle won’t start
1:57 p.m. Walk-in reports dog attacked her on Holden St.
5:33 p.m. Disturbance with neighbor, Holden St.
5:50 p.m. Driver sleeping in car, Highland St.
6:06 p.m. Four kids in parking lot, Main St.
6:34 p.m. Six kids behind business, Main St.
7:15 p.m. Six kids behind business, Main St.
7:51 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Cranbrook Dr.
11:30 p.m. Male shouting and screaming, Briarcliff Ln.; advised to quiet down

Saturday, May 8

1:02 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Salisbury St.
9:12 a.m. Loose black dog, Main St.
9:17 p.m. Vehicles parked on both sides of Bascom Parkway
10:00 a.m. Vehicle missing from Amarack Cir.; OK, mother took it
11:36 a.m. Caller inquiring about disposing medicine belonging to deceased parent
12:22 p.m. Caller reporting lost dog in Worcester; advised accordingly
1:37 p.m. Caller wants extra patrols around business since firing employee
4:00 p.m. Suspicious male, North St.
5:22 p.m. Hostile caller regarding post office not picking up food for food drive

Sunday, May 9

12:40 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
1:07 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Holden St.
2:54 a.m. Branch on Reservoir St.
10:10 a.m. House egged during the night, Avery Heights Dr.

12:06 p.m. Youths dispersed at senior center
12:11 p.m. Explosion at substation off Main St., and loss of power
12:15 p.m. Septic pump failure, Jennifer Dr.
1:10 p.m. Business on Main St. reports vehicle in lot for three days
7:13 p.m. Teen sneeked out last night, hasn’t returned, Salisbury St.; son returned home at 8:24 p.m.
8:20 p.m. Vehicle struck cat, Main St.; cat deceased

Paxton

Monday, May 3

11:30 a.m. Loose German shepherd, Pleasant St.
5:01 p.m. Attempt to serve restraining order, Pleasant St.
9:28 p.m. Attempt to serve restraining order, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, May 4

1:18 a.m. Erratic driver, Rte. 122 N
8:13 a.m. Restraining order served, Pleasant St.
3:18 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding phone call about winning a large sum of money, Pleasant St.
4:47 p.m. Loose German shepherd and pug, Pleasant St.

Wednesday, May 5

3:18 p.m. Caller found two dogs with leashes attached on her property, Boynton Pkwy.

Thursday, May 6

8:25 a.m. Report of male walking on Nanigian Rd., carrying a shotgun
8:32 a.m. Suspicious red van parked outside home, Red Oak St.
6:40 p.m. Caller reports someone doing wheelies on a dirt bike, Holbrook Ln.

Friday, May 7

8:40 a.m. Caller locked out of residence, Holbrook Ln.
8:44 a.m. Caller requesting to speak with animal control officer about foxes living in his backyard that are becoming more aggressive, Camelot Dr.
1:46 p.m. Report of large, steel plate in roadway has shifted, creating large pot hole, Pleasant St.

Saturday, May 8

7:47 a.m. Police respond to 911 hang-up. Person having problem with cordless phone, Colony Ln.

Sunday, May 9

2:21 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about ongoing trespassing problem, Grove St.
7:11 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Davis Hill Rd.

Princeton

Monday, May 3

7:52 a.m. Caller requesting animal control officer for loose German shepherd, Dowds Ln.
12:13 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at community center, Boylston Ave.
8:55 p.m. Caller reports numerous vehicles in and out of Boy Scout land, Old Colony Rd.

Tuesday, May 4

8:25 p.m. Large tree limb removed to side of Ball Hill Rd. Caller concerned people won’t see it at night

Wednesday, May 5

6:20 a.m. Traffic control, Ball Hill Rd.
4:20 p.m. Suspicious group of teens in area of community building, Boylston Ave. Doing school project
11:46 p.m. Welfare check on person on Rocky Pond Rd. having difficulty with cell phone

Thursday, May 6

3:31 p.m. Assist Westminster PD trying to locate male last seen walking on Mile Hill Rd. Person found
6:31 p.m. Police remove large branch from Rte. 140 S

Friday, May 7

10:06 a.m. Stray black and white cat in neighborhood, Main St.
5:04 p.m. Loose dog, Brooks Station Rd.
6:15 p.m. Set of keys found at top of Wachusett Mountain. Owner located

Saturday, May 8

12:05 a.m. Police transport person to Rte. 68 in Hubbardston
9:24 a.m. Caller reports loud bang, then lost power, Hobbs Rd.
9:52 a.m. Loss of power, Mirick Rd.
10:44 a.m. Power out, possibly blown transformer during storm, Gregory Rd.
11:23 a.m. Power out, Willson Rd.
11:49 a.m. Smoking transformer, Beaman Rd.
2:08 p.m. Leather wallet found near church, Worcester Rd. Owner notified
10:18 p.m. Tree down, Sterling Rd. Highway notified. Police assist with traffic. Vehicle stuck in tree, town truck needed

Sunday, May 9

12:25 p.m. Someone came to caller’s door claiming to be looking for a woman, Bullard Rd.

Rutland

Monday, May 3

8:59 a.m. Male erratically driving dirt bike, Glenwood Rd.
9:37 a.m. Deceased cat beside Turkey Hill Rd.
10:38 a.m. Warrant recalled, Main St.
12:57 p.m. Large black bear in yard, Joanna Dr.
1:55 p.m. Warrant recalled, Main St.
5:42 p.m. Caller reporting motorcycle going up and down Glenwood Rd.
8:32 p.m. Vehicle parked on Barre Paxton Rd.
8:38 p.m. Report of injured fawn lying beside Prescott St.

Tuesday, May 4

10:30 a.m. Loose chocolate Labrador in area, Brunelle Dr.
4:02 p.m. Person wants to speak with animal control officer about weasel in her yard, Fairview Ave.
6:42 p.m. Police off on Sidoti Ln.
7:56 p.m. Police attempt to remove tree from Main St. Highway dept. called

Wednesday, May 5

12:57 a.m. Police clear tree limbs from roadway, Whitehall Rd.
4:20 a.m. Assist other PD to contact person at campground, River Rd.
7:43 a.m. Neighbor came to house and rang doorbell, Sidoti Ln.
7:52 a.m. Police serve civil notice for board of health, Lizzy Ln.
10:54 a.m. Police check vehicle at school, Glenwood Rd.
4:41 p.m. Attempt to serve no-trespass order, Pleasantdale Rd.
5:54 p.m. Police investigate trespass complaint,Wachusett St.
6:21 p.m. Caller reports vehicle parked in travel lane in bad spot, Fisherman’s Rd.
6:57 p.m. Large, dead raccoon on Main St.
9:19 p.m. Two no-trespass orders served, Pleasantdale Rd.

Thursday, May 6

5:33 p.m. Complaint about dog that went after another dog, Joanna Dr.

Friday, May 7

5:35 p.m. Caller being followed by motorcycle, Nates Way

Saturday, May 8

10:09 a.m. Assist with vehicle lockout, Prison Camp Rd.
1:29 p.m. Male slumped over wheel on side of Barre Paxton Rd.
1:54 p.m. Suspicious males outside store, Barre Paxton Rd.
6:43 p.m. Report of driver and passenger fighting in vehicle, Rte. 68

Sunday, May 9

7:47 a.m. Vehicle hit mailbox now in middle of road, Maple Ave.
1:58 p.m. Caller reports his vehicle is missing, Overlook Rd. Was borrowed, will be returned

7:03 p.m. Report of three youths trying to kick down fence at town pool

Sterling

Monday, May 3

7:23 a.m. Three chocolate Labs running loose, Hilltop Dr.
9:55 a.m. Barking dog complaint, Mellon Hollow Rd.

Tuesday, May 4

12:47 p.m. Summons service for state of Florida, Woodside Dr.
2:04 p.m. Siamese cat found on I-190 in Sterling
3:35 p.m. Officer wanted, unwanted family member at home, Kitchener Rd. Police found no problem at residence

5:49 p.m. Request for police assistance with residential lockout, Redstone Hill Rd.
6:08 p.m. Residential lockout, Redstone Place

Wednesday, May 5

12:35 a.m. Holden PD requests officer check for youths walking around, Holden Rd.
8:10 a.m. Caller wants bat tested that was in his home, Redstone Hill Rd.
9:07 a.m. Report of dead rabbit, Glendale Ave.
10:16 a.m. Suspicious moving van parked at intersection, Squareshire/Chase Hill Rds. Found to be people moving
12:23 p.m. Vehicle struck and may have killed baby bear, I-190. State police advised
1:50 p.m. Stray cat hanging around home, Clinton Rd.

Thursday, May 6

6:30 p.m. Caller with questions about beetle found, concerned may be Asian longhorned beetle. Advised to freeze and contact Fisheries & Wildlife
7:08 p.m. Leominster Fire Dept. reports bonfire on Heywood Rd. Found to be small cooking fire
7:38 p.m. Report that red truck appears to be loading equipment, Worcester Rd.

Friday, May 7

2:39 a.m. Report of bobcat, Leominster Rd.
9:12 a.m. Complaint about noisy dogs, Mellon Hollow Rd.
2:13 p.m. Caller reports dog followed person and was almost hit by car, Chace Hill Rd.
8:19 p.m. Cruiser requested for suspicious activity at building, Albright Rd.
11:31 p.m. Person walking on Clinton Rd. transported by police to Princeton town line

Saturday, May 8

12:11 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, Meetinghouse Hill/Rowley Hill Rds. area

Sunday, May 9

12:01 p.m. Officer speaks to person concerned about signals, Jill Ln.

More on research

While researching my post on the CDC's findings regarding wireless households, Wireless living, I encountered a common problem with "old-school meets the web" publications. The original AP story, which would cost me $17.50 to quote (see rate sheet.), doesn't include a link to the original CDC report.

via iCopyright - Associated Press

So, I set about to find it. I searched for "centers for disease control and prevention landline" and got this:

Note that none of the articles is dated this week.
Even a search of the CDC site didn't turn up much:

Finally, guessing that the report might be titled "Wireless Subsitution", I found the report: Wireless Substitution: Early Release of Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey, July-December 2009
I don't mean to suggest that Big Media and Big Gummint are conspiring to keep data from us. They just could have made it a whole lot easier. 

Wireless living

I first noticed this Associated Press article, 1 in 4 households with cell phone, no landline, on KurzweilAI.net. Interesting enough, but I got to wondering why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (aka CDC) did research on landline use. It would seem that the FCC or some other agency associated with telecommunications might be more likely to do such.
It turns out that the CDC did the research because their statisticians were becoming concerned that their polling data was becoming skewed by the absence of cellphone-only households in their respondent pool.  As they expanded their search, the study's author, Stephen Blumberg, Ph.D., noted that this undersurveyed group tends to be poorer and have notable differences in lifestyle, health, and access to health care from their wired cohorts.

via Wireless Substitution: Early Release of Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey, July-December 2009

This study does not include any information regarding health risks directly related to cellphone use. It seems that the lifestyles of the cellphone users will get them long before the cellphones will.

No more pencils, almost

This morning I have a final exam in my Legal Research and Writing course. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be, which means that I'm either going to do fine or I'm toast.
I have my pencils, #2 and others, at the ready.

via “The Other Numbers”(which is by way of The Daily What)

I do have a bit of a concern because of some lingering effects from last week's defliction. I've asked the professor for some accommodation, perhaps allowing me to type the answers to the last half of the exam.
It might be better overall, given my record for untidiness.

Click to enbiggen

Happy 12th, Tess

Love, Iso & The Bupster

Many are cold, but few are frozen

The overnight wind keep the cold air from settling to the ground, so feared freeze didn't. There's a skim coat of frost on the deck and tops of the grass blades, but that's all. More cold is in the forecast for tonight.
This isn't really unreasonable or unseasonable. We had the very warm weather a few weeks ago and our clocks are set a few weeks ahead of schedule.

Happy Mother's Day

My mother is still teaching us

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 20 suspicious items this week.]
[Editor's note 2: Reservoir St. victim was ‘Most Wanted’]

Holden

Monday, April 26

5:53 a.m. Suspicious pickup truck, Bryant Rd.
8:01 a.m. Suspicious vehicle by bridge, Princeton St.
10:00 a.m. Portable basketball hoop left in street, Mark Bradford Dr.
10:54 a.m. Yoda statue stolen from car wash, Reservoir St.
3:49 p.m. Police assist motorist getting into locked vehicle, Main St.
4:34 p.m. Officer out with two suspicious individuals on train tracks, Salisbury St.
5:57 p.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Main St.
6:26 p.m. Caller’s husband bitten by a dog, Woodridge Rd.
8:31 p.m. Caller’s neighbor is playing/practicing with his band, creating loud noise, Valley Hill Dr.

Tuesday, April 27

8:00 a.m. Vehicle parked in business lot all night, Main St.
8:02 a.m. Graffiti on doors at radio towers; images depicting figures hanging from noose, Shrewsbury St.
8:09 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about incident with dog from previous evening,Main St.
11:47 a.m. Police assist with motor vehicle lockout, Shrewsbury St.
11:40 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Shrewsbury St.

Wednesday, April 28

5:04 a.m. Police transport person to pick up vehicle, Quinapoxet St.
10:15 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on no-trespassing area of reservoir, Reservoir St.
11:20 a.m. Person parked behind snack shack taking scrap metal and other items, Main St.
3:29 p.m. Report that person drove off without paying for gas, Main St.
6:53 p.m. Caller heard loud bang and saw stop sign on ground, Bullard/Malden Sts.

Thursday, April 29

1:03 a.m. Person observed in business after hours, Main St. Found to be cleaning company
4:06 a.m. Parking violation, Princeton St.
5:15 a.m. Parking violation, vehicle towed, Princeton St.
5:41 a.m. Police check on vehicle parked at water pump station, Millbrook St.
6:35 a.m. Police check on pedestrian, Broad St.
6:38 a.m. Police conduct public service, Main St.
7:01 a.m. Attempt to serve summons, Bullard St.
7:11 a.m. Attempt to serve summons, Chapel St.
7:24 a.m. Attempt to serve summons, Brunnell Dr.
9:36 a.m. Suspicious person on front lawn of home, Dominitis Dr.
4:12 p.m. Vehicle is parked in front of construction sign before bridge, Princeton St.
8:17 p.m. Caller reports her vehicle appears to have been shot at by some kind of airsoft rifle, windshield shattered and other body damage, Reservoir St.

Friday, April 30

7:35 a.m. Police assist light dept. with traffic while bulb is changed, Main St.
10:37 a.m. Person calling about two females in area of Union St. soliciting
4:01 p.m. Four youths on tables at senior center. Officer requested, Main St.
4:16 p.m. Person at station to discuss parking violation, Main St.
11:22 p.m. Several youths behind building attempting to overturn porta-potty, Holden St.
11:36 p.m. Suspicious unattended vehicle in parking lot, Shrewsbury St.

Saturday, May 1

1:36 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Main St.
7:32 a.m. Motorist yelling at person blowing dust in air, Main St.
8:26 a.m. Parking violation, Main St./Zottoli Rd.
11:58 a.m. Police follow-up on previous incident, Main St.
12:16 p.m. Cable in roadway blocking traffic, Main St.
12:22 p.m. Suspicious person, Dominitis Dr.
4:33 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on watershed property, Princeton St.
5:12 p.m. Public service, Chapin Rd.
6:01 p.m. Report of cocker spaniel in middle of road near Laurel Hill
6:40 p.m. Public service, Reservoir St.
7:19 p.m. Suspicious person, possibly soliciting products, Clearview Rd.
7:37 p.m. Police preserve peace, Reservoir St.
8:22 p.m. Police investigation, transport juvenile to Worcester from Brattle St.

Sunday, May 2

6:08 p.m. Caller concerned about people parking in playground area, Salisbury St.
6:39 p.m. Male walking down street with what looked like a weapon, Highland St. Toy gun
7:21 p.m. Report of loud music, Montana Dr.
7:37 p.m. Report of men fighting, Shrewsbury St.
10:23 p.m. Report of loud music, Wachusett St.

Paxton

Monday, April 26

2:48 p.m. Request for incident number, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, April 27

7:40 a.m. Person at station reporting suspicious black sedan driving through neighborhood while kids are waiting for bus, Laurel St.
9:08 a.m. Officer off at East Brookfield District Court
2:20 p.m. Caller reports his window was recently damaged by pellet gun, Pleasant St.
4:27 p.m. Caller requesting assistance shutting off an alarm on her vehicle, Grove St.

Wednesday, April 28

12:07 p.m. Caller using 911 inappropriately, Pleasant St.
3:22 p.m. Police respond to residential burglar alarm, Hill St. Person having trouble with alarm

Thursday, April 29

5:54 p.m. Dead turkey in Turkey Hill Rd.

Friday, April 30

3:04 p.m. Police advised of low wires that might come down if large truck tries to pass, Asnebumskit Rd.
3:38 p.m. Report that manhole cover is broken, Marshall St.

Saturday, May 1

12:40 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.
8:10 a.m. Debris in road, Reservoir Rd.
11:42 a.m. Caller reports squirrel in his yard is going after him, Lancelot Dr.
4:30 p.m. Person at station about person that received wrong amount of change at business, Pleasant St.

Sunday, May 2

2:29 p.m. Person at station complaining about disabled vehicle blocking her driveway, Bel Arbor Dr.
2:47 p.m. Police out with driver of disabled vehicle, Bel Arbor Dr.
11:58 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with flashers on outside home, Richards Ave.

Princeton

Tuesday, April 27

3:51 p.m. Stray dog with Princeton tag in yard, Radford Rd.

Wednesday, April 28

No call for service other than police checks on several residences and public buildings

Thursday, April 29

11:17 a.m. Several calls reporting tree down blocking Mirick Rd. Police assist with traffic while highway department removes tree
11:58 a.m. Caller reports tree down on Ball Hill Rd.
4:30 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about property dispute, Goodnow Rd.
8:49 p.m. Report of camper parked in driveway 20 feet from garage is on fire, Redemption Rock Trl.

Friday, April 30

5:57 a.m. Entire town power loss; National Grid issue
7:58 a.m. Caller’s dog attacked by neighbor’s dog, Redwood Dr.
9:58 a.m. Caller requesting police to check to see if she left her stove on, Goodnow Rd.
10:45 p.m. Gate to building left open, Mountain Road
11:53 p.m. Possible gunshots, Ball Hill Rd.

Saturday, May 1

3:15 p.m. Caller reports hearing several gunshots, Ball Hill Rd.
11:03 p.m. Caller requests that police speak to people on Hubbardston Road to quiet down

Sunday, May 2

3:05 p.m. Assist fire dept.at home where propane tank is making strange noises, Mountain Rd.
3:57 p.m. Fallen tree blocking part of Mirick Rd.

Rutland

Monday, Aril 26

5:09 p.m. Loose dog running in an out of traffic, Pommogussett Rd.

Tuesday, April 27

10:38 a.m. Caller reports dog is still missing, Jackson Ave.

Wednesday, April 28

12:54 a.m. Police check on truck parked across from Whitehall Rd.
7:24 a.m. Parent complaining about having words with an irate bus driver, Main St.
11:15 a.m. Police respond to burglar alarm, Tanglewood Cir. Loose dog in house
1:20 p.m. Large black bear crossing Pommogussett Rd.
9:08 p.m. Older black dog walking on East County Rd.

Thursday, April 29

11:05 a.m. Person at station with several business cards found referencing “white supremacist group,” Watson Ln.
2:17 p.m. Missing golden retriever
8:37 p.m. Person came home to find back door open, Birchwood Rd. Told to stay in car until officer arrives

Friday, April 30

7:14 a.m. Suspicious male on motorcycle may be ill, Campbell St.
12:49 p.m. Request for officer about man taking pictures on property, Pommogussett Rd.
1:54 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding suspicious person, Main St.

Saturday, May 1

1:59 a.m. Caller reports someone fighting outside, Maple Ave.

Sunday, May 2

12:22 a.m. Caller complaining about fireworks, Cameron Dr.
12:00 p.m. Caller reporting lost license plate from motorcycle, possibly
on Rte. 122

Sterling

Tuesday, April 27

9:13 a.m. Police assist at residential lockout, Princeton Rd.

Wednesday, April 28

9:44 a.m. Suspicious green van in neighborhood, Mellon Hollow Rd.
7:15 p.m. Bear carving is missing, Flanagan Hill Rd.

Thursday, April 29

2:15 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, Wilder Rd.
10:58 a.m. Suspicious male appears to be hiding behind a tree, Jill Ln./Greenland Rd.
12:11 p.m. Police assist homeowner locked in garage, Newell Hill Rd.

Friday, April 30

6:45 a.m. Gold mastiff ran after coyotes, Clinton Rd. Dog later returned home
6:50 a.m. Gunshots in area of Upper N. Row Rd. Turkey hunting season, possibly hunter
p.m. Report of dog running down road toward Clinton and Wiles Rds.
10:22 p.m. Suspicious white sedan, going up and down Bean and Mortimer Rds.

Saturday, May 1

12:20 a.m. Deceased orange-colored cat beside Leominster Rd.
6:00 a.m. Husky got loose, Mortimer Rd.; later found on Albright Rd.
8:30 p.m. Police check area where caller reported youths playing loud music and “peeling out,” Redemption Rock Trl.

Sunday, May 2

12:56 a.m. Report of loud party going on Mellon Hollow Rd./Evergreen Cir.
1:46 a.m. Large party in area of Mellon Hollow Rd./Evergreen Cir. People outside yelling
4:28 p.m. Suspicious car parked in area ofUpper N. Row Rd.
11:04 p.m. Report of loud party on Maple St. Nothing found

Happy 85th

My mother would have been 85 today.
Fortunately, she left behind a rich collection of wisdom, guidance for children of any age.

More on bottled water

At the rate we're going, we're in serious danger of depleting our snark resources. This morning's column by Dianne Williamson, Tapping political correctness, means that the rest of us are on rations for the rest of the week.
Yes, bottled water is convenient, vital for emergencies and national defense, and even tasty. It is also, when delivered in plastic bottles to folks who are neither in harms way or in desperate need, expensive and wasteful.
It's also worth noting that carbonated waters, such as the ones sold by Mr. Crowley's Polar Beverages, are subject to the bottle deposit law while plain water is not.

I don't need the local paid pontificators to agree with me. In fact, it's probably a lot simpler for everyone if they don/t. I just kinda wish that they'd believe believe in something.
Full disclosure: Yes, I live in Holden.

"Verify, verify, verify"

We're in a hurry and it shows. The rush to get the news to us right now routinely comes at the price of getting it right. And, if you don't get it right, you're not just doing your jobs badly., You're hurting people, real people who read and hear and see what you've done and believe you.
I asked Liane Hansen, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday for two decades and local gal made good, about her thoughts regarding the often adversarial relationship between bloggers and the professional journalists. Hansen observed that there was "a tendency to knee-jerk." She was insistent the need for accuracy even in the climate of instantaneous communications. "We don't have the tenacity to follow through," she said.
As troubling as the Twittersphere and bloggers might be in their impulses to regard first impressions as facts, the cable networks are more problematic. On cable, unedited video and audio can show up, devoid of context and often unconfirmed, and run repeatedly until it's overtaken by another of its kind.
Hansen then told of being on the other side of the desk when her husband, Neal Conan, was taken hostage in Iraq during the first Gulf war. (Conan writes of his experience in a book that's primarily about baseball, Play by Play: Baseball, Radio, and Life in the Last Chance League.) Hansen was getting incomplete and incorrect media reports about her husband's status. It was only after the Red Cross contacted her that she knew that Conan had been released and was safe.
That comes back to a central them for Hansen, that we're dealing with people. "You're not interviewing a book," she was told early on in her career. "You're interviewing a person."
And so, a shy Joyce Carol Oates could say after an interview, "You know, that wasn't like a dentist appointment."
Interviews are best done in person. When a politician or businessman might be reciting what was basically a press release, she could ask, "Where'd you get that tie?" as a way of getting the person off-balance. The purpose of getting them off-balance is not to play gotcha, but to get the other person to talk like a human being.
Hansen was speaking at a breakfast gathering at Amherst College, sponsored by WFCR. She grew up in Worcester and graduated from Marian High School. A few of the locals drew out anecdotes about her life in and around the city. In 1972, she worked on Gene McCarthy's second campaign and, year later, interviewed him for her show.
She's hosted all of the NPR shows except for Car Talk. (She called herself "The NPR Slut"). She's probably the only other one who could handle the Car Talk accent. She noted that she has the accent pretty well tamed in most situation until she hears herself speak the phrase "Former head of FEMA," only to have it come out as "Forma head of Feemer."
I had a brief chat with Fred Bever, news director at WFCR, about the challenges of providing high quality local news with very limited resources. Good reporting takes smart people with enough time and determination to do the proper research, reflection, and writing.
As I was leaving, I had a few moments to speak with Ms. Hansen. I handed her a copy of the Liane Hansen page on the NPR site. I got out my red pen and circled the place where the bio referred to Footlights Theater, instead of Foothills.

So, I have this new phone

1. When I touch it, I don't know whether I'm turning it on or off.
2. When I've used it, I've turned it off when I'm in the middle of something important. I've also turned it on when I wasn't ready to use it.
3. When it makes an inviting noise, I'm nervous about touching it because I've already turned it off a few times by mistake.
4. There are colorful things to touch, but I don't always remember what they do.
5. I changed something and now I want to change it back and can't remember where I did what.
6. It'll vibrate when I do something right. It'll also vibrate when I do something wrong.
7. Most of the time it vibrates. I think I know how to make it make a noise, but I'm not always sure what that noise will be in what circumstance.
8. There are things that I can get for it that are free and things that cost money. Most of the things that I can get are junk or are better for someone else.
9. If I was a teenager again, I'd be more impressed with how cool the phone is and wouldn't care so much if I using it right. 
10. I've never had such a nice phone. Now, if I can just get my fingers in the right places at the right times, a good time can be had by all.

40 years ago, four white kids were shot and killed

When the news of the shootings at Kent State University came across the news wires, we all found a great opportunity to draw deeply from the wellspring of outrage.We were already mad about the invasion of Cambodia (which, according to soldiers on the ground, happened long before it happened officially).

1970 Kent State shootings become enduring history lesson | MichaelMoore.com

There were marches and rallies and gatherings, both organized and dis-. And then there was confusion. In the next week, young black people were shot, six in Augusta, Georgia (with no photographs in their remembrance) and two at Jackson State. We went again to the wellspring, but had nothing much left. We knew we should be even more outraged ("Remember Jackson State!" went the cry), but we weren't, really.
And, by the end of the month, crickets. Nothing much had been changed. Nothing much had been solved. The war went on. Nixon was driven from office not by our earnestedness, but by his own animus.
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young got a single out of it, which, according to Rolling Stone (according to Wikipedia), is the 385th greatest song of all time.

Mother's Day edition of Why Holden needs three national pharmacy chains

Another in the occasional series about Holden's need for three national pharmacy chains.
---
Because we need three stores to give us opportunities to buy stuff for Mom that is sure to make her wonder what kind of kid would give a mother stuff such as this.

Yes, Mom wants to know that she needs to be stuffed into a smaller size except for the parts that need to seem larger:

via Walgreens.com - Local Weekly Ad

My mother didn't do well with house plants. As a joke, I think, my father bought her a cactus. Guess how much she liked the joke.

via CVS - Store Circular Online
And, finally, who wouldn't want to give Mom some of these special products?

via Rite Aid : Weekly Circular : Single Page View

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 20 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, April 19

12:45 a.m. Well-being check; resident thought he was wanted due to earlier dispute, Chapin Rd.
11:25 a.m. Neighbor reporting neighbor needed to move car and hasn’t; unattended death
1:29 p.m. No one able to get into store, computer issue, Shrewsbury St.
2:49 p.m. Caller reporting log in roadway, Wachusett St.; Princeton PD reports no log in road
5:22 p.m. Store owner reports regular customer trying to leave with liquor without paying
9:07 p.m. 911 hang-up; meant to dial 411
11:36 p.m. Caller arrived home to find 15-20 minors drinking in her house; ran away
11:51 p.m. Large truck lingering on Blueberry Ln.

Tuesday, April 20

12:42 a.m. Suspicious persons from earlier disturbance, Hilltop Ave.
2:37 a.m. Fireworks observed in Pinecroft/Parker Ave. area
9:47 a.m. Elderly driver traveling in breakdown lane, Main St.
12:15 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Wachusett St., worried about daughter home alone
2:26 p.m. 911 caller concerned about older gentleman on side of Union St.; advised to move along
3:33 p.m. Older male lying in dirt with pack and bicycle; same as earlier call; advised to move along
4:44 p.m. Caller reports individual lying down on Wachusett St. again
5:10 p.m. Caller says landscape vehicle poses hazard, Brattle St.; no hazard and will be moving along
9:32 p.m. Caller reports someone rang doorbell, mumbled and took off, Lovell Rd.
10:26 p.m. Someone rang doorbell and took off, Lovell Rd.

Wednesday, April 21

12:49 a.m. Open door at high school; can’t be secured
8:35 a.m. Miscellaneous ammunition turned in
8:58 a.m. Party locked out of motor vehicle, Main St.
9:24 a.m. Lockout of motor vehicle at post office
9:59 a.m. Motor vehicle disrupting flow of traffic, Reservoir St.; advised to move along
10:23 a.m. Church advises kids have been moving trash cans, and other mischief
1:06 p.m. Suspicious person, Salisbury St.
5:54 p.m. Large fight with about 20 youths in front of Senior Center; juvenile arrested
9:31 p.m. Road rage, Shrewsbury St.

Thursday, April 22

9:15 a.m. Walk-in reports son is in presence of individual in violation of restraining order; advised to present order
12:04 p.m. Snake in yard, Mountview Dr.
7:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot, Main St.
9:33 p.m. Generator being left on at all hours by well company; advised to contact company

Friday, April 23

9:03 a.m. Resident reported in trouble, Wachusett St.
3:10 p.m. Suspicious people soliciting, Shrewsbury St.
3:30 p.m. Debris in roadway, Main St.
7:54 p.m. Checking area for solicitors, Putnam Ln.
8:11 p.m. Lights in front of fire station keep turning red
9:20 p.m. Individual drove away without paying for gas
9:26 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in front of house, River St.
10:24 p.m. Several vehicles blocking driveway, Main St.

Saturday, April 24

7:08 a.m. Caller has no water, Mayflower Cir.
12:07 p.m. Injured raccoon behind post office
2:09 p.m. Injured raccoon, Heather Cir.
3:37 p.m. Gang-related saying spray-painted on garage door, Mt. Pleasant
Ave.
3:39 p.m. Ten kids wearing red, Industrial Dr. area
11:30 p.m. Vehicle playing loud music and group of individuals making noise, Boyden Rd.; spoken to
11:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicles in lot, Main St.

Sunday, April 25

2:16 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicles behind light dept.
2:22 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at church, Shrewsbury St.
7:51 a.m. Power outage planned, Industrial Dr.
10:11 a.m. Trees cut down in Boynton Park, possibly on Holden side; Paxton PD advises it was from ice storm, no crime committed
3:50 p.m. Suspicious male getting into sports car, Main St.
3:54 p.m. Suspicious vehicle and individuals on General Hobbs Rd.; OK, just came to ride scooters
5:18 p.m. Caller reports very little water pressure

Paxton

Monday, April 19

1:44 p.m. Report of several youths lying in roadway, Suomi St.

Tuesday, April 20

12:18 p.m. Suspicious male walking down Rte. 31 asking people for rides. Police transport to Worcester line
1:14 p.m. Report of contractor working in area with wire hanging across roadway, possible traffic hazard, Pleasant St.
6:30 p.m. Report of missing child, doors open, Howard St. Later found hiding in house

Wednesday, April 21

4:18 p.m. Caller reports female is cutting down trees, Mower St.
5:28 p.m. Person at station to talk with officer about ongoing neighbor dispute, Woodland Dr.

Thursday, April 22

2:43 p.m. Bobcat walking on Pleasant St. in area of Asnebumskit Rd.
3:45 p.m. Request for wellbeing check on elderly female walking on Grove St.

Friday, April 23

12:57 a.m. Prisoner released, Pleasant St.
8:34 a.m. Loose husky in area, Bel Arbor Dr.
8:36 a.m. Person wants incident number for issue on Arrowhead Rd.
11:05 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in front of business, Pleasant St.
1:15 p.m. Person at station with male cocker spaniel found at Moore State Park
5:26 p.m. Group of youths playing wiffle ball in parking lot behind building, Pleasant St. Cars can’t park for ball game

Saturday, April 24

6:49 a.m. Assist person by changing battery in CO alarm, Pleasant St.
9:25 a.m. Beige pug found in yard, Davis Hill Rd.
11:57 a.m. Customer had more mulch than they paid for at farm stand, Pleasant St.
12:54 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about dog that was found
4:53 p.m. Male soliciting door-to-door for magazine sales, Camp St. Person picked up and advised of proper procedure to solicit in town
8:14 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.

Sunday, April 25

10:12 a.m. 911 hang-up/child playing with phone, Nanigian Rd.

Princeton

Monday, April 19

6:52 p.m. Brown dog in roadway causing traffic problems, Hubbardston Rd.

Tuesday, April 20

3:05 p.m. Two dogs in middle of road, Brooks Station Rd.
4:35 p.m. Police set up radar, Ball Hill Rd.

Wednesday, April 21

7:34 a.m. Police set up radar, Ball Hill Rd.
9:10 a.m. Black poodle with face full of quills headed west on Hubbardston Road with a golden Labrador. Animal Control Officer found poodle

Thursday, April 22

12:55 p.m. Person in road trying to flag down cars, Main St.

Friday, April 23

1:13 p.m. Skunk in back yard of home, Mountain Rd.
1:31 p.m. Suspicious male in vehicle, Esty Rd.
2:34 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding suspicious incident the previous night, Worcester Rd.
11:23 p.m. Police check on individuals in vehicle parked beside Fitchburg Rd./Rte. 140 N; text messaging

Saturday, April 24

3:02 p.m. Person saw possible Coke bottle with tin foil in mailbox, Houghton Rd

Sunday, April 25

5:03 p.m. Black dog following person, Mirick Rd. Later picked up and brought home

Rutland

Monday, April 19

10:48 a.m. Caller reports young female trying to get ride to Worcester, Rte. 122
2:07 p.m. Two stray dogs in yard, Wildbrook Dr.

Tuesday, April 20

6:52 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home, Davis St.
7:28 p.m. Caller found large black and white declawed cat, E. County Rd.

Wednesday, April 21

6:19 a.m. Boston terrier missing, later found, River Rd.
5:30 p.m. Caller reports missing poodle and coon hound, one found in Princeton

Thursday, April 22

10:25 a.m. Sick raccoon, Pequot Trl.
11:53 a.m. Caller reports raccoon in her cellar had altercation with her dog, Welch Ave.
2:15 p.m. Dog escaped with leash attached, Wheeler Rd.; later found

Friday, April 23

10:5 a.m. Caller’s two Labradors took off,Pleasantdale Rd.
11:25 a.m. Assist Paxton PD contacting owner of vehicle from Rutland whose car has been parked in Paxton for past 24 hours
6:04 p.m. Police respond to Sassawanna Rd. to keep peace. Not needed
9:01 p.m. Person on ladder trying to get into building, locked himself out of apartment, Maple Ave.

Saturday, April 24

9:28 a.m. Stray dog at home, Intervale Rd.
10:34 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, male driver dumping contents of beer can, Tanglewood Rd.
1:00 p.m. Caller picked up dog that looked lost, Wheeler Rd./Haven Hill area
1:11 p.m. Several people report small dog left in car with windows up, church parking lot
1:38 p.m. Report of dog in yard, Kenwood Dr.
4:11 p.m. Assist motorist whose horse trailer has come unhitched, advise Holden PD in area of Main St.
6:06 p.m. Caller concerned about well being of elderly female walking on Main St. toward Holden
7:05 p.m. Complaint of four-wheeler riding up and down Thornapple Cir.

Sunday, April 25

1:58 a.m. Police pick up debris in road, Barre Paxton Rd.
8:59 a.m. Caller reports horse in his back yard, Jonathan Cir.
5:50 p.m. Person at station to file complaint about person driving on his street, E. Hill Rd.
10:55 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, River Rd.

Sterling

Monday, April 19

12:48 p.m. Caller reports orange and white cat in neighborhood, Park St.
1:18 p.m. Assist Environmental Police with unregistered ATV seized on Pratts Jct. Rd.
3:25 p.m. Officer wanted, release dirt bike, Leominster Rd.

Tuesday, April 20

7:54 a.m. Large deer hit in roadway, badly injured, I-190. Mass State Police advised
9:05 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about air-soft guns, Leominster Rd.
9:12 a.m. Questions regarding legality of ownership of descented skunk, advised to call Mass. Wildlife
1:08 p.m. Police respond to burglar alarm, Fitch Farm Rd. Set off by dog

Wednesday, April 21

8:34 a.m. Caller reporting neighbor’s dogs on her property, urinating in garage, Fitch Farm Rd.
1:52 p.m. Report of missing poodle and coon hound, Sterling Rd. Similar dogs reported in Princeton

Thursday, April 22

7:07 p.m. Person at station reporting three youths walking down I-190 median. Another caller reports youths throwing rocks at car windshields.

Friday, April 23

12:35 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Chocksett Rd.
9:54 a.m. Wild duck stuck in pool, injured wing; animal control officer fostered duck for two days, then released it
10:01 a.m. Report of thin adult Labrador mix dog, Forsythia Dr.
2:24 p.m. Motorists reports teens in the small children’s play area, climbing on equipment, Griffin Rd.
9:30 p.m. Caller requesting officer for possible gun shots or fireworks, Mellon Hollow Rd.

Saturday, April 24

10:58 a.m. Calls about poodle and brown dog, Rte. 140

Sunday, April 25

12:06 a.m. Two youths hanging around driveway, Princeton Rd.
2:37 p.m. Unattended motorcycle, Maple St.
3:15 p.m. Caller reports couple walking up I-190. Mass State Police advised
9:43 p.m. Suspicious male walking around looking at houses, Chamberlain Rd.

Dept. of opposable thumbs

It's happened a couple of times. The first time, I was in my hotel room in California on a business trip. My hands, without provocation, cramped up in acute pain. After an hour or so, I decided I'd best get to the hospital. It took a long time to button my shirt. I waited eight hours in the ER before seeing a doctor who gave me a shot of Dilaudid. With the help of good friends who happened to be co-workers, I was able to make it back home within a day.
By the time I got to see a local doctor, the symptoms were subsiding. The rheumatologist concluded that it was likely a virus that triggered the severe symptoms. There were no last effects.
Except that it happened again this weekend. This time, we'd been working at the camp, doing the usual spring cleanup on that hot afternoon. I felt achy all over but attributed it to the bending and stretching necessarily to move stuff from here to there. My hands were sore, I thought, because I'd been stacking wood.
Within a couple of hours, though, it was much worse, such that I couldn't turn the key to shut off the car. The ibuprofen wasn't touching it. For a few hours, I was running a fever, but that settled back to my normal 97 by the time that The Best of The Kumars at No. 42 was over.
By morning, I was better. Most of the pain had settled its fury in my thumb joints. I still couldn't hold a pen, but I learned how to lift things without using my thumbs. I was able to get the lawn mower started. It was Sandra, however, who mowed the lawn. (You can add your own jokes here, but I'd much preferred to be out there pushing the mower.)
We wandered through the day capped by a nice visit from Lynn, Tess, and Cassie.
And now, while waiting for the storms to clear away this early season heat, I can also anticipate a return to normality. With some difficulty, I can write my name. I am hoping that I'll be able to operate the can opener when it comes time for Marley's breakfast. And, if not today, then tomorrow for sure.

Depressive chicken, meet chocolate egg

According to this BBC report, chocolate lovers 'are more depressive', say experts. The BBC story is a digest of an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Mood Food: Chocolate and Depressive Symptoms in a Cross-sectional Analysis. (You have to be a subscriber to read the full report.)
The abstract of the article tells us:

Conclusion  Higher CES-D depression scores were associated with greater chocolate consumption. Whether there is a causal connection, and if so in which direction, is a matter for future prospective study.

It's fun, kinda, to see how the headlines from various media outlets try to parse this correlation, but not necessarily causation result. IMO, the best summary comes from Medscape (free registration required): Mood Food? Depressed People Eat More Chocolate.

• An article in the Daily Mail (UK) promises to explain How the blues make you crave chocolate, when the study clearly doesn't. 
• The headline in Chocolate may cause depression | Psych Central News leads us to a conclusion that isn't quite there.
  And there's this:
  
  
  
• Chocolate a Sweet Pick-Me-Up for the Depressed - BusinessWeek isn't. The study  says that it's drawing no conclusion about whether chocolate relieves the symptoms of depression in any significant way.
  As reported in the Medscape article, "The study," one of the researchers emphasized, "does not address the issue of whether chocolate is beneficial or harmful in terms of mood, as this is an observational and cross-sectional study."
• Depressed? You must like chocolate | Reuters - No, it doesn't say that. The study doesn't conclude that all depressed people eat more chocolate.
  The people in the study, folks who'd not been diagnosed with depression but who scores on a depression screening test indicated that they met the criteria for depression, ate more chocolate. Th study was not a review of chocolate-eating among people with depression.
• Study: Chocolate Can Relieve Depression - cbs4denver.com - This is seriously wrong.  The study makes no such claim and, in fact, suggests the opposite, that chocolate may trigger symptoms of depression.
• And, we mustn't overlook the PG-13 pictures of women eating chocolate in Is chocolate linked to depression? | The Money Times
  The researchers deliberately included more men than women in the study because previous inquiries typically focused on women and their alleged love of chocolate.

There's a lot of bad journalism out there, people who have access to scientific and medical research who then write articles that are cute, clever, and dangerously wrong. 

That wasn't so hard, was it?

The retirement of the venerable 3.5" disk, aka the floppy, reminds me of a story told by a friend. In the late 80s, this friend had a nifty new PC of whatever brand. A young relation, a boy of nine, was visiting, so my friend was showing off the new computer. The kid looked around for a stack of floppies that would signify the presence of games.
My friend said that he had some games, but that he kept them on the hard disk.
The young 'un asked, "Why don't you use the easy disk?"

That wasn't so hard, was it?

The retirement of the venerable 3.5" disk, aka the floppy, reminds me of a story told by a friend. In the late 80s, this friend had a nifty new PC of whatever brand. A young relation, a boy of nine, was visiting, so my friend was showing off the new computer. The kid looked around for a stack of floppies that would signify the presence of games.
My friend said that he had some games, but that he kept them on the hard disk.
The young 'un asked, "Why don't you use the easy disk?"

Public accountability of the private kind

In case you haven't already figured it out, on any given day, we get a lot less done than we've planned, which is a lot less than we want to do, which is either a whole lot more or a whole lot less than what we should do.
This can be problematic for someone such as yours truly who writes in a public venue. I have uncompleted tasks that I do for pay, for no pay, for service, and for the honor of being among wonderful family and friends. Some might wonder, with all of these things still undone, why I spend time writing about not getting stuff done instead of, um, getting stuff done.
You know, I don't know. There are some explanations, but no real excuses.

• The thing that I have to do is more complex and takes more time to get started than I have right now.
• The thing is harder to do than I thought.
• My notes for what I have to do are upstairs/downstairs/in that stack of papers that has another set of mouse traps in it.
• I'm easily distracted.
• I'm not always good at doing the important stuff first. 

It's a fact of life that there's always something more important to do than what you're doing. Think about that too long and you won't even get the time-wasters done.

Public accountability of the private kind

In case you haven't already figured it out, on any given day, we get a lot less done than we've planned, which is a lot less than we want to do, which is either a whole lot more or a whole lot less than what we should do.
This can be problematic for someone such as yours truly who writes in a public venue. I have uncompleted tasks that I do for pay, for no pay, for service, and for the honor of being among wonderful family and friends. Some might wonder, with all of these things still undone, why I spend time writing about not getting stuff done instead of, um, getting stuff done.
You know, I don't know. There are some explanations, but no real excuses.

• The thing that I have to do is more complex and takes more time to get started than I have right now.
• The thing is harder to do than I thought.
• My notes for what I have to do are upstairs/downstairs/in that stack of papers that has another set of mouse traps in it.
• I'm easily distracted.
• I'm not always good at doing the important stuff first. 

It's a fact of life that there's always something more important to do than what you're doing. Think about that too long and you won't even get the time-wasters done.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 19 suspicious items this week.]


Police Notebook

Monday, April 12

6:56 a.m. Caller reports homeless person sleeping at pumping station
8:12 a.m. Caller berating dispatch for officers not being in; upset about being written tickets
1:53 p.m. Meat company solicitors going door-todoor “harassing customers to buy beef,” Rte. 31
3:15 p.m. UPS reports suspicious vehicle, Industrial Dr.
6:25 p.m. Meat sellers on Gail Dr.
6:30 p.m. Caller reports tractor trailer trying to pass vehicle, Bullard St.
7:00 p.m. Fox in back yard refuses to leave, Chapel St.
7:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Princeton St.
9:44 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Salisbury St.; OK, out of gas

Tuesday, April 13

2:09 a.m. Suspicious person dressed all in black, Reservoir St.
2:53 a.m. Report of alarm in area coming from car, Wachusett St.; homeowner advised
7:12 a.m. Handicapped van driver reports vehicle passed him when red lights were flashing and admonished him for holding up traffic
7:40 a.m. Animal complaint, Bailey Rd.
8:22 a.m. Dogs loose, Reservoir St. 8:57 a.m. DPW notified of vandalism to sign, Thorny Lea
10:41 a.m. Mountview School reports finding note that said fight would be held at 4 p.m. at light dept. building
12:35 p.m. Noise complaint about home where someone beeps daily, Fairchild Dr.
12:39 p.m. Caller with info about skull; advised to call state police
1:07 p.m. Report of phone line flipped up over electrical line
2:43 p.m. Investigating possible fight at light dept. building; checked several times
5:14 p.m. Citizen stopped someone illegally dumping leaves, Salisbury St.
5:30 p.m. Ongoing neighbor dispute
7:50 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Anderson Ave.
10:39 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Mason Rd.
10:52 p.m. 911 Caller reports people throwing things at house; window screen torn and dirt on sill

Wednesday, April 14

12:36 a.m. Suspicious parked vehicle, Mason Rd.
12:48 a.m. Beaver hit, Shrewsbury St.
8:23 a.m. Caller regarding found skull; referred to state police
9:00 a.m. Wachusett/Union Sts. shut down for tree removal
1:29 p.m. Raccoon on Sherwood Hill Dr. entered woods
3:20 p.m. Emergency line caller offered HPD free cruise on Royal Caribbean
3:33 p.m. Dog running around barking, Parker Ave.
3:42 p.m. Party in lobby asking for directions to WalMart
3:51 p.m. Caller asking for advice on how to avoid prank/scam phone calls, received two asking to send check to retrieve Publishers Clearinghouse winnings
4:53 p.m. Report of propane tank dumped in yard
5:35 p.m. Report of middle school-aged female operating unregistered moped on roadway
5:55 p.m. Caller concerned about friend whose phone went dead during conversation
8:52 p.m. Designer purses dumped on Ararat St. in Worcester; Worcester PD advised
9:02 p.m. Emergency call regarding whether HPD would like to lower credit by getting 2 percent interest rate on balance transfers
9:57 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near mill pond, Village Way

Thursday, April 15

7:08 a.m. Pothole reported, Bullard St.; propane tank and TV on side of road, Wachusett St.
9:57 a.m. Walk-in advising just dropped off documents pertaining to federal lawsuit regarding the abuse of power by HPD for the purpose of terrorism, also for issuing false tickets
1:16 p.m. Report of trespassing youths leaving trash behind residence on Main St.
1:38 p.m. Walk-in to speak with office regarding incident at high school
1:56 p.m. Trash thrown out motor vehicle window, Sunnyside Motors
3:27 p.m. Youths removed from parking area and told to take trash with
them
4:33 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with several youths in business parking lot, Main St.
6:01 p.m. 911 hang up calls from Paugus Rd. residence; kids trying to make calls; adult contacted
6:09 p.m. Suspiciuos female walking up and down the street; says she’s trying to catch people who have been dumping trash on her property
7:11 p.m. Caller caught neighbor dumping debris on her property, Holden St., dispute ensued
7:50 p.m. 911 caller reports problem on Tuesday with teens on Jackson St. starting again
11:10 p.m. Caller needs to access items in locked vehicle

Friday, April 16

10:55 a.m. Box of debris in road in front of business, Main St.; returned to owner
1:20 p.m. Report of hitchhiker
3:28 p.m. Vehicle pulled out of public safety building lot in unsafe manner
4:19 p.m. Caller from Boston Herald regarding skull
4:25 p.m. Norwood Record reporter calling regarding skull
7:19 p.m. 911 hang up; baby playing with phone
8:23 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Chaffins Recreation Area
9:33 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
11:21 p.m. Report of someone ringing doorbell and leaving teddy bear; took
light bulb

Saturday, April 17

5:27 a.m. Check on vehicle with interior lights on
8:12 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, vehicle running, on Broad St.
10:25 a.m. Caller asking for date of speeding ticket to pay online
12:45 p.m. Young girls on high wall on Main St. advised to move along
1:21 p.m. Police transporting female to River St. residence; bat is attacking her and her children

Sunday, April 18

12:03 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Reservoir St.
1:37 a.m. Juveniles transported
2:21 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Dawson Recreation area
2:48 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unoccupied at business, Main St.
9:02 a.m. Utility pole leaning on Rte. 31
10:42 a.m. Party asking for pay phone locations
10:46 a.m. Individual parked facing wrong direction, Main St.
12:15 p.m. Several teenagers over last few days knocking and leaving, Jackson St.
2:03 p.m. Cars parked on both sides of Holden St.
3:17 p.m. Caller asking about call received early this morning from police number; said she must have been asleep
3:39 p.m. Caller reporting egregious driver, Mason Rd.
5:14 p.m. Caller’s dog died, not sure what to do
5:15 p.m. Doll carriage with doll in it, Harris St.
6:09 p.m. Dog found, Wachusett St.
6:51 p.m. Ongoing issue with neighbor looking in windows and harassing family, Steele St.
8:58 p.m. John Alden Rd. resident said doorbell rang, no one there; concerned that it happened to friend, then rock thrown through window; advised no breaks
of that kind going on
9:03 p.m. Request for well-being check on girlfriend, Nola Dr.; OK, she is fine

Paxton

Monday, April 12

1:31 p.m. Beaver in yard, female wants it removed, Pleasant St.
4:27 p.m. Caller concerned about wellbeing of female in vehicle, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, April 13

12:14 p.m. Caller’s water meter is leaking, Grove St.

Wednesday, April 14

9:46 a.m. Police respond to call at library, possibly malfunctioning elevator, Richards Ave.
1:30 p.m. Two loose dogs in area, Wilde Wood Dr.
2:03 p.m. Male at business begging for money, Pleasant St.
3:02 p.m. Caller concerned about dog on Wilde Wood Dr. and children coming home soon
4:54 p.m. Loose pitbull on soccer fields, Grove St.

Thursday, April 15

10:53 a.m. Several youths in area of Mower St. giving person a hard time
11:55 a.m. Assist Spencer PD checking area of West St. for pickup truck involved in scrap metal theft in their town
11:17 p.m. Request for assistance with disorderly male, Grove St.

Sunday, April 18

12:38 a.m. Two loose horses walking along Richards Rd.
12:08 p.m. Dead beaver in roadway, West St.
3:05 p.m. Caller reports raccoon on lawn, Grove St.
7:42 p.m. Black husky escaped form fenced-in yard, Camp St.

Princeton

Monday April 12

2:00 p.m. Pregnant, stray cat at house, Calamint Hill Rd. S

Tuesday, April 13

8:57 a.m. Caller reports possible verbal dispute on side of Worcester Rd.

Wednesday, April 14

8:27 a.m. Request for traffic control, Ball Hill Rd.

Thursday, April 15

3:17 a.m. Trash in road, Hickory Dr./Oak Cir.
5:30 a.m. Police conduct radar patrol due to complaints about speeding vehicles, Ball Hill Rd.
9:24 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout. Police gain entry into vehicle, Mountain Rd.
11:39 a.m. Puppy wandering in yard, Worcester Rd. Owner picked up
7:53 p.m. Caller found black, male shepherd mix dog, Hubbardston/Ralph Rds.
8:28 p.m. Loose horse in area, Brooks Station Rd.

Friday, April 16

9:04 a.m. Caller reports driver forced off the road Holden by female driver who was texting. Vehicle headed into Princeton on Rte. 31
1:22 p.m. School official requesting to speak with officer regarding suspicious incident, Sterling Rd.

Saturday, April 17

10:20 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about log skidder parked on her property for a month

Sunday, April 18

10:22 a.m. Police conduct traffic control due to complaints about speeders, Ball Hill Rd.

Rutland

Monday, April 12

8:15 a.m. Bags of crushed cans stored beside building stolen, Barre Paxton Rd.

Tuesday, April 13

12:11 a.m. Assist motorist with possible disabled vehicle, Main St.
9:49 a.m. Male driver sitting in library lot more than an hour, Main St.; OK, waiting for library to open
6:23 p.m. Incident report on previous case requested, Main St.
8:29 p.m. Street light smoking, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, April 13

12:27 a.m. Loud noise from upstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
7:53 a.m. Person at station to report lock on ball field shed door was broken, Pommogussett Rd.
4:16 p.m. Police off with two males, Memorial Dr.
4:26 p.m. Police services rendered, Sunnyside Ave.
6:05 p.m. Black wire swinging from utility pole near school driveway, Main St.

Thursday, April 15

2:33 a.m. Caller hears footsteps on roof, Maple Ave.
8:00 a.m. Person at station asking for incident report, Main St.
9:02 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about neighborhood issue, Main St.
12:11 p.m. Paxton PD advises to be on lookout for male who stole scrap metal headed in pickup truck toward Paxton
4:31 p.m. Large branch dangling from tree over wires, Barre Paxton Rd.
5:43 p.m. Request for incident number, Barre Paxton Rd.
5:56 p.m. Call about possible rabid skunk, Maple Ave.
6:12 p.m. Police services, Johnson Way
6:25 p.m. Large, confused skunk in yard, Maple Ave.

Friday, April 16

8:05 a.m. Report of two loose dogs in yard, Main St.
8:56 a.m. Caller thinks rabid skunk was in her yard, Maple Ave.
11:45 a.m. Rabid skunk, Prescott St.

Saturday, April 17

11:10 a.m. Report of Jack Russell terrier running down middle of Pleasantdale Rd.
4:34 p.m. Police deliver paperwork, Miles Rd.
5:11 p.m. Suspicious small pickup at end of driveway, Barre Paxton
8:16 p.m. Vehicle parked in front of home, Glenwood Rd.
8:46 p.m. Person walking on road being followed by someone using high beams, Campbell St.

Sunday, April 18

2:20 a.m. Report of someone ringing doorbell, Carlsons Way
7:57 a.m. Hole in roadway, Turkey Hill Rd.
3:03 p.m. Two golden retrievers caught on Pommogussett Rd.

Sterling

Tuesday, April 13

9:19 a.m. Yellow Labrador dog dropped off at vet clinic, Clinton Rd. No collar, no tags. Owner found
3:03 p.m. Missing yellow Labrador, James Rd.
3:29 p.m. Caller requesting animal control officer for bat in chimney, Princeton Rd. Advised to call private pest removal company
6:49 p.m. Loose horses, Rowley Hill Rd.

Wednesday, April 14

12:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked for long time, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
2:50 p.m. Officer flagged down regarding female resting beside road, Maple St./Charles Patten Dr.

Thursday, April 15

7:36 a.m. Disabled vehicle with elderly male, car out of gas, parked near field, Beaman Rd.
10:29 a.m. Possible rabid fisher entering yard, Princeton Rd.
6:38 p.m. Caller reports suspicious male in yard of home, Upper N. Row Rd.

Friday, April 16

9:13 a.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Beaman Rd.
10:06 a.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Mellow Hollow Rd.

Saturday, April 17

9:32 p.m. Caller reports two males on bikes in and out of traffic, Chocksett Rd.
10:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle pulling in and out of driveways, Sky Farm Ln. People searching for lost dalmatian
11:21 p.m. Second call regarding suspicious vehicle, people looking for dog, Sky Farm Ln.

Sunday, April 18

11:40 a.m. Assist Environmental Police with ATV stop, Pratts Jct. Rd.
12:58 p.m. Assist Environmental Police with stolen ATV, Legate Hill Rd.
1:51 p.m. Police off with ATVs in pit on Pratts Jct. Rd.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 19 suspicious items this week.]


Police Notebook

Monday, April 12

6:56 a.m. Caller reports homeless person sleeping at pumping station
8:12 a.m. Caller berating dispatch for officers not being in; upset about being written tickets
1:53 p.m. Meat company solicitors going door-todoor “harassing customers to buy beef,” Rte. 31
3:15 p.m. UPS reports suspicious vehicle, Industrial Dr.
6:25 p.m. Meat sellers on Gail Dr.
6:30 p.m. Caller reports tractor trailer trying to pass vehicle, Bullard St.
7:00 p.m. Fox in back yard refuses to leave, Chapel St.
7:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Princeton St.
9:44 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Salisbury St.; OK, out of gas

Tuesday, April 13

2:09 a.m. Suspicious person dressed all in black, Reservoir St.
2:53 a.m. Report of alarm in area coming from car, Wachusett St.; homeowner advised
7:12 a.m. Handicapped van driver reports vehicle passed him when red lights were flashing and admonished him for holding up traffic
7:40 a.m. Animal complaint, Bailey Rd.
8:22 a.m. Dogs loose, Reservoir St. 8:57 a.m. DPW notified of vandalism to sign, Thorny Lea
10:41 a.m. Mountview School reports finding note that said fight would be held at 4 p.m. at light dept. building
12:35 p.m. Noise complaint about home where someone beeps daily, Fairchild Dr.
12:39 p.m. Caller with info about skull; advised to call state police
1:07 p.m. Report of phone line flipped up over electrical line
2:43 p.m. Investigating possible fight at light dept. building; checked several times
5:14 p.m. Citizen stopped someone illegally dumping leaves, Salisbury St.
5:30 p.m. Ongoing neighbor dispute
7:50 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Anderson Ave.
10:39 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Mason Rd.
10:52 p.m. 911 Caller reports people throwing things at house; window screen torn and dirt on sill

Wednesday, April 14

12:36 a.m. Suspicious parked vehicle, Mason Rd.
12:48 a.m. Beaver hit, Shrewsbury St.
8:23 a.m. Caller regarding found skull; referred to state police
9:00 a.m. Wachusett/Union Sts. shut down for tree removal
1:29 p.m. Raccoon on Sherwood Hill Dr. entered woods
3:20 p.m. Emergency line caller offered HPD free cruise on Royal Caribbean
3:33 p.m. Dog running around barking, Parker Ave.
3:42 p.m. Party in lobby asking for directions to WalMart
3:51 p.m. Caller asking for advice on how to avoid prank/scam phone calls, received two asking to send check to retrieve Publishers Clearinghouse winnings
4:53 p.m. Report of propane tank dumped in yard
5:35 p.m. Report of middle school-aged female operating unregistered moped on roadway
5:55 p.m. Caller concerned about friend whose phone went dead during conversation
8:52 p.m. Designer purses dumped on Ararat St. in Worcester; Worcester PD advised
9:02 p.m. Emergency call regarding whether HPD would like to lower credit by getting 2 percent interest rate on balance transfers
9:57 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near mill pond, Village Way

Thursday, April 15

7:08 a.m. Pothole reported, Bullard St.; propane tank and TV on side of road, Wachusett St.
9:57 a.m. Walk-in advising just dropped off documents pertaining to federal lawsuit regarding the abuse of power by HPD for the purpose of terrorism, also for issuing false tickets
1:16 p.m. Report of trespassing youths leaving trash behind residence on Main St.
1:38 p.m. Walk-in to speak with office regarding incident at high school
1:56 p.m. Trash thrown out motor vehicle window, Sunnyside Motors
3:27 p.m. Youths removed from parking area and told to take trash with
them
4:33 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with several youths in business parking lot, Main St.
6:01 p.m. 911 hang up calls from Paugus Rd. residence; kids trying to make calls; adult contacted
6:09 p.m. Suspiciuos female walking up and down the street; says she’s trying to catch people who have been dumping trash on her property
7:11 p.m. Caller caught neighbor dumping debris on her property, Holden St., dispute ensued
7:50 p.m. 911 caller reports problem on Tuesday with teens on Jackson St. starting again
11:10 p.m. Caller needs to access items in locked vehicle

Friday, April 16

10:55 a.m. Box of debris in road in front of business, Main St.; returned to owner
1:20 p.m. Report of hitchhiker
3:28 p.m. Vehicle pulled out of public safety building lot in unsafe manner
4:19 p.m. Caller from Boston Herald regarding skull
4:25 p.m. Norwood Record reporter calling regarding skull
7:19 p.m. 911 hang up; baby playing with phone
8:23 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Chaffins Recreation Area
9:33 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
11:21 p.m. Report of someone ringing doorbell and leaving teddy bear; took
light bulb

Saturday, April 17

5:27 a.m. Check on vehicle with interior lights on
8:12 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, vehicle running, on Broad St.
10:25 a.m. Caller asking for date of speeding ticket to pay online
12:45 p.m. Young girls on high wall on Main St. advised to move along
1:21 p.m. Police transporting female to River St. residence; bat is attacking her and her children

Sunday, April 18

12:03 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Reservoir St.
1:37 a.m. Juveniles transported
2:21 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Dawson Recreation area
2:48 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unoccupied at business, Main St.
9:02 a.m. Utility pole leaning on Rte. 31
10:42 a.m. Party asking for pay phone locations
10:46 a.m. Individual parked facing wrong direction, Main St.
12:15 p.m. Several teenagers over last few days knocking and leaving, Jackson St.
2:03 p.m. Cars parked on both sides of Holden St.
3:17 p.m. Caller asking about call received early this morning from police number; said she must have been asleep
3:39 p.m. Caller reporting egregious driver, Mason Rd.
5:14 p.m. Caller’s dog died, not sure what to do
5:15 p.m. Doll carriage with doll in it, Harris St.
6:09 p.m. Dog found, Wachusett St.
6:51 p.m. Ongoing issue with neighbor looking in windows and harassing family, Steele St.
8:58 p.m. John Alden Rd. resident said doorbell rang, no one there; concerned that it happened to friend, then rock thrown through window; advised no breaks
of that kind going on
9:03 p.m. Request for well-being check on girlfriend, Nola Dr.; OK, she is fine

Paxton

Monday, April 12

1:31 p.m. Beaver in yard, female wants it removed, Pleasant St.
4:27 p.m. Caller concerned about wellbeing of female in vehicle, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, April 13

12:14 p.m. Caller’s water meter is leaking, Grove St.

Wednesday, April 14

9:46 a.m. Police respond to call at library, possibly malfunctioning elevator, Richards Ave.
1:30 p.m. Two loose dogs in area, Wilde Wood Dr.
2:03 p.m. Male at business begging for money, Pleasant St.
3:02 p.m. Caller concerned about dog on Wilde Wood Dr. and children coming home soon
4:54 p.m. Loose pitbull on soccer fields, Grove St.

Thursday, April 15

10:53 a.m. Several youths in area of Mower St. giving person a hard time
11:55 a.m. Assist Spencer PD checking area of West St. for pickup truck involved in scrap metal theft in their town
11:17 p.m. Request for assistance with disorderly male, Grove St.

Sunday, April 18

12:38 a.m. Two loose horses walking along Richards Rd.
12:08 p.m. Dead beaver in roadway, West St.
3:05 p.m. Caller reports raccoon on lawn, Grove St.
7:42 p.m. Black husky escaped form fenced-in yard, Camp St.

Princeton

Monday April 12

2:00 p.m. Pregnant, stray cat at house, Calamint Hill Rd. S

Tuesday, April 13

8:57 a.m. Caller reports possible verbal dispute on side of Worcester Rd.

Wednesday, April 14

8:27 a.m. Request for traffic control, Ball Hill Rd.

Thursday, April 15

3:17 a.m. Trash in road, Hickory Dr./Oak Cir.
5:30 a.m. Police conduct radar patrol due to complaints about speeding vehicles, Ball Hill Rd.
9:24 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout. Police gain entry into vehicle, Mountain Rd.
11:39 a.m. Puppy wandering in yard, Worcester Rd. Owner picked up
7:53 p.m. Caller found black, male shepherd mix dog, Hubbardston/Ralph Rds.
8:28 p.m. Loose horse in area, Brooks Station Rd.

Friday, April 16

9:04 a.m. Caller reports driver forced off the road Holden by female driver who was texting. Vehicle headed into Princeton on Rte. 31
1:22 p.m. School official requesting to speak with officer regarding suspicious incident, Sterling Rd.

Saturday, April 17

10:20 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about log skidder parked on her property for a month

Sunday, April 18

10:22 a.m. Police conduct traffic control due to complaints about speeders, Ball Hill Rd.

Rutland

Monday, April 12

8:15 a.m. Bags of crushed cans stored beside building stolen, Barre Paxton Rd.

Tuesday, April 13

12:11 a.m. Assist motorist with possible disabled vehicle, Main St.
9:49 a.m. Male driver sitting in library lot more than an hour, Main St.; OK, waiting for library to open
6:23 p.m. Incident report on previous case requested, Main St.
8:29 p.m. Street light smoking, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, April 13

12:27 a.m. Loud noise from upstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
7:53 a.m. Person at station to report lock on ball field shed door was broken, Pommogussett Rd.
4:16 p.m. Police off with two males, Memorial Dr.
4:26 p.m. Police services rendered, Sunnyside Ave.
6:05 p.m. Black wire swinging from utility pole near school driveway, Main St.

Thursday, April 15

2:33 a.m. Caller hears footsteps on roof, Maple Ave.
8:00 a.m. Person at station asking for incident report, Main St.
9:02 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about neighborhood issue, Main St.
12:11 p.m. Paxton PD advises to be on lookout for male who stole scrap metal headed in pickup truck toward Paxton
4:31 p.m. Large branch dangling from tree over wires, Barre Paxton Rd.
5:43 p.m. Request for incident number, Barre Paxton Rd.
5:56 p.m. Call about possible rabid skunk, Maple Ave.
6:12 p.m. Police services, Johnson Way
6:25 p.m. Large, confused skunk in yard, Maple Ave.

Friday, April 16

8:05 a.m. Report of two loose dogs in yard, Main St.
8:56 a.m. Caller thinks rabid skunk was in her yard, Maple Ave.
11:45 a.m. Rabid skunk, Prescott St.

Saturday, April 17

11:10 a.m. Report of Jack Russell terrier running down middle of Pleasantdale Rd.
4:34 p.m. Police deliver paperwork, Miles Rd.
5:11 p.m. Suspicious small pickup at end of driveway, Barre Paxton
8:16 p.m. Vehicle parked in front of home, Glenwood Rd.
8:46 p.m. Person walking on road being followed by someone using high beams, Campbell St.

Sunday, April 18

2:20 a.m. Report of someone ringing doorbell, Carlsons Way
7:57 a.m. Hole in roadway, Turkey Hill Rd.
3:03 p.m. Two golden retrievers caught on Pommogussett Rd.

Sterling

Tuesday, April 13

9:19 a.m. Yellow Labrador dog dropped off at vet clinic, Clinton Rd. No collar, no tags. Owner found
3:03 p.m. Missing yellow Labrador, James Rd.
3:29 p.m. Caller requesting animal control officer for bat in chimney, Princeton Rd. Advised to call private pest removal company
6:49 p.m. Loose horses, Rowley Hill Rd.

Wednesday, April 14

12:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked for long time, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
2:50 p.m. Officer flagged down regarding female resting beside road, Maple St./Charles Patten Dr.

Thursday, April 15

7:36 a.m. Disabled vehicle with elderly male, car out of gas, parked near field, Beaman Rd.
10:29 a.m. Possible rabid fisher entering yard, Princeton Rd.
6:38 p.m. Caller reports suspicious male in yard of home, Upper N. Row Rd.

Friday, April 16

9:13 a.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Beaman Rd.
10:06 a.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Mellow Hollow Rd.

Saturday, April 17

9:32 p.m. Caller reports two males on bikes in and out of traffic, Chocksett Rd.
10:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle pulling in and out of driveways, Sky Farm Ln. People searching for lost dalmatian
11:21 p.m. Second call regarding suspicious vehicle, people looking for dog, Sky Farm Ln.

Sunday, April 18

11:40 a.m. Assist Environmental Police with ATV stop, Pratts Jct. Rd.
12:58 p.m. Assist Environmental Police with stolen ATV, Legate Hill Rd.
1:51 p.m. Police off with ATVs in pit on Pratts Jct. Rd.

First thoughts on the Telegram kinda-sorta paywall

T & G plans paid website

• It would be nice (dreamer that I am) that this increased revenue stream would allow the Telegram to improve local content and not just stem the losses associated with producing the same stuff.
• People will choose to do without the news if the perceived value isn't there. As I've often noted couple of smaller dailies, the Athol Daily News and Gardner News, charge a ridiculously high price for their content. As much as I want to keep up with the goings-on in the north county, $80-100/year is more than I'm willing to pay.  
• In a typical newspaper, the advertising pays for the content and the price at the newsstand or paid for home delivery pays for just that - delivery. It's fair to expect newspapers to be able to recoup production costs on web versions, but web content delivery is an order of magnitude less expensive than print production. (It might be even be less.) As a result, prices for web delivery should be that much less expensive than print versions.
  
• This threshold-payment system is a reasonable compromise for the casual reader, as is the offer of free access for print subscribers. 
• Keeping obituaries and local blogs (ahem) free is a good thing. I suspect that there are a lot of web readers who used to live in the Worcester area or who are part-time residents (snowbirds) who rely on the obits as an important connection to the area.

First thoughts on the Telegram kinda-sorta paywall

T & G plans paid website

• It would be nice (dreamer that I am) that this increased revenue stream would allow the Telegram to improve local content and not just stem the losses associated with producing the same stuff.
• People will choose to do without the news if the perceived value isn't there. As I've often noted couple of smaller dailies, the Athol Daily News and Gardner News, charge a ridiculously high price for their content. As much as I want to keep up with the goings-on in the north county, $80-100/year is more than I'm willing to pay.  
• In a typical newspaper, the advertising pays for the content and the price at the newsstand or paid for home delivery pays for just that - delivery. It's fair to expect newspapers to be able to recoup production costs on web versions, but web content delivery is an order of magnitude less expensive than print production. (It might be even be less.) As a result, prices for web delivery should be that much less expensive than print versions.
  
• This threshold-payment system is a reasonable compromise for the casual reader, as is the offer of free access for print subscribers. 
• Keeping obituaries and local blogs (ahem) free is a good thing. I suspect that there are a lot of web readers who used to live in the Worcester area or who are part-time residents (snowbirds) who rely on the obits as an important connection to the area.