Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 27 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, August 23

9:49 a.m. Possible oil spill on Forest Dr.

12:01 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout at Checkerberry Village
12:42 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout on Mixter Rd.

3:30 p.m. Possible intoxicated male at Laundromat on Reservoir St.
5:27 p.m. Caller asking for officer to speak with teen who won't listen

Tuesday, August 24

12:37 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in parking lot on Towle Dr.
1:27 a.m. Suspicious individuals behind business on Main St.
6:30 a.m. Private investigators on Holden St. and High Ridge Rd.
10:58 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle taking photos of properties on Lowell Ave.
12:57 p.m. Suspicious incident on Nichols St.
1:42 p.m. Dog might have been hit on Highland St.
5:32 p.m. Caller reports suspecting neighbor cut dog's leash
8:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at Dawson Recreation area
9:41 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Shrewsbury St.
10:58 p.m. 911 Report of loud swearing at party on Main St.

Wednesday, August 25

2:09 a.m. Neighbor moving cars around on Laurel Hill Lane
11:50 a.m. Suspicious person sitting on side of Main St. seems to be wearing trash bags; fell off bicycle
12:27 p.m. Caller has kitten they can't keep
3:00 p.m. Moving van struck and knocked down service lines
3:35 p.m. Teens fighting in front yard of home on Duxbury Dr.; only verbal at this time
4:24 p.m. Walk-in looking for missing cell phone
4:59 p.m. Suspicious van with camper parked on Reservoir St.; party advised to move vehicle
5:38 p.m. Speeders reported on Wachusett St.
9:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in parking lot on Shrewsbury St.; teaching teen to drive

Thursday, August 26

1:59 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Stoneleigh Rd.; picking up intoxicated woman
9:00 a.m. Large black bear eating out of garbage cans on Mason Rd.; bear ran off
11:15 a.m. Truck disrupting flow of traffic on Highland St.; unloading picnic tables for Holden Days
12:53 p.m. Persons discharging firearms on Wachusett St.
7:37 p.m. Caller reports brown water at home on Reservoir St.
7:59 p.m. Barking dog complaint on Salisbury St.
8:44 p.m. Barking dog complaint on Malden St.

Friday, August 27

1:34 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Main St. with three males who came into store and harassed clerk
1:54 a.m. Suspicious party on Shrewsbury St.
8:18 a.m. Graffiti on elderly homeowner's property on Mount Pleasant Ave.
9:30 a.m. Dog found on Elmwood Ave.
11:42 a.m. Fences cut and copper stolen from Chaffins sub-station on Main St.
12:10 p.m. Caller reports teen son hasnâ ¹t been seen since yesterday
3:15 p.m. Holden St. checked for missing teen
3:47 p.m. Caller reporting Reservoir St. is dusty due to construction
9:43 p.m. Dead animal in road on Wachusett St. disrupting flow of traffic
11:05 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Dawson Recreation
11:57 p.m. Loud dog on Greenwood Parkway

Saturday, August 28

8:49 a.m. Possible road rage incident on Malden St.
12:18 p.m. Eggs thrown at vehicle on Montana Dr.
1:05 p.m. Caller reports asking for info about prank calls
1:26 p.m. Caller reporting male in wheelchair heading toward Main St. near pool
5:17 p.m. Walk-in asking for assistance identifying substance found in son's backpack
6:20 p.m. Dog found
8:00 p.m. Dog lost
8:39 p.m. Report of fireworks in area of Brennan Way
9:49 p.m. 911 report of neighbors shooting off rockets on Bullard St.

Sunday, August 29

4:48 a.m. Suspicious person on Paxton Rd.; party just taking a walk
8:20 a.m. Abandoned golf cart on railroad crossing on Bailey Rd.
9:34 a.m. Suspicious person laying down or sleeping in car
10:00 a.m. Loud dog on Malden St.
12:55 p.m. Request for officer to speak with son
2:39 p.m. 911 Suspicious motor vehicle on Main St.
3:31 p.m. Report of dog found
4:59 p.m. Report of dog missing
5:20 p.m. 911 Erratic operator on Main St., keeps slamming on brakes, tossed lit cigarette out sunroof
5:28 p.m. Suspicious truck, operator using laptop, on Princeton St.
5:30 p.m. Caller reports dog chased black bear up a tree earlier; done now
7:57 p.m. Report of individual throwing water balloons at motorists on Boyden Rd.
9:00 p.m. Dog found
9:42 p.m. Suspicious individuals playing basketball behind light department
9:47 p.m. Lost dog
11:44 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Main St.; picking up employee

Paxton

Monday, August 23

5:07 p.m. Trash can in roadway causing a traffic hazard, Pleasant St.
5:19 p.m. Person on side of road asking for directions, Pleasant St. and Briarcliff Lane

Tuesday, August 24

11:11 a.m. Person came to station to report his vehicle to have an electrical problem, odor of burning, West St.
3:27 p.m. Person going door-to-door, Baxter Dr.
10:43 p.m. Person came to station to report ongoing family issues, Davis Hill Rd.

Wednesday, August 25

6:06 p.m. Report of erratic driver on Camp St.

Thursday, August 26

12:32 a.m. Police check out two vehicles in park area, Mower St.
8:36 a.m. Stray dog on property on West St. Owner found and will pick up dog

Friday, August 27

4:16 p.m. Female juvenile by side of road crying, may have fallen off bicycle, West St.
4:53 p.m. Female selling cleaning supplies, Maple St.
5:10 p.m. Disturbance, gun shots in area of Laurel St. Possible target shooting
8:43 p.m. Several calls about person soliciting in area of Shanandoah, Wildwood, Holbrook and West Sts.
8:53 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Berkshire Dr.
9:47 p.m. Caller reports vehicle at end of her driveway and people yelling at each other, South St.

Saturday, August 28

9:33 a.m. Deceased porcupine in roadway, West St. and Nanigian Rd.
12:25 p.m. Suspicious activity in parking lot, Pleasant St.
4:01 p.m. Suspicious male claiming to be an exterminator, Suomi St.

Sunday, August 29

4:49 a.m. Holden Police requesting assistance for a suspicious male loitering on private property, Rte. 31
9:31 a.m. Caller reports a squirrel on her deck that appears to have a BB stuck in its nose, Laurel St.
1:21 p.m. Person came to station turning in a flag that was put in his mailbox overnight, Pleasant St.
5:58 p.m. Officer requested, female sitting on private property, male parked by side of road, Pleasant St.

Princeton

Monday, August 23

9:16 a.m. Several reports of oil or grease on the roadway making it very slippery. Highway department and Westminster DPW respond, Mountain Rd. Fuel spill from rental truck
3:42 p.m. Basset hound escaped from fenced in area, Hubbardston Rd. Later returned
9:05 p.m. Open gate at state reservation, Police also find garage door open, Mountain Rd.
9:13 p.m. Report of barking dog, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, August 24

8:51 a.m. Person came to station to complain about barking dog, Worcester Rd.

Wednesday, August 25

1:31 p.m. Two white dogs with brown spots going through trash on Sterling Rd.
1:48 p.m. Vehicle dropped off male who started walking on East Princeton Rd.
9:21 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Worcester Rd.

Friday, August 27

3:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicle "casing the neighborhood" Worcester Rd. Found to be paper carrier
10:09 a.m. Yellow dog found on Houghton Rd. Trying to contact owner
10:53 a.m. Police check on resident, Houghton Rd.
12:35 p.m. Black domestic rabbit in back yard on Mirick Rd.
4:42 p.m. Police assist animal control officer with two dogs running on East Princeton Rd.; owner fined
11:41 p.m. Police transport person from Main St. to Brooks Station Rd.

Saturday, August 28

8:04 p.m. Gunshots or fireworks heard in area of Calamint Hill Rd. North
9:26 p.m. Possible gun shots/fireworks, Ralph Rd.

Sunday, August 29

10:52 a.m. Sterling Police advise of three cars drag racing on Rte. 140 headed toward Princeton
6:53 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, East Princeton Rd.

Rutland

Monday, August 23

9:30 a.m. Resident believes he has water main break and is unable to reach anyone at the DPW. Water department personnel will check.
1:17 p.m. Walk-in to see officer about hitting a sign at Spencer Savings Bank
9:43 p.m. Dog ran into side of car, Kalloch Dr. Driver unable to find the dog afterward

Tuesday, August 24

3:45 a.m. Party sleeping in car, Whitehall Rd.
9:23 a.m. SUV parked at Rail Trail for three days, Barre Paxton Rd.
12:17 p.m. Two men seen walking around house that has been foreclosed on, Central Tree Rd.
3:50 p.m. Two males reported in suspicious red vehicle, Winifred's Way.
7:00 p.m. Gunshots heard in East County Rd. area
7:18 p.m. Spoke with resident on Ridge Rd. who was trying out a new firearm. All within legal limits

Wednesday, August 25

4:45 p.m. Report of Canadian goose that flew into the backstop behind home plate. Goose appears to have gotten stuck and died, Main St.
5:27 p.m. Officer requested at Bigelow Rd. residence. Male party with long, black hair is looking into residence and suspicious pick-up truck has been in area past few days.
5:35 p.m. Call for ACO regarding dog bites

Thursday, August 26

12:40 p.m. Bales of hay in road, Rte. 68 near Village Barn
3:14 p.m. Barking dog, Newman Dr.
4:58 p.m. Walk-in to pick up report of previous incident

Friday, August 27

10:30 a.m. Sick-looking fox has been in yard for days, Birchwood Rd.
3:15 p.m. Report of rabid fox lying in driveway, Birchwood Rd.
3:33 p.m. Second caller reports that animal is moving and is at #27 Birchwood Rd.
3:48 p.m. Animal has gone into woods again, most likely has mange
6:17 p.m. Resident received phone call that she won $95,000, instructed to call a Jamaica phone number

Saturday, August 28

3:16 a.m. Report of people partying and fighting since 1:30 a.m., Maple Ave.
10:42 a.m. Lost female Welsh terrier, black and tan, named Guinness, Arline Dr.
4:47 p.m. ACO needed for crippled Canada goose

Sunday, August 29

8:52 a.m. Caller asking if cat he saw in the Landmark was his missing black and white cat.
6:49 p.m. Party reporting that neighbor is screaming at this wife, and it goes on every weekend, Main St. Peace restored, verbal only
7:44 p.m. Many phone calls regarding a minivan in the road, with a party pinned down outside. Devereux School reports it is one of their clients and they need police help, Pommogussett Rd. and Brintnal Dr.

Sterling

Monday, August 23

2:08 p.m. Aggressive raccoon, not walking right, Kendall Hill Rd.
5:28 p.m. Caller reports suspicious bug that was seen on the news, Leominster Rd.; referred to Dept. of Agriculture

Tuesday, August 24

9:15 a.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about a stray cat, Heywood Rd.

Wednesday, August 25

10:07 a.m. Police transport female with child to Clinton after her vehicle was disabled, Chocksett and Leominster Rds.
11:15 a.m. Friendly stray pit bull found, Gates Rd.

Thursday, August 26

2:02 p.m. Passport turned in, Redemption Rock Trl.
4:58 p.m. Large pickup truck trying to go around DCR gate on Upper North Row Rd.
7:59 p.m. English Sheep dog running into roadway, almost hit, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.

Friday, August 27

7:57 p.m. Lost blind Springer Spaniel, older dog, Pleasant St.
12:08 p.m. Report of bear in neighborhood, Legg Rd.
2:04 p.m. Animal control officer check on underground fence, Clinton Rd.
2:42 p.m. Black bear in yard at feeder, then went into garage, Birch Dr.
3:42 p.m. Report of dog possibly struck by vehicle, Redstone Hill and Wiles Rds.
4:36 p.m. Caller reports bear in yard, Holden Rd.
4:59 p.m. Black bear walking around back yard on Pikes Hill Rd.
5:11 p.m. Dog previously hit found and taken to vet, Redstone Hill and Wiles Rds.
9:07 p.m. Disturbance, possible gunshots or fireworks, Riverview Rd.

Saturday, August 28

7:12 p.m. Caller left her purse at restaurant on Worcester Rd.
9:51 p.m. Possible fireworks in area of Kendall Hill Rd.

Sunday, August 29

7:26 a.m. Complaint about neighbor setting off fireworks, Griffin Rd.
8:54 a.m. Lawn equipment dumped on Justice Hill and Lucas Rds.
10:31 a.m. Caller reports person riding around o
loud dirt bike or motorcycle, Clinton Rd.
7:53 p.m. Two cats missing, black and orange and tan with short hair, Sterling Ave.
9:39 p.m. Jack Russell terrier found, Leominster Rd.

Water and tumbling rocks

Where are we?
Hint: we stopped to cool on a hot day.

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Disease differences due to spelling

via Long term use of oral bisphosphonates may double risk of esophageal cancer, study finds

via Drugs used to treat osteoporosis not linked with higher risk of esophageal cancer

Hurricane Earl Coordination Message #7

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Hurricane Earl Coordination Message #7
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net


Hello to all...

..Major Hurricane Earl Track Shifted a Bit Westward in 5 AM Advisory package. Hurricane Watches expanded from Plymouth Westport, Massachusetts. Inland Tropical Storm Watches issued for Bristol and Plymouth Counties..
..Major Hurricane Earl Threatens Southern New England with the potential for sustained tropical storm force winds particularly in Southeast New England but much of Eastern New England could be affected with tropical storm force winds in gusts and the potential for a period of hurricane force winds particularly over portions of Cape Cod and Nantucket Island. A further westward trend could bring hurricane force conditions as far north as Plymouth and and as far west as Westport, Massachusetts..
..A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Plymouth to Westport Massachusetts including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard Islands..
..A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from the Mouth of the Merrimack River Massachusetts to Plymouth Massachusetts and from Sandy Hook New Jersey to Woods Hole Massachusetts..
..Track guidance is gradually coalesing between the 40 North/70 West benchmark and Buzzards Bay Massachusetts. Deviations in the forecast track could mean greater or lesser impact to Southern New England and there is still is up to 100-125 nautical mile error in the forecast track at this stage. Southern New England is now in the '3-day cone' regarding Earl's eventual track..
..All Emergency Management and Public Safety personnel, Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of major Hurricane Earl. People should review hurricane/tropical storm safety tips now as a precaution..
..VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net along with WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center will activate at 4 PM Thursday Afternoon for Earl's closest path to the Outer Banks and Eastern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday Morning into Saturday Morning based on the current track and intensity of Hurricane Earl. Massachusetts State EOC RACES and MEMA RACES Regional Office activation is slated to occur Friday Morning. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be placed on stand-by starting at 7 AM ET Friday Morning lasting through 7 PM Saturday Evening..

Models are gradually coalesing on a solution putting Earl anywhere from around the 40 North/70 West Benchmark and then east of Cape Cod to a track over Cape Cod and between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. There remain some eastward and westward outliers but the general consensus of models is between those two areas. There remains a 100-125 nautical mile error which can still result in greater or lesser impact over the region. A continued westward trend has been noted with computer models with tracks anywhere from Buzzards Bay to the 40 North/70 West benchmark. This needs to be closely monitored for a more westward trend and greater impact to the region. It has resulted in an expansion of Hurricane Watches and they now cover from Plymouth to Westport, Massachusetts.

The following is a rough estimation of impacts over the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch areas based on the current track and intensity of the hurricane and its extremely large size. This could change based on hurricane intensity and track of the system:

Hurricane Watch Area (Sagamore Beach to Woods Hole Cape Cod, Martha's Vinyeard and Nantucket Islands):

This region will see high-end sustained tropical storm force winds with hurricane force wind gusts. It is now looking more likely that the Outer Cape and particularly Nantucket Island would have the potential to also see sustained hurricane force winds and gusts pending the eventual track of Earl. Rainfall will be very heavy with the potential for a swath of 3-6" rainfall with isolated higher amounts. Storm surge will be most prevelant over north and east facing beaches with a 1-3 foot surge affected. Locations in Provincetown and Wellfleet could see greater impact if the track is a bit closer and the storm surge may occur some time after storm passage depending on that track.

Hurricane Watch Area (Plymouth to Sagamore Beach and from Westport Massachusetts to Sagamore Beach Massachusetts)

This area could see sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 60-70 MPH and possibly slightly higher gusts. The Hurricane Watch has been issued to guard against a more westward solution towards Buzzards Bay. If that were to verify, hurricane force conditions sustained or in gusts may occur but the current solution would keep most of that to the east of this region. Rainfall in this area is likely to be 3-6" with isolated higher amounts along the coast and inland Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts. Storm surge over the south coast isn't expected to be a major factor due to the wind direction but a 1-2 foot surge could occur over the Plymouth area depending on the track of Earl.

Tropical Storm Watch Area (Mouth of Merrimack River Massachusetts to Plymouth Massachusetts and South Coastal Rhode Island including the Tropical Storm Inland Wind Watch for Northern Bristol and North-Central Plymouth Counties):

In this area, sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 40-50 MPH are possible depending on the track of Earl with the exception of inland Bristol and Plymouth Counties which could see sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60-65 MPH. Across the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts inland of the TS Watch winds will drop off a bit with rainfall of 2-4" with isolated higher amounts possible but if a further west track were to materialize more wind could occur in portions of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts. It is noted that portions of Worcester County and Northeast Connecticut could see 1-3" of rainfall.

There remains 3 factors that will further determine the track of Major Hurricane Earl that are still being scrutinized by the weather models are as follows:

1.) The strength and location of the Great Lakes trough and its interaction with Hurricane Earl
The strength and location of the Great Lakes trough and its interaction with Hurricane Earl will be critical. If the trough's location is further west or not amplifying and interacting with Hurricane Earl, this would allow a closer to the coast track and more direct impact. If it amplifies and can interact with Earl, it would result in a greater push to the east.

2.) The sharpness and locations of the turns Earl will make
Depending on the sharpness and locations of Earl turns will determine the interaction with the Great Lakes trough and his eventual movement. This will be especially true as Earl approaches the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Thursday and this will be a critical time in the track and impact of Hurricane Earl on Southern New England.

3.) Intensity of Hurricane Earl as it moves up the coast
The intensity of Hurricane Earl will now be controlled by eyewall replacement cycles and other shorter-term phenomenon that cannot be fully predicted. Earl has gone through a significant intensification process and has grown in size. Unlike past hurricanes that have been much weaker as they approached New England, water temperatures are above normal and Earl is a very powerful and large hurricane. This is likely to result in greater impact from Earl then most tropical systems approaching New England because of its large size and intensity. In addition, the intensity of Earl may affect the movement of the system.

Swells and rip currents will become a very serious concern as Earl tracks closer to the region on Thursday extending through the Labor Day Holiday Weekend after Earl passes. There have been many times where offshore tropical systems have caused injuries or fatalities on the water from the surf and rip currents so folks swimming at area beaches over the next several days with the hot weather expected are advise to heed the advice of lifeguards and monitor NWS Taunton products for high surf advisory information. See link below for the the surf zone forecasts for more information and if High Surf Advisories are posted, that link will be posted and updated here:

NWS Taunton Surf Zone Forecast Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus51.KBOX.html

All Emergency Management and Public Safety personnel, Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of major Hurricane Earl. People should now be reviewing their preparedness measures for tropical storm/hurricane force conditions as a precaution in inland areas and as a requirement along the coast in the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch areas. This information has been provided via the Hurricane Preparedness Week Public Information Statements of Safety Tips and an updated Public Information Statement of Safety Tips as well as a Tropical Terminology Public Information Statement listed via the links below:

http://www.wx1box.org/local/hurrpre.txt
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.nous41.KBOX.html
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1009011537.nous41.html

The VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net along with WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center will activate at 4 PM Thursday Afternoon for Earl's closest path to the Outer Banks and Eastern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula. These nets will likely activate again Friday for Earl's closest path to New England. It is noted that the VoIP Hurricane Net will merge into one large command net with New England Echolink/IRLP operations as it approaches New England. Please see these web sites for information on the Hurricane Nets and the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC:

Hurricane Watch Net:
http://www.hwn.org

Voip Hurricane Net:
http://www.voipwx.net

WX4NHC Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center:
http://www.wx4nhc.org

From a spotting perspective, we will be looking for any and all reports per the SKYWARN reporting criteria. We'll also be looking for lowest barometric pressure readings across Southeast New England. Also, pictures of damage and incidents as they occur in near real-time or shortly after release will be very helpful to media, emergency manamgement, the National Hurricane Center and the NWS Taunton Forecast Office. A reminder on SKYWARN Net frequencies for the region via the link below:

http://www.wx1box.org/node/37

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday Morning into Saturday Morning based on the current track and intensity of Hurricane Earl. Massachusetts State EOC RACES and MEMA RACES Regional Office activation is slated to occur Friday Morning. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be placed on stand-by starting at 7 AM ET Friday Morning lasting through 7 PM Saturday Evening.

The latest NWS Taunton Hurricane Local Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Area Forecast Discussion and National Hurricane Center Advisory information on Earl are listed below:

NWS Taunton Hurricane Local Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wtus81.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Area Forecast Discussion:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html

National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:

Hurricane Earl Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt32.KNHC.html

Hurricane Earl Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt42.KNHC.html

Hurricane Earl Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt22.KNHC.html

Hurricane Earl Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font12.KNHC.html

The next coordination message will likely be posted Thursday Evening pending further computer model data on the track of Earl and significant updates to Earl's status as a tropical system from an intensity perspective.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

In the "Because we can" Dept.

An Android app, WiFi File Explorer, allows you to set up a web server on your Droid phone. You can then download or upload files via a web browser.

I want to do what's right

The sign in the men's room at the college gives clear instructions on how to wash your hands to prevent the spread of diseases and/or cooties.

But, the follow-through is a bit lacking.

A mighty wind in Templeton

As you drive from Templeton Center on Baldwinville Road to, um, Baldwinville, you come around a corner and see this:

Even if you're expecting it, it's still a surprise, as though something from War of the Worlds has jumped into the woods.
It's the new windmill located behind Narragansett Regional High School. The town's municipal light department has just brought the generator online. You can read more here: Templeton wind turbine gets cracking.

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Although Wormtown Fleet is supposed to be covering turf that Jeff would have blogged during his taxi rides around Worcester, we're taking a bit of license because, well, because we can.

Fwd: NWS Taunton Public Information Statement - Tropical Cyclone Terminology

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Subject: NWS Taunton Public Information Statement - Tropical Cyclone Terminology
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net


Hello to all...

The National Weather Service in Taunton issued a Public Information Statement on knowing your Tropical Cyclone Terminology. Please see the information listed below:

000
NOUS41 KBOX 011537
PNSBOX
MAZ005>007-013>024-RIZ001>008-011945-

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1137 AM EDT WED SEP 1 2010

...KNOW YOUR TROPICAL CYCLONE TERMINOLOGY...

TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES ARE NO STRANGERS TO SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND.  SINCE 1900...A TOTAL OF 53 TROPICAL SYSTEMS HAVE
IMPACTED OUR REGION IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.  THERE HAVE BEEN 24
HURRICANES AND 29 TROPICAL STORMS.  AN ADDITIONAL 26 POST-
TROPICAL SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO IMPACTED OUR REGION.  ANY HURRICANE
OR TROPICAL STORM IS CAPABLE OF BRINGING A COMBINATION OF HIGH
WINDS...LARGE STORM SURGES AND EVEN INLAND FLOODING ON OCCASION.

TO BETTER PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A POSSIBLE TROPICAL CYCLONE
STRIKE...YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH DIFFERENT TERMS THAN MAY BE
USED.  THIS STATEMENT WILL BRIEFLY DEFINE THESE TERMS RELATED TO
TROPICAL CYCLONES.

TROPICAL CYCLONE...THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM USED TO DESCRIBE
BOTH TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 38 MPH /33 KT/ OR LESS.
THOUGH THE WIND SPEEDS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THOSE IN A
HURRICANE...TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
TREMENDOUS RAINFALL AMOUNTS.  DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 3RD TO
JULY 7TH IN 1994...TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO MOVED INLAND AND
WEAKENED TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION. IT THEN MOVED INTO GEORGIA
AND PRODUCED UP TO 28 INCHES OF RAINFALL.  THIS RESULTED IN
CATASTROPHIC RIVER AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING.

TROPICAL STORM...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 39 TO 73 MPH /34 TO 63 KT/.  THESE
SYSTEMS ARE ALSO INTENSE RAINFALL PRODUCERS...BUT OFTEN CAUSE
ENOUGH WIND AND WAVES TO RESULT IN SOME BEACH EROSION AND MINOR
BOAT DAMAGE.  A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS GIVEN A NAME ONCE IT REACHES
THIS STRENGTH.

HURRICANE...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 74 MPH /64 KT/ OR GREATER.  THIS IS
THE WORST AND STRONGEST OF ALL TROPICAL CYCLONES.  HURRICANES
PRODUCE TORRENTIAL RAINFALL...LARGE STORM SURGES AND HIGH WAVES
IN ADDITION TO THE STRONG WINDS.  NEW ENGLAND WAS THE RECIPIENT
OF ONE OF THE WORST HURRICANES EVER...WHEN THE GREAT NEW ENGLAND
HURRICANE OF 1938 CAME CRASHING ASHORE ON SEPTEMBER 21ST.

POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE...THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM FOR A SYSTEM
THAT WAS ONCE A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM...BUT IS NO LONGER
CONSIDERED TO BE PURELY TROPICAL IN NATURE.  WHILE THESE SYSTEMS
TEND TO BE WEAKER THAN THEIR TROPICAL COUNTERPARTS...THEY MAY
STILL CONTAIN HIGH WINDS...HEAVY RAINFALL AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY A
STORM SURGE.

HURRICANE EYE...A RELATIVELY CALM AREA IN THE CENTER OF THE
TROPICAL CYCLONE.  IN THIS AREA...WINDS ARE LIGHT AND THE SKY IS
OFTEN ONLY PARTLY COVERED BY CLOUDS.  NEVER GO OUTSIDE IN THE EYE
OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE.  THIS PERIOD OF CALM WILL ONLY LAST FOR A
BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE THE STRONG WINDS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS
RETURN.

STORM SURGE...AN ABNORMAL RISE IN SEA LEVEL ACCOMPANYING AN
INTENSE STORM.  THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM SURGE IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE OBSERVED LEVEL OF THE SEA SURFACE AND THE
ASTRONOMICAL TIDE THAT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE
STORM.  STORM SURGES OF 10 TO 20 FEET HAVE OCCURRED IN SOUTHERN
NEW ENGLAND...TOTALLY DEVASTATING THE COASTLINE.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH...THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A TROPICAL
STORM...OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...POSE A THREAT TO THE
SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS.  AN INLAND TROPICAL
STORM WATCH MEANS THE SAME THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE
CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING...THIS WARNING INDICATES A TROPICAL
STORM...OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...WILL AFFECT THE SPECIFIED
AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS.  AN INLAND TROPICAL STORM WARNING
MEANS THE SAME THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED
WITH STORM SURGE.

SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE...THIS IS A SCALE RANGING
FROM 1 TO 5 BASED ON THE INTENSITY OF THE SURFACE WINDS.  THIS
CAN BE USED TO GIVE AN ESTIMATE OF THE POTENTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE
FROM THE WINDS OF A HURRICANE.

HURRICANE WATCH...THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A HURRICANE...OR
HURRICANE CONDITIONS...POSE A THREAT TO THE SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN
THE NEXT 48 HOURS.  AN INLAND HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THE SAME
THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.

HURRICANE WARNING...THIS WARNING INDICATES A HURRICANE...OR
HURRICANE CONDITIONS...WILL AFFECT THE SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN
THE NEXT 36 HOURS.  AN INLAND HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THE SAME
THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.

HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT...A PUBLIC RELEASE PREPARED BY YOUR
LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN OR NEAR THE THREATENED
AREA.  THIS STATEMENT WILL CONTAIN SPECIFIC DETAILS ON WEATHER
CONDITIONS AND IMPACTS.  THIS STATEMENT MAY ALSO CONTAIN
INFORMATION ABOUT EVACUATION DECISIONS MADE BY LOCAL OFFICIALS
AND OTHER PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.

$$


BELK

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Do not say "Ground Zero Mosque" in front of these guys

This is beginning to sound like the Monty Python Mattress Skit.Each time someone asks a politician about the Ground Zero Mosque, said politician dons the Paper Bag of Stupidity^™.
This time, according this morning's Telegram article, GOP hopefuls oppose mosque, four of the five Republican candidates for the 3^rd congressional district seat added the following to the public discourse about which we need not have an opinion:

• Candidate Michael P. Stopa of Holliston said he wouldn’t oppose construction if he knew the mosque would be under FBI surveillance once it opened.
• Brian J. Herr of Hopkinton magnanimously declared there is no need to spy on a house of worship. But he opposes the plan to build the Islamic center, saying it is insensitive to 9-11 families and to people who live and work near ground zero. 
• Robert A. Delle of Paxton, formerly of Westboro, said he was concerned that the growth of Islam is the greater threat. “We’re just passively watching as Islam is expanding,” he said.
• Robert J. Chipman of Plainville and Martin A. Lamb of Holliston were offered surprisingly temperate remarks, saying that  two blocks from ground zero is the wrong location for an Islamic center.

I've not been able to locate any public comment by the current office-holden, Rep. Jim McGovern, regarding this or any other mosque. Congressman, your silence is appreciated.

More on food

Yesterday's Telegram editorial, Peeling the egg (paywall content), about the recent crop of salmonella and legislation that would strengthen federal food inspection includes a couple of interesting points.

Consumer choice and free markets do far more daily for food safety than government. Americans reject foods that are out-of-date, spoiled, or fail to meet their standards. Stores and producers who wish to remain in business have no choice but to respond — witness the voluntary food safety programs of many major corporations.  

That's true. I'm probably not going to buy contaminated eggs, Cadmium Happy Meals, or more than my minimum daily requirement of E. coli  a second time, if there is a second time.
Also, the editorialist and commenters note that consumers should buy locally-produced products. Good option, but not a guarantee, either. Witness the listeriosis outbreak a few yeas back, when three people died and one woman miscarried as the result of the infected milk. Whitter Farms closed its Shrewsbury operation and now sells milk that is produced at its Connecticut plant.
It's a reminder that growing, processing, and distributing food is a complex process. There are many intersections at the international, national,  local, and household level where trouble can occur, often serious, sometimes deadly.
The gold standard for process quality, Six Sigma, sets a goal of establishing processes that can produce 99.9997% defect-free products. Or, 3.4 defects per million. That's a pretty good standard, unless it's your breakfast.
It should be noted that the companies under investigation for the latest large shipments of salmonella, Wright County Egg or its Maine affiliate, Quality Egg, make no claim for six sigma quality.
The bill in question, S. 510: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (GovTrack.us), appears to have the support of big food businesses and associations with opposition from organizations that represent small farms. However we decide the issue, let's get our thinking in order. We can only vote with our feet on the issue of food safety if we're still on our feet.

Obligatory weather grumble

As if things weren't vexing enough, the weather does a double back-flip. At the end of last week, we needed a small fire in the stove in the morning. Now, it's gonna be hot enough to grow sun-dried tomatoes on the vine. Then, we might or might not get a visit from Earl. Then, cool again.
Sandra prefers the color of the trees in May and June, when the green is fresh. Me? I like late summer. The sun is lower in the sky, so the shadows of the leaves on their neighbors sharpens the color.
That's what you get with New England weather - something for everyone. Or, more precisely, there will always be plenty of people who don't like the weather that we're having.

Tropical Storm Earl Coordination Message #1

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Tropical Storm Earl Coordination Message #1
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net


Hello to all..

..Tropical Storm Earl is expected to intensify into a hurricane later today with impacts to the Northern Leeward Islands and then intensify into a major hurricane over the next 3 days as it gradually turns west-northwest to northwest in the Western Atlantic Ocean..
..Latest computer models suggest a 'glancing blow' of minimal tropical storm force conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands in the late Thursday Night to Friday Night timeframe with the potential of a more western track towards the coast based on other reliable computer models. Track guidance can change considerably over the next several days to be either closer or further away from the coast..
..Interests in Southern New England should begin monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Earl. This message's intent, at this very early stage, is to have folks begin that monitoring process..

Tropical Storm Earl is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today and pass near or just north of the Northern Leeward Islands late tonight and Monday. This may prompt the activation of the National Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station, WX4NHC, and the HF Hurricane Watch Net and VoIP Hurricane Net late tonight or Monday depending on Earl's anticipated intensification and how close it approaches the islands. Earl will affect portion of the Northern Leeward Islands with tropical storm force conditions but its hurricane force conditions may stay just offshore though any slight deviation to the south may result in hurricane force conditions over parts of the Northern Leeward Islands.

After Earl's passage near the Northern Leeward Islands, Earl is expected to continue west-northwestward and then eventually northwestward and northward over the next several days intensifying into a major hurricane. Some of the latest computer models indicate a track far enough way from Southern New England to spare a direct hit but close enough to provide a glancing blow of minimal tropical storm force conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands in the late Thursday Night to Friday Night timeframe. Other reliable computer models bring Earl much closer to Southern New England in that timeframe and if that were to verify, more significant conditions would affect a larger portion of the region.

It is too early to say what the eventual track from Earl will be. Right now, tracks on Earl range from a 'glancing blow' to a possible direct impact. Later today or as we go through the week, one of those solutions could verify or Earl could be further out to sea. The purpose of this coordination message is to create situational awareness for SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Emergency Management to prepare to monitor this system. This is based on Earl's mention in the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and Area Forecast Discussion.

Regardless of the track, swells and rip currents that have started from Hurricane Danielle and resulting in a High Surf Advisory for much of today over Cape Cod and the Islands may wane as Danielle departs further out to sea only to increase and become more significant than today as Earl tracks closer to the region later this week. There have been many times where offshore tropical systems have caused injuries or fatalities on the water from the surf and rip currents so folks swimming at area beaches over the next several days with the hot weather expected are advise to heed the advice of lifeguards and monitor NWS Taunton products for high surf advisory information. See link below for the NWS Taunton High Surf Advisory statement for today and for future statements and also the surf zone forecasts for more information:

NWS Taunton High Surf Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Surf Zone Forecast Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus51.KBOX.html

Once again, Tropical Storm Earl should be monitored by people in Southern New England. The latest NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and advisory information on Earl are listed below:

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:

Tropical Storm Earl Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt32.KNHC.html

Tropical Storm Earl Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt42.KNHC.html

Tropical Storm Earl Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt22.KNHC.html

Tropical Storm Earl Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font12.KNHC.html

The next coordination message will likely be posted some time on Monday pending further computer model data on the track of Earl and significant updates to Earl's status as a tropical system from an intensity perspective.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

And there it should stay

Locked away in some bomb-proof tape storage vault is a draft of a novel. During off-hours, on a VT-52 terminal with a 300 baud acoustic coupler modem, I typed my notes, using DEC Standard Runoff as the markup language. The draft was about 150 pages, printed on the big honkin' fan-fold line printer paper of the day.

It was, as a novel, not very good.
The main character was a guy named Willie, a guy enough like me, but not so much that the details of his life matched up with mine in any real way.  Willie wore a hat. I don't. I'm not a hat guy.
Petersborough was the setting, a New England coastal town. You'd recognize the town and the people. After a while, though, you'd start wondering why you should care. The story went on, like a diary of made-up people.
If you're going to read a diary, read a diary. Sandra has been reading her mother's notes from around that same time, early 1980s. She'd earlier read and transcribed her grandmother's diaries from the 20s and 30s. These from her mother are interesting because we're not the most important characters. It's a touch of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. We're on our own stage, ala Hamlet, but the action occurs elsewhere. It's humbling to realize that not everyone was paying attention to us all of the time.
And, so, if it's stories of people's lives that I want, I'll go to diaries. The print-out of that novel went into the recycling bin and was picked up on Thursday.

The greatest task of democracy, its ritual and feast - is choice.

Do you want a sheriff or do you want a pizza?



(props to H.G. Wells for the title quote.)

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, August 16

9:13 a.m. Caller from Paxton reporting missing dog
9:21 a.m. Caller has questions about bear sightings
11:34 a.m. Caller reports male going door to door, would like to check validity, party has permits and will be in area, Willow Brook Rd.
4:42 p.m. Party in lobby with questions about his marijuana citation
6:19 p.m. Party reporting her daughter saw two males, one on skateboard, one in car, would swap vehicles as they drove down the street, men waved at daughter and friends, Brice Circle
8:55 p.m. Multiple images of male genitalia spraypainted on center line, Salisbury St.
10:01 p.m. Party in lobby to express displeasure with Holden PD patrolling area businesses

Tuesday, August 17

12:11 a.m. Party has questions about what do with lost dog that has no tags, Sterling Rd.
12:18 a.m. Suspicious persons, Main/Highland Sts.
3:39 a.m. Numerous ground-floor windows open throughout building, Mayo School
1:19 p.m. Party requesting additional patrols for kids egging cars and tipping over trash cans, Bullard St.
3:02 p.m. DPW notified of profanity marked in lawn behind senior center
10:07 p.m. Caller reporting suspicious motor vehicle parked on access road, Main St/Adams Rd.

Wednesday, August 18

7:57 a.m. Caller locked out of car, dog inside, Stoneleigh Rd.
10:41 a.m. Caller reporting that there is a squirrel behaving strangely, Holden St.
11:12 a.m. Party reporting some motor vehicles at business were egged
6:58 p.m. Water flowing up from manhole, Whitney St.
7:11 p.m. Party reporting car driving in fields, tearing up grass, Dawson School
8:17 p.m. Keep the peace while son obtains toolbox from parents’ residence, Main St.
11:43 p.m. Caller heard a car screech and loud bang, found vehicle on side of road, but no driver, Wood St/Mason Rd.

Thursday, August 19

7:39 a.m. Caller heard a loud explosion in area, has power, Valley Hill Dr.

8:44 a.m. Officer behind vehicle, operator pulled to side of road, activated hazards and put hands in the air. Officer activated lights after observing this behavior. Operator was acting overly nervous and stressed, difficult time composing self. Advised to relax before driving away. Malden St.
5:13 p.m. Caller reporting group of males struck mailboxes, Bailey Rd.
9:56 p.m. Report of sheep escaped from farm and wandering in street, Salisbury St.

Friday, August 20

9:48 a.m. Officers advised to conduct extra patrols, Princeton St.
11:03 a.m. Caller reports that while she was walking dog, motor vehicle began following her, motor vehicle turned around several times, slowed down, then turned into a driveway, Bullard St.
4:02 p.m. Checking suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
7:16 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle, Main St.
11:28 p.m. Caller reports van drove into driveway, two males got out, looked around, does not believe items were stolen or vandalized, Phillips Rd.

Saturday, August 21

3:48 a.m. Caller reports car driving in neighborhood, pulled into driveway and left, Winfield Rd.
4:01 a.m. Caller reports male party walking around house that is not occupied by males, Winfield Rd.
2:48 p.m. Caller reports resident at Montana St. harassing him after he took pictures of house for bank. Party followed him to next house on Arizona Ave., then followed him out Bullard St. Then was verbally confronted by resident.

9:55 p.m. Caller reports she hears fireworks coming from Eagle Ter.

Sunday, August 22

12:25 a.m. Caller locked out of house, Fireside Ln.
1:39 a.m. Male walking down street with what appears to be beer bottle, refuses to identify self, Main St.
1:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mill Pond Place. Arrest: --- open container violation. ---, person under 21 in possession of liquor, possession of mace without FID
4:24 a.m. Party reports suspicious vehicle drove by house, shined flashlight into his and neighbor’s driveways.
1:42 p.m. Street washing out due to rain, Reservoir St.

Paxton

Monday, August 16

7:45 a.m. Person came to station to speak with an officer about a past incident, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, August 17

7:21 a.m. Caller advises she heard a gun shot in the back yard, Johnnel St.
9:02 a.m. Police assist at vehicle lockout, West St.
2:10 p.m. Request that officer speak to children who keep removing their seatbelts, Pleasant St.
11:31 p.m. Two suspicious vehicles in center of town, Pleasant St. and West St.

Thursday, August 19

3:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Suomi St.
10:22 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Pleasant St.
10:41 p.m. Caller locked his keys in his car, West St.

Friday, August 20

4:13 a.m. Leicester Police requesting assistance transporting some subjects back to their station from the area of Marshall St. and Hemlock St.
10:11 a.m. Person came to station requesting to speak with an officer about an item found on her property, Pleasant St.
5:21 p.m. North Brookfield resident reports finding dog with Paxton tag at Lake Lashway

Saturday, August 21

10:30 a.m. Dog wandering on West St. Will be returned to owner
10:19 p.m. Suspicious vehicle Pleasant St./Lincoln Circle

Princeton

Monday, August 16

3:47 p.m. Golden retriever running in middle of road, Sterling Rd.

Tuesday, August 17

9:17 a.m. Complaints about barking dog, Worcester Rd.
1:19 p.m. Person cut grass and left strip of clippings in the roadway, Goodnow Rd.
11:50 p.m. Police transport female to residence, Main St.

Wednesday, August 18

9:15 a.m. Report of incident on EBay, East Princeton Rd.
12:10 p.m. Drill rig broken down, Mountain Rd.
3:52 p.m. Police speak with person regarding an issue with family member, Town Hall Dr.
7:55 p.m. Ongoing issue with neighbor’s dog barking, Worcester Rd.

Thursday, August 19

2:54 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, homeless individual in parking lot on Fitchburg Rd. Asked to move along
3:31 p.m. Assist fire department, rail car with garbage and debris on fire. Hubbardston Rd.
5:50 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Sterling Rd.
5:53 p.m. Golden retriever in middle of Mountain Rd.,
6:40 p.m. Complaint about dog barking for a long time, Worcester Rd.

Saturday, August 21

12:31 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on side of road with trunk open, Fitchburg Rd.
11:46 p.m. Police remove mattress from roadway, Rte. 140 N
12:32 p.m. Suspicious truck at abandoned house, Beaman Rd.
3:22 p.m. Golden Labrador found, Rhodes Rd.
9:31 p.m. Report of loud music coming from Wheeler Rd.

Sunday, August 22

3:30 a.m. Assist Rutland Police with a person barricaded at Pout and Trout
7:31 p.m. Missing husky, Worcester Rd.

Rutland

Monday, August 16

10:04 a.m. Walk-in to speak with officer regarding son
11:00 a.m. Driver reports his car was run off road over weekend; requests more patrols, River Rd area
1:00 p.m. Report of suspicious red SUV in driveway, Pommogussett Rd
1:31 p.m. Missing dachshund
3:28 p.m. 911 hang-up, children playing with phone, Tanglewood Cir.
5:26 p.m. Walk-in to drop off statement
6:11 p.m. Lost dog, beagle mix, Campbell St.
9:09 p.m. Vehicle lock-out
11:27 p.m. Wheel covers for right side of Car 3 are missing, Main St.

Tuesday, August 17

2:48 a.m. Loud party, Highland Park Rd.
7:51 p.m. Caller unable to care for stray male cat, Wachusett St.

Wednesday, August 18

10:41 a.m. Cows loose on Glenwood Rd., advised owner
3:48 p.m. Neighbors complaining about loud dirt bikes, Barre Paxton Rd. Officer spoke with individuals with dirt bikes, they are within legal statutes, no violations.
4:42 p.m. Dirt bike operator riding without a helmet, Glenwood Rd.

Thursday, August 19

6:00 a.m. Dogs loose, Pommogussett Rd.
9:02 a.m. Walk-in with fishing hook in her finger; officer removed
12:02 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Pommogussett Rd.
5:54 p.m. Checking two unattended, parked vehicles at school, Main St.

Friday, August 20

7:02 a.m. Two pit bulls running loose, Lewis St. Determined that dog is a boxer, owner on Inwood Rd.
7:35 a.m. Inwood Rd. boxer loose on Main St.
7:54 a.m. Daughter requesting assistance for mother locked out of her unit, Autumn Wood Dr.
9:30 a.m. Resident wants appointment to discuss traffic concerns for the school year
11:35 a.m. Noise complaint about neighbors yelling at children, Maple Ave.
11:58 a.m. Report of a driveway sealcoat company soliciting in neighborhood, Ten Rod Rd.
1:22 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Juniper Ln.
5:41 p.m. Walk-in requesting medical attention for a five-year old male with extreme ear pain
7:02 p.m. Rear tire about to fall off vehicle, Main St.

Saturday, August 21

11:16 a.m. Resident found stop sign leaning up against his house, Juniper Ln. May be from Newman Dr./Juniper Ln.
2:05 p.m. Three gun shots heard near Whitehall Rd. entrance to Rail Trail
4:53 p.m. Bobcat, Lizzy Ln.

Sunday, August 22

1:15 a.m. Group of youths hanging out, Main St.
2:09 a.m. Caller reports carload of youths across from her house, Pleasantdale Rd.
6:06 a.m. Large black car with male in it, yelling at people, Main St.
12:43 p.m. Vehicle lock-out
4:00 p.m. Couple, one in pick-up and one in Mercury, yelling at each other, Barre Paxton Rd.
10:06 p.m. Male party making threats, has been drinking, Barre Paxton Rd.

Sterling

Monday, August 16

8:49 a.m. Animal control officer to retrieve raccoon, John Dee Rd.
10:13 p.m. Caller reports man lying on ground near motorcycle, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, August 17

7:27 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in driveway, Justice Hill Rd.
8:00 a.m. Person waiting for dead raccoon to be removed, John Dee Rd.
10:00 a.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about a “wild dog” in the neighborhood, Justice Hill Rd. ACO says it’s probably a coyote

Wednesday, August 18

4:05 a.m. Two people yelling at each other, unsure if they are going to fight, Jill Lane and Riverview Rd.

Thursday, August 19

11:24 a.m. Pair of prescription sunglasses turned in, Leominster Rd.
1:13 p.m. Report of possible underage drinking party, Maple St.
1:45 p.m. Report of blocks in roadway obstructing breakdown lane, Worcester Rd.
4:18 p.m. Person came to station to report suspicious email purporting to be from the FBI, Leominster Rd.

Friday, August 20

3:48 a.m. Four horses got out of fenced in area, now missing. Tracking dog requested, Muddy Pond Rd. and Griffin Rd.
9:43 a.m. Report of lost poodle mix dog, Pratts Jct. Rd.

11:29 a.m. Loose German Shepherd in middle of road, Redemption Rock Trl.
8:09 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, older white van, two occupants, Legate Hill Rd

Saturday, August 21

6:09 p.m. Suspicious truck in driveway, Flanagan Hill Rd. Person delivering phone books
10:09 p.m. Loud party, Redstone Hill Rd.
10:21 p.m. Report of multiple gunshots, Pikes Hill Rd.

Sunday, August 22

6:31 p.m. Mixed terrier type dog, Redstone Hill Rd.

Keeping the doors open

(Originally published on OnTheCommon.com - Keeping the doors open)
You'd think that a kid going off to college in the 60s would have been worried about war, drugs, rock-and-roll, 'n other stuff. There was all that, for sure, but there was one additional fault line. Colleges, you see, typically use the Library of Congress cataloging system. I was a small-town boy who only knew the Dewey Decimal System. How was a kid like me supposed to find a book?
My mother worked at the Westminster library when I was a kid. My library card number was 1018. I was a bit disappointed when they introduced the numbered library cards. They used to write the names of the previous borrowers on the slip pasted in the book. I could see who'd been interested in the same book. I guess that's why they went to a numbered system. It really is no one's business what anyone else reads, as interesting as that information might be.
Later, when Sandra and I married, I learned that she'd helped her mother put books away at the small Chaffins branch. (The branch was in the former Chaffins school, now the light department building.) Sandra's mother drove the bookmobile, bringing books to the bookless around town.
Libraries have changed. They've always changed. The latest changes - increased use of electronic resources, reduced funding - are just as profound as the challenges they've encountered in the past.
This notion that we as a public should make sure that we have free access to the universe of ideas is so wonderfully democratic, so wonderfully subversive, that, of course, it's always going to be threatened. It's threatened because the universe of ideas is expanding; libraries must keep pace. It's threatened because the free flow of ideas is expensive.
Nevertheless, libraries endure. Jane Dutton, Holden's library director, encourages us. In the recent Friends of the Gale Free Library newsletter, she writes, "It seems to me that every year the news and talk gets more depressing and dramatic. I am always asked about Gale Free Library and how it will survive the current economic struggles." She remains optimistic. The history of the Holden library shows its evolution from a school building to a library to a renovated library to a town center for reading and celebrating ideas.
It's during these times hard times that the library is needed most. Dutton reminds us that the library's history is an affirmation of the value that town sees in its library.
It requires smart, hard-working people to keep a library thriving. We're fortunate to have Jane Dutton, along with staff, friends, and townspeople, keeping the doors open.
Dutton closes her article with this reminder.

I have always loved this quote from Mr.Gale and believe in his words. This is your palace, this is your library: "Let this be your palace royal; keep always the door wide open, the feast spread and the lights burning, this till these rugged stones shall crumble and be as dust." (Samuel Chester Gale, at the opening of the Damon Memorial Building, 1888.)

Ma Bell reclaims its own

We've lived in this house since 1982. At that time, our telephone company was New England Telephone, a subsidiary of AT&T. New England Telephone became NYNEX became Bell Atlantic became Verizon. Last year, we jettisoned our landline service and just used our cellphones. I was able to transfer our home number, the one we've had since the aforementioned 1982, to my cellphone.
So, why, in the name of little green apples did I receive this note from AT&T, offering us new wireless service because they claimed that we've moved. Are they trying to end the diaspora?

An evening at the bookstore

Visited a Barnes and Noble last night. Nice place. Good energy. Nice people. Wanted to find a book. Looked around a lot. Couldn't figure out what category it was in. Found lots of 2011 calendars, rude and funny books, and plenty of displays of summer reading paperbacks. Didn't find the book I wanted. Came home and ordered it on Amazon. It'll be here on Thursday.

One more reason to hate immigrants and minorities

Breaking news from the Dept. of Cheese.The USDA reports Long-Term Growth in U.S. Cheese Consumption May Slow.

The current White majority (the major consumers of cheese) of the population is expected to shrink as other groups grow in size. So, while U.S. per capita cheese consumption has more than doubled since the mid-1970s, future growth may slow as the U.S. population changes.

Somehow, this unpleasant turn of events is related to the following:

Own-price elasticities for all cheese products were statistically significant and elastic. Expenditure elasticities for all cheese products were also statistically significant, but only expenditures for American, cottage, and other cheeses were found to be elastic.

And, of course, you must disaggregate the cheese consumption pattern.

If you want to read the whole report and learn how it is that young females and older males were among the biggest buyers of cheese, here's the full report. I'm sure that the parents of the study's authors were very proud to see their childrens' names in print.

We are better than this

You know, I'd expect this kind of comment from some guido on Jersey Shore, not from one of the premier religious leaders in the country, son of a man who has counseled presidents through their darkest times, including President Obama. (Obama and Evangelist Billy Graham Share a Prayer. Franklin also attended the prayer session.)

"Now it's obvious that the president has renounced the prophet Mohammed, and he has renounced Islam, and he has accepted Jesus Christ. That's what he says he has done. I cannot say that he hasn't. So I just have to believe that the president is what he has said."
via Franklin Graham Says President Obama was 'Born a Muslim.' As Pew Poll Shows, More Americans Confused About President's Religion. - ABC News

He may be a Christian. He may not be. I don't know for sure. I'm just sayin'.

"I think the president's problem is that he was born a Muslim, his father was a Muslim," said Graham.

No, the president's problem is preachers who betray him.
Rev. Graham, please comment on the important stuff in the world. Please raise up the issues of floods, hunger, disease, poverty, despair, hopelessness, and pain. Please ask the Christians of the country to think about something other than this black hole of narrow-minded bigotry that is sucking the energy from us all. Please lead us toward peace, not divisive. Please lead us to wisdom, not innuendo. Please do the right thing. You're better than this. You know it. We know it.
Please don't make Christians be ashamed to call themselves Christians.

Crime in suburbia - follow-up

Sandra received a new phone the other day. In the package was this mysterious item:


After reviewing this week's Crime in Suburbia and seeing this item, 6:40 a.m. Caller wants to know what to do with deceased bat in his yard,  I figure that there's a use for it, although I'm not sure how.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 11 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, August 9

12:41a.m. Vehicle burnouts, Princeton Rd.
7:10 a.m. Possible rabid skunk, Apple Tree Ln.
9:17 a.m. Illegal dumping, Rite Aid
11:05 a.m. Injured fawn on roadside, Salisbury St.
11:32 a.m. Motor vehicle with two flats, Otter Brook Dr.
4:32 p.m. Burning smell from meter, Colorado Dr.
5:01 p.m. Male soliciting money from people in Fallon Clinic parking lot, Shrewsbury St.
5:43 p.m. Request K-9 drug dog.
5:43 p.m. Arrest: ---
6:48 p.m. Citizen called regarding drug dog going through wife’s car during son’s arrest
6:50 p.m. Drug paraphernalia found in woods,Mixter Rd.
7:03 p.m. Low branch, Reservoir St.
7:15 p.m. Power outage, Verizon Building
7:38 p.m. Party to speak with officer regarding wife receiving flowers, Malden St.

Tuesday, August 10

3:13 a.m. Car with lights in driveway, Cranbrook Dr. Turned lights off and drove into another driveway.
6:31 a.m. Two small dogs running into traffic near Papa Gino’s, Main St.
9:52 a.m. Telemarketer calling with two free tickets to Bahamas
11:43 a.m. Male on bicycle going door-to-door selling children’s educational program, Windy Ridge Rd. Individual has permit.
11:45 a.m. Party calling to verify Holden Firefighters’ fundraiser
12:55 p.m. Pomeranian loose, Main St.
1:01 p.m. Dog lying in Woodridge Rd.
1:31 p.m. Tree crew working without detail, possibly obstructing travel lane, Salisbury St.
2:28 p.m. Trucks doing burnouts and playing loud music, Eagle Ter.
4:30 p.m. Mailman found cell phone, Raymond St.

Wednesday, August 11

12:57 a.m. Skateboarders, Main St.
6:40 a.m. Caller wants to know what to do with deceased bat in his yard
7:08 a.m. 911 call from elevator 4 at WRHS. OK, momentarily stuck in elevator – too impatient to wait for doors to open
8:05 a.m. Caller asking if her friend is in custody
8:43 a.m. Caller asking if complaints have been filed against him
8:44 a.m. Caller asking if Holden Firefighter fundraising is legitimate
8:54 a.m. Dog appears to be struggling in water, N. Main St. OK, animal is a beaver
9:35 a.m. Two BMX bikes behind Fallon Clinic, next to Dumpster
9:39 a.m. Caller reports driving over construction sign in middle of road, Holden St.
9:39 a.m. Pallet at Senior Center contains items for project. Ask for extra patrols
11:02 a.m. St. Charles, Mo. PD requests that solicitor in area be brought to police station so father can make arrangements for him to go home
11:34 a.m. Large sinkhole in front of 66 Valley Hill Rd.
12:16 p.m. Caller reporting solicitors in Shrewsbury St. area. Six arrests for peddling door-to-door violation: ---, Fayetteville, Tenn., ---, Sacramento, Calif., --- Worcester, ---, Cincinnati, Ohio, ---, Syracuse, N.Y., ---., Springfield Mo.
12:22 p.m. Rotman’s Furniture truck pulled down overhead wires, possible damage to two polies, Rolling Ridge/Lovell Rds.
5:15 p.m. Trespassing, WTAG towers, Shrewsbury St.
7:39 p.m. Caller advising solicitor selling study guides, has permit.
10:12 p.m. Bat in house, Willowbrook Dr., advised to contact pet removal service.
11:22 p.m. Male youth screaming obscenities in front yard, possible CHINS violation
11:44 p.m. Vehicle driving slowly blasting loud music, person running alongside, Woodland Rd.
11:48 p.m. Bunch of kids walking in middle of road, female keeps falling down, Bullard St.

Thursday, August 12

10:46 a.m. Several motor vehicles turning in driveway over last few days, Autumn Cir.
11:08 a.m. Suspicious white box truck with CT registration on Rt. 31 S. Plate comes back as stolen from E. Hartford, Conn. Princeton PD advised
12:11 p.m. Suspicious red station wagon in area for several hours, Putnam Ln.
1:12 p.m. Officer requested for peacekeeping measures, Putnam Ln.
1:39 p.m. Fight involving about 10 children and adults in town pool parking lot
4:04 p.m. Party in lobby to catch breath, exhausted from exercise
7:27 p.m. Woman reports her car died and will be in Commerce Bank parking lot until morning
8:25 p.m. Loud bang, glass break reported, Chapin Rd.
10:04 p.m. Car owner advised cannot leave vehicle overnight in Wachusett Veterinary parking lot
10:17 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Light Dept. lot

Friday, August 13

12:07 a.m. Person with flashlight walking on Rt. 31
6:40 a.m. Party in lobby with wooden oar and fishing tackle bag found at Peter Carr Pond
10:50 a.m. Resident advising about wedding, Wachusett St. Concerned about noise; he notified neighbors
11:36 a.m. Landscaping truck blocking road, Nelson St.
12:04 p.m. Mother reporting 18-year-old girl missing.
12:36 p.m. Girl on her way home.
12:54 p.m. Suspicious maroon van, Manning St.
2:49 p.m. Yelling and screaming, Fruit St.
4:40 p.m. Caller advising water is rusty
6:38 p.m. Caller advising of cooking fire, Bullard St.
6:49 p.m. Open water gate on Boyden Rd., causing traffic concerns
7:16 p.m. Youths throwing glass bottles out of vehicle, Summer Ln.
9:36 p.m. Missing person, husband 90 min. late coming home, Reservoir St.
9:42 p.m. Husband located at yoga class, Jed’s Plaza

Saturday, August 14

1:42 a.m. Caller regarding trash left on Main St. She will return and pick up banana peel
3:44 a.m. Resident advising will be watching meteor shower behind Mountview School

9:16 a.m. Message left for driver of black Honda to pick up trash thrown near Leominster Credit Union

9:46 a.m. Male advising he will be canvassing in Wachusett St., Chapel St. area today
10:04 a.m. Report of two persons going door to door with religious materials, Kendall Rd.
11:52 a.m. Cooking fire, Fairchild Dr.
11:53 a.m. Summer party, Britney St., band will be playing 2-8 p.m.
12:19 p.m. Caller concerned about turtle near Unionville Pond
1:10 p.m. Someone tried to egg caller’s house and cars last night, unbroken egg on front lawn, Bullard St.
3:28 p.m. Arrest: ---, Springfield, Mo.; peddling door-to-door violation. Arrest: ---, Orlando, Fla.;
peddling door-to-door violation.
10:00 p.m. Caller reports neighbor’s dog is barking, Malden St.
10:40 p.m. Loud music near Alden Research Labs

Sunday, August 15

12:00 a.m. Fireworks near Flagler Dr.,Walnut St., Philips Rd., Ridgewood Rd.
12:07 a.m. Males in Rice School parking lot, possibly setting off fireworks
10:11 p.m. Teenagers in abandoned home, Salisbury St.

Paxton

Monday, August 9

12:55 a.m. Caller requesting police check out area, dog barking constantly, Davis Hill Rd.
12:24 p.m. Female reporting that male exited his vehicle and yelled at her, West St.
4:38 p.m. Kids riding bikes in woods and shortly after, smell of burning, Camp St.
5:30 p.m. Juveniles riding dirt bike up and down Camp St.
5:57 p.m. Gray tiger cat missing for a week, Berkshire Dr.

Tuesday, August 10

12:01 a.m. Loose dog, Maple St.

Wednesday, August 11

5:24 p.m. Group of juveniles hanging around wooded area, Pleasant/Camp Sts.

Thursday, August 12

1:02 p.m. Report of beef truck in area, Lincoln Cir.
8:07 p.m. Assist citizen, sit with child in car while mother goes into public safety building, Pleasant St.
11:44 p.m. Unattended vehicle left in parking lot of business, Pleasant St.

Friday, August 13

9:31 p.m. Request for police to check on suspicious van, West St.

Sunday, August 15

10:43 p.m. Stray dog in traffic, Holden Rd.

Princeton

Monday, August 9

12:35 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Worcester Rd.
8:17 p.m. Caller almost hit by two vehicles while trying to change tire, requesting police assistance, Sterling Rd.

Tuesday, August 10

2:32 p.m. Lost World War II ammunition pouch, Houghton Rd.
4:27 p.m. Caller asking how to get bear out of her chicken coop, Brooks Station Rd.
8:31 a.m. Vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Wednesday, August 11

9:47 a.m. Caller wants to speak with chief about an ongoing situation, Town Hall Dr.
10:12 a.m. Bear returning to chicken coop, Brooks Station Rd. Referred to Mass. Fish & Wildlife

Thursday, August 12

2:19 p.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Thompson Rd.
6:18 p.m. Blue four-wheeler speeding on Calamint Hill Rd. S toward Rutland

Friday, August 13

1:15 a.m. Police find van wide open, secure and leave note for owner, Worcester Rd.
11:40 a.m. Ongoing barking dog complaint, Worcester Rd.
2:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, two males repeatedly passing kids walking, Gleason Rd.
7:23 p.m. Vehicle locked behind gate at state reservation, Mountain Rd.
9:53 p.m. Vehicle stop, Main St. Driver lost and confused; family member contacted
11:51 p.m. Police assist person trying to find wife, Main St.

Saturday, August 14

11:42 a.m. Person left guns at station for safe keeping, Town Hall Dr.
12:37 p.m. Police assist with bicycle ride through town center, Gregory Hill Rd.
4:09 p.m. Suspicious male in woods, Houghton Rd.
8:42 p.m. Police stand by with individual waiting for ride, Main St.

Sunday, August 15

9:04 a.m. Low voltage, Brooks Station Rd.
2:16 p.m. Assist staff at state reservation with person on bicycle giving them hard time at mountain summit
4:45 p.m. Report of two males with guns, Rte. 140 N/Fitchburg Rd.
6:48 p.m. Black dog walking toward center of town, Worcester Rd.

Rutland

Monday, August 9

8:20 a.m. Injured hawk beside road, Rte. 122
6:26 p.m. Lost black Labrador, later found, Glenwood Rd.

Tuesday, August 10

12:40 p.m. Missing cat, long haired black and white, E. County Rd.
4:08 p.m. Citizen complaint about ATV, Glenwood Rd.
9:21 p.m. Person loading items from building lot onto truck, Morris Ln.
10:06 p.m. Unattended vehicle in parking lot, Main St.

Wednesday, August 11

12:08 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in Bigelow Rd. area
6:15 a.m. Missing Australian shepherd spotted but police unable to get close to it, Maple Ave.
9:54 a.m. Abandoned call, person having trouble with phone system, Village Way
9:51 p.m. Police speak with individuals and remove them from Barre Paxton Rd.
11:52 p.m. Two people in woods with flashlight near boat ramp, Barre Paxton Rd.

Thursday, August 12

6:04 a.m. Skunk in trap set for Australian shepherd dog, Maple Ave.
6:31 a.m. Owner arrived and able to get dog, Maple Ave.
5:22 p.m. Person at station to report verbal altercation in parking lot, Main St.

Friday, August 13

11:55 a.m. Request that police deliver message, Main St.
2:09 p.m. Bear peeking from woods, looking at person working on vehicle in driveway, E. County Rd.
5:34 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Glenwood Rd.
8:59 p.m. Suspicious male going door-to-door selling, Jamie Ann Dr.

Saturday, August 14

1:48 p.m. Cow crossing road, owner contacted, cow captured, Glenwood Rd.
2:50 p.m. Officer requested for female throwing things at family members, Valley View Cir.
4:02 p.m. Police asked to respond to area for possible soliciting scam, Prouty Ln.

Sunday, August 15

3:05 p.m. Rocks piled up across rail trail
5:31 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Glenwood Rd.

Sterling

Monday, August 9

6:21 a.m. Small toffee-colored dog running in roadway, Chocksett/Pratts Jct. Rds. Several cars stopped. Dog taken to animal rescue.
10:01 a.m. Report of child locked in house, Legate Hill Rd. Miscommunication, child OK
6:20 p.m. Ongoing issue with dog that charged person and showed its teeth, Griffin Rd.

Tuesday, August 10

2:00 p.m. Report of ammunition case lost, contained several items, Clinton Rd.
2:09 p.m. Person wants to speak with detective regarding collection agency trying to collect money for credit card company, Bird St.
7:50 p.m. Black Labrador in yard for long time, Osgood Rd.
8:34 p.m. Van backed too close to edge of Metropolitan Rd., went off road

Wednesday, August 11

7:34 p.m. Someone dropped off cat in carrier with litter box, Riverview Rd.

Thursday, August 12

9:59 a.m. Long-haired black and white cat missing since Sunday. Needs insulin, Upper N. Row Rd.
12:00 p.m. Vehicle with two males going up and down road, selling vacuums, Kendall Hill Rd.
2:24 p.m. Suspicious parked vehicle with male occupant, Justice Hill Rd.
2:29 p.m. Report of “drunken” raccoon stumbling in road, Princeton Rd. No contact

Friday, August 13

1:04 p.m. Report of rabid raccoon in back yard, John Dee Rd.
7:51 p.m. Caller reporting motorcycles revving engines and speeding out of gas station, Redemption Rock Trl.
10:12 p.m. Complaint about noise from outside band, Leominster Rd.

Saturday, August 14

10:48 a.m. Loud band asked to turn music down, Waushacum Ave.
4:17 p.m. Band playing loud music behind fire station, Waushacum Ave.
6:04 p.m. Person yelling continuously, James Rd.

Sunday, August 15

8:29 a.m. Great Dane running around, Maple St.
5:12 p.m. Missing chocolate Labrador, Mortimer Rd.

More on Great Paywall of Worcester

Well, it's day two of the new model. The comments are pretty fierce and overwhelmingly angry.
We learned in the note from the Telegram's publishers that "We have great faith in our professionally trained journalists who set out each day to bring you the latest news and information touching your lives." (See Telegram & Gazette to charge for online local news for more.)
So, with the first time that the Telegram's premier columnist is available in the new model, you can well imagine what goodness is awaiting us.

Without Jeff on guard, we have to find these things by ourselves.

More on Great Laws

It seems that there is some research going on to confirm the Hakkarainen Law of Great Events. As previously noted, this law says that, in any great event in your life, someone important to you will let you down or be absent.
Yesterday, the New York Times published an essay, Coping With Crises Close to Someone Else’s Heart by Harriet Brow, about this phenomenon. While dealing with illnesses of her daughters and the dying and death of her mother, Brown wrote,

For the most part, we were blessed with support and love; friends ran errands for us, delivered meals, sat in hospital waiting rooms, walked, talked and cried with us.
But a couple of friends disappeared entirely. During the year we spent in eating-disorder hell, they called once or twice but otherwise behaved as though we had been transported to Mongolia with no telephones or e-mail.

"Other people’s reactions are multifaceted,” writes one psychologist . “There’s no formula, and it’ll change from person to person." It may be that the vanishing friends were paralyzed first by their feelings of helpless and then by the guilt of being paralyzed in the first place.
There's a summary of the article as well as some insightful comments at the Well blog - When Friends Disappear During a Health Crisis.

More on politics

One of the toughest things about reading political analysis these days is trying to filter the snarky, sarcastic, or ironic commentary from the straight-forward loony. I suspect that I know the answer to this one, but I'll ask for your help.

...when it comes to doing what is right versus doing what is expedient, you do what is expedient so that you can get reelected and do what is right in the second term.
via Obama, the one-term president - Roger Simon - POLITICO.com

Simon's point is that President Obama is on track to be a one-term president unless he decides to quit first. 

A candidate says, as Bobby Kennedy did, “Some men look at things the way they are and ask why? I dream of things that are not and ask why not?”
A president says: “What do the polls say?”

Citing Eisenhower's decision to send troops to Little Rock or Lincoln to talk about slavery, both actions being off-message to the public sentiment, Simon continues

... But what’s so wrong about being off message if you are right about the issue?
This: An unidentified chief of staff to a “politically vulnerable House Democrat” told James Hohmann and Maggie Haberman of POLITICO that Obama’s statement “probably alienates a lot of independent voters” and “there are a lot of [Democrats] who are spooked in tough districts today” and “a lot of Republicans licking their chops right now.”
And what’s the point of doing the right thing if your party is going to lose seats because of it?

I believe that Simon is being ironic. His words and tone are so close to the sentiments of so many other analysts that I don't think that an intelligent person could write this way in seriousness without throwing up just a little bit.

More on health care, Canadian edition

Why, oh, why won't they think of the children? I mean, "Well what doctor has been schooled about the rate of microwave infections?" (CBC News - Toronto - Ont. parents suspect Wi-Fi making kids sick.)
It seems that one Canadian university has already suspended its use of wireless Internet connections because of alleged health risks.

The purpose of this policy is to limit wireless connectivity based on the “precautionary principle” as there are numerous scientific studies that demonstrate a basis for concern that continuous or frequent long-term exposure to the non-ionizing radiation of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could have adverse health effects.
via WiFi and Cellular Antennae Policy | Lakehead University

Now, parents at various Ontario schools want the schools to remove the wireless hookups and replaced them with wired connections. "These kids are getting sick at school but not at home," said one parent.
Let's see. Kid at home says, "I don't want to go to school. It's, um, making me sick. It must be a microwave infection." Hmm.
In the meantime, be sure to add aluminum or aluminium foil, to your back-to-school shopping list.

photo via On the Effectiveness of Aluminium Foil Helmets: An Empirical Study

More on healthcare

At last check, Senator David Vitter (R-LA) is not a doctor. He is a smart guy, a Rhodes Scholar and such. Nevertheless, he says that the FDA's decision not to approve Avastin as a treatment for late-stage breast cancer is the beginning of death panels.

"I fear this is the beginning of a slippery slope leading to more and more rationing under the government takeover of health care that is being forced on the American people."
via US breast cancer drug decision 'marks start of death panels' - Telegraph

Never mind that a study of Avastin was suspended last year because patients in the trial were developing congestive heart failure at a rate too high to be acceptable. (Roche Says Avastin Cancer Study Enrollment Suspended (Update2) - Bloomberg.). The drug's manufacturer, though, did say that the occurrence of congestive heart failure is "consistent with what we’ve seen in previously reported rates for Avastin and the drug’s U.S. prescribing information."
Also, in a bit of subtlety regarding the drug's benefit, we learn that while the amount of time that breast cancer does not worsen is increased with the addition of Avastin to the chemotherapy regimen (Roche's Avastin helps slow breast cancer in study | Reuters.),  the overall time until the patient dies is not improved.

The original study that supported Avastin's approval showed adding the drug to paclitaxel added 5½ months to median progression-free survival. The new studies show a smaller impact on progression-free survival of less than a month to 2.9 months depending on the treatment group. The studies showed more side effects among women being treated with Avastin. None of the studies showed a survival benefit in favor of Avastin. The panel unanimously said the follow-up studies didn't confirm the clinical benefit seen in the original study.
via FDA Panel Says Avastin's Breast Cancer Indication Should Be Removed - WSJ.com

So, the FDA is removing its recommendation that Avastin no longer be used off-label because a) it doesn't improve patient survival rates even if it does slow the progression of the disease and b) the side effects put the patient at much greater risk than the disease it purports to treat.
All this because President Obama wasn't born in America.

This new model is not starting well

This morning, the Telegram and Gazette begins its new model for access to local content on the telegram.com site.
The new model is articulated on this page:

via New telegram.com model begins today (Screen capture at 6:20AM on 8/16/2010.

Yesterday's home-delivered paper included a letter from Anthony J. Simollardes, Director of Readership & Circulation at the Telegram, also announcing the change. (Here's the letter.) In brief, because we still subscribe to the printed version of the paper, we'll continue to have full access to the content on telegram.com.
Well, um, thanks.
After I call the toll-free number to verify my print subscription, I'll be back with some more on this topic. In the meantime, I'm going to go out in the rain to pick up our newspaper which the new carrier has left at the end of the driveway, instead of on the porch. That's another call I'll have to make.
---
6:47 AM update: after a 20-second wait at the toll-free number, a very pleasant customer service rep provided me with the information I needed (my account number) and I have been confirmed as an online subscriber.

Why Holden needs three national pharmacy chains

Another in the occasional series about Holden's need for three national pharmacy chains.
---
It's not easy to figure out which is the better value for a pre-paid Visa card.
Walgreens charges a flat $3.99.

Rite-Aid charges more, but gives you a credit for that amount if you use the card in their store.

Whichever one you choose, you can use your card at CVS, particularly if you want the hair of your black girl to look more like a white girl's:

For more information, see Soft & Beautiful - Just For Me! - No-Lye Relaxer for Children

On this solemn day

Most people in this country have been born in the years since Elvis died¹. He has become, even among fans, a caricature of a performer - too-tight white suit, snarling lips, sideburns, 'n such. He continues to make money long after his passing - Jar of Elvis Presley's Hair Auctioned.
If you listened to his early stuff, you'd learn that his musical instincts were sharp and profound. He absorbed country, blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, rockabilly, and so much more, shaping and shaped by American popular music.  He knew his stuff. He was, in that regard, matched only by his contemporary, Johnny Cash. And while Cash found a lifeline in the Carter family, Elvis drowned, came back up, and then drowned again.
I knew one Elvis impersonator, not well, but enough to follow his career. He got sober quite a few years ago, at which point his career really got going. He works regularly in Vegas and around here.
Another Elvis impersonator, named Elvis Presley, is running for governor in Arkansas. "People will find out I'm for real," he's said. (via Elvis Presley Running for Governor of Arkansas - Lowering the Bar).
My favorite Elvis tune? I like the stuff from the Million Dollar Quartet recordings, a loose session with Elvis, Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The tape machine was running in 1956 when these guys ran through a bunch of material from Southern gospel to Chuck Berry to Little Richard. Here's one, Farther Along.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 14 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, August 2

10:19 a.m. Disturbance between youth and parent, Davis Hill School
11:52 a.m. Person in lobby asking about bike found at town pool
12:39 p.m. Suspicious male, Cedar Rd.
2:40 p.m. Black bear, Princeton St.
3:29 p.m. Suspicious male with backpack, Main St.
3:49 p.m. Caller reports speeding blue Pontiac grazed her dog and almost hit children, Princeton St.
4:11 p.m. Walk-in reports car cut her off near Hess Station, gave her the finger and used vulgar language
4:33 p.m. Bear ripping up trash in yard, Elmwood Ave.
6:09 p.m. Large black bear in yard, Elmwood Ave.
9:46 p.m. Wheel fell off car, Main St./Kendall Rd.

Tuesday, August 3

1:03 a.m. Door ajar, Malden St.
8:50 a.m. Bear, Dominitas Dr.
12:27 p.m. Several drawings of male genitalia spray painted on Salisbury St at Seasons neighborhood
12:40 p.m. Possum injured, Wood St.
2:50 p.m. Man walked into house for no reason, told resident his name and left, Rice School condos
3:43 p.m. Person at station for firearms paperwork
5:45 p.m. Suspicious older man walking on Malden St.
8:44 p.m Barking dog, Shrewsbury St./Birchwood Dr.

Wednesday, August 4

10:04 a.m. Bear on Wood St.
1:10 p.m. Caller reports two kids came to her door, looking for work. She did not know them from the neighborhood, Lovell St.
4:39 p.m. Black bear, Elmwood Ave.
4:56 p.m. Husky dog loose, Brennan Way. Neighbors afraid dog bit a child a while ago.
7:22 p.m. Neighbors in dispute about previous complaint. Dog under quarantine
9:29 p.m. Youths lighting fireworks, Malden St.
10:08 p.m. Tall male walked up back steps of house, peered in screen door and took off, Doyle Rd.

Thursday, August 5

12:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Salisbury St./Mark Cir.
5:18 a.m. Three youths on golf cart, Holden Hills
9:06 a.m. Bear sitting in driveway, Nottingham Dr. Advised the bear will leave, and take in all bird feeders
11:49 a.m. Passer-by reports playpen with two small children in it, Reservoir St. Officer checked, children are being watched by older children.
5:48 p.m. Dispersed group of youths at senior center
7:07p.m. Neighbor complaining about loud music next door, Sawyer Ln.

Friday, August 6

2:01 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on side of Jennifer Dr.
8:10 a.m. Large black bear on rear deck, Wachusett St.
8:53 a.m. Black bear in yard, Wood St.
9:08 a.m. Light Dept. reports finding large trash bag full of clothes, personal items and note
12:31 p.m. Four teen males setting small fires at playground, Salisbury St.
10:30 p.m. Call reporting possible shots in area, Flagler Dr.
10:52 p.m. Report of fireworks from Mountview School, possibly from roof.

Saturday, August 8

1:03 a.m. Male in dark clothing traveling southbound on bicycle, Main St. Was rude and uncooperative with officer
8:46 p.m. Two males fighting in parking lot of Holden pool, left in separate vehicles
6:52 p.m. Male riding motorbike, Shrewsbury St./Doyle Rd.
9:13 p.m. Drag racing southern end of Main St.

Sunday, August 9

3:49 a.m. Car in lot at library. Owner is returning books.
7:31 p.m. Car v. tree, Manning St.
10:09 p.m. Loud motorcycle racing, Mason Rd.

Paxton

Monday, August 2

10:32 a.m. Two motorcyclists spray-painting roadway, Grove St. Was done for ride over weekend
1:40 p.m. Loose dog in yard, Tanglewood Rd.
2:58 p.m. Two suspicious males in area of Illigs Pond, West St.
3:23 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about speeding trucks on Grove St. going to fields
3:26 p.m. Request that drivers of trucks going to Grove St. field be spoken to about speeding
6:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Asnubumskit Rd.

Tuesday, August 3

2:05 p.m. Motorist advising of leaf blower on side of road, Suomi near Marshall St.
4:09 p.m. Report that someone was inside home on Camp St. that shouldn’t be there. No one found

Wednesday, August 4

1:23 p.m. Female lying on side of Richards Ave./Church St. No one found

Thursday, August 5

7:11 p.m. Person at station to be fingerprinted, Pleasant St.
11:15 p.m. Police check on vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.

Friday, August 6

12:09 a.m. Male walking in area of garage, Pleasant St.
10:15 a.m. Geese in yard for few days, won’t leave, Grove St.
4:30 p.m. Resident at station requesting to be fingerprinted, Pleasant St.
5:54 p.m. Police get goat out of roadway, Grove St.

Saturday, August 7

2:17 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.
5:56 a.m. Spencer PD reports that someone stretched Glad wrap, head high, across Thompson Pond in Spencer at town line
2:58 p.m. Loose dog, neighbor later came and got dog, Indian Hill Rd.
11:36 p.m. Complaint of loud party, Grove St.

Sunday, August 8

1:44 p.m. People in lobby to speak with officer about ongoing issue, Pleasant St.
7:03 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Pleasant St.

Rutland

Monday, August 2

7:40 p.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about problem dog, Bushy Ln.
8:04 p.m. Multiple calls from residents about black bear in neighborhood, Clealand Cir.
9:53 p.m. Fox hit and is injured in middle of Main St./Pleasantdale Rd.

Tuesday, August 3

4:30 a.m. Disabled vehicle found to be in Paxton, Maple Ave.
6:55 a.m. Porcupine in road, Maple Ave./Emerald Rd.
7:15 a.m. Person wants to talk with officer about family member, Main St.
10:19 a.m. Complaint about noise, Edson Ave.
11:08 a.m. Missing girl’s bicycle, purple road runner
11:21 a.m. Keys locked in car, Bigelow Rd.
2:55 p.m. Loose black Labrador dog near school, Glenwood Rd.
4:36 p.m. Person riding four-wheeler up and down Jamie Ann Dr.
6:18 p.m. Unattended vehicle parked at common
6:41 p.m. Black Labrador found near Rail Trail, Indiana tags; family just moved here, Glenwood Rd.
8:24 p.m. Stray gray tiger cat, Wachusett St.

Wednesday, August 4

12:26 a.m. Male sleeping in vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.
6:46 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in area, Bushy Ln.
12:43 p.m. Suspicious male in white van, Clealand Cir.
3:12 p.m. Barking dogs complaint, Newman Dr. Dogs barking very early in morning
7:55 p.m. Stray yellow Labrador in yard, Main St.
10:33 p.m. Two safes missing from residence, Nancy Dr.

Thursday, August 5

1:16 a.m. Barking dogs, Clearview Rd.
2:04 a.m. Dog running in neighborhood barking, Valley View Cir.
9:49 a.m. Missing rescue dog, Bethany Dr.
11:42 a.m. Worcester PD requests officer to execute warrant for threats to murder, Pommogussett Rd. Person doesn’t live there

Friday, August 6

2:45 p.m. Yard equipment fell off truck, Main St.
6:02 p.m. Black Angus cow, due to calf, missing for two days, Glenwood Rd.

Saturday, August 7

11:13 a.m. Person at station to pick up equipment that fell off truck, Main St.
12:25 p.m. Individuals riding dirt bikes in road, very noisy, Glenwood Rd.
8:46 p.m. Caller driving on Main St. says person in car threw several pounds of coffee onto her vehicle, almost causing her to crash

Sunday, August 8

8:50 a.m. Small dog missing, Pommogussett Rd.
2:38 p.m. Person almost hit dog, Emerald Rd.
9:40 p.m. Gunshots heard, Glenwood Rd.

Princeton

Monday, August 2

3:17 a.m. Caller reports seeing car door open, Calamint Hill Rd. N; Police close back hatch
9:28 a.m. Vehicle hit pothole and has flat tire, Main St.
12:22 p.m. Dog found wandering in Sterling Rd.
1:53 p.m. Person reports being yelled at by male and female in front of restaurant, Rte. 140 N
5:45 p.m. Open window at home, Beaman Rd. Police close window
5:50 p.m. Request for police to assist with male mountain biking on road to summit of mountain

Tuesday, August 3

8:17 a.m. Graffiti on concrete stairs, Boylston Ave.

Wednesday, August 4

4:24 p.m. Male riding a go-cart in Stagecoach Rd.

Thursday, August 5

10:15 p.m. Request for police to unlock gate so vehicle can get out, Mountain Rd.
11:20 p.m. Male knocked on door asking for flashlight, police officer requested, Mountain
Rd.

Friday, August 6

11:11 a.m. Child locked in vehicle, Coal Kiln Rd.
5:36 p.m. Large tree down blocking Beaman Rd.
6:58 p.m. Assist animal control officer with dog license issue, Calamint Hill Rd. N

Saturday, August 7

3:04 p.m. Black bear in yard, Sterling Rd.
3:52 p.m. Police assist with traffic for wedding, Mountain Rd.

Sunday, August 8

11:05 a.m. Police assist with traffic for charity motorcycle ride, center of town
7:59 p.m. Assist animal control officer with dog license issues, Beaman Rd., Laurel Ln.
10:35 p.m. Police transport person from Main St. to Brooks Station Rd.

Sterling

Monday, August 2

3:40 p.m. Officer wanted. One child bit another, Redstone Hill Rd.

Tuesday, August 3

4:15 a.m. Assist W. Boylston PD looking for male walking to Worcester
5:15 a.m. Unoccupied vehicle, flares put out, Redemption Rock Trl.
10:17 a.m. Missing yellow Labrador, Boutelle Rd. Dog returned home
4:13 p.m. Parking complaint, N. Row Rd.
8:13 p.m. Request for officer for dog biting floating buoys and sinking them, Hall Ave.

Wednesday, August 4

5:35 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in area known for illegal dumping, Newell Hill Rd.
7:49 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Griffin Rd.

Thursday, August 5

1:40 a.m. Person requesting assistance with bat flying around house,Princeton Rd.
7:41 a.m. Cat struck and injured, brown tabby, Clinton Rd./Thomas Ln.
10:06 a.m. Stray orange cat, Sherwood Dr.
4:53 p.m.Siamese cat found in yard, Flanagan Hill Rd.
6:05 p.m. Large snapping turtle in middle of Flanagan Hill Rd.
8:12 p.m. Male beagle walking on Worcester Rd.

Friday, August 6

5:30 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Upper N. Row Rd.
6:16 p.m. Pitbull mix dog in yard, Princeton Rd. Owner will pick up
9:29 p.m. Loose horse on Upper N. Row Rd.
10:09 p.m. Two horses jumped fence, Upper N. Row Rd.

Saturday, August 7

12:15 p.m. Cars with no stickers, Hall Ave.

Sunday, August 8

6:38 a.m. Car egged and tires flattened, Jill Ln.
10:52 a.m. Assist with bike rally, Rte. 62, Princeton
12:02 p.m. Large, black bear in pond in back yard, Holden Rd. Environmental Police notified
3:14 p.m. Caller found dog on side of road in Lunenburg. Animal control officer picked up dog
8:59 p.m. Four cars at home where people are away, Avery Ln
10:32 p.m. Suspicious black car parked on N. Cove Rd.