Hurricane Irene: French toast with cabbage

We've all heard about the French Toast alert level - the urgency with which people buy eggs, bread, and milk when a storm's coming. Added to the French Toast has been the advice to stock up on cabbage - cash, in the case that ATMs are down because of power or because so many people have taken out so much cash.
Usually, the French Toast system is used for winter storms, so an August alert is something new. We've had credible information for a week now, indicating that Irene is a serious storm. Not epic, but serious. The folks along U.S. 20 don't need any of this, those who are rebuilding after the June 1st tornado.
We're going about our business, removing loose objects from the back desk  With 5-10"  of rain the forecast,

some of our neighbors might want to make sure that their gutters are ready for the deluge.

Tech news headline or Pogo dialog?

This morning's GigaOM (one of the very best tech news sites) included a story with this headline:

Card swipe dongle or NFC? Erply chooses both

The headline appears to be in English, but we might need some help.
For those of you who care about such things, Erply, an Estonian software company, is offering products that will allow businesses to collect payments on iPads. The company offers a somewhat traditional attachment (aka dongle) that allows the merchant to read the magnetic strip on credit cards and charge the customer for the purchase.
NFC stands for near-field communications (not the National Football Conference), a newer and sexier feature available on some mobile phones, that allows the customer to pay for products by holding their phone close to a receiver. Payments by mobile phone are more common in Europe and Asia than in the U.S.
But, back to the headline. Here's how reporting was done in the days of Pogo.

click for full-size

Jobs in suburbia

This is part of a series of jobs offered or sought on craigslist: worcester

If You Have No Fear Of Public Speaking (Worcester)

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If you're not afraid of speaking in front of small groups or earning $4,000 a month, please contact us with your resume or work history, contact info, and why you would be a good match for this position. We will contact you within 48 hours. We will have some preliminary questions for you, and then will be scheduling phone interviews within 48 hours of our first conversation. ...

This position is not for students or those who have been unemployed for longer than 1 month. This position requires you to be stable, mature, strong postured, fun and an exceptional communicator. If you feel that these are traits that you possess , then we encourage you to contact us. Thank you! I look forward to connecting with all elligible applicants.

Editor's note: emphasis added.

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Focus Groups / Taste Tests $50-$250 (Framingham/Boston)

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Want to be on Focus group panels / Taste test panels here in Framingham / Boston, you could earn $50-$250 depending on your qualification. We are local Market Research Company that holds Focus Groups / Food Testing Panels almost everyday here in Framingham.

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locksmith wanted one job (worcester eastside)

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need a locksmith to open my new deadbolt lock $30.00 call rita elderly person worcester

Compensation: $30.00

Editor's note: Please hurry. It's raining.

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Female models needed (Worcester county)

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Hi everyone jim here, thank you for all the emails and special thanks for the girls who came and test shot!! However i still need more models!! if your interested please send your had shot and a body shot along with what kind of modeling your looking to do and your measurements. Ive been getting special requests for girls with tattoos and piercing. If you have a unique tattoo or pierced area please attach the appropriate photo. Thanks again~

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Work from home telemarketer (MA)

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Does the sound of making 100 - 150 cold calls a day from home excite you?
Does the thought of hunting down the decision maker to make that killer appointment get your adrenaline pumping?

If so then this is the position for you.

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Hiring PT help for an Auburn Mall kiosk. Laid back position! (Auburn MA)

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Looking for someone to work at our kiosk 12 to 25 hours per week, very laid back position. Looking to hire and train someone asap, please shoot me an email for more details.

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Topical Homeopathic Pain Reliever Business Available

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Topical Homeopathic Pain Reliever Business Available
Imagine being the first person in your state to introduce a topical homeopathic pain reliever to health related businesses.
An opportunity like this one does not come along often.

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Make $50/hour (Anywhere)

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This is a work at home position. Part time or full time.
In order to receive this position you need to call are information call: 555-386-2277 ext. 26097

# Note: all you have to do is call this number anytime during the first of the hour. So if it's 1:30am right now, then you can call at 2am. 3am. 4am. etc. all the way through the day til 10pm, 11pm, 12pm.
If you have questions call me DIRECTLY.

Editor's note: phone numbers munged for your protection

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Gamestop (Gardener)

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We are currently looking for multiple positions to be filled at our location immediately. Retail and or sales experience is a plus but not necessary. We are looking for Game Advisors and Senior Game Advisors (key holders). Flexible hours are a very big plus, nights and weekends are preferred but we will also need weekday shifts filled. Please come in and fill out an application. No resume or application online will be valid or considered. Please do not respond by email they will not be considered. Please come in and fill out an application in store.

• Location: Gardener
• Compensation: TBD

Editor's note: We want to apply, but we don't know where you are. There's no such place as Gardener.

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smelling of love and excitement

In Cannery Row, John Steinbeck describes how the locals moved into an old boiler for shelter in rainy weather.

via Cannery Row - Google Books

Proving that everything old is new again:

via bookofjoe: TuboHotel

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week and five lock-outs]
Holden

Monday -- August 8

2:34 a.m. Male sitting on guardrail with bag, Main St. Person has housing issues
6:55 a.m. Male sitting in car at end of Greystone Dr.
9:33 a.m. Wild animal call, Redgate Ln.
2:19 p.m. Police remove kids from parking lot, Main St.
4:47 p.m. Group of kids throwing rocks and sticks at each other, Main
St./Boyden Rd.
8:28 p.m. Request for officer to check vehicle parked on field, Salisbury St.
10:30 p.m. Police check on two people at football field, Main St.

Tuesday -- August 9

1:37 a.m. Group of youths paintballing in neighborhood, Wachusett St.
8:27 a.m. Person at station for car seat installation, Main St.
11:02 a.m. Several calls and walk-in complaints about protestors in front of post office
11:28 a.m. Kids on bikes hopping over islands in parking lot, senior center, Main St.
4:44 p.m. Loose bulldog causing traffic problems, Highland St.
8:25 p.m. Report of “drag” racing, Lowell Ave.

Wednesday -- August 10

3:42 a.m. Three or four full trash cans in middle of Manning St.
10:03 a.m. Assist with car seat installation, Main St.
12:46 p.m. Town manager closed library for hour while bat is captured, Highland St.
2:03 p.m. Police assist females with flat tire, Main St.
3:13 p.m. Ten teenagers throwing junk objects in roadway, Woodland/Phillips Rds.
3:18 p.m. Skateboarders at church, Princeton St.
4:54 p.m. Vehicle passed vehicle, party pulled over and argument ensued, Broad St., Jefferson
7:11 p.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Shrewsbury St.

Thursday -- August 11

8:27 a.m. Man advising he will be conducting surveillance on Reservoir St.
8:49 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in front of house, Wachusett St.
1:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with two males, Centerwood Dr.
8:16 p.m. Person stumbling down Main St./ Alpha Rd.
8:50 p.m. Suspicious incident, two Mopeds, Main St.
9:12 p.m. Activity heard, no lights, Reservoir St.

Friday -- August 12

12:27 a.m. White truck speeding up and down Bailey Rd., doing burnouts
3:15 a.m. Suspicious person going into shed, Edgewood Dr.
4:19 a.m. Suspicious vehicle speeding down the road and pulling into several
driveways, Wachusett St.
9:35 a.m. Person dressed in camouflage walking into the woods with large firearm, Wachusett/Bullard St.
11:18 a.m. Assist with vehicle lockout, Main St.
1:59 p.m. Check on individuals possibly intoxicated, Shrewsbury St.
7:22 p.m. Police check on four youths walking down driveway of business, Princeton St.
9:32 p.m. Police check fields on Main St. for kids
10:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
11:44 p.m. Barking dog complaint, Holden St.

Saturday -- August 13

2:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Salisbury St.
p.m. Group of kids in front of business, Main St.
9:46 p.m. Music coming from woods, Wachusett St.
11:20 p.m. Loud music, Wachusett St./Blair Dr.

Sunday -- August 14

12:23 a.m. Possible gunshots, Twinbrooke Dr.
2:17 p.m. Loose horse from farm, Bullard St.

Paxton

Monday -- August 8

2:58 p.m. Person threw beer can out of vehicle window, Pleasant St.
4:38 p.m. Ammunition shot off in area of Moore State Park, Oak and Nanigian Ln.
5:43 p.m. Person at station reports his shrub was dug up and dragged to Davis Hill Rd.

Tuesday -- August 9

2:42 p.m. Vehicle lockout, police assist, Pleasant St.

Wednesday -- August 10

7:50 a.m. Caller found white dog with black spots with Delaware tags, Boynton Pkwy.
11:51 p.m. Assist citizen looking for Austin, Texas, PD phone number, Pleasant St.

Thursday -- August 11

11:01 a.m. Dog barking for long time, Pleasant St.
2:20 p.m. Employees from business on strike followed by group of employees they believe may be intoxicated, Pleasant St.
5:37 p.m. Female at station turning in ammunition found in her home, Pleasant St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious people in the road, Eagle Ln.

Friday -- August 12

5:18 p.m. Stray cat in area has started to bite people and is trying to attack another cat through the window, Bel Arbor Dr.
5:32 p.m. Suspicious female in all-black clothing taking photos of houses, Davis Hill Rd.

Saturday -- August 13

6:19 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on Suomi St
12:32 p.m. Sheet metal screws in road, Pleasant/Grove Sts.

Princeton

Monday -- August 8

4:40 p.m. Request for welfare check on employee that didn’t show up for work, Rocky Pond Rd. Person has moved
9:11 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at cemetery, Connor Ln. Police find many people attempting to communicate with the deceased
9:32 p.m. Suspicious person wearing hooded sweatshirt at intersection of Hobbs Rd. and Rte.140 N. Person had argument with parents

Tuesday -- August 9

10:44 a.m.911 abandoned call, Mountain Rd. School group spoken to about phone use
12:37 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Ball Hill Rd.

Wednesday -- August 10

12:54 p.m. Several TVs and computer monitors dumped near brook on dirt section of Houghton Rd.
8:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked beside Gates Rd.

Thursday -- August 11

10:07 a.m. Caller reports unleashed dogs chased her while bicycling, Thompson Rd.
11:55 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Mountain Rd.

Friday -- August 12

11:42 a.m. Suspicious motorcycle in driveway, Pine Hill Rd.

Saturday -- August 13

p.m. Report that lug nuts on rear tire were loosened, Boylston Ave.
2:49 p.m. Two loose dogs, Merriam/E. Princeton Rds.
p.m. Police transport person to home on E. Princeton Rd. from Worcester Rd.
9:16 p.m. Report of loud noise then mailbox found, Beaman Rd.
9:36 p.m. Caller reports mailbox in road, Clearings Way

Sunday -- August 14

11:28 a.m. Police serve immediate threat revocation for person’s driver’s license after finding person sitting in vehicle passenger seat in driveway, Worcester Rd.
10:52 p.m. Police report low battery in smoke detector making chirping noises, Radford Rd.

Rutland

Monday -- August 8

8:32 a.m. Shrewsbury PD requests Rutland officer go to home on Sassawanna Rd. and ask person to call them regarding a boat
3:03 p.m. Stray cat and kittens on deck of home, Turkey Hill Trl.
4:05 p.m. Police out with citizen with complaint of suspicious activity, Maple Ave.
8:44 p.m. Sick mink, euthanized and head sent to Boston to check for rabies, Pommogussett Rd.
9:22 p.m. Four youths in dark clothing walking in road, Main St.

Tuesday -- August 9

4:54 p.m. Dog in yard attempted to bite person trying to get into house, Peters Ave.

Wednesday -- August 10

2:59 P.M. Group of teenagers on roadside mooning cars going by, River Rd.

Friday -- August 12

2:36 p.m. Report of health hazard at building where people are removing paint, Main St.
4:12 p.m. Loud music coming from basketball court, Memorial Dr.
4:55 p.m. Request for assistance with residential lockout, Main St.
7:24 p.m. Three male youths in back yard of abandoned building, Inwood/Birchwood Rds.
8:11 p.m. Group of youths tore down basketball hoop, Male Ave.
Wallet found, Main St.

Saturday -- August 13

8:44 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Main St.
11:00 a.m. Break-in to vehicle overnight, items taken and mailboxes damaged,
Campbell St.12:21 p.m. Person at station to report theft of
medications, Main St.
5:38 p.m. Gun shots in woods near rail trail

Sunday -- August 14

4:29 p.m. Gun shots heard near Prison Camp Rd.
4:08 p.m. Loud music from Pommogussett Rd./Simon Davis Dr. area
4:58 p.m. Request for officer to respond to verbal altercation with neighbor, Simon Davis Dr.

Sterling

Monday -- August 8

9:52 a.m. Large turtle in Chocksett Rd.
10:30 a.m. A bird, banded on both legs, has been at caller’s home for a week, Gates Rd.

Tuesday -- August 9

3:12 a.m. Transport female to Clinton town line
9:56 a.m. Female requesting assistance getting into home, does not have house keys, Patriots Way
1:49 p.m. Two roosters loose in yard, Chace Hill Rd.
9:19 p.m. Motorist reports male lying on side of Clinton Road, not moving. Person was resting from walk from Clinton
11:48 p.m. Report of vehicle with passenger door open beside road for long time, Metropolitan Rd.

Wednesday -- August 10

9:26 a.m. Vandalism by BB gun pellet, broken window in house, Laurelwood Rd.
9:29 p.m. Bat in home flying from second floor to basement, Meetinghouse
Hill Rd. Neighbor came with net and got bat

Thursday -- August 11

12:22 a.m. Truck in yard, putting lights on and off, Pratts Jct. Rd.
8:29 a.m. Loose cows in Lucas Rd.
11:54 a.m. Report of “weird” acting squirrel, doing flips and walking slowly,
Metropolitan Rd.

Friday -- August 12

12:10 a.m. Suspicious vehicle outside home, James Rd.
8:59 a.m. Youth on dirt bike, fled down street to Clinton town line. Lancaster PD advised
10:34 a.m. Report of sick fox near Chocksett Rd.
8:17 p.m. Kittens spotted through hole in fence, Worcester Rd.
8:50 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Maple St.

Saturday -- August 13

1:13 a.m. Several youths hanging around house and running around development, Patriots Way
10:04 a.m. People going door-to-door handing out flyers, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
3:29 p.m. Caller found feces in her mailbox, Griffin Rd.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week and five lock-outs]
Holden

Monday -- August 8

2:34 a.m. Male sitting on guardrail with bag, Main St. Person has housing issues
6:55 a.m. Male sitting in car at end of Greystone Dr.
9:33 a.m. Wild animal call, Redgate Ln.
2:19 p.m. Police remove kids from parking lot, Main St.
4:47 p.m. Group of kids throwing rocks and sticks at each other, Main
St./Boyden Rd.
8:28 p.m. Request for officer to check vehicle parked on field, Salisbury St.
10:30 p.m. Police check on two people at football field, Main St.

Tuesday -- August 9

1:37 a.m. Group of youths paintballing in neighborhood, Wachusett St.
8:27 a.m. Person at station for car seat installation, Main St.
11:02 a.m. Several calls and walk-in complaints about protestors in front of post office
11:28 a.m. Kids on bikes hopping over islands in parking lot, senior center, Main St.
4:44 p.m. Loose bulldog causing traffic problems, Highland St.
8:25 p.m. Report of “drag” racing, Lowell Ave.

Wednesday -- August 10

3:42 a.m. Three or four full trash cans in middle of Manning St.
10:03 a.m. Assist with car seat installation, Main St.
12:46 p.m. Town manager closed library for hour while bat is captured, Highland St.
2:03 p.m. Police assist females with flat tire, Main St.
3:13 p.m. Ten teenagers throwing junk objects in roadway, Woodland/Phillips Rds.
3:18 p.m. Skateboarders at church, Princeton St.
4:54 p.m. Vehicle passed vehicle, party pulled over and argument ensued, Broad St., Jefferson
7:11 p.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Shrewsbury St.

Thursday -- August 11

8:27 a.m. Man advising he will be conducting surveillance on Reservoir St.
8:49 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in front of house, Wachusett St.
1:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with two males, Centerwood Dr.
8:16 p.m. Person stumbling down Main St./ Alpha Rd.
8:50 p.m. Suspicious incident, two Mopeds, Main St.
9:12 p.m. Activity heard, no lights, Reservoir St.

Friday -- August 12

12:27 a.m. White truck speeding up and down Bailey Rd., doing burnouts
3:15 a.m. Suspicious person going into shed, Edgewood Dr.
4:19 a.m. Suspicious vehicle speeding down the road and pulling into several
driveways, Wachusett St.
9:35 a.m. Person dressed in camouflage walking into the woods with large firearm, Wachusett/Bullard St.
11:18 a.m. Assist with vehicle lockout, Main St.
1:59 p.m. Check on individuals possibly intoxicated, Shrewsbury St.
7:22 p.m. Police check on four youths walking down driveway of business, Princeton St.
9:32 p.m. Police check fields on Main St. for kids
10:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
11:44 p.m. Barking dog complaint, Holden St.

Saturday -- August 13

2:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Salisbury St.
p.m. Group of kids in front of business, Main St.
9:46 p.m. Music coming from woods, Wachusett St.
11:20 p.m. Loud music, Wachusett St./Blair Dr.

Sunday -- August 14

12:23 a.m. Possible gunshots, Twinbrooke Dr.
2:17 p.m. Loose horse from farm, Bullard St.

Paxton

Monday -- August 8

2:58 p.m. Person threw beer can out of vehicle window, Pleasant St.
4:38 p.m. Ammunition shot off in area of Moore State Park, Oak and Nanigian Ln.
5:43 p.m. Person at station reports his shrub was dug up and dragged to Davis Hill Rd.

Tuesday -- August 9

2:42 p.m. Vehicle lockout, police assist, Pleasant St.

Wednesday -- August 10

7:50 a.m. Caller found white dog with black spots with Delaware tags, Boynton Pkwy.
11:51 p.m. Assist citizen looking for Austin, Texas, PD phone number, Pleasant St.

Thursday -- August 11

11:01 a.m. Dog barking for long time, Pleasant St.
2:20 p.m. Employees from business on strike followed by group of employees they believe may be intoxicated, Pleasant St.
5:37 p.m. Female at station turning in ammunition found in her home, Pleasant St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious people in the road, Eagle Ln.

Friday -- August 12

5:18 p.m. Stray cat in area has started to bite people and is trying to attack another cat through the window, Bel Arbor Dr.
5:32 p.m. Suspicious female in all-black clothing taking photos of houses, Davis Hill Rd.

Saturday -- August 13

6:19 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on Suomi St
12:32 p.m. Sheet metal screws in road, Pleasant/Grove Sts.

Princeton

Monday -- August 8

4:40 p.m. Request for welfare check on employee that didn’t show up for work, Rocky Pond Rd. Person has moved
9:11 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at cemetery, Connor Ln. Police find many people attempting to communicate with the deceased
9:32 p.m. Suspicious person wearing hooded sweatshirt at intersection of Hobbs Rd. and Rte.140 N. Person had argument with parents

Tuesday -- August 9

10:44 a.m.911 abandoned call, Mountain Rd. School group spoken to about phone use
12:37 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Ball Hill Rd.

Wednesday -- August 10

12:54 p.m. Several TVs and computer monitors dumped near brook on dirt section of Houghton Rd.
8:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked beside Gates Rd.

Thursday -- August 11

10:07 a.m. Caller reports unleashed dogs chased her while bicycling, Thompson Rd.
11:55 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Mountain Rd.

Friday -- August 12

11:42 a.m. Suspicious motorcycle in driveway, Pine Hill Rd.

Saturday -- August 13

p.m. Report that lug nuts on rear tire were loosened, Boylston Ave.
2:49 p.m. Two loose dogs, Merriam/E. Princeton Rds.
p.m. Police transport person to home on E. Princeton Rd. from Worcester Rd.
9:16 p.m. Report of loud noise then mailbox found, Beaman Rd.
9:36 p.m. Caller reports mailbox in road, Clearings Way

Sunday -- August 14

11:28 a.m. Police serve immediate threat revocation for person’s driver’s license after finding person sitting in vehicle passenger seat in driveway, Worcester Rd.
10:52 p.m. Police report low battery in smoke detector making chirping noises, Radford Rd.

Rutland

Monday -- August 8

8:32 a.m. Shrewsbury PD requests Rutland officer go to home on Sassawanna Rd. and ask person to call them regarding a boat
3:03 p.m. Stray cat and kittens on deck of home, Turkey Hill Trl.
4:05 p.m. Police out with citizen with complaint of suspicious activity, Maple Ave.
8:44 p.m. Sick mink, euthanized and head sent to Boston to check for rabies, Pommogussett Rd.
9:22 p.m. Four youths in dark clothing walking in road, Main St.

Tuesday -- August 9

4:54 p.m. Dog in yard attempted to bite person trying to get into house, Peters Ave.

Wednesday -- August 10

2:59 P.M. Group of teenagers on roadside mooning cars going by, River Rd.

Friday -- August 12

2:36 p.m. Report of health hazard at building where people are removing paint, Main St.
4:12 p.m. Loud music coming from basketball court, Memorial Dr.
4:55 p.m. Request for assistance with residential lockout, Main St.
7:24 p.m. Three male youths in back yard of abandoned building, Inwood/Birchwood Rds.
8:11 p.m. Group of youths tore down basketball hoop, Male Ave.
Wallet found, Main St.

Saturday -- August 13

8:44 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Main St.
11:00 a.m. Break-in to vehicle overnight, items taken and mailboxes damaged,
Campbell St.12:21 p.m. Person at station to report theft of
medications, Main St.
5:38 p.m. Gun shots in woods near rail trail

Sunday -- August 14

4:29 p.m. Gun shots heard near Prison Camp Rd.
4:08 p.m. Loud music from Pommogussett Rd./Simon Davis Dr. area
4:58 p.m. Request for officer to respond to verbal altercation with neighbor, Simon Davis Dr.

Sterling

Monday -- August 8

9:52 a.m. Large turtle in Chocksett Rd.
10:30 a.m. A bird, banded on both legs, has been at caller’s home for a week, Gates Rd.

Tuesday -- August 9

3:12 a.m. Transport female to Clinton town line
9:56 a.m. Female requesting assistance getting into home, does not have house keys, Patriots Way
1:49 p.m. Two roosters loose in yard, Chace Hill Rd.
9:19 p.m. Motorist reports male lying on side of Clinton Road, not moving. Person was resting from walk from Clinton
11:48 p.m. Report of vehicle with passenger door open beside road for long time, Metropolitan Rd.

Wednesday -- August 10

9:26 a.m. Vandalism by BB gun pellet, broken window in house, Laurelwood Rd.
9:29 p.m. Bat in home flying from second floor to basement, Meetinghouse
Hill Rd. Neighbor came with net and got bat

Thursday -- August 11

12:22 a.m. Truck in yard, putting lights on and off, Pratts Jct. Rd.
8:29 a.m. Loose cows in Lucas Rd.
11:54 a.m. Report of “weird” acting squirrel, doing flips and walking slowly,
Metropolitan Rd.

Friday -- August 12

12:10 a.m. Suspicious vehicle outside home, James Rd.
8:59 a.m. Youth on dirt bike, fled down street to Clinton town line. Lancaster PD advised
10:34 a.m. Report of sick fox near Chocksett Rd.
8:17 p.m. Kittens spotted through hole in fence, Worcester Rd.
8:50 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Maple St.

Saturday -- August 13

1:13 a.m. Several youths hanging around house and running around development, Patriots Way
10:04 a.m. People going door-to-door handing out flyers, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
3:29 p.m. Caller found feces in her mailbox, Griffin Rd.

Can i complain one more time about HP printer softrware?

I needed to install an HP printer driver. at a customer site. The system, as I later learned, in part as a result of receiving this error, had other problems that needed attention. The error message that the HP software displayed, however, was a bit opaque:

Can i complain one more time about HP printer softrware?

I needed to install an HP printer driver. at a customer site. The system, as I later learned, in part as a result of receiving this error, had other problems that needed attention. The error message that the HP software displayed, however, was a bit opaque:

WHDH News - too happy to report the latest news

We usually watch the 10PM news on Fox 25 because a) it's good to yell at the TV before going to sleep, b) we're not going to stay up for the 11:00 news and c) it's the better of the two Boston offerings. Charter offers a 10PM news show in conjunction with NECN. We don't yell at them as much.
Last night, there was a football game on channel 25, so we watched the WHDH news instead. Yikes.
One quick example. They ran a feel-good feature about the guy in Rhode Island who offered up his Starbucks card.
The anchors offered a smarmy, Yankee-Candle-scented commentary about paying it forward. They didn't report, however, that they hadn't bothered to report that the service was being shut down by Starbuck's as of 7PM PDT yesterday (10PM Boston time).

WHDH News - too happy to report the latest news

We usually watch the 10PM news on Fox 25 because a) it's good to yell at the TV before going to sleep, b) we're not going to stay up for the 11:00 news and c) it's the better of the two Boston offerings. Charter offers a 10PM news show in conjunction with NECN. We don't yell at them as much.
Last night, there was a football game on channel 25, so we watched the WHDH news instead. Yikes.
One quick example. They ran a feel-good feature about the guy in Rhode Island who offered up his Starbucks card.
The anchors offered a smarmy, Yankee-Candle-scented commentary about paying it forward. They didn't report, however, that they hadn't bothered to report that the service was being shut down by Starbuck's as of 7PM PDT yesterday (10PM Boston time).

Jobs in suburbia

This is part of a series of jobs offered or sought on craigslist: worcester

OFFICE ASSISTANT - PEFECT FOR STUDENTS (Hollison )

 

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Pat-time job offer

Are you willing to work form comfort of your home, and still make some reasonable amount of money? Please kindly respond to our e-mail for more info.

• Compensation: $500-2000 $per month 
•  ...

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promotional models needed (central ma, worcester )

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TRAK PRODUCTIONS A CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASED COMPANY IS SEEKING FEMALE PROMOTIONAL BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR DIFFERENT BEER AND LIQUOR PRODUCTS. WE ARE CURRENTLY GEARING UP FOR OUR BUSY SCHOOL/FALL SEASON. THIS JOB IS PART-TIME JOB , EACH PROMOTION EVENT IS A MINIMUM 2 HOURS. ALL INTERESTED MUST BE OUTGOING, FRIENDLY, AND NOT AFFRAID TO TALK TO CUSTOMERS AT LIQUOR STORE/BARS/RESTAURANT/NIGHTCLUBS. ALSO YOU MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION ( YOU MUST HAVE A CAR/TRUCK/SUV YOU CANT COUNT ON A FRIEND TO DRIVE YOU. ) ALSO YOU MUST BE ABLE TO WORK ON A INDIVIDUAL BASES AND MINOR PAPERWORK WILL NEED TO BE COMPLETED. ALSO YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

 

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Wrentham Outlets Fudgery (Wrentham, MA)

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The Fudgery at the Wrentham Outlets is hiring!!! Here, vocally talented people are able to express themselves daily while selling and making fudge. We are looking for talented, bright, and dedicated individuals to join our successful team!! Hours and wages may vary depending upon previous experience. There is opportunity for advancement!

Requirements: Sales: ability to sing, have a positive attitude and be a solid cleaner.
Requirements: Candy: ability to sing, have a positive attitude, solid cleaner, and lift a minimum of 50 LBS.

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Exotic Dancers needed for immediate availability (Worcester)

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Exotic dancers needed for gentleman's club.

Experience preferred but not necessary.Pay starts at 8 dollars an hour.Immediate availability required.For immediate consideration please reply with contact info, experience, availability, and photographs. 

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Psychics wanted (Worcester)

---

Experienced Psychic - Tarot - Readers needed for Major established Network. Work directly for us. Get paid directly from us. Must be HONEST - RELIABLE - and you must want to work! Gypsy clans need not apply..we know who you are.
We are looking for Phone Psychics who REALLY want to help people and who have experience.

Jobs in suburbia

This is part of a series of jobs offered or sought on craigslist: worcester

OFFICE ASSISTANT - PEFECT FOR STUDENTS (Hollison )

 

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Pat-time job offer

Are you willing to work form comfort of your home, and still make some reasonable amount of money? Please kindly respond to our e-mail for more info.

• Compensation: $500-2000 $per month 
•  ...

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promotional models needed (central ma, worcester )

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TRAK PRODUCTIONS A CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASED COMPANY IS SEEKING FEMALE PROMOTIONAL BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR DIFFERENT BEER AND LIQUOR PRODUCTS. WE ARE CURRENTLY GEARING UP FOR OUR BUSY SCHOOL/FALL SEASON. THIS JOB IS PART-TIME JOB , EACH PROMOTION EVENT IS A MINIMUM 2 HOURS. ALL INTERESTED MUST BE OUTGOING, FRIENDLY, AND NOT AFFRAID TO TALK TO CUSTOMERS AT LIQUOR STORE/BARS/RESTAURANT/NIGHTCLUBS. ALSO YOU MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION ( YOU MUST HAVE A CAR/TRUCK/SUV YOU CANT COUNT ON A FRIEND TO DRIVE YOU. ) ALSO YOU MUST BE ABLE TO WORK ON A INDIVIDUAL BASES AND MINOR PAPERWORK WILL NEED TO BE COMPLETED. ALSO YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

 

---

Wrentham Outlets Fudgery (Wrentham, MA)

---

The Fudgery at the Wrentham Outlets is hiring!!! Here, vocally talented people are able to express themselves daily while selling and making fudge. We are looking for talented, bright, and dedicated individuals to join our successful team!! Hours and wages may vary depending upon previous experience. There is opportunity for advancement!

Requirements: Sales: ability to sing, have a positive attitude and be a solid cleaner.
Requirements: Candy: ability to sing, have a positive attitude, solid cleaner, and lift a minimum of 50 LBS.

---

Exotic Dancers needed for immediate availability (Worcester)

---

Exotic dancers needed for gentleman's club.

Experience preferred but not necessary. Pay starts at 8 dollars an hour. Immediate availability required. For immediate consideration please reply with contact info, experience, availability, and photographs.  

---

Psychics wanted (Worcester)

---

Experienced Psychic - Tarot - Readers needed for Major established Network. Work directly for us. Get paid directly from us. Must be HONEST - RELIABLE - and you must want to work! Gypsy clans need not apply..we know who you are.
We are looking for Phone Psychics who REALLY want to help people and who have experience.

Happy Birthday, Joe

MRM and JWH - 2004

Happy Birthday, Joe

MRM and JWH - 2004

Happy Birthday, Marian

MRM and JWH - 2004

Happy Birthday, Marian

MRM and JWH - 2004

Job creationism

The Wall Street Journal reports uncritically on a U.S. Chamber of Commerce study (PDF) that shows how state labor laws help or hinder job creation.

via The Impact of State Employment Policies on Job Growth (PDF)

According to the 116-page study, Massachusetts is ranked in the lowest of three tiers for job-creation friendliness. The list includes the usual suspects: most of the Northeastern states, the industrial Midwest and, of course, California. Favored states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, MississippiNorth Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, andVirginia.

If, as the study concludes, the goal is job creation, then let's have a quick look at the most recent unemployment figures. According to the May 2011 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Northeast is doing best of all of the regions in the country. .How's Massachusetts doing?  7.6%. Not the best, but better than Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, MississippiNorth Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, . Of those favored by the Chamber of Commerce, only Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, andVirginia. And, let's not forget the Virginia is the beneficiary of a lot of federal spending.
The Chamber rates favorably those states which do not have labor laws, such a plant-shutdown notification, overtime provisions, or higher minimum wage laws than those specified by federal law.. The Chamber likes Texas.

Factors contributing to the state’s “good” ranking:

• Strong right-to-work protections
• State law prohibiting political subdivisions from enacting higher minimum wage
• Overtime requirements set by federal law
• Strong support for at-will employment doctrine
• No state WARN-type requirements beyond federal law

According to David Drumm, writing in Rick Perry’s Job Creation Miracle on Jonathan Turley's law blog, Texas has parlayed a high percentage of minimum wage jobs with little or no health insurance coverage into a job-creation myth. The state is also running a $27 billion budget deficit.
Mike Masnick at Techdirt notes in Politicians, Innovation & The Paradox Of Job Creation that the entanglement of politics and job creation is far more complex and that, further, job creation quite often comes as the result of some profound earlier job loss. (Telephone operators losing thee jobs even as the telecommunications industry is booming.)
In addition, Ayla Rosen at BostInnovation reports on a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research study that concludes New York Tops 2011 State Entrepreneurship Index, Mass in at #3.
Politicians and chambers of commerce like to boost job numbers, even if those jobs are low-paying, go-nowhere positions that are vulnerable to the next wave of economic and technical innovation. It makes headlines, but doesn't build a good future.

Job creationism

The Wall Street Journal reports uncritically on a U.S. Chamber of Commerce study (PDF) that shows how state labor laws help or hinder job creation.

via The Impact of State Employment Policies on Job Growth (PDF)

According to the 116-page study, Massachusetts is ranked in the lowest of three tiers for job-creation friendliness. The list includes the usual suspects: most of the Northeastern states, the industrial Midwest and, of course, California. Favored states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

If, as the study concludes, the goal is job creation, then let's have a quick look at the most recent unemployment figures. According to the May 2011 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Northeast is doing best of all of the regions in the country. .How's Massachusetts doing?  7.6%. Not the best, but better than Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina,  Tennessee, and Texas, . Of those favored by the Chamber of Commerce, only Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia. And, let's not forget the Virginia is the beneficiary of a lot of federal spending.
The Chamber rates favorably those states which do not have labor laws, such a plant-shutdown notification, overtime provisions, or higher minimum wage laws than those specified by federal law.. The Chamber likes Texas.

Factors contributing to the state’s “good” ranking:

• Strong right-to-work protections
• State law prohibiting political subdivisions from enacting higher minimum wage
• Overtime requirements set by federal law
• Strong support for at-will employment doctrine
• No state WARN-type requirements beyond federal law

According to David Drumm, writing in Rick Perry’s Job Creation Miracle on Jonathan Turley's law blog, Texas has parlayed a high percentage of minimum wage jobs with little or no health insurance coverage into a job-creation myth. The state is also running a $27 billion budget deficit.
Mike Masnick at Techdirt notes in Politicians, Innovation & The Paradox Of Job Creation that the entanglement of politics and job creation is far more complex and that, further, job creation quite often comes as the result of some profound earlier job loss. (Telephone operators losing thee jobs even as the telecommunications industry is booming.)
In addition, Ayla Rosen at BostInnovation reports on a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research study that concludes New York Tops 2011 State Entrepreneurship Index, Mass in at #3.
Politicians and chambers of commerce like to boost job numbers, even if those jobs are low-paying, go-nowhere positions that are vulnerable to the next wave of economic and technical innovation. It makes headlines, but doesn't build a good future.

Crime in suburbia

Holden

Monday -- July 25

6:12 a.m. Suspicious person, South Rd.
10:43 a.m. Report of three males at door of home, refused to leave, in driveway, Malden St.
11:22 a.m. Elderly male walking through woods and back yard, Shrewsbury St.
12:16 p.m. Male on bike watching female put children in her car, Forest Dr. OK, person waiting to meet friend
8:39 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked across from business on Broad St. Male walking around

Tuesday -- July 26

8:04 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
2:17 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on side of River St.
2:21 p.m. Citizen concerned about male parked by rail trail, River St.
7:49 p.m. Multiple kids in gazebo, Man St.8:51 p.m. Person complaining about youths disturbing the peace behind business, Main St.
9:12 p.m. Youths walking around Summer Ln./ Autumn Cir.
917 p.m. Person home from vacation reports air conditioners have marks on them, Reservoir St.

Wednesday -- July 27

12:58 a.m. Person at station requests assistance with repossessed vehicle, Main St.
6:25 p.m. Person at station to be fingerprinted for employment, Main St.8:40 p.m. Vehicle all over the road and blew through stop sign, Bullard St.

Thursday -- July 28

8:48 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Mark Cir.:04 p.m. Caller reports his dog was mauled by another dog still in the yard, Sumac Cir.2:58 p.m. Person at station regarding fraudulent activity on his credit card, Main St.
5:10 p.m. Request for officer to speak to youths and have them leave area, Boyden Rd.
7:45 p.m. Person at station regarding ongoing neighborhood dispute, Main St.
10:03 p.m. Report of people having a fire at beach, Causeway St. None found

Friday -- July 29

1:00 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with no headlights, Jamieson Rd.
1:50 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Birchwood Dr.1:57 a.m. Suspicious incident, person threatening to harm others and himself, Wachusett St.
4:13 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
6:26 a.m. Car in woods, Reservoir St.
9:50 a.m. Police speak to youths about bicycle safety, Main St./Vista Cir.
10:36 a.m. Report of wild turkey hopping on one leg, Salisbury St.
1:40 p.m. Report of rabid fox in Doyle Rd.
6:14 p.m. Suspicious person, Sunnyside Ave. Arrest: ... 

Saturday -- July 30

3:11 p.m. Skateboarders hanging around business, Main St.
4:56 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer regarding neighbor dispute, Frederickson Ave.
5:11 p.m. Multiple calls about two loose white dogs trying to start fight with another dog, Woodhaven Rd.
6:04 p.m. Kids in area of business, Main St.
6:13 p.m. Loud music at Eagle Lake, Causeway St.
9:27 p.m. Group of kids behind Town Hall being loud, Main St.

Sunday -- July 31

7:34 a.m. Loud noise from neighbor’s garage, Wyndhurst Dr.

Paxton

Wednesday -- July 27

4:42 p.m. Caller reports two bicycle riders being verbally abusive to her at stop sign, Grove/Maple Sts.
8:28 p.m. Possible rabid animal, Pleasant St.
9:41 p.m. Two vehicles with flat tires in front of library, Richards Ave./Maple St.

Friday -- July 29

8:36 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Grove St.

Saturday -- July 30

8:02 p.m. Police assist fire dept., West St.

Sunday -- July 31

12:01 a.m. Dog barking, Streeter Rd.
12:06 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer regarding custody issue. Advised it is a civil matter, Streeter Rd.

Princeton

Monday -- July 25

10:50 a.m. Report of couch, chair and carpet illegally dumped, Worcester Rd.
2:54 p.m. Several youths coming out of woods with duffel bags, Thompson Rd.
4:41 p.m. Officer met with person wanting to file complaint, Town Hall Dr.
11:56 p.m. Caller reports underage drinking party, Goodnow Rd.

Tuesday -- July 16

10:55 a.m. Suspicious person on Echo Lake Trail. Female thought male was following her, Westminster Rd.
3:25 p.m. Police stand by to assist with possible issue, Mountain Rd.

Wednesday -- July 27

12:18 a.m. Suspicious vehicle beside Redemption Rock Trl. for long period of time
11:05 a.m. Vehicle with open rear door parked in driveway, officers found house secure, Worcester Rd.
9:55 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with lights on for 15 minutes, Hubbardston Rd.

Thursday -- July 28

2:36 p.m. Report of ATV riding around property, Ball Hill Rd.

6:07 p.m. Report of emu in Wheeler Rd.

Saturday -- July 30

1:00 a.m. Suspicious vehicle following another vehicle, Leominster Rd.
10:14 p.m. Caller saw lights at end of driveway, then found his mailbox was missing, Coal Kiln Rd.

Sunday -- July 31

1:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Isaac’s Way

Rutland

Monday -- July 25

10:01 a.m. Caller concerned that turkeys crossing Pommogussett Road will be hit
3:20 p.m. Two or three foxes trying to attack caller and his family, Fairview Ave.

Tuesday -- July 26

2:34 a.m. Assist special agent regarding student, Miles Rd.
2:07 p.m. Report of shots fired on rail trail, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday -- July 27

11:18 a.m. Person reports screw in his tire, wants road cleaned, Main St.

Thursday -- July 28

9:37 a.m. Report of kitten in Cool Sandy Beach area with some type of netting around its neck, Kosta Ave.
10:19 a.m. Woman screaming in swamp area behind house, Philips Ave.
3:10 p.m. Caller found evidence of drugs, Bethany Dr.

Friday -- July 29

1:05 a.m. Loud house party, Jamie Ann Dr.
5:02 p.m. Group of youths skateboarding on Main St.
6:52 p.m. Assist Holden PD, requesting information about person who claims to live in the woods in Rutland

Saturday -- Jul7 30

6:09 a.m. Kitten in trap with mesh around its head and other injuries, Kosta Ave.
:09 a.m. Suspicious males in home driveway, Blair Dr.10:11 a.m. Request for officer, dogs fighting and neighbors yelling, Jackson Ave.
11:31 a.m. Complaint about the public suing over roads being used for shortcut during the road closure, Depot/Moulton Mill Rds.

Sterling

Monday -- July 25

2:46 a.m. Suspicious man going through garbage along the street; vehicle also seen on Albright Rd. OK, person collecting cans
11:23 p.m. Suspicious male in bushes behind home, Clinton Rd. Ran when chased by individual, headed toward Redstone Hill area

Wednesday -- July 27

8:21 a.m. Suspicious activity, people at house removing items, Riverview Rd. Arrest: ...

Thursday -- July 28

12:39 p.m. Suspicious person carrying white bag, walking up and down street, Kendall Hill and Shady lanes5:01 p.m. Person at station regarding profane comments made to him, Leominster Rd.

Friday -- July 29

9:36 p.m. Huge tree down and blocking Worcester Rd.
10:10 p.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Chace Hill Rd.

Saturday -- July 30

11:03 a.m. Cell phone caller reporting vehicle parked in unsafe location at far end of overpass, Worcester Rd.
2:20 p.m. Dog locked in car, Leominster Rd.
10:44 p.m. Request for officer, person thinks she smells marijuana in area of back yard, Redstone Hill Rd.
11:12 p.m. Caller reports gun shots, Albright Rd.

Sunday -- July 31

12:17 a.m. Loud bangs in area of Clinton Rd.
5:44 p.m. Complaint about motorcycles leaving business and racing up and down Rte. 140
6:45 p.m. Complaint about loud music, Leominster Rd.

Crime in suburbia

Holden

Monday -- July 25

6:12 a.m. Suspicious person, South Rd.
10:43 a.m. Report of three males at door of home, refused to leave, in driveway, Malden St.
11:22 a.m. Elderly male walking through woods and back yard, Shrewsbury St.
12:16 p.m. Male on bike watching female put children in her car, Forest Dr. OK, person waiting to meet friend
8:39 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked across from business on Broad St. Male walking around

Tuesday -- July 26

8:04 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
2:17 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on side of River St.
2:21 p.m. Citizen concerned about male parked by rail trail, River St.
7:49 p.m. Multiple kids in gazebo, Man St.8:51 p.m. Person complaining about youths disturbing the peace behind business, Main St.
9:12 p.m. Youths walking around Summer Ln./ Autumn Cir.
917 p.m. Person home from vacation reports air conditioners have marks on them, Reservoir St.

Wednesday -- July 27

12:58 a.m. Person at station requests assistance with repossessed vehicle, Main St.
6:25 p.m. Person at station to be fingerprinted for employment, Main St.8:40 p.m. Vehicle all over the road and blew through stop sign, Bullard St.

Thursday -- July 28

8:48 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Mark Cir.:04 p.m. Caller reports his dog was mauled by another dog still in the yard, Sumac Cir.2:58 p.m. Person at station regarding fraudulent activity on his credit card, Main St.
5:10 p.m. Request for officer to speak to youths and have them leave area, Boyden Rd.
7:45 p.m. Person at station regarding ongoing neighborhood dispute, Main St.
10:03 p.m. Report of people having a fire at beach, Causeway St. None found

Friday -- July 29

1:00 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with no headlights, Jamieson Rd.
1:50 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Birchwood Dr.1:57 a.m. Suspicious incident, person threatening to harm others and himself, Wachusett St.
4:13 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
6:26 a.m. Car in woods, Reservoir St.
9:50 a.m. Police speak to youths about bicycle safety, Main St./Vista Cir.
10:36 a.m. Report of wild turkey hopping on one leg, Salisbury St.
1:40 p.m. Report of rabid fox in Doyle Rd.
6:14 p.m. Suspicious person, Sunnyside Ave. Arrest: ... 

Saturday -- July 30

3:11 p.m. Skateboarders hanging around business, Main St.
4:56 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer regarding neighbor dispute, Frederickson Ave.
5:11 p.m. Multiple calls about two loose white dogs trying to start fight with another dog, Woodhaven Rd.
6:04 p.m. Kids in area of business, Main St.
6:13 p.m. Loud music at Eagle Lake, Causeway St.
9:27 p.m. Group of kids behind Town Hall being loud, Main St.

Sunday -- July 31

7:34 a.m. Loud noise from neighbor’s garage, Wyndhurst Dr.

Paxton

Wednesday -- July 27

4:42 p.m. Caller reports two bicycle riders being verbally abusive to her at stop sign, Grove/Maple Sts.
8:28 p.m. Possible rabid animal, Pleasant St.
9:41 p.m. Two vehicles with flat tires in front of library, Richards Ave./Maple St.

Friday -- July 29

8:36 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Grove St.

Saturday -- July 30

8:02 p.m. Police assist fire dept., West St.

Sunday -- July 31

12:01 a.m. Dog barking, Streeter Rd.
12:06 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer regarding custody issue. Advised it is a civil matter, Streeter Rd.

Princeton

Monday -- July 25

10:50 a.m. Report of couch, chair and carpet illegally dumped, Worcester Rd.
2:54 p.m. Several youths coming out of woods with duffel bags, Thompson Rd.
4:41 p.m. Officer met with person wanting to file complaint, Town Hall Dr.
11:56 p.m. Caller reports underage drinking party, Goodnow Rd.

Tuesday -- July 16

10:55 a.m. Suspicious person on Echo Lake Trail. Female thought male was following her, Westminster Rd.
3:25 p.m. Police stand by to assist with possible issue, Mountain Rd.

Wednesday -- July 27

12:18 a.m. Suspicious vehicle beside Redemption Rock Trl. for long period of time
11:05 a.m. Vehicle with open rear door parked in driveway, officers found house secure, Worcester Rd.
9:55 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with lights on for 15 minutes, Hubbardston Rd.

Thursday -- July 28

2:36 p.m. Report of ATV riding around property, Ball Hill Rd.

6:07 p.m. Report of emu in Wheeler Rd.

Saturday -- July 30

1:00 a.m. Suspicious vehicle following another vehicle, Leominster Rd.
10:14 p.m. Caller saw lights at end of driveway, then found his mailbox was missing, Coal Kiln Rd.

Sunday -- July 31

1:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Isaac’s Way

Rutland

Monday -- July 25

10:01 a.m. Caller concerned that turkeys crossing Pommogussett Road will be hit
3:20 p.m. Two or three foxes trying to attack caller and his family, Fairview Ave.

Tuesday -- July 26

2:34 a.m. Assist special agent regarding student, Miles Rd.
2:07 p.m. Report of shots fired on rail trail, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday -- July 27

11:18 a.m. Person reports screw in his tire, wants road cleaned, Main St.

Thursday -- July 28

9:37 a.m. Report of kitten in Cool Sandy Beach area with some type of netting around its neck, Kosta Ave.
10:19 a.m. Woman screaming in swamp area behind house, Philips Ave.
3:10 p.m. Caller found evidence of drugs, Bethany Dr.

Friday -- July 29

1:05 a.m. Loud house party, Jamie Ann Dr.
5:02 p.m. Group of youths skateboarding on Main St.
6:52 p.m. Assist Holden PD, requesting information about person who claims to live in the woods in Rutland

Saturday -- Jul7 30

6:09 a.m. Kitten in trap with mesh around its head and other injuries, Kosta Ave.
:09 a.m. Suspicious males in home driveway, Blair Dr.10:11 a.m. Request for officer, dogs fighting and neighbors yelling, Jackson Ave.
11:31 a.m. Complaint about the public suing over roads being used for shortcut during the road closure, Depot/Moulton Mill Rds.

Sterling

Monday -- July 25

2:46 a.m. Suspicious man going through garbage along the street; vehicle also seen on Albright Rd. OK, person collecting cans
11:23 p.m. Suspicious male in bushes behind home, Clinton Rd. Ran when chased by individual, headed toward Redstone Hill area

Wednesday -- July 27

8:21 a.m. Suspicious activity, people at house removing items, Riverview Rd. Arrest: ...

Thursday -- July 28

12:39 p.m. Suspicious person carrying white bag, walking up and down street, Kendall Hill and Shady lanes5:01 p.m. Person at station regarding profane comments made to him, Leominster Rd.

Friday -- July 29

9:36 p.m. Huge tree down and blocking Worcester Rd.
10:10 p.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Chace Hill Rd.

Saturday -- July 30

11:03 a.m. Cell phone caller reporting vehicle parked in unsafe location at far end of overpass, Worcester Rd.
2:20 p.m. Dog locked in car, Leominster Rd.
10:44 p.m. Request for officer, person thinks she smells marijuana in area of back yard, Redstone Hill Rd.
11:12 p.m. Caller reports gun shots, Albright Rd.

Sunday -- July 31

12:17 a.m. Loud bangs in area of Clinton Rd.
5:44 p.m. Complaint about motorcycles leaving business and racing up and down Rte. 140
6:45 p.m. Complaint about loud music, Leominster Rd.

Google and Facebook - too smart to help you

Try to find the link to the online help for Facebook. Hint: it's at the bottom of the page. Just press the Page Down key on your keyboard until you get there. Go ahead. I'll wait.
...
Found it yet? Probably not. Facebook thinks that you're much more interested in the musings of your friends to want to see what's at the bottom of the page. (By the way, here's the link to Facebook Help Center. You might want to bookmark it.)
Facebook has achieved phenomenal growth with a frequently-changing user interface, a complex process for setting privacy options, and no customer service. If you discover a problem, wander through the help pages until you're satisfied that it isn't addressed anywhere, Facebook is glad to have you report it.

via My bug is not listed above. - Facebook Help Center

Just don't expect an answer.
You won't get an email if they agree that it's a bug. At most, it might be listed on the  Known Issues on Facebook page.If your problem is fixed, what you tried to do before will just work when you try it again later.
The folks who built Facebook and Google are very smart. They're so very smart that they'd prefer to devote engineering resources toward fixing problems rather than responding to your email queries. In I'm Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59, Douglas Edwards recounts a conversation with Google co-founder, Sergey Brin. Edwards told Brin about the problems of the lone Googler responsible for customer service. The poor guy, noted Edwards, couldn't respond to all of the emails.

Sergey offered a useful perspective. "Why do we need to answer user email anyway?" he wanted to know.
To Sergey's thinking, responding to user questions was inefficient.. If they wrote us about problems, that was useful information to have. We should note the problems and and fix them. That would make the users happier than if we wasted time explaining to them that we were working on the bugs.

See? It took two people to write, review, and send a reply to your complaint. Those talents could have been better spent fixing the problem without interference from you.
Something that doesn't work as expected one time will, by the wizardry of very smart people, work properly at some time in the future. The classic pop-culture definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Facebook and Google invite and, to some extent, require this kind of insane behavior.
It's not an oversight. It's their business model. At last check, there are three Googlers and one Facebooker in the Forbes top 50 richest people in the world.

Google and Facebook - too smart to help you

Try to find the link to the online help for Facebook. Hint: it's at the bottom of the page. Just press the Page Down key on your keyboard until you get there. Go ahead. I'll wait.
...
Found it yet? Probably not. Facebook thinks that you're much more interested in the musings of your friends to want to see what's at the bottom of the page. (By the way, here's the link to Facebook Help Center. You might want to bookmark it.)
Facebook has achieved phenomenal growth with a frequently-changing user interface, a complex process for setting privacy options, and no customer service. If you discover a problem, wander through the help pages until you're satisfied that it isn't addressed anywhere, Facebook is glad to have you report it.

via My bug is not listed above. - Facebook Help Center

Just don't expect an answer.
You won't get an email if they agree that it's a bug. At most, it might be listed on the  Known Issues on Facebook page.If your problem is fixed, what you tried to do before will just work when you try it again later.
The folks who built Facebook and Google are very smart. They're so very smart that they'd prefer to devote engineering resources toward fixing problems rather than responding to your email queries. In I'm Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59, Douglas Edwards recounts a conversation with Google co-founder, Sergey Brin. Edwards told Brin about the problems of the lone Googler responsible for customer service. The poor guy, noted Edwards, couldn't respond to all of the emails.

Sergey offered a useful perspective. "Why do we need to answer user email anyway?" he wanted to know.
To Sergey's thinking, responding to user questions was inefficient.. If they wrote us about problems, that was useful information to have. We should note the problems and and fix them. That would make the users happier than if we wasted time explaining to them that we were working on the bugs.

See? It took two people to write, review, and send a reply to your complaint. Those talents could have been better spent fixing the problem without interference from you.
Something that doesn't work as expected one time will, by the wizardry of very smart people, work properly at some time in the future. The classic pop-culture definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Facebook and Google invite and, to some extent, require this kind of insane behavior.
It's not an oversight. It's their business model. At last check, there are three Googlers and one Facebooker in the Forbes top 50 richest people in the world.

Old-school business opportunity through Google Plus

The classic Internet scam is known as a 419 Scam. In brief, you receive an email that  seeks your help in moving funds out of a west African country. You are asked to provide your bank information and, possibly, a check to facilitate the transfer.
We don't see them very often any more because most everyone knows to check snopes.com for information about a Nigerian (419) Scam.

The 419 name refers to the section of the Nigerian criminal code regarding theft by fraud. The scam is not limited to Nigeria, however. The messages originate from any of several west African countries.
This morning, I found this message from an attorney in Togo in my Spam folder:

I am looking for a missing client (Gary Hakkarainen) who is traceable to your family tree because he shares the same family name and nationality with you. He is an international investor in solid minerals such as precious stones, diamonds, mercury, gold bars, gold dust, Oil and gas etc. He got missing since his business trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 7th July 2004. But now, there is an urgent need of him or any of his relative because his bank here wants him or his relative to run re-activation process of his bank account with the balance of €22.788Million which became dormant after this past six years the account has not been operated by him. Also a family treasure safe keeping security company here in the name of GSE that he deposited six trunk boxes of Gold Bars and Gold Dust as family treasure and classified bond on 29th December 2003 seeks for him as well. Kindly get back to me so that I will give you his full details to enable you give me any info or link about him that you can possibly provide, and you will be highly rewarded for your time and any help you can offer.

It was sent to me by way of my Google Plus profile. I've since restricted this feature so that only people I know can send me messages in this way.
For the record, Gary is not a close relative. Hakkarainen is a fairly common name in central Finland and, as a result, the diaspora has sent quite a few folks with that name into the wilderness.

Old-school business opportunity through Google Plus

The classic Internet scam is known as a 419 Scam. In brief, you receive an email that  seeks your help in moving funds out of a west African country. You are asked to provide your bank information and, possibly, a check to facilitate the transfer.
We don't see them very often any more because most everyone knows to check snopes.com for information about a Nigerian (419) Scam.

The 419 name refers to the section of the Nigerian criminal code regarding theft by fraud. The scam is not limited to Nigeria, however. The messages originate from any of several west African countries.
This morning, I found this message from an attorney in Togo in my Spam folder:

I am looking for a missing client (Gary Hakkarainen) who is traceable to your family tree because he shares the same family name and nationality with you. He is an international investor in solid minerals such as precious stones, diamonds, mercury, gold bars, gold dust, Oil and gas etc. He got missing since his business trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 7th July 2004. But now, there is an urgent need of him or any of his relative because his bank here wants him or his relative to run re-activation process of his bank account with the balance of €22.788Million which became dormant after this past six years the account has not been operated by him. Also a family treasure safe keeping security company here in the name of GSE that he deposited six trunk boxes of Gold Bars and Gold Dust as family treasure and classified bond on 29th December 2003 seeks for him as well. Kindly get back to me so that I will give you his full details to enable you give me any info or link about him that you can possibly provide, and you will be highly rewarded for your time and any help you can offer.

It was sent to me by way of my Google Plus profile. I've since restricted this feature so that only people I know can send me messages in this way.
For the record, Gary is not a close relative. Hakkarainen is a fairly common name in central Finland and, as a result, the diaspora has sent quite a few folks with that name into the wilderness.

Promoting your Google Plus profile

While there is still a lot of noise regarding the ham-handed ways that Google has dealt with business accounts on Google Plus, that isn't stopping Mashable from trying new approaches.
This morning, I noticed the following banner at the top of the Mashable site:

Clicking on the link, as you might suspect, brings you to Mashable founder Pete Cashman's Google+ posts page. If you have a Google+ account, you can add him to one of your circles and see what all the fuss is about.
---
And now a message from the Department of Self Promotion: you can find me on Google Plus here.

Promoting your Google Plus profile

While there is still a lot of noise regarding the ham-handed ways that Google has dealt with business accounts on Google Plus, that isn't stopping Mashable from trying new approaches.
This morning, I noticed the following banner at the top of the Mashable site:

Clicking on the link, as you might suspect, brings you to Mashable founder Pete Cashman's Google+ posts page. If you have a Google+ account, you can add him to one of your circles and see what all the fuss is about.
---
And now a message from the Department of Self Promotion: you can find me on Google Plus here.

The job's yours, unless you need it.

A couple of months ago, an email came through with information about a contract technical writing job with Staples. The message, sent by a recruiter, included this delicious sentence:

Only seeking candidates who have been recently (within the last 3 months) been working as a technical writer.

This is a contract position, mind you, not even a permanent job. They didn't want anyone who was a) new to the profession or, more likely, b) out of work for a long time.
I muttered a bad word and forgot about the email until I saw this article in the New York Times: The Help-Wanted Sign Comes With a Frustrating Asterisk
It appears that this is a common trend. Employers, flush with stimulus funds and renewed tax cuts,  are choosing to treat people who have been out of work for a long time as damaged. (This also applies to people who have gone through training in preparation for a career change.)
It may not be quite as bad as it seems. A search through Monster, SimplyHired, Craigslist, and a few other job sites only showed this example from Monster:

The Times article notes that New Jersey has passed a law that prohibits discrimination against the unemployed.
And so, tonight's moment of Zen: would you ever get the chance to turn down a job offer from a place that wouldn't hire you because you were out of work? 

The job's yours, unless you need it.

A couple of months ago, an email came through with information about a contract technical writing job with Staples. The message, sent by a recruiter, included this delicious sentence:

Only seeking candidates who have been recently (within the last 3 months) been working as a technical writer.

This is a contract position, mind you, not even a permanent job. They didn't want anyone who was a) new to the profession or, more likely, b) out of work for a long time.
I muttered a bad word and forgot about the email until I saw this article in the New York Times: The Help-Wanted Sign Comes With a Frustrating Asterisk
It appears that this is a common trend. Employers, flush with stimulus funds and renewed tax cuts,  are choosing to treat people who have been out of work for a long time as damaged. (This also applies to people who have gone through training in preparation for a career change.)
It may not be quite as bad as it seems. A search through Monster, SimplyHired, Craigslist, and a few other job sites only showed this example from Monster:

The Times article notes that New Jersey has passed a law that prohibits discrimination against the unemployed.
And so, tonight's moment of Zen: would you ever get the chance to turn down a job offer from a place that wouldn't hire you because you were out of work? 

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 29 suspicious items this week and 1 lock-out.]

Holden

Monday, July 18

12:20 a.m. Report that porcupine was hit, someone wrapped it in something and placed it in her yard, Main St.
1:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Apple Tree Lane
11:54 a.m. Mass State Police advising of complaint regarding male parties protesting in front of the post office. Poster of President Obama with Hitler mustache
2:35 p.m. Police advise group at post office to move tent and table off the sidewalk, Main St.
2:53 p.m. Caller reports he gave part of his social security number to company he thought was phone company, Mark Bradford Dr.
3:40 p.m. Call regarding person setting off explosives under the underpass, River St.
7:24 p.m. Suspicious male in area of school, Salisbury St.
8:52 p.m. Report of possible gunshots, Mason Rd.
10:30 p.m. Group of kids at rear of building, Main St.

Tuesday, July 19

12:13 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Shrewsbury St. People carpooling picking up vehicles
3:20 p.m. Suspicious van at home where people are away, Cranbrook Dr.
4:39 p.m. Person thought his vehicle had been stolen, no problem, car in lot, Main St.
5:58 p.m. Caller reports yelling at residence, Sumac Circle
6:12 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Salisbury St.
7:36 p.m. Kids on skateboards in back of business on Main St.
9:48 p.m. Disturbance, youth group skating at business on Main St.

Wednesday, July 20

10:56 a.m. Loose sheep in area of Red Barn, Shrewsbury St.
11:51 a.m. Person trying to cross Shrewsbury St. was threatened
2:20 p.m. Police assist motorist with flat tire, Chapel and Malden St.
8:23 p.m. Suspicious incident, male left house upset, Salisbury St.
9:09 p.m. Caller concerned about items left in home when he moved, South Rd.
10:12 p.m. Large group of youths behind senior center, Main St. Group dispersed

Thursday, July 21

7:36 a.m. Report of several men taking pictures of home and putting ladders up against house, Village Green Lane
12:31 p.m. Person at station reporting his trailer plate either lost or stolen, Main St.
7:51 p.m. Person at station to make statement about earlier incident, Main St.
9:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Avery Heights Dr.

Friday, July 22

1:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Birchwood Dr.
2:39 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Zottoli Rd.
8:12 a.m. Report of several construction vehicles working in the road with no detail officer, Wachusett St. and Manning St.
9:39 a.m. Barking complaint, Avery Heights Dr.
12:47 p.m. Report that someone is in vehicle and sleeping at Highland and Main St.
1:05 p.m. Possible scam involving suspicious call, Mayo Dr.
1:06 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Nola Dr.
1:51 p.m. Suspicious person, Wachusett St.
2:21 p.m. Report of dying raccoon in Dumpster, Doyle Rd.
9:46 p.m. Three youths walking in middle of the road, Reservoir St. and Main
9:55 p.m. Caller from Florida reporting her car stolen for second time. Advised she needs to fill out a new report with police in St. Petersburg, Florida

Saturday, July 23

9:17 a.m. Report that large truck will be in road for short time, Main St.
6:43 p.m. Follow-up with Environmental Police, Main St.

Sunday, July 24

12:09 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Homestead Rd.
11:18 a.m. Report that person has erected a farm in his back yard, Holden St.
12:15 p.m. Report of person in pickup truck removing landscape items from vacant home, Brattle St.
1:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Boyden Rd.
3:57 p.m. Caller reporting a scam about winning money, Bailey Rd.
8:04 p.m. Report of fireworks/bottle rockets in area of Fairhill Rd.

Paxton

Monday, July 18

11:55 a.m. Advised of sinkhole at Burtenmar Circle. Referred to DPW
12:45 p.m. Individual using Dumpster without permission, Pleasant St.
2:52 p.m. Suspicious person taking pictures, Highland St.
7:02 p.m. Golf cart parked in road, Pond St.

Tuesday, July 19

2:14 a.m. Party in to lobby, to use phone for ride. Transport to Rutland line.
1:10 p.m. Red pick-up in area. Person knocking on doors, asking for used batteries, Streeter Rd.
11:50 p.m. Car hit deer, Richards Ave.

Wednesday, July 20

12:54 p.m. Suspicious van in front of empty house, Orchard Dr. Ok, it’s a landscaper hired by bank.
3:40 p.m. Investigate gun shots, Red Oak St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious person wearing all black and a straw hat and carrying a knapsack reported near Congregational Church. Driver of disabled tractor trailer unit, waiting for tow and ride.

Thursday, July 21

10:48 a.m. Suspicious auto, Richards Ave.
10:50 a.m. Dog found with Southbridge tag. Owner contacted.

Sunday, July 24

4:46 a.m. Dead pug in road, Holbrook Rd.
4:32 p.m. Caller advises a garter snake has gone into her mother’s apartment, Howard St.

Princeton

Monday, July 18

12:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Fitchburg Rd., Crow Hill parking lot
9:34 a.m. Missing Ragdoll cat, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, August 19

12:47 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on the side of Matthews Lane
9:24 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on side of East Princeton Rd. and Merriam Rd.
8:21 p.m. Suspicious person, Mirick Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

8:15 a.m. Police stand by at school bus stop, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, July 21

8:22 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Worcester Rd.
8:52 a.m. Police remove large animal from roadway, Worcester Rd.
9:37 p.m. Police check on suspicious vehicle, Gates Rd.

Friday, July 22

8:39 a.m. Request for help, bat in house, Hubbardston Rd.

Saturday, July 23

8:20 p.m. Report of person face down on dirt road next to business on Main St. Person taking a nap

Sunday, July 24

3:15 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Ball Hill Rd.
10:52 a.m. Report of suspicious person behind building on Worcester Rd.

Rutland

Monday, July 18

7:27 a.m. Report of dog bite, Vista Circle
8:03 a.m. Person out walking her dog was attacked by three neighbor dogs, East County Rd.
5:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Orchard Hill Dr.
11:36 p.m. Report of fireworks coming from area of Laurelwood Rd.

Tuesday, July 19

8:37 a.m. Person filled tank of large mobile home and drove off leaving credit card, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

8:29 a.m. Caller advising of pool ladder left in pool and owners are away, Kalloch Dr.
10:20 a.m. Request for escort to business to pick up medication, Main St.
6:20 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding child custody issue, Main St.
7:50 p.m. Report of cars taking a left onto Glenwood from Main St, not going around the island, person feels the detour sign is confusing people
8:04 p.m. Report of trash dumped, Maple Ave. Wants officer to help resolve issue
9:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
9:57 p.m. Person reports that while walking dog encountered black bear that stood on its hind legs growling, dog barked and chased bear into field, Cloverdale Lane

Thursday, July 21

7:17 a.m. Request for an officer for a problem with door on a truck, Crawford Rd.
7:29 a.m. Purse and backpack beside road and items strewn in roadway, Paddock Rd.
10:48 a.m. Report of truck backed up with hose into water, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:37 p.m. Person from Department of Conservation and Recreation requesting assistance with a group of youths using a rope swing, East Hill Rd.
6:41 p.m. Report that swing seat snapped at playground, Memorial Dr.
6:45 p.m. Department of Conservation and Recreation official asking for assistance at rope swing, East Hill Rd.
7:34 p.m. Police check on three vehicles parked on the road, East Hill Rd.
9:03 p.m. Environmental Police requesting assistance with five Mopeds, Long Pond boat ramp
9:39 p.m. Caller concerned about welfare of person that had been hitchhiking, carrying a heavy backpack, Long Pond
9:51 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Friday, July 22

12:44 a.m. Police transport operator of vehicle that had run out of gas, Pommogussett Rd.
6:43 a.m. Caller out running was charged by a dog, Glenwood Rd.
6:41 p.m. Irate person calling multiple times, threatening to call the FBI, Main St.
10:51 p.m. Motor vehicle in the woods and then it sped off, Moulton Mill Rd.
11:03 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Saturday, July 23

11:00 a.m. Assist with car seat installation, Main St.
12:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle seen again, Moulton Hill Rd.
1:30 p.m. Multiple calls from irate person, Main St.
5:52 p.m. Car parked on basketball court, Memorial Dr.
9:00 p.m. Police advised of people overdue to return home, Christmas Tree Lane. Later returned
11:43 p.m. Loud noise, Pequot Trail

Sunday, July 24

7:02 p.m. Caller asking about damage to his property, Main St. Person made threats against the department
7:18 p.m. Person called asking about the next town meeting, said he was going to call members of the select board, Main St.
7:38 p.m. Person asking if the department wants to make threats against him, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, July 18

6:18 a.m. Officer wanted, medication missing from vehicle, Riverview Rd.
11:20 a.m. Citizen reports a person driving intoxicated on two occasions, usually on Saturday night, Leominster Rd.
7:08 p.m. Caller reports solicitor at door, Pineview Rd.

Tuesday, July 19

2:38 a.m. Complaint about loud music, wants officer to tell them to quiet down, Worcester Rd.
10:00 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, James Rd.
9:26 p.m. Report of open garage door, Worcester Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

11:59 a.m. Caller reports dog got into swimming pool, John Dee Rd.
11:57 p.m. Caller reports striking a deer, Metropolitan Rd.

Thursday, July 21

9:53 a.m. Verbal altercation with work crew in woods near home on Wilder Rd. Caller states person tried to attack him

Friday, July 22

4:42 p.m. Motorist with complaint about a tree company, taking down trees and has travel lane blocked, no officer on scene, Still River Rd. and Beaman Rd.

Saturday, July 23

2:41 p.m. Report of elderly male pacing back and forth and then sitting on side of road, Jewett Rd. and Greenland Rd.
8:57 p.m. Report of King Charles Cavalier dog loose on highway, Interstate 1-190
11:53 p.m. Possible gunshots in area of Mortimer Rd.

Sunday, July 24

4:27 p.m. Caller reports chirping sound, Griffin Rd. Device is used to scare away rodents