Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, February 9

7:24 a.m. MassHighway notified twice of ice at Sunnyside Ave.
8:38 a.m. Something shot at front window of business, causing some damage, Doyle Rd.
8:51 a.m. Dog hit, Mason Rd.
10:30 a.m. Sick coyote, Salisbury St.
3:03 p.m. Caller about ammo he left with station about five years ago; advised it's most likely gone

Tuesday, February 10

1:24 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Paxton Rd.
1:34 a.m. Suspicious person on Salisbury St.; OK, looking for dog
7:33 a.m. Ice on Pleasant St., manhole cover raised on High St., and pothole on Chapel St.
7:48 a.m. MassHighway informed of large patch of ice at Sunnyside Ave.
9:55 a.m. Vehicle repossession, Princeton St.
11:26 a.m. Visa bank card found, Holden St.
2:45 p.m. Loose dog, Fairview Ave.
4:30 p.m. Front license plate stolen
11:05 p.m. Kids behind Davis Hill School causing disturbance

Wednesday, February 11

7:24 a.m. Parties dispersed at high school
11:28 a.m. Dog attacked by neighbor's dog
7:50 p.m. Older female with limp, Malden St.
8:36 p.m. Flashing light reported inside residence, Holden St.
9:33 p.m. Loose dog near Rutland Pharmacy; advised to call Rutland PD.

Thursday, February 12

7:20 a.m. Suspicious person in parking lot, Main St.
7:35 a.m. Report of tree stump debris in Doyle Road
8:35 a.m. Caller to file report against tree crew
10:05 a.m. Inquiry regarding lost wallet; none turned in
12:43 p.m. Solicitors on Shrewsbury St.
3:25 p.m. Neighbor's dog at home on Shrewsbury St.; returned to owners
8:10 p.m. Caller regarding party who does drugs; advised Mass State Police recently did house raid, to contact them

Friday, February 13

1:27 a.m. Sewage coming into residence, Britney Dr.
2:09 a.m. 911 Report of moose on Wachusett St.; no contact
8:11 a.m. Walk-in reports hitting dog on Rte. 68 in Rutland; Rutland PD informed
10:37 a.m. Possible use of counterfeit bill, Reservoir St.
3:55 p.m. Suspicious person taking pictures of residence, Salisbury St.
4:10 p.m. Suspicious person taking pictures of residence on Main St.; same description as previous call
4:38 p.m. Male taking pictures of residence on Mixter Rd.; same description as previous calls
4:58 p.m. Resident concerned about leaving house after picture-taking incident
6:34 p.m. Dog brought home strange item on Britney Dr.; item retrieved for possible identification

Saturday, February 14

Sunday, February 15

9:30 a.m. Kids from Jackson St. on ATV driving down Whitney St.; parties advised to keep ATV off public roadways
10:19 a.m. Dog running down Main St. stopping traffic
11:45 a.m. Dog found on Manning St.
2:03 p.m. Lockout of building, Main St.
2:50 p.m. Pilgrim Rd. resident reports fisher cat in back yard; advised to call Critter Control
6:33 p.m. 911 Report of children throwing snowballs at cars, Doyle Rd.
6:46 p.m. Vehicle hit by snowball, Shrewsbury St.; parties throwing snowballs identified, will be held responsible
9:37 p.m. Report of suspicious people on Marlen Rd.

Paxton

Monday, February 9

3:00 p.m. Caller looking for information on a vehicle that was impounded last week
7:35 p.m. Resident locked out of house, Marshall St.

Tuesday, February 10

1:55 p.m. Resident locked out of home, Pleasant St.
3:21 p.m. Caller found half eaten bag of potato chips in her house, Grove St.
4:56 p.m. Caller advising she found large dog poop on doorstep when she got home. Requested officers be on the lookout for loose dogs in the area, Pleasant St.

Wednesday, February 10

12:04 a.m. Caller reporting that she believes someone was in her house after she went to bed, Grove St. Checked house, all secure.

Wednesday, February 11

5:40 p.m. Vehicles parked in road, Suomi St.
6:08 p.m. 911 Hang up. Resident contacted, wants to know when the water is coming back on
7:12 p.m. Caller advising that she believed someone had entered her home. Coffee pot was on and dog was growling, Grove St.
7:43 p.m. Caller from Thistledown Lane advising they have no water.
10:15 p.m. Caller advising that lights are on in her garage, were not on when she left, Grove St.

Thursday, February 12

3:13 a.m. Caller reporting she is locked in her house, Grove St. Stayed online with her while she tried back door. It works.
8:16 a.m. Caller stating there was someone in her "turret" at her residence, Grove St.
7:17 p.m. 911 hang up. Contacted resident who said he was attempting to teach his four year old to dial 911. Child made the call.

Friday, February 13

4:10 p.m. Caller reporting brown tap water, Pleasant St.
4:19 p.m. Caller requesting officer check residence, Grove St.

Saturday, February 14

9:51 a.m. Walk-in reporting he found a dog running loose in the center.
6:17 p.m. Five juveniles admitting to marijuana use, Moore State Park. Taken in to await parental pickup.
8:49 Caller reporting he doesn't have electricity, Pleasant St.

Sunday, February 15

5:13 p.m. erratic operator, Holden Rd @Grove St.

Princeton

Monday, February 9

8:58 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Havenwood Dr.

Wednesday, February 11

11:13 a.m. Assist animal control officer, Worcester Rd.

Friday, February 13

7:41 a.m. Disturbance, gun shots, Beaman Rd.
2:06 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Wheeler Rd.

Saturday, February 14

10:04 a.m. Suspicious incident, Hobbs Rd.
11:53 a.m. Dog from Sterling lost, Roper Rd.
1:35 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Sterling Rd.
2:41 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Thompson Rd.
3:48 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Mirick Rd.

Sunday, February 15

11:13 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Dowds Ln.
7:01 p.m. Assist animal control officer, Fitchburg Rd.

Rutland

Tuesday, February 10

8:30 a.m. Person at station for fingerprinting, Main St.
2:35 p.m. Officer speaks with person about installation of car seats, Main St.
3:00 p.m. Erratic operator all over the road, Main St.

Wednesday, February 16, 2009

8:45 a.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Maple Ave.
1:23 p.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Maple Ave.
4:33 p.m. Section of Brintnal Dr. nearly impassable because of mud. Car stuck
5:50 p.m. Person stuck in caller's driveway, Drury Ln.
11:04 p.m. Female outside building yelling, Maple Ave.

Thursday, February 12

6:31 a.m. Owl sitting in middle of Pleasantdale Rd.
9:21 a.m. Multiple calls about mud in road, Brintnal Dr.
8:05 p.m. Young man go-carting up and down Glenwood near Campbell

Friday, February 13

3:57 a.m. Person to speak with officer about cell phone call, Main St.
8:00 a.m. Dog struck and killed, E. County Rd.

Saturday, February 15

10:16 a.m. Suspicious male wandering around area of Wildbrook Ave.
4:29 p.m. Summons delivered, Sassawanna Rd.
4:38 p.m. Summons delivered, Pommogussett Rd.
4:43 p.m. Summons Delivered, Miles Rd.
4:53 p.m. Keys locked in car, Main St.
5:25 p.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Maple Ave.
5:45 p.m. Summons delivered, Orchard Hill Dr.
5:56 p.m. Summons delivered, Sycamore Dr.

Sunday, February 15

4:33 p.m. 911 hang-up, Richards Ave.
5:30 p.m. 911 hang-up, Watson Ln.

Sterling

Monday, February 9

1:24 p.m. Key lost possibly between Corner Café and Lilacs, Main St.
2:26 p.m. Possible, disabled motor vehicle, Pratts Jct./ Albright Rds. Man walking in woods

Tuesday, February 10

7:10 a.m. Stray cat around garage, Kendall Hill Rd.
7:20 a.m. Barking stray dog in yard, Newell Hill Rd.
9:25 a.m. Male going through recycling boxes, Gates Ter.

Friday, February 13

1:32 p.m. Report of "strange" animal in yard, Evergreen Circle. May be a fisher cat

Saturday, February 14

12:36 a.m. Assist citizen where car is off the road. Three women behind a tree, couldn't recall how they got there, Greenland Rd.

Sunday, February 15

3:16 p.m. Report that people were riding on cows, Redstone Hill Rd.
4:14 p.m. Party concerned about son in a hotel using drugs. Advised to contact other PD, Leominster Rd.

NOCWYB

Along with the No One Cares What You Had for Lunch principle, delightfully flipped on its ear by friend Liz, is the principle that No One Cares Why You Blog (NOCWYB). Self-referential writing is, for the most part, rarely as interesting to the reader as it is to the writer.

So, now that we have that out of the way, let's talk a bit about blogging. The other day, Jeff over at Wormtown Taxi posted a note that commented on another writer's lament that blogging isn't the quick path to riches and fame. Of course it's not.


The percentage of people who make a living at anything creative, and I consider blogging to be more creative than entrepreneurial (mostly because it's easier to spell), is darned small. If anything, this blogging is more like graffiti tagging, except that our walls are in nerd space, not on walls, trains, or highway underpasses. We get to write what we think is important, in the hope that someone else might think the same, and we don't have to hide our empty cans of spray paint.

Worcestershire Journal - Sidewalk anthropologist

Worcestershire Journal - Sidewalk anthropologist : Real Worcester - Worcester News and Blogs

Worcestershire Journal - While waiting for the weather to change

My latest post on the Real Worcester site: Worcestershire Journal - While waiting for the weather to change

Crime in the Great White North

According to an article in the Guardian, officials in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, are hoping to control the long lines at Tim Horton's drive-through shops by posting "No Stopping" signs:
Note that the city will put up the signs "[a]s soon as weather permits."
In addition, the deputy police chief says that “Enforcement will be random, it will be sporadic and it will be done at the level that’s warranted to address the situation.’’

Crime in exurbia

This past Sunday, many newspapers carried a Los Angeles Times story about the erudite police log in Dutch Harbor, a village in the town of Unalaska, Alaska.
The city (Alaska 11th largest) is located a long way from nowhere.

View Larger Map

And, in keeping with the libertarian spirit of our 49th state, here's the town's Website Policy:

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, Feb. 2

7:13 a.m. 911 Caller says the color of the sky is not right, doesn't believe it's fire; area checked; caller says it is sun glare
8:58 a.m. Rutland PD received report of wood in the road on Main St.; debris moved
9:18 a.m. Walk-in says people are going on her property with four-wheelers
10:46 a.m. Caller about child who ran away from school
11:15 a.m. Dog being attacked on Elmwood Ave.
4:48 p.m. Report of employee at Mountview using marijuana
5:02 p.m. Suspicious people on Pinebrook Lane
5:20 p.m. Two operators, possibly road rage incident, on Main St.
6:49 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout at funeral home

Tuesday, Feb. 3

6:10 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle behind Chaffins Recreation Association
10:30 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Main St.
12:00 p.m. Report of possible scam
12:34 p.m. Princeton PD reports suspicious person on Main St. giving the finger to passing vehicles
1:34 p.m. Bike found
4:25 p.m. White van with hazards on and male slumped over wheel on Causeway St.
4:50 p.m. Two-car motor vehicle accident on Causeway St.
7:11 p.m. Car in snowbank on Quinapoxet St.
7:13 p.m. Possible disabled motor vehicle on Newell Rd.
7:20 p.m. Report of car in snowbank on Wachusett St.
9:14 p.m. 911 Plow operator doing donuts in Davis Hill lot

Wednesday, Feb. 4

12:06 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in the area of Malden St.
2:22 p.m. Youths dispersed from parking lot on Main St.
4:45 p.m. Tractor-trailer needs assistance turning around at bridge on Main St.
5:18 p.m. Individual reported trying to sell steaks out of back of truck on Main St.
10:57 p.m. 911 Caller says dogs are barking, wants police to check home

Thursday, Feb. 5

2:08 a.m. West Boylston Police advising they have 911 caller on line saying they're being rammed by a Jeep; incident happened in Worcester
9:00 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Juniper Lane; okay, all set

1:34 p.m. Caller regarding an incident that happened on school grounds
2:16 p.m. Assist security with male party at high school
2:35 p.m. Report of accident in parking lot at high school
7:35 p.m. Walk-in to speak with police regarding incident at high school today
9:27 p.m. Vehicle struck in restaurant parking lot, no note left

Friday, Feb. 6

1:55 a.m. Inquiry regarding any power outages in town
2:59 a.m. Suspicious person on Main St. walking behind business; says she's going to store
12:30 p.m. Dog found
2:15 p.m. Caller asking about lost dog; referred to person who found him
4:20 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with operator taking pictures of caller's residence
8-52 p.m. Motor vehicle broken into on Cranbrook Dr.
8:52 p.m. Motor vehicle broken into on Mark Circle
9:08 p.m. 911 Motor vehicle broken into on Butternut Circle
10:38 p.m. 911 Motor vehicle broken into on Pilgrim Dr.
10:38 p.m. Motor vehicle broken into on Meadowwood Dr.

Saturday, Feb. 7

12:02 a.m. 911 Report of female running southbound on Main St.
12:48 a.m. Things found that may be part of car breaks
1:34 a.m. Tread on vehicle at Assumption College doesn't match
7:10 a.m. Motor vehicle broken into
10:22 a.m. No water at residence on Main St.
11:04 a.m. Motor vehicle broken into on Sycamore Dr.
11:20 a.m. Suspicious person on Quail Run going door to door asking if motor vehicles are for sale; no contact
5:01 p.m. Report of yelling/argument on Paugus Rd.; okay, argument by phone
8:55 p.m. Tree limb fell on wires on South Rd.
8:56 p.m. Report of female in van parked on side of road vomiting
11:18 p.m. Vehicle broken into on Mark Circle

Sunday, Feb. 8

11:56 a.m. Large pothole reported on Chapel St., manhole covers raised on High St.
12:14 p.m. 911 accidental from Explorers Way; child playing with phone
12:51 p.m. Parker Ave. electricity keeps flickering
12:52 p.m. Ice at top of St. Mary's Drive reported
2:27 p.m. Wire fell causing large flash
3:07 p.m. Small power outage on Quinapoxet St.
5:03 p.m. Lost dog found
6:05 p.m. Dog almost attacked by neighbor's dog on Reservoir St.
6:32 p.m. Woman reports almost being attacked by German shepherd
9:03 p.m. Deer hit on Quinapoxet St.

Paxton

Monday, Feb. 2

1:05 a.m. Suspicious hitchhiker in dark clothing, Pleasant St.
3:32 p.m. Caller with no water, upset DPW didn't notify her about water main break

Wednesday, Feb. 4

5:42 p.m. Caller advising she will have a campfire on Saturday
6:22 p.m. Truck and trailer stuck on ice in road, Elm St.

Thursday, Feb. 5

7:30 a.m. Callers have taken in a small white dog running around the neighborhood all morning, barking, Briarcliff Ln.
9:06 a.m. Caller reporting footprints in yard leading up to meter. PMLD had no one there today, Knollwood Rd.

Friday, Feb. 6

10:34 a.m. Resident in station to check that his registration is active
1:39 p.m. Suspicious person going through cars at Paxton Sports Center, Pleasant St.
1:47 p.m. Suspicious person in green minivan, Red Oak St. May be delivery person.

Sunday, Feb. 8

2:15 a.m. Walk-in to retrieve her motor vehicle taken in Worcester and found on West St.

Princeton

Monday, Feb. 2

10:23 a.m. Sales/telemarketing complaint, investigated, Goodnow Rd.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

8:33 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, property damage, Sterling Rd.
9:47 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, property damage, Sterling Rd.

Rutland

Monday, Feb. 2

10:23 a.m. Person at station to pick up computer taken for evidence, Main St.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

5:43 p.m. Caller asking for officer to check on house where lights are on and no one is home, Highland Park Rd.
8:27 p.m. Vehicle slid off Pommogussett Rd.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

4:33 a.m. Tree on sparking wires, Main St.

Thursday, Feb. 5

12:42 p.m. Large, low branch hanging over E. County Rd., commercial truck can't fit under it
1:21 p.m. Male client has left school and staff are chasing him, Miles Rd.

Saturday, Feb. 7

3:12 p.m. Dog struck and killed, Pommogussett/Sunnybrook Rds.
4:03 p.m. Officer advised about possible problem with person trying to collect money, Prouty Ln.

Sunday, Feb. 8

8:45 a.m. Person calling about wood near state boat ramps
4:33 p.m. Older male laying in back seat of car, Irish Ln.

Sterling

Monday, Feb. 2

12:11 a.m. Person wants to speak with officer about family issue, Main St.
3:24 p.m. Provide assistance to bus crossing railroad tracks, Pratts Jct. Rd.
4:11 p.m. Assist with bus crossing railroad tracks, Pratts Jct. Rd.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

9:00 a.m. Complaint about loose dog, Newell Hill Rd.
5:58 p.m. Numerous vehicles stuck on Holden Rd.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

7:44 a.m. Complaint about vehicle parked at bus stop, Riverview Rd.
8:13 a.m. Motor vehicle accident and debris in road (may be a pocketbook), Redemption Rock Trl./Merrill Rd.
4:07 p.m. Suspicious blue Jeep in Days Way area for several hours

Friday, Feb. 6

10:05 a.m. Fox running back and forth behind homes, Nelson Rd.
11:57 a.m. Fraud, Stuart Rd.
3:38 p.m. Large black cow in roadway, Chace Hill Rd.
6:33 p.m. Dead cat in road, Miles Rd.

Saturday, Feb. 7

6:50 a.m. Loose horse on Osgood Rd.
12:54 p.m. Back door to Town Hall open when person came to work, Main St.
10:29 p.m. Loose ponies on Redstone Hill Rd.

Sunday, Feb. 8

1:31 p.m. Caller's daughter bitten by dog while out running, Chace Hill Rd.
2:11 p.m. Person to talk with officer about ongoing problem on Spratt's Technology Way
3:26 p.m. Person at station to talk with officer about issues on Spratt's Technology Way

The last time I checked, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and Mike Oldfield were rather white.

Amazon's music page announces Celebrate Black History Month and then offers music from all-white performers:

And, yes, I can see the small Shop Now link that takes you over to the Black History Month page. You'd think, however, that Amazon might have the sense and sensibility to put some black performers on the home page, wouldn't you?

If you are not null, ...

 I've subscribed to the online Wall Street Journal for more than 10 years. You'd think that they might remember me.

Some days, you need an extra dos of dorkiness

On those days when the glasses and the pocket protector aren't enough, here's another outward manifestation of your inner dweebitude: bookofjoe: Connect-A-Desk — World's first wearable laptop workstation

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, January 26

3:47 p.m. 911 Little girl ran away from van bringing her home on West View St.; found
5:35 p.m. On Star reports its subscriber activated emergency button but can't be reached; no contact
9:38 p.m. Vehicle pulled to side of road on Main St.
9:59 p.m. Dog found on Brennan Way
10:35 p.m. Caller needs assistance getting into house

Tuesday, January 27

2:07 a.m. Suspicious person behind Holden Chapel

10:36 a.m. Tree company blocking road on Causeway St.
4:48 p.m. Verbal altercation reported
7:02 p.m. Two hockey nets stolen from Dorothy Ave.
11:19 p.m. Stolen hockey nets on Dorothy Ave.

Wednesday, January 28

3:49 a.m. Suspicious incident on Shrewsbury St.
5:03 a.m. Deer hit on Wachusett St.
10:39 a.m. Vehicles to be removed for plowing
1:53 p.m. MassHighway reports person pushing snow into street, then threatened MassHighway employee
2:29 p.m. Multiple youths in area of water tower on Shrewsbury St. throwing things
2:30 p.m. Multiple calls from highway department regarding vehicles in road that need to be removed for plowing
5:30 p.m. Truck pushing snow into the street
7:37 p.m. Suspicious person walking between houses on Sunnyside Ave.; person advised to return home
8:15 p.m. Disabled vehicle; plow fell off vehicle

Thursday, January 29

4:02 a.m. Car in road running with no one around on Wild Rose Ave.
4:15 a.m. Five cars in business lot on Main St.
4:58 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Doyle Rd.
7:49 a.m. Caller concerned about cleaners that is closed; needs items to leave on flight; owner contacted
9:40 a.m. Cat lost on Armington Lane
4:00 p.m. Horses and cattle loose on Putnam Rd.

Friday, January 30

4:53 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Sagewood Circle, no one around
10:13 a.m. Fox roaming the area of Twinbrooke Dr.
1:50 p.m. Third grader ran off from Dawson School; child later located at home on Centerwood Dr.
2:51 p.m. Strange cat reported in area
5:05 p.m. Fight broken up in pool parking lot
8:20 p.m. Caller reports might have information about illegal activity; was at Quinsigamond Community College
8:22 p.m. Suspicious person standing on traffic island on Wachusett St., now banging on side of house and windows

Saturday, January 31

9:55 a.m. Religious solicitors on Marlen Rd. reported
10:14 a.m. Caller asking if husband arrested last night; no arrests last night, referred to Mass. State Police
10:40 a.m. Caller reporting suspicious phone calls from Texas
2:06 p.m. Sparks/flames coming from top of telephone pole on Salisbury St.
2:12 p.m. Several calls regarding power outages
3:56 p.m. Caller accidentally armed security system and doesn't know how to disable it
5:09 p.m. Porcupine walking in circles on Princeton St.
6:18 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout on Somerset Lane

Sunday, February 1

5:40 a.m. Cell phone found in lobby
11:38 a.m. Caller regarding lost phone, will stop by station

Paxton

Monday, January 26

7:07 p.m. Suspicious black truck, Monticello Dr.
7:28 p.m. Caller advising Clark University is having a night hike at Moore State Park.

Tuesday, January 27

4:08 p.m. Caller reporting banging noise at window, Old Lantern Dr. Property checked, may have been falling ice.

Thursday, January 29

12:41 p.m. Car stuck on ice in Moore State Park parking lot.

Friday, January 30

3:14 p.m. Caller reporting 20 turkeys in the road, going after cars and backing up traffic, Grove St.
3:59 p.m. Caller requesting assistance. Two-year-old daughter has locked herself in bathroom and cannot get door open, Cutler Rd. Officers respond, mission accomplished.
7:08 p.m. Loose dog, Wildewood Rd. Owners took control of animal.

Saturday, January 31

No calls reported.

Sunday, February 1

9:20 p.m. Walk-in reporting her dog is missing. White Pekinese with tan spots and Paxton tags. Answers to the name Meka.

Princeton

Monday, January 26

8:51 a.m. Suspicious person, Gregory Hill Rd.
8:58 a.m. As the result of a motor vehicle stop, narcotics were found, Boylston Ave.
1:08 p.m. Narcotics found, Mountain Rd.

Tuesday, January 27

4:20 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Town Hall Dr.

Thursday, January 29

2:00 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Worcester Rd.
5:55 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Sterling Rd.
4:48 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Houghton Rd.

Friday, January 30

6:24 p.m. Assist Westminster Police, Mile Hill Rd.

Saturday, January 31

1:09 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Gleason Rd.
4:48 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Hubbardston Rd.
11:23 p.m. Assist Westminster Police, Mile Hill Rd.

Sunday, February 1

11:25 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Dowds Ln.

Rutland

Monday, January 26

11:17 a.m. Caller reporting white trucks in woods behind her home, Oakridge Dr.
11:41 a.m. Second call about workers on land behind home on Oakridge Dr. Not a police issue
3:36 p.m. Cat struck by school bus, River Rd.

Wednesday, January 28

6:27 a.m. Complaint about neighbor playing radio very loudly, Maple Ave.
12:21 p.m. Four-wheelers in roadway, Pleasantdale Rd.
1:00 p.m. Private plow operator is plowing snow from private driveway into road, Pommogussett Rd.
2:45 p.m. Request that police have a vehicle moved that is impeding snow removal, Main St.
2:53 p.m. Angry resident on Wheeler Rd is stuck, said road has not been plowed
5:16 p.m. Suspicious brown Jeep driving up and down Brintnal Dr.

Thursday, January 29

3:36 a.m. Loud music coming from downstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
3:20 p.m. Two large stones in middle of Pommogussett Rd.
7:51 p.m. Suspicious flatbed trailer truck in area of Memorial Dr.

Saturday, January 31

3:51 p.m. Report of two miniature horses walking down Maple Ave.

Sterling

Monday, January 26

8:53 a.m. Man going through recycling bins left at end of driveways, Avery Ln.
11:50 a.m. White dog with black spots running in area of Worcester Rd. and Campground Rd.
2:18 p.m. Lost German short-haired pointer, Upper North Row Rd.
3:38 p.m. Fat raccoon walking around Kendall Hill Rd.
4:52 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about a gate that has been put up preventing him from gaining access to his property, Leominster Rd.
8:41 p.m. Dog lost from shelter on Laurelwood Rd.

Tuesday, January 27

4:37 a.m. Party requesting to speak with an officer about civil issue between him and his neighbor and the property between them, Spratt Technology Way
7:16 a.m. Truck idling all night long, Park St.
7:37 a.m. Officer wanted at business on Spratt Technology Way, ongoing problem
8:13 a.m. Attempt to serve warrant, Tuttle Rd.
8:14 a.m. Caller asking for assistance with parking problem at
school bus turn-around, Chace Hill Rd./Metropolitan Rd.
1:46 p.m. Two suspicious people walking down Chace Hill Rd.
2:34 p.m. Dog lost from shelter has been seen hanging around area of Laurelwood Rd. Trap set for dog.
6:11 p.m. Motorist reports large dog that appears injured is in middle of Rowley Hill Rd.
8:11 p.m. Cat struck by car, Main St./Waushacum Ave.

Friday, January 30

8:52 p.m. Man standing in middle of road attempting to flag down traffic, Redemption Rock Trl. and Merrill Rd.

Saturday, January 31

8:53 a.m. State Police calling about death report, Leominster Rd.
11:21 a.m. Person came to station to talk with officer about identity theft, Leominster Rd.

Sunday, February 1

11:09 a.m. Caller reports shooting before hours, Eight Point Sportsman's Club
12:38 p.m. Assist citizen installing car seat, Leominster Rd.,
5:15 p.m. Caller reporting his neighbor's dog is in his yard, Clinton Rd.

Putting Helsinki on the 'global gastro-map'

So we learn from the Helsinging Sanomat article, The Times sees Helsinki as one of Europe's "best romantic city breaks",that Helsinki is becoming recognized as a romantic destination, particularly for its food that is certainly ringing our bell by "rapidly establishing Nordic cooking on the global gastro-map".

Have a look, if you will, at Wikipedia's summary of traditional Finnish dishes:

Care for another serving of Rudolph?

Sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickles

Rock-and-roll specialist

You'll be seeing lots of Buddy Holly clips around the 'net today. It was 50 years ago that the plane crashed.....

Buddy Holly Live in New York With Peggy Sue 1958

via Miss Celania on Neatorama

Food Police and Food Lawyers want to tell us what to do with our food.

In the UK, a government agency is going to be calling households to give them advice on what to do with their leftovers.

In a trial in six local authorities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the officials have been recruited on full-time contracts to visit an estimated 24,500 homes dispensing dietary advice and tips on how best to reduce the estimated one-third of all food bought which is thrown away.

Meanwhile, back in the U.S. of A., and with deference to my vegetarian friends, (who have enough else to think about, anyway), you can't get a burger cooked rare at Chili's restaurants. The corporate lawyers have deemed it too great a risk to serve under-coooked meats. In small, but unwavering print, their menu says:

We grill our burgers medium, medium-well or well done.

Also, you don't just get a bottle of, um, bottled water. You get Dasani® Purified Water with Minerals, lest we forget that the stuff in the pretty bottle comes from the local tap.

Hard times for the Finnish fur trade

Reports from Finland show that the global recession is hurting the Finnish fur business. "I think we’ll put some of the pelts into the feed freezer to wait for better times," remarked one farmer.
Not only is the domestic business constrained, but a little-known bit of out-sourcing is also came back to bite the Finnish farmers in the but. "At the beginning of the millennium the Chinese flew 10,000 live blue foxes from Finland to China to serve as stud animals." These stud animals led to a population boom of blue foxes in China, driving prices down further.
Oh, by the way, in case you need a bit of trivia to get you through the boring Super Bowl ads this weekend, the animal we call a mink derives its name from a Swedish word, menk, meaning a stinking animal in Finland.

Worcestershire Journal - It’s winter, people. : Real Worcester - Worcester News and Blogs

Worcestershire Journal - It’s winter, people. : Real Worcester - Worcester News and Blogs

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, Jan. 19

1:00 a.m. Report of vehicle crashed into utility pole; party now throwing beer bottles from vehicle; one person taken into protective custody for drunkenness
8:01 a.m. Vehicle out of gas, Main St.
10:33 a.m. Loose dog, Flagler Dr.
11:41 a.m. Solicitors on Village Green Ln.
1:35 p.m. Caller says motor vehicle struck by plow in her driveway
3:56 p.m. Man yelling at passenger and kicking vehicle at high school
6:30 p.m. Caller reports psychologist not present for appointment

Tuesday, Jan. 20

12:25 a.m. Loud noise in area of Beechwood/Nola Dr.; caller inquiring if there's a car accident
2:16 a.m. Report of truck idling on Quinapoxet St. and new pile at sand pit
7:46 a.m. Truck needs to be removed from pool parking area
8:22 a.m. Caller reports car just cut her off and turned down Holden St.
1:48 p.m. Two people caught shoplifting at Big Y
9:33 p.m. Van driving around Davis Hill School parking lot for 20 minutes

Wednesday, Jan. 21

12:34 a.m. Noise in basement, Raymond St.
3:43 p.m. Caller reports mother missing; then realized she's working different shift
6:35 p.m. Suspicious male behind senior center shoveling snow to the shed
6:44 p.m. Yellow lab found, Wachusett St.

Thursday, Jan. 22

10:28 a.m. Suspicious incident with tree company, Pinecroft Ave.; company's permits have been refused; not soliciting, just cutting for client
1:00 p.m. Car's mirror hit plow, Union St.
1:36 p.m. 911 Three dogs running loose, Brattle St.
5:20 p.m. 911 hang-up from Princeton St.; party using Fax machine
5:48 p.m. Truck took down power lines and didn't stop, Doyle Rd.; house damaged

Friday, Jan. 23

10:08 a.m. Loose small dog, Rte. 31
11:06 a.m. Caller checking with police; received flyer from tree removal company; advised to ask for permit
11:38 a.m. Caller complaining that library van parks in noparking and handicapped spots; advised to call when it's occurring
2:21 p.m. Suspicious person with trash bag outside Mountview School
8:05 p.m. Multiple calls regarding fireworks; Assumption College having celebration

Saturday, Jan. 24

12:00 a.m. Erratic motor vehicle hitting snow banks, Main St.
11:40 a.m. Princeton St. resident reports piece of siding loose on house and landlord won't fix it; advised it's a civil matter
12:35 p.m. Young woman ran out of store with shampoos and got into sedan
12:35 p.m. Complaint about roadway blocked due to motor vehicle accident
4:17 p.m. Truck towing vehicle with chain, Main St.

Sunday, Jan. 25

3:31 a.m. Motor vehicle idling in front of home, Red Barn Rd.; no one around
3:52 a.m. Two occupied vehicles at rear of Al Fresco restaurant, Main St.
12:05 p.m. Caller reporting large number of vehicles blocking traffic yesterday

Paxton

Monday, Jan. 19

4:42 p.m. Walk-in advising of dog running loose in town center; message left for owner

Tuesday, Jan. 20

4:20 p.m. Maryland company advising has hired a repo company to take car, Mountainview Dr.
9:36 p.m. Walk-in reporting silver sedan activated "wig wag" lights to move through traffic; car located at Anna Maria College

Wednesday, Jan. 21

8:49 p.m. Walk-in was just at her residence and it sounded like someone was slamming doors upstairs, Crocker Hill Dr.; officer checked, open bathroom window

Thursday, Jan. 22

8:27 p.m. Harassing telemarketers, Anna Maria College

Friday, Jan. 23

7:31 p.m. Disabled auto, on side of the road with hazards on. Called Huck's for tow, West St.

Princeton

Tuesday, Jan. 20

5:51 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Dowds Ln.
8:48 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Sharon Dr.

Thursday, Jan. 22

12:01 a.m. Assist animal control officer, Ball Hill Rd.

Rutland

Monday, Jan. 19

9:59 a.m. Caller's vehicle stolen in Worcester, Prouty Ln.
11:35 a.m. Department of Corrections detective looking for house record on possible new hire; will conduct interviews on Jackson Ave.
5:01 p.m. Person in station for fingerprinting, Main St.

Tuesday, Jan. 20

8:21 a.m. Mother requesting assistance with 13-year-old son who won't get on the school bus, Vista Cir.; went into woods behind house

Wednesday, Jan. 21

7:25 a.m. Caller found footprints in snow all the way around her house, Vista Cir.; requests officer to look at them
12:26 p.m. Loose horse running down Maple Ave.

Friday, Jan. 23

2:34 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Main St.
8:15 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Main St.
9:13 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Main St.

Saturday, Jan. 24

12:25 p.m. Vehicle vandalized during night, peanut butter on door handles, eggs and cold meats all over vehicle, Main St.

Sunday, Jan. 25

3:12 a.m. Highly intoxicated female causing problems, Sumac Cir.

Sterling

Monday, Jan. 19

9:16 a.m. Resident claims that neighbor is placing snow in her driveway, Redstone Hill Rd.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

5:40 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on side of road with lights dimmed, Walnut/Oakwood Drs.

Thursday, Jan. 22

10:50 a.m. Animal complaint, Sherwood Dr.
6:32 a.m. Cows in road, Chace Hill Rd.
12:00 p.m. Frantic squirrel stuck in bird feeder, Chace Hill Rd.; animal control officer advised

Friday, Jan. 23

1:21 p.m. Missing German short-haired pointer, N. Row Rd.; neighbor caught dog
4:17 p.m. Large black steer in middle of road, Chace Hill Rd.
6:36 p.m. Dead deer in travel lane, Beaman Rd.
9:25 p.m. Dance chaperone requesting officer at Meetinghouse Hill Road where students are getting unruly

Saturday, Jan. 24

11:11 a.m. Large dead raccoon in roadway, Maple St.

Sunday, Jan. 25

7:45 a.m. Two bags of rubbish left beside driveway, Redstone Hill Rd.
11:15 a.m. Caller saw pointer dog walking down Rte. 12, Worcester Rd.

The gummint is going to buy its own debt. Wait, what?

According to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required for full article), the Federal Reserve is thinking about buying U.S. Treasury bonds as a way to lower interest rates. The government issues bonds because it has to borrow a triple gazillion dollars to bail out the banks, auto industry, and local pool hall. Investors who would normally buy these bonds aren't acting fast enough, so another part of the government will step in and purchase the bonds. In fact, "Disappointed that the central bank didn't take a more decisive step
toward buying government bonds, investors sold Treasury bonds Wednesday."
If we tried to do that, paying for our home mortgage with our credit cards or taking out a mortgage to pay our credit cards, for example, we'd be called irresponsible and just plain dumb.

Ready for some things, but not every thing

There are black dogs and black dogs: Steps forward don't come easily.

Some questions kinda answer themselves