Hint: we stopped to cool on a hot day.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Hurricane Earl Coordination Message #7
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Hurricane Earl Coordination Message #7
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net
Hello to all...
..Major Hurricane Earl Track Shifted a Bit Westward in 5 AM Advisory package. Hurricane Watches expanded from Plymouth Westport, Massachusetts. Inland Tropical Storm Watches issued for Bristol and Plymouth Counties..
..Major Hurricane Earl Threatens Southern New England with the potential for sustained tropical storm force winds particularly in Southeast New England but much of Eastern New England could be affected with tropical storm force winds in gusts and the potential for a period of hurricane force winds particularly over portions of Cape Cod and Nantucket Island. A further westward trend could bring hurricane force conditions as far north as Plymouth and and as far west as Westport, Massachusetts..
..A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Plymouth to Westport Massachusetts including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard Islands..
..A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from the Mouth of the Merrimack River Massachusetts to Plymouth Massachusetts and from Sandy Hook New Jersey to Woods Hole Massachusetts..
..Track guidance is gradually coalesing between the 40 North/70 West benchmark and Buzzards Bay Massachusetts. Deviations in the forecast track could mean greater or lesser impact to Southern New England and there is still is up to 100-125 nautical mile error in the forecast track at this stage. Southern New England is now in the '3-day cone' regarding Earl's eventual track..
..All Emergency Management and Public Safety personnel, Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of major Hurricane Earl. People should review hurricane/tropical storm safety tips now as a precaution..
..VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net along with WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center will activate at 4 PM Thursday Afternoon for Earl's closest path to the Outer Banks and Eastern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday Morning into Saturday Morning based on the current track and intensity of Hurricane Earl. Massachusetts State EOC RACES and MEMA RACES Regional Office activation is slated to occur Friday Morning. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be placed on stand-by starting at 7 AM ET Friday Morning lasting through 7 PM Saturday Evening..
Models are gradually coalesing on a solution putting Earl anywhere from around the 40 North/70 West Benchmark and then east of Cape Cod to a track over Cape Cod and between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. There remain some eastward and westward outliers but the general consensus of models is between those two areas. There remains a 100-125 nautical mile error which can still result in greater or lesser impact over the region. A continued westward trend has been noted with computer models with tracks anywhere from Buzzards Bay to the 40 North/70 West benchmark. This needs to be closely monitored for a more westward trend and greater impact to the region. It has resulted in an expansion of Hurricane Watches and they now cover from Plymouth to Westport, Massachusetts.
The following is a rough estimation of impacts over the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch areas based on the current track and intensity of the hurricane and its extremely large size. This could change based on hurricane intensity and track of the system:
Hurricane Watch Area (Sagamore Beach to Woods Hole Cape Cod, Martha's Vinyeard and Nantucket Islands):
This region will see high-end sustained tropical storm force winds with hurricane force wind gusts. It is now looking more likely that the Outer Cape and particularly Nantucket Island would have the potential to also see sustained hurricane force winds and gusts pending the eventual track of Earl. Rainfall will be very heavy with the potential for a swath of 3-6" rainfall with isolated higher amounts. Storm surge will be most prevelant over north and east facing beaches with a 1-3 foot surge affected. Locations in Provincetown and Wellfleet could see greater impact if the track is a bit closer and the storm surge may occur some time after storm passage depending on that track.
Hurricane Watch Area (Plymouth to Sagamore Beach and from Westport Massachusetts to Sagamore Beach Massachusetts)
This area could see sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 60-70 MPH and possibly slightly higher gusts. The Hurricane Watch has been issued to guard against a more westward solution towards Buzzards Bay. If that were to verify, hurricane force conditions sustained or in gusts may occur but the current solution would keep most of that to the east of this region. Rainfall in this area is likely to be 3-6" with isolated higher amounts along the coast and inland Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts. Storm surge over the south coast isn't expected to be a major factor due to the wind direction but a 1-2 foot surge could occur over the Plymouth area depending on the track of Earl.
Tropical Storm Watch Area (Mouth of Merrimack River Massachusetts to Plymouth Massachusetts and South Coastal Rhode Island including the Tropical Storm Inland Wind Watch for Northern Bristol and North-Central Plymouth Counties):
In this area, sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 40-50 MPH are possible depending on the track of Earl with the exception of inland Bristol and Plymouth Counties which could see sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60-65 MPH. Across the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts inland of the TS Watch winds will drop off a bit with rainfall of 2-4" with isolated higher amounts possible but if a further west track were to materialize more wind could occur in portions of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts. It is noted that portions of Worcester County and Northeast Connecticut could see 1-3" of rainfall.
There remains 3 factors that will further determine the track of Major Hurricane Earl that are still being scrutinized by the weather models are as follows:
1.) The strength and location of the Great Lakes trough and its interaction with Hurricane Earl
The strength and location of the Great Lakes trough and its interaction with Hurricane Earl will be critical. If the trough's location is further west or not amplifying and interacting with Hurricane Earl, this would allow a closer to the coast track and more direct impact. If it amplifies and can interact with Earl, it would result in a greater push to the east.
2.) The sharpness and locations of the turns Earl will make
Depending on the sharpness and locations of Earl turns will determine the interaction with the Great Lakes trough and his eventual movement. This will be especially true as Earl approaches the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Thursday and this will be a critical time in the track and impact of Hurricane Earl on Southern New England.
3.) Intensity of Hurricane Earl as it moves up the coast
The intensity of Hurricane Earl will now be controlled by eyewall replacement cycles and other shorter-term phenomenon that cannot be fully predicted. Earl has gone through a significant intensification process and has grown in size. Unlike past hurricanes that have been much weaker as they approached New England, water temperatures are above normal and Earl is a very powerful and large hurricane. This is likely to result in greater impact from Earl then most tropical systems approaching New England because of its large size and intensity. In addition, the intensity of Earl may affect the movement of the system.
Swells and rip currents will become a very serious concern as Earl tracks closer to the region on Thursday extending through the Labor Day Holiday Weekend after Earl passes. There have been many times where offshore tropical systems have caused injuries or fatalities on the water from the surf and rip currents so folks swimming at area beaches over the next several days with the hot weather expected are advise to heed the advice of lifeguards and monitor NWS Taunton products for high surf advisory information. See link below for the the surf zone forecasts for more information and if High Surf Advisories are posted, that link will be posted and updated here:
NWS Taunton Surf Zone Forecast Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus51.KBOX.html
All Emergency Management and Public Safety personnel, Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of major Hurricane Earl. People should now be reviewing their preparedness measures for tropical storm/hurricane force conditions as a precaution in inland areas and as a requirement along the coast in the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch areas. This information has been provided via the Hurricane Preparedness Week Public Information Statements of Safety Tips and an updated Public Information Statement of Safety Tips as well as a Tropical Terminology Public Information Statement listed via the links below:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/hurrpre.txt
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.nous41.KBOX.html
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1009011537.nous41.html
The VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net along with WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center will activate at 4 PM Thursday Afternoon for Earl's closest path to the Outer Banks and Eastern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula. These nets will likely activate again Friday for Earl's closest path to New England. It is noted that the VoIP Hurricane Net will merge into one large command net with New England Echolink/IRLP operations as it approaches New England. Please see these web sites for information on the Hurricane Nets and the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC:
Hurricane Watch Net:
http://www.hwn.org
Voip Hurricane Net:
http://www.voipwx.net
WX4NHC Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center:
http://www.wx4nhc.org
From a spotting perspective, we will be looking for any and all reports per the SKYWARN reporting criteria. We'll also be looking for lowest barometric pressure readings across Southeast New England. Also, pictures of damage and incidents as they occur in near real-time or shortly after release will be very helpful to media, emergency manamgement, the National Hurricane Center and the NWS Taunton Forecast Office. A reminder on SKYWARN Net frequencies for the region via the link below:
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37
SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday Morning into Saturday Morning based on the current track and intensity of Hurricane Earl. Massachusetts State EOC RACES and MEMA RACES Regional Office activation is slated to occur Friday Morning. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be placed on stand-by starting at 7 AM ET Friday Morning lasting through 7 PM Saturday Evening.
The latest NWS Taunton Hurricane Local Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Area Forecast Discussion and National Hurricane Center Advisory information on Earl are listed below:
NWS Taunton Hurricane Local Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wtus81.KBOX.html
NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html
NWS Taunton Area Forecast Discussion:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html
National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:
Hurricane Earl Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt32.KNHC.html
Hurricane Earl Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt42.KNHC.html
Hurricane Earl Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt22.KNHC.html
Hurricane Earl Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font12.KNHC.html
The next coordination message will likely be posted Thursday Evening pending further computer model data on the track of Earl and significant updates to Earl's status as a tropical system from an intensity perspective.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Hurricane Earl Coordination Message #7
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net
Hello to all...
..Major Hurricane Earl Track Shifted a Bit Westward in 5 AM Advisory package. Hurricane Watches expanded from Plymouth Westport, Massachusetts. Inland Tropical Storm Watches issued for Bristol and Plymouth Counties..
..Major Hurricane Earl Threatens Southern New England with the potential for sustained tropical storm force winds particularly in Southeast New England but much of Eastern New England could be affected with tropical storm force winds in gusts and the potential for a period of hurricane force winds particularly over portions of Cape Cod and Nantucket Island. A further westward trend could bring hurricane force conditions as far north as Plymouth and and as far west as Westport, Massachusetts..
..A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Plymouth to Westport Massachusetts including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard Islands..
..A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from the Mouth of the Merrimack River Massachusetts to Plymouth Massachusetts and from Sandy Hook New Jersey to Woods Hole Massachusetts..
..Track guidance is gradually coalesing between the 40 North/70 West benchmark and Buzzards Bay Massachusetts. Deviations in the forecast track could mean greater or lesser impact to Southern New England and there is still is up to 100-125 nautical mile error in the forecast track at this stage. Southern New England is now in the '3-day cone' regarding Earl's eventual track..
..All Emergency Management and Public Safety personnel, Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of major Hurricane Earl. People should review hurricane/tropical storm safety tips now as a precaution..
..VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net along with WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center will activate at 4 PM Thursday Afternoon for Earl's closest path to the Outer Banks and Eastern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday Morning into Saturday Morning based on the current track and intensity of Hurricane Earl. Massachusetts State EOC RACES and MEMA RACES Regional Office activation is slated to occur Friday Morning. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be placed on stand-by starting at 7 AM ET Friday Morning lasting through 7 PM Saturday Evening..
Models are gradually coalesing on a solution putting Earl anywhere from around the 40 North/70 West Benchmark and then east of Cape Cod to a track over Cape Cod and between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. There remain some eastward and westward outliers but the general consensus of models is between those two areas. There remains a 100-125 nautical mile error which can still result in greater or lesser impact over the region. A continued westward trend has been noted with computer models with tracks anywhere from Buzzards Bay to the 40 North/70 West benchmark. This needs to be closely monitored for a more westward trend and greater impact to the region. It has resulted in an expansion of Hurricane Watches and they now cover from Plymouth to Westport, Massachusetts.
The following is a rough estimation of impacts over the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch areas based on the current track and intensity of the hurricane and its extremely large size. This could change based on hurricane intensity and track of the system:
Hurricane Watch Area (Sagamore Beach to Woods Hole Cape Cod, Martha's Vinyeard and Nantucket Islands):
This region will see high-end sustained tropical storm force winds with hurricane force wind gusts. It is now looking more likely that the Outer Cape and particularly Nantucket Island would have the potential to also see sustained hurricane force winds and gusts pending the eventual track of Earl. Rainfall will be very heavy with the potential for a swath of 3-6" rainfall with isolated higher amounts. Storm surge will be most prevelant over north and east facing beaches with a 1-3 foot surge affected. Locations in Provincetown and Wellfleet could see greater impact if the track is a bit closer and the storm surge may occur some time after storm passage depending on that track.
Hurricane Watch Area (Plymouth to Sagamore Beach and from Westport Massachusetts to Sagamore Beach Massachusetts)
This area could see sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 60-70 MPH and possibly slightly higher gusts. The Hurricane Watch has been issued to guard against a more westward solution towards Buzzards Bay. If that were to verify, hurricane force conditions sustained or in gusts may occur but the current solution would keep most of that to the east of this region. Rainfall in this area is likely to be 3-6" with isolated higher amounts along the coast and inland Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts. Storm surge over the south coast isn't expected to be a major factor due to the wind direction but a 1-2 foot surge could occur over the Plymouth area depending on the track of Earl.
Tropical Storm Watch Area (Mouth of Merrimack River Massachusetts to Plymouth Massachusetts and South Coastal Rhode Island including the Tropical Storm Inland Wind Watch for Northern Bristol and North-Central Plymouth Counties):
In this area, sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 40-50 MPH are possible depending on the track of Earl with the exception of inland Bristol and Plymouth Counties which could see sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60-65 MPH. Across the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts inland of the TS Watch winds will drop off a bit with rainfall of 2-4" with isolated higher amounts possible but if a further west track were to materialize more wind could occur in portions of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts. It is noted that portions of Worcester County and Northeast Connecticut could see 1-3" of rainfall.
There remains 3 factors that will further determine the track of Major Hurricane Earl that are still being scrutinized by the weather models are as follows:
1.) The strength and location of the Great Lakes trough and its interaction with Hurricane Earl
The strength and location of the Great Lakes trough and its interaction with Hurricane Earl will be critical. If the trough's location is further west or not amplifying and interacting with Hurricane Earl, this would allow a closer to the coast track and more direct impact. If it amplifies and can interact with Earl, it would result in a greater push to the east.
2.) The sharpness and locations of the turns Earl will make
Depending on the sharpness and locations of Earl turns will determine the interaction with the Great Lakes trough and his eventual movement. This will be especially true as Earl approaches the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Thursday and this will be a critical time in the track and impact of Hurricane Earl on Southern New England.
3.) Intensity of Hurricane Earl as it moves up the coast
The intensity of Hurricane Earl will now be controlled by eyewall replacement cycles and other shorter-term phenomenon that cannot be fully predicted. Earl has gone through a significant intensification process and has grown in size. Unlike past hurricanes that have been much weaker as they approached New England, water temperatures are above normal and Earl is a very powerful and large hurricane. This is likely to result in greater impact from Earl then most tropical systems approaching New England because of its large size and intensity. In addition, the intensity of Earl may affect the movement of the system.
Swells and rip currents will become a very serious concern as Earl tracks closer to the region on Thursday extending through the Labor Day Holiday Weekend after Earl passes. There have been many times where offshore tropical systems have caused injuries or fatalities on the water from the surf and rip currents so folks swimming at area beaches over the next several days with the hot weather expected are advise to heed the advice of lifeguards and monitor NWS Taunton products for high surf advisory information. See link below for the the surf zone forecasts for more information and if High Surf Advisories are posted, that link will be posted and updated here:
NWS Taunton Surf Zone Forecast Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus51.KBOX.html
All Emergency Management and Public Safety personnel, Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of major Hurricane Earl. People should now be reviewing their preparedness measures for tropical storm/hurricane force conditions as a precaution in inland areas and as a requirement along the coast in the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch areas. This information has been provided via the Hurricane Preparedness Week Public Information Statements of Safety Tips and an updated Public Information Statement of Safety Tips as well as a Tropical Terminology Public Information Statement listed via the links below:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/hurrpre.txt
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.nous41.KBOX.html
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1009011537.nous41.html
The VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net along with WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center will activate at 4 PM Thursday Afternoon for Earl's closest path to the Outer Banks and Eastern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula. These nets will likely activate again Friday for Earl's closest path to New England. It is noted that the VoIP Hurricane Net will merge into one large command net with New England Echolink/IRLP operations as it approaches New England. Please see these web sites for information on the Hurricane Nets and the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC:
Hurricane Watch Net:
http://www.hwn.org
Voip Hurricane Net:
http://www.voipwx.net
WX4NHC Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center:
http://www.wx4nhc.org
From a spotting perspective, we will be looking for any and all reports per the SKYWARN reporting criteria. We'll also be looking for lowest barometric pressure readings across Southeast New England. Also, pictures of damage and incidents as they occur in near real-time or shortly after release will be very helpful to media, emergency manamgement, the National Hurricane Center and the NWS Taunton Forecast Office. A reminder on SKYWARN Net frequencies for the region via the link below:
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37
SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday Morning into Saturday Morning based on the current track and intensity of Hurricane Earl. Massachusetts State EOC RACES and MEMA RACES Regional Office activation is slated to occur Friday Morning. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be placed on stand-by starting at 7 AM ET Friday Morning lasting through 7 PM Saturday Evening.
The latest NWS Taunton Hurricane Local Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Area Forecast Discussion and National Hurricane Center Advisory information on Earl are listed below:
NWS Taunton Hurricane Local Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wtus81.KBOX.html
NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html
NWS Taunton Area Forecast Discussion:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html
National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:
Hurricane Earl Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt32.KNHC.html
Hurricane Earl Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt42.KNHC.html
Hurricane Earl Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt22.KNHC.html
Hurricane Earl Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font12.KNHC.html
The next coordination message will likely be posted Thursday Evening pending further computer model data on the track of Earl and significant updates to Earl's status as a tropical system from an intensity perspective.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
In the "Because we can" Dept.
An Android app, WiFi File Explorer, allows you to set up a web server on your Droid phone. You can then download or upload files via a web browser.
I want to do what's right
The sign in the men's room at the college gives clear instructions on how to wash your hands to prevent the spread of diseases and/or cooties.
But, the follow-through is a bit lacking.
But, the follow-through is a bit lacking.
A mighty wind in Templeton
As you drive from Templeton Center on Baldwinville Road to, um, Baldwinville, you come around a corner and see this:
Even if you're expecting it, it's still a surprise, as though something from War of the Worlds has jumped into the woods.
It's the new windmill located behind Narragansett Regional High School. The town's municipal light department has just brought the generator online. You can read more here: Templeton wind turbine gets cracking.
Although Wormtown Fleet is supposed to be covering turf that Jeff would have blogged during his taxi rides around Worcester, we're taking a bit of license because, well, because we can.
Even if you're expecting it, it's still a surprise, as though something from War of the Worlds has jumped into the woods.
It's the new windmill located behind Narragansett Regional High School. The town's municipal light department has just brought the generator online. You can read more here: Templeton wind turbine gets cracking.
Although Wormtown Fleet is supposed to be covering turf that Jeff would have blogged during his taxi rides around Worcester, we're taking a bit of license because, well, because we can.
Fwd: NWS Taunton Public Information Statement - Tropical Cyclone Terminology
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Subject: NWS Taunton Public Information Statement - Tropical Cyclone Terminology
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net
Hello to all...
The National Weather Service in Taunton issued a Public Information Statement on knowing your Tropical Cyclone Terminology. Please see the information listed below:
000
NOUS41 KBOX 011537
PNSBOX
MAZ005>007-013>024-RIZ001>008-011945-
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1137 AM EDT WED SEP 1 2010
...KNOW YOUR TROPICAL CYCLONE TERMINOLOGY...
TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES ARE NO STRANGERS TO SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND. SINCE 1900...A TOTAL OF 53 TROPICAL SYSTEMS HAVE
IMPACTED OUR REGION IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THERE HAVE BEEN 24
HURRICANES AND 29 TROPICAL STORMS. AN ADDITIONAL 26 POST-
TROPICAL SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO IMPACTED OUR REGION. ANY HURRICANE
OR TROPICAL STORM IS CAPABLE OF BRINGING A COMBINATION OF HIGH
WINDS...LARGE STORM SURGES AND EVEN INLAND FLOODING ON OCCASION.
TO BETTER PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A POSSIBLE TROPICAL CYCLONE
STRIKE...YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH DIFFERENT TERMS THAN MAY BE
USED. THIS STATEMENT WILL BRIEFLY DEFINE THESE TERMS RELATED TO
TROPICAL CYCLONES.
TROPICAL CYCLONE...THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM USED TO DESCRIBE
BOTH TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 38 MPH /33 KT/ OR LESS.
THOUGH THE WIND SPEEDS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THOSE IN A
HURRICANE...TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
TREMENDOUS RAINFALL AMOUNTS. DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 3RD TO
JULY 7TH IN 1994...TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO MOVED INLAND AND
WEAKENED TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION. IT THEN MOVED INTO GEORGIA
AND PRODUCED UP TO 28 INCHES OF RAINFALL. THIS RESULTED IN
CATASTROPHIC RIVER AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING.
TROPICAL STORM...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 39 TO 73 MPH /34 TO 63 KT/. THESE
SYSTEMS ARE ALSO INTENSE RAINFALL PRODUCERS...BUT OFTEN CAUSE
ENOUGH WIND AND WAVES TO RESULT IN SOME BEACH EROSION AND MINOR
BOAT DAMAGE. A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS GIVEN A NAME ONCE IT REACHES
THIS STRENGTH.
HURRICANE...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 74 MPH /64 KT/ OR GREATER. THIS IS
THE WORST AND STRONGEST OF ALL TROPICAL CYCLONES. HURRICANES
PRODUCE TORRENTIAL RAINFALL...LARGE STORM SURGES AND HIGH WAVES
IN ADDITION TO THE STRONG WINDS. NEW ENGLAND WAS THE RECIPIENT
OF ONE OF THE WORST HURRICANES EVER...WHEN THE GREAT NEW ENGLAND
HURRICANE OF 1938 CAME CRASHING ASHORE ON SEPTEMBER 21ST.
POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE...THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM FOR A SYSTEM
THAT WAS ONCE A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM...BUT IS NO LONGER
CONSIDERED TO BE PURELY TROPICAL IN NATURE. WHILE THESE SYSTEMS
TEND TO BE WEAKER THAN THEIR TROPICAL COUNTERPARTS...THEY MAY
STILL CONTAIN HIGH WINDS...HEAVY RAINFALL AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY A
STORM SURGE.
HURRICANE EYE...A RELATIVELY CALM AREA IN THE CENTER OF THE
TROPICAL CYCLONE. IN THIS AREA...WINDS ARE LIGHT AND THE SKY IS
OFTEN ONLY PARTLY COVERED BY CLOUDS. NEVER GO OUTSIDE IN THE EYE
OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE. THIS PERIOD OF CALM WILL ONLY LAST FOR A
BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE THE STRONG WINDS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS
RETURN.
STORM SURGE...AN ABNORMAL RISE IN SEA LEVEL ACCOMPANYING AN
INTENSE STORM. THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM SURGE IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE OBSERVED LEVEL OF THE SEA SURFACE AND THE
ASTRONOMICAL TIDE THAT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE
STORM. STORM SURGES OF 10 TO 20 FEET HAVE OCCURRED IN SOUTHERN
NEW ENGLAND...TOTALLY DEVASTATING THE COASTLINE.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH...THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A TROPICAL
STORM...OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...POSE A THREAT TO THE
SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS. AN INLAND TROPICAL
STORM WATCH MEANS THE SAME THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE
CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING...THIS WARNING INDICATES A TROPICAL
STORM...OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...WILL AFFECT THE SPECIFIED
AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS. AN INLAND TROPICAL STORM WARNING
MEANS THE SAME THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED
WITH STORM SURGE.
SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE...THIS IS A SCALE RANGING
FROM 1 TO 5 BASED ON THE INTENSITY OF THE SURFACE WINDS. THIS
CAN BE USED TO GIVE AN ESTIMATE OF THE POTENTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE
FROM THE WINDS OF A HURRICANE.
HURRICANE WATCH...THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A HURRICANE...OR
HURRICANE CONDITIONS...POSE A THREAT TO THE SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN
THE NEXT 48 HOURS. AN INLAND HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THE SAME
THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.
HURRICANE WARNING...THIS WARNING INDICATES A HURRICANE...OR
HURRICANE CONDITIONS...WILL AFFECT THE SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN
THE NEXT 36 HOURS. AN INLAND HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THE SAME
THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.
HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT...A PUBLIC RELEASE PREPARED BY YOUR
LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN OR NEAR THE THREATENED
AREA. THIS STATEMENT WILL CONTAIN SPECIFIC DETAILS ON WEATHER
CONDITIONS AND IMPACTS. THIS STATEMENT MAY ALSO CONTAIN
INFORMATION ABOUT EVACUATION DECISIONS MADE BY LOCAL OFFICIALS
AND OTHER PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.
$$
BELK
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Subject: NWS Taunton Public Information Statement - Tropical Cyclone Terminology
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net
Hello to all...
The National Weather Service in Taunton issued a Public Information Statement on knowing your Tropical Cyclone Terminology. Please see the information listed below:
000
NOUS41 KBOX 011537
PNSBOX
MAZ005>007-013>024-RIZ001>008-011945-
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1137 AM EDT WED SEP 1 2010
...KNOW YOUR TROPICAL CYCLONE TERMINOLOGY...
TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES ARE NO STRANGERS TO SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND. SINCE 1900...A TOTAL OF 53 TROPICAL SYSTEMS HAVE
IMPACTED OUR REGION IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THERE HAVE BEEN 24
HURRICANES AND 29 TROPICAL STORMS. AN ADDITIONAL 26 POST-
TROPICAL SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO IMPACTED OUR REGION. ANY HURRICANE
OR TROPICAL STORM IS CAPABLE OF BRINGING A COMBINATION OF HIGH
WINDS...LARGE STORM SURGES AND EVEN INLAND FLOODING ON OCCASION.
TO BETTER PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A POSSIBLE TROPICAL CYCLONE
STRIKE...YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH DIFFERENT TERMS THAN MAY BE
USED. THIS STATEMENT WILL BRIEFLY DEFINE THESE TERMS RELATED TO
TROPICAL CYCLONES.
TROPICAL CYCLONE...THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM USED TO DESCRIBE
BOTH TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 38 MPH /33 KT/ OR LESS.
THOUGH THE WIND SPEEDS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THOSE IN A
HURRICANE...TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
TREMENDOUS RAINFALL AMOUNTS. DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 3RD TO
JULY 7TH IN 1994...TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO MOVED INLAND AND
WEAKENED TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION. IT THEN MOVED INTO GEORGIA
AND PRODUCED UP TO 28 INCHES OF RAINFALL. THIS RESULTED IN
CATASTROPHIC RIVER AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING.
TROPICAL STORM...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 39 TO 73 MPH /34 TO 63 KT/. THESE
SYSTEMS ARE ALSO INTENSE RAINFALL PRODUCERS...BUT OFTEN CAUSE
ENOUGH WIND AND WAVES TO RESULT IN SOME BEACH EROSION AND MINOR
BOAT DAMAGE. A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS GIVEN A NAME ONCE IT REACHES
THIS STRENGTH.
HURRICANE...THIS IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE IN WHICH THE MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED SURFACE WINDS ARE 74 MPH /64 KT/ OR GREATER. THIS IS
THE WORST AND STRONGEST OF ALL TROPICAL CYCLONES. HURRICANES
PRODUCE TORRENTIAL RAINFALL...LARGE STORM SURGES AND HIGH WAVES
IN ADDITION TO THE STRONG WINDS. NEW ENGLAND WAS THE RECIPIENT
OF ONE OF THE WORST HURRICANES EVER...WHEN THE GREAT NEW ENGLAND
HURRICANE OF 1938 CAME CRASHING ASHORE ON SEPTEMBER 21ST.
POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE...THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM FOR A SYSTEM
THAT WAS ONCE A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM...BUT IS NO LONGER
CONSIDERED TO BE PURELY TROPICAL IN NATURE. WHILE THESE SYSTEMS
TEND TO BE WEAKER THAN THEIR TROPICAL COUNTERPARTS...THEY MAY
STILL CONTAIN HIGH WINDS...HEAVY RAINFALL AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY A
STORM SURGE.
HURRICANE EYE...A RELATIVELY CALM AREA IN THE CENTER OF THE
TROPICAL CYCLONE. IN THIS AREA...WINDS ARE LIGHT AND THE SKY IS
OFTEN ONLY PARTLY COVERED BY CLOUDS. NEVER GO OUTSIDE IN THE EYE
OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE. THIS PERIOD OF CALM WILL ONLY LAST FOR A
BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE THE STRONG WINDS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS
RETURN.
STORM SURGE...AN ABNORMAL RISE IN SEA LEVEL ACCOMPANYING AN
INTENSE STORM. THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM SURGE IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE OBSERVED LEVEL OF THE SEA SURFACE AND THE
ASTRONOMICAL TIDE THAT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE
STORM. STORM SURGES OF 10 TO 20 FEET HAVE OCCURRED IN SOUTHERN
NEW ENGLAND...TOTALLY DEVASTATING THE COASTLINE.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH...THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A TROPICAL
STORM...OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...POSE A THREAT TO THE
SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS. AN INLAND TROPICAL
STORM WATCH MEANS THE SAME THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE
CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING...THIS WARNING INDICATES A TROPICAL
STORM...OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...WILL AFFECT THE SPECIFIED
AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS. AN INLAND TROPICAL STORM WARNING
MEANS THE SAME THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED
WITH STORM SURGE.
SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE...THIS IS A SCALE RANGING
FROM 1 TO 5 BASED ON THE INTENSITY OF THE SURFACE WINDS. THIS
CAN BE USED TO GIVE AN ESTIMATE OF THE POTENTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE
FROM THE WINDS OF A HURRICANE.
HURRICANE WATCH...THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A HURRICANE...OR
HURRICANE CONDITIONS...POSE A THREAT TO THE SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN
THE NEXT 48 HOURS. AN INLAND HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THE SAME
THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.
HURRICANE WARNING...THIS WARNING INDICATES A HURRICANE...OR
HURRICANE CONDITIONS...WILL AFFECT THE SPECIFIED AREA WITHIN
THE NEXT 36 HOURS. AN INLAND HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THE SAME
THING...EXCEPT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH STORM SURGE.
HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT...A PUBLIC RELEASE PREPARED BY YOUR
LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN OR NEAR THE THREATENED
AREA. THIS STATEMENT WILL CONTAIN SPECIFIC DETAILS ON WEATHER
CONDITIONS AND IMPACTS. THIS STATEMENT MAY ALSO CONTAIN
INFORMATION ABOUT EVACUATION DECISIONS MADE BY LOCAL OFFICIALS
AND OTHER PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.
$$
BELK
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Do not say "Ground Zero Mosque" in front of these guys
This is beginning to sound like the Monty Python Mattress Skit
.Each time someone asks a politician about the Ground Zero Mosque, said politician dons the Paper Bag of Stupidity™.
This time, according this morning's Telegram article, GOP hopefuls oppose mosque, four of the five Republican candidates for the 3rd congressional district seat added the following to the public discourse about which we need not have an opinion:
.Each time someone asks a politician about the Ground Zero Mosque, said politician dons the Paper Bag of Stupidity™.This time, according this morning's Telegram article, GOP hopefuls oppose mosque, four of the five Republican candidates for the 3rd congressional district seat added the following to the public discourse about which we need not have an opinion:
- Candidate Michael P. Stopa of Holliston said he wouldn’t oppose construction if he knew the mosque would be under FBI surveillance once it opened.
- Brian J. Herr of Hopkinton magnanimously declared there is no need to spy on a house of worship. But he opposes the plan to build the Islamic center, saying it is insensitive to 9-11 families and to people who live and work near ground zero.
- Robert A. Delle of Paxton, formerly of Westboro, said he was concerned that the growth of Islam is the greater threat. “We’re just passively watching as Islam is expanding,” he said.
- Robert J. Chipman of Plainville and Martin A. Lamb of Holliston were offered surprisingly temperate remarks, saying that two blocks from ground zero is the wrong location for an Islamic center.
Monday, August 30, 2010
More on food
Yesterday's Telegram editorial, Peeling the egg (paywall content), about the recent crop of salmonella and legislation that would strengthen federal food inspection includes a couple of interesting points.
Also, the editorialist and commenters note that consumers should buy locally-produced products. Good option, but not a guarantee, either. Witness the listeriosis outbreak a few yeas back, when three people died and one woman miscarried as the result of the infected milk. Whitter Farms closed its Shrewsbury operation and now sells milk that is produced at its Connecticut plant.
It's a reminder that growing, processing, and distributing food is a complex process. There are many intersections at the international, national, local, and household level where trouble can occur, often serious, sometimes deadly.
The gold standard for process quality, Six Sigma, sets a goal of establishing processes that can produce 99.9997% defect-free products. Or, 3.4 defects per million. That's a pretty good standard, unless it's your breakfast.
It should be noted that the companies under investigation for the latest large shipments of salmonella, Wright County Egg or its Maine affiliate, Quality Egg, make no claim for six sigma quality.
The bill in question, S. 510: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (GovTrack.us), appears to have the support of big food businesses and associations with opposition from organizations that represent small farms. However we decide the issue, let's get our thinking in order. We can only vote with our feet on the issue of food safety if we're still on our feet.
Consumer choice and free markets do far more daily for food safety than government. Americans reject foods that are out-of-date, spoiled, or fail to meet their standards. Stores and producers who wish to remain in business have no choice but to respond — witness the voluntary food safety programs of many major corporations.That's true. I'm probably not going to buy contaminated eggs, Cadmium Happy Meals, or more than my minimum daily requirement of E. coli a second time, if there is a second time.
Also, the editorialist and commenters note that consumers should buy locally-produced products. Good option, but not a guarantee, either. Witness the listeriosis outbreak a few yeas back, when three people died and one woman miscarried as the result of the infected milk. Whitter Farms closed its Shrewsbury operation and now sells milk that is produced at its Connecticut plant.
It's a reminder that growing, processing, and distributing food is a complex process. There are many intersections at the international, national, local, and household level where trouble can occur, often serious, sometimes deadly.
The gold standard for process quality, Six Sigma, sets a goal of establishing processes that can produce 99.9997% defect-free products. Or, 3.4 defects per million. That's a pretty good standard, unless it's your breakfast.
It should be noted that the companies under investigation for the latest large shipments of salmonella, Wright County Egg or its Maine affiliate, Quality Egg, make no claim for six sigma quality.
The bill in question, S. 510: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (GovTrack.us), appears to have the support of big food businesses and associations with opposition from organizations that represent small farms. However we decide the issue, let's get our thinking in order. We can only vote with our feet on the issue of food safety if we're still on our feet.
Obligatory weather grumble
As if things weren't vexing enough, the weather does a double back-flip. At the end of last week, we needed a small fire in the stove in the morning. Now, it's gonna be hot enough to grow sun-dried tomatoes on the vine. Then, we might or might not get a visit from Earl. Then, cool again.
Sandra prefers the color of the trees in May and June, when the green is fresh. Me? I like late summer. The sun is lower in the sky, so the shadows of the leaves on their neighbors sharpens the color.
That's what you get with New England weather - something for everyone. Or, more precisely, there will always be plenty of people who don't like the weather that we're having.
Sandra prefers the color of the trees in May and June, when the green is fresh. Me? I like late summer. The sun is lower in the sky, so the shadows of the leaves on their neighbors sharpens the color.
That's what you get with New England weather - something for everyone. Or, more precisely, there will always be plenty of people who don't like the weather that we're having.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tropical Storm Earl Coordination Message #1
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Tropical Storm Earl Coordination Message #1
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net
Hello to all..
..Tropical Storm Earl is expected to intensify into a hurricane later today with impacts to the Northern Leeward Islands and then intensify into a major hurricane over the next 3 days as it gradually turns west-northwest to northwest in the Western Atlantic Ocean..
..Latest computer models suggest a 'glancing blow' of minimal tropical storm force conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands in the late Thursday Night to Friday Night timeframe with the potential of a more western track towards the coast based on other reliable computer models. Track guidance can change considerably over the next several days to be either closer or further away from the coast..
..Interests in Southern New England should begin monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Earl. This message's intent, at this very early stage, is to have folks begin that monitoring process..
Tropical Storm Earl is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today and pass near or just north of the Northern Leeward Islands late tonight and Monday. This may prompt the activation of the National Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station, WX4NHC, and the HF Hurricane Watch Net and VoIP Hurricane Net late tonight or Monday depending on Earl's anticipated intensification and how close it approaches the islands. Earl will affect portion of the Northern Leeward Islands with tropical storm force conditions but its hurricane force conditions may stay just offshore though any slight deviation to the south may result in hurricane force conditions over parts of the Northern Leeward Islands.
After Earl's passage near the Northern Leeward Islands, Earl is expected to continue west-northwestward and then eventually northwestward and northward over the next several days intensifying into a major hurricane. Some of the latest computer models indicate a track far enough way from Southern New England to spare a direct hit but close enough to provide a glancing blow of minimal tropical storm force conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands in the late Thursday Night to Friday Night timeframe. Other reliable computer models bring Earl much closer to Southern New England in that timeframe and if that were to verify, more significant conditions would affect a larger portion of the region.
It is too early to say what the eventual track from Earl will be. Right now, tracks on Earl range from a 'glancing blow' to a possible direct impact. Later today or as we go through the week, one of those solutions could verify or Earl could be further out to sea. The purpose of this coordination message is to create situational awareness for SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Emergency Management to prepare to monitor this system. This is based on Earl's mention in the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and Area Forecast Discussion.
Regardless of the track, swells and rip currents that have started from Hurricane Danielle and resulting in a High Surf Advisory for much of today over Cape Cod and the Islands may wane as Danielle departs further out to sea only to increase and become more significant than today as Earl tracks closer to the region later this week. There have been many times where offshore tropical systems have caused injuries or fatalities on the water from the surf and rip currents so folks swimming at area beaches over the next several days with the hot weather expected are advise to heed the advice of lifeguards and monitor NWS Taunton products for high surf advisory information. See link below for the NWS Taunton High Surf Advisory statement for today and for future statements and also the surf zone forecasts for more information:
NWS Taunton High Surf Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html
NWS Taunton Surf Zone Forecast Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus51.KBOX.html
Once again, Tropical Storm Earl should be monitored by people in Southern New England. The latest NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and advisory information on Earl are listed below:
NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html
National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:
Tropical Storm Earl Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt32.KNHC.html
Tropical Storm Earl Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt42.KNHC.html
Tropical Storm Earl Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt22.KNHC.html
Tropical Storm Earl Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font12.KNHC.html
The next coordination message will likely be posted some time on Monday pending further computer model data on the track of Earl and significant updates to Earl's status as a tropical system from an intensity perspective.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Tropical Storm Earl Coordination Message #1
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net
Hello to all..
..Tropical Storm Earl is expected to intensify into a hurricane later today with impacts to the Northern Leeward Islands and then intensify into a major hurricane over the next 3 days as it gradually turns west-northwest to northwest in the Western Atlantic Ocean..
..Latest computer models suggest a 'glancing blow' of minimal tropical storm force conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands in the late Thursday Night to Friday Night timeframe with the potential of a more western track towards the coast based on other reliable computer models. Track guidance can change considerably over the next several days to be either closer or further away from the coast..
..Interests in Southern New England should begin monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Earl. This message's intent, at this very early stage, is to have folks begin that monitoring process..
Tropical Storm Earl is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today and pass near or just north of the Northern Leeward Islands late tonight and Monday. This may prompt the activation of the National Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station, WX4NHC, and the HF Hurricane Watch Net and VoIP Hurricane Net late tonight or Monday depending on Earl's anticipated intensification and how close it approaches the islands. Earl will affect portion of the Northern Leeward Islands with tropical storm force conditions but its hurricane force conditions may stay just offshore though any slight deviation to the south may result in hurricane force conditions over parts of the Northern Leeward Islands.
After Earl's passage near the Northern Leeward Islands, Earl is expected to continue west-northwestward and then eventually northwestward and northward over the next several days intensifying into a major hurricane. Some of the latest computer models indicate a track far enough way from Southern New England to spare a direct hit but close enough to provide a glancing blow of minimal tropical storm force conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands in the late Thursday Night to Friday Night timeframe. Other reliable computer models bring Earl much closer to Southern New England in that timeframe and if that were to verify, more significant conditions would affect a larger portion of the region.
It is too early to say what the eventual track from Earl will be. Right now, tracks on Earl range from a 'glancing blow' to a possible direct impact. Later today or as we go through the week, one of those solutions could verify or Earl could be further out to sea. The purpose of this coordination message is to create situational awareness for SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Emergency Management to prepare to monitor this system. This is based on Earl's mention in the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and Area Forecast Discussion.
Regardless of the track, swells and rip currents that have started from Hurricane Danielle and resulting in a High Surf Advisory for much of today over Cape Cod and the Islands may wane as Danielle departs further out to sea only to increase and become more significant than today as Earl tracks closer to the region later this week. There have been many times where offshore tropical systems have caused injuries or fatalities on the water from the surf and rip currents so folks swimming at area beaches over the next several days with the hot weather expected are advise to heed the advice of lifeguards and monitor NWS Taunton products for high surf advisory information. See link below for the NWS Taunton High Surf Advisory statement for today and for future statements and also the surf zone forecasts for more information:
NWS Taunton High Surf Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html
NWS Taunton Surf Zone Forecast Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus51.KBOX.html
Once again, Tropical Storm Earl should be monitored by people in Southern New England. The latest NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and advisory information on Earl are listed below:
NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html
National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:
Tropical Storm Earl Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt32.KNHC.html
Tropical Storm Earl Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt42.KNHC.html
Tropical Storm Earl Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt22.KNHC.html
Tropical Storm Earl Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font12.KNHC.html
The next coordination message will likely be posted some time on Monday pending further computer model data on the track of Earl and significant updates to Earl's status as a tropical system from an intensity perspective.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
Saturday, August 28, 2010
And there it should stay
Locked away in some bomb-proof tape storage vault is a draft of a novel. During off-hours, on a VT-52 terminal with a 300 baud acoustic coupler modem, I typed my notes, using DEC Standard Runoff as the markup language. The draft was about 150 pages, printed on the big honkin' fan-fold line printer paper of the day.
It was, as a novel, not very good.
The main character was a guy named Willie, a guy enough like me, but not so much that the details of his life matched up with mine in any real way. Willie wore a hat. I don't. I'm not a hat guy.
Petersborough was the setting, a New England coastal town. You'd recognize the town and the people. After a while, though, you'd start wondering why you should care. The story went on, like a diary of made-up people.
If you're going to read a diary, read a diary. Sandra has been reading her mother's notes from around that same time, early 1980s. She'd earlier read and transcribed her grandmother's diaries from the 20s and 30s. These from her mother are interesting because we're not the most important characters. It's a touch of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. We're on our own stage, ala Hamlet, but the action occurs elsewhere. It's humbling to realize that not everyone was paying attention to us all of the time.
And, so, if it's stories of people's lives that I want, I'll go to diaries. The print-out of that novel went into the recycling bin and was picked up on Thursday.
It was, as a novel, not very good.
The main character was a guy named Willie, a guy enough like me, but not so much that the details of his life matched up with mine in any real way. Willie wore a hat. I don't. I'm not a hat guy.
Petersborough was the setting, a New England coastal town. You'd recognize the town and the people. After a while, though, you'd start wondering why you should care. The story went on, like a diary of made-up people.
If you're going to read a diary, read a diary. Sandra has been reading her mother's notes from around that same time, early 1980s. She'd earlier read and transcribed her grandmother's diaries from the 20s and 30s. These from her mother are interesting because we're not the most important characters. It's a touch of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. We're on our own stage, ala Hamlet, but the action occurs elsewhere. It's humbling to realize that not everyone was paying attention to us all of the time.
And, so, if it's stories of people's lives that I want, I'll go to diaries. The print-out of that novel went into the recycling bin and was picked up on Thursday.
The greatest task of democracy, its ritual and feast - is choice.
Do you want a sheriff or do you want a pizza?
(props to H.G. Wells for the title quote.)
(props to H.G. Wells for the title quote.)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week.]
9:21 a.m. Caller has questions about bear sightings
11:34 a.m. Caller reports male going door to door, would like to check validity, party has permits and will be in area, Willow Brook Rd.
4:42 p.m. Party in lobby with questions about his marijuana citation
6:19 p.m. Party reporting her daughter saw two males, one on skateboard, one in car, would swap vehicles as they drove down the street, men waved at daughter and friends, Brice Circle
8:55 p.m. Multiple images of male genitalia spraypainted on center line, Salisbury St.
10:01 p.m. Party in lobby to express displeasure with Holden PD patrolling area businesses
12:18 a.m. Suspicious persons, Main/Highland Sts.
3:39 a.m. Numerous ground-floor windows open throughout building, Mayo School
1:19 p.m. Party requesting additional patrols for kids egging cars and tipping over trash cans, Bullard St.
3:02 p.m. DPW notified of profanity marked in lawn behind senior center
10:07 p.m. Caller reporting suspicious motor vehicle parked on access road, Main St/Adams Rd.
7:57 a.m. Caller locked out of car, dog inside, Stoneleigh Rd.
10:41 a.m. Caller reporting that there is a squirrel behaving strangely, Holden St.
11:12 a.m. Party reporting some motor vehicles at business were egged
6:58 p.m. Water flowing up from manhole, Whitney St.
7:11 p.m. Party reporting car driving in fields, tearing up grass, Dawson School
8:17 p.m. Keep the peace while son obtains toolbox from parents’ residence, Main St.
11:43 p.m. Caller heard a car screech and loud bang, found vehicle on side of road, but no driver, Wood St/Mason Rd.
8:44 a.m. Officer behind vehicle, operator pulled to side of road, activated hazards and put hands in the air. Officer activated lights after observing this behavior. Operator was acting overly nervous and stressed, difficult time composing self. Advised to relax before driving away. Malden St.
5:13 p.m. Caller reporting group of males struck mailboxes, Bailey Rd.
9:56 p.m. Report of sheep escaped from farm and wandering in street, Salisbury St.
11:03 a.m. Caller reports that while she was walking dog, motor vehicle began following her, motor vehicle turned around several times, slowed down, then turned into a driveway, Bullard St.
4:02 p.m. Checking suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
7:16 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle, Main St.
11:28 p.m. Caller reports van drove into driveway, two males got out, looked around, does not believe items were stolen or vandalized, Phillips Rd.
4:01 a.m. Caller reports male party walking around house that is not occupied by males, Winfield Rd.
2:48 p.m. Caller reports resident at Montana St. harassing him after he took pictures of house for bank. Party followed him to next house on Arizona Ave., then followed him out Bullard St. Then was verbally confronted by resident.
9:55 p.m. Caller reports she hears fireworks coming from Eagle Ter.
1:39 a.m. Male walking down street with what appears to be beer bottle, refuses to identify self, Main St.
1:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mill Pond Place. Arrest: --- open container violation. ---, person under 21 in possession of liquor, possession of mace without FID
4:24 a.m. Party reports suspicious vehicle drove by house, shined flashlight into his and neighbor’s driveways.
1:42 p.m. Street washing out due to rain, Reservoir St.
9:02 a.m. Police assist at vehicle lockout, West St.
2:10 p.m. Request that officer speak to children who keep removing their seatbelts, Pleasant St.
11:31 p.m. Two suspicious vehicles in center of town, Pleasant St. and West St.
10:22 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Pleasant St.
10:41 p.m. Caller locked his keys in his car, West St.
10:11 a.m. Person came to station requesting to speak with an officer about an item found on her property, Pleasant St.
5:21 p.m. North Brookfield resident reports finding dog with Paxton tag at Lake Lashway
10:19 p.m. Suspicious vehicle Pleasant St./Lincoln Circle
1:19 p.m. Person cut grass and left strip of clippings in the roadway, Goodnow Rd.
11:50 p.m. Police transport female to residence, Main St.
12:10 p.m. Drill rig broken down, Mountain Rd.
3:52 p.m. Police speak with person regarding an issue with family member, Town Hall Dr.
7:55 p.m. Ongoing issue with neighbor’s dog barking, Worcester Rd.
3:31 p.m. Assist fire department, rail car with garbage and debris on fire. Hubbardston Rd.
5:50 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Sterling Rd.
5:53 p.m. Golden retriever in middle of Mountain Rd.,
6:40 p.m. Complaint about dog barking for a long time, Worcester Rd.
11:46 p.m. Police remove mattress from roadway, Rte. 140 N
12:32 p.m. Suspicious truck at abandoned house, Beaman Rd.
3:22 p.m. Golden Labrador found, Rhodes Rd.
9:31 p.m. Report of loud music coming from Wheeler Rd.
7:31 p.m. Missing husky, Worcester Rd.
11:00 a.m. Driver reports his car was run off road over weekend; requests more patrols, River Rd area
1:00 p.m. Report of suspicious red SUV in driveway, Pommogussett Rd
1:31 p.m. Missing dachshund
3:28 p.m. 911 hang-up, children playing with phone, Tanglewood Cir.
5:26 p.m. Walk-in to drop off statement
6:11 p.m. Lost dog, beagle mix, Campbell St.
9:09 p.m. Vehicle lock-out
11:27 p.m. Wheel covers for right side of Car 3 are missing, Main St.
7:51 p.m. Caller unable to care for stray male cat, Wachusett St.
3:48 p.m. Neighbors complaining about loud dirt bikes, Barre Paxton Rd. Officer spoke with individuals with dirt bikes, they are within legal statutes, no violations.
4:42 p.m. Dirt bike operator riding without a helmet, Glenwood Rd.
9:02 a.m. Walk-in with fishing hook in her finger; officer removed
12:02 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Pommogussett Rd.
5:54 p.m. Checking two unattended, parked vehicles at school, Main St.
7:35 a.m. Inwood Rd. boxer loose on Main St.
7:54 a.m. Daughter requesting assistance for mother locked out of her unit, Autumn Wood Dr.
9:30 a.m. Resident wants appointment to discuss traffic concerns for the school year
11:35 a.m. Noise complaint about neighbors yelling at children, Maple Ave.
11:58 a.m. Report of a driveway sealcoat company soliciting in neighborhood, Ten Rod Rd.
1:22 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Juniper Ln.
5:41 p.m. Walk-in requesting medical attention for a five-year old male with extreme ear pain
7:02 p.m. Rear tire about to fall off vehicle, Main St.
2:05 p.m. Three gun shots heard near Whitehall Rd. entrance to Rail Trail
4:53 p.m. Bobcat, Lizzy Ln.
2:09 a.m. Caller reports carload of youths across from her house, Pleasantdale Rd.
6:06 a.m. Large black car with male in it, yelling at people, Main St.
12:43 p.m. Vehicle lock-out
4:00 p.m. Couple, one in pick-up and one in Mercury, yelling at each other, Barre Paxton Rd.
10:06 p.m. Male party making threats, has been drinking, Barre Paxton Rd.
10:13 p.m. Caller reports man lying on ground near motorcycle, Worcester Rd.
8:00 a.m. Person waiting for dead raccoon to be removed, John Dee Rd.
10:00 a.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about a “wild dog” in the neighborhood, Justice Hill Rd. ACO says it’s probably a coyote
1:13 p.m. Report of possible underage drinking party, Maple St.
1:45 p.m. Report of blocks in roadway obstructing breakdown lane, Worcester Rd.
4:18 p.m. Person came to station to report suspicious email purporting to be from the FBI, Leominster Rd.
9:43 a.m. Report of lost poodle mix dog, Pratts Jct. Rd.
11:29 a.m. Loose German Shepherd in middle of road, Redemption Rock Trl.
8:09 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, older white van, two occupants, Legate Hill Rd
10:09 p.m. Loud party, Redstone Hill Rd.
10:21 p.m. Report of multiple gunshots, Pikes Hill Rd.
[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, August 16
9:13 a.m. Caller from Paxton reporting missing dog9:21 a.m. Caller has questions about bear sightings
11:34 a.m. Caller reports male going door to door, would like to check validity, party has permits and will be in area, Willow Brook Rd.
4:42 p.m. Party in lobby with questions about his marijuana citation
6:19 p.m. Party reporting her daughter saw two males, one on skateboard, one in car, would swap vehicles as they drove down the street, men waved at daughter and friends, Brice Circle
8:55 p.m. Multiple images of male genitalia spraypainted on center line, Salisbury St.
10:01 p.m. Party in lobby to express displeasure with Holden PD patrolling area businesses
Tuesday, August 17
12:11 a.m. Party has questions about what do with lost dog that has no tags, Sterling Rd.12:18 a.m. Suspicious persons, Main/Highland Sts.
3:39 a.m. Numerous ground-floor windows open throughout building, Mayo School
1:19 p.m. Party requesting additional patrols for kids egging cars and tipping over trash cans, Bullard St.
3:02 p.m. DPW notified of profanity marked in lawn behind senior center
10:07 p.m. Caller reporting suspicious motor vehicle parked on access road, Main St/Adams Rd.
Wednesday, August 18
7:57 a.m. Caller locked out of car, dog inside, Stoneleigh Rd.
10:41 a.m. Caller reporting that there is a squirrel behaving strangely, Holden St.
11:12 a.m. Party reporting some motor vehicles at business were egged
6:58 p.m. Water flowing up from manhole, Whitney St.
7:11 p.m. Party reporting car driving in fields, tearing up grass, Dawson School
8:17 p.m. Keep the peace while son obtains toolbox from parents’ residence, Main St.
11:43 p.m. Caller heard a car screech and loud bang, found vehicle on side of road, but no driver, Wood St/Mason Rd.
Thursday, August 19
7:39 a.m. Caller heard a loud explosion in area, has power, Valley Hill Dr.8:44 a.m. Officer behind vehicle, operator pulled to side of road, activated hazards and put hands in the air. Officer activated lights after observing this behavior. Operator was acting overly nervous and stressed, difficult time composing self. Advised to relax before driving away. Malden St.
5:13 p.m. Caller reporting group of males struck mailboxes, Bailey Rd.
9:56 p.m. Report of sheep escaped from farm and wandering in street, Salisbury St.
Friday, August 20
9:48 a.m. Officers advised to conduct extra patrols, Princeton St.11:03 a.m. Caller reports that while she was walking dog, motor vehicle began following her, motor vehicle turned around several times, slowed down, then turned into a driveway, Bullard St.
4:02 p.m. Checking suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
7:16 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle, Main St.
11:28 p.m. Caller reports van drove into driveway, two males got out, looked around, does not believe items were stolen or vandalized, Phillips Rd.
Saturday, August 21
3:48 a.m. Caller reports car driving in neighborhood, pulled into driveway and left, Winfield Rd.4:01 a.m. Caller reports male party walking around house that is not occupied by males, Winfield Rd.
2:48 p.m. Caller reports resident at Montana St. harassing him after he took pictures of house for bank. Party followed him to next house on Arizona Ave., then followed him out Bullard St. Then was verbally confronted by resident.
9:55 p.m. Caller reports she hears fireworks coming from Eagle Ter.
Sunday, August 22
12:25 a.m. Caller locked out of house, Fireside Ln.1:39 a.m. Male walking down street with what appears to be beer bottle, refuses to identify self, Main St.
1:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mill Pond Place. Arrest: --- open container violation. ---, person under 21 in possession of liquor, possession of mace without FID
4:24 a.m. Party reports suspicious vehicle drove by house, shined flashlight into his and neighbor’s driveways.
1:42 p.m. Street washing out due to rain, Reservoir St.
Paxton
Monday, August 16
7:45 a.m. Person came to station to speak with an officer about a past incident, Pleasant St.Tuesday, August 17
7:21 a.m. Caller advises she heard a gun shot in the back yard, Johnnel St.9:02 a.m. Police assist at vehicle lockout, West St.
2:10 p.m. Request that officer speak to children who keep removing their seatbelts, Pleasant St.
11:31 p.m. Two suspicious vehicles in center of town, Pleasant St. and West St.
Thursday, August 19
3:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Suomi St.10:22 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Pleasant St.
10:41 p.m. Caller locked his keys in his car, West St.
Friday, August 20
4:13 a.m. Leicester Police requesting assistance transporting some subjects back to their station from the area of Marshall St. and Hemlock St.10:11 a.m. Person came to station requesting to speak with an officer about an item found on her property, Pleasant St.
5:21 p.m. North Brookfield resident reports finding dog with Paxton tag at Lake Lashway
Saturday, August 21
10:30 a.m. Dog wandering on West St. Will be returned to owner10:19 p.m. Suspicious vehicle Pleasant St./Lincoln Circle
Princeton
Monday, August 16
3:47 p.m. Golden retriever running in middle of road, Sterling Rd.Tuesday, August 17
9:17 a.m. Complaints about barking dog, Worcester Rd.1:19 p.m. Person cut grass and left strip of clippings in the roadway, Goodnow Rd.
11:50 p.m. Police transport female to residence, Main St.
Wednesday, August 18
9:15 a.m. Report of incident on EBay, East Princeton Rd.12:10 p.m. Drill rig broken down, Mountain Rd.
3:52 p.m. Police speak with person regarding an issue with family member, Town Hall Dr.
7:55 p.m. Ongoing issue with neighbor’s dog barking, Worcester Rd.
Thursday, August 19
2:54 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, homeless individual in parking lot on Fitchburg Rd. Asked to move along3:31 p.m. Assist fire department, rail car with garbage and debris on fire. Hubbardston Rd.
5:50 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Sterling Rd.
5:53 p.m. Golden retriever in middle of Mountain Rd.,
6:40 p.m. Complaint about dog barking for a long time, Worcester Rd.
Saturday, August 21
12:31 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on side of road with trunk open, Fitchburg Rd.11:46 p.m. Police remove mattress from roadway, Rte. 140 N
12:32 p.m. Suspicious truck at abandoned house, Beaman Rd.
3:22 p.m. Golden Labrador found, Rhodes Rd.
9:31 p.m. Report of loud music coming from Wheeler Rd.
Sunday, August 22
3:30 a.m. Assist Rutland Police with a person barricaded at Pout and Trout7:31 p.m. Missing husky, Worcester Rd.
Rutland
Monday, August 16
10:04 a.m. Walk-in to speak with officer regarding son11:00 a.m. Driver reports his car was run off road over weekend; requests more patrols, River Rd area
1:00 p.m. Report of suspicious red SUV in driveway, Pommogussett Rd
1:31 p.m. Missing dachshund
3:28 p.m. 911 hang-up, children playing with phone, Tanglewood Cir.
5:26 p.m. Walk-in to drop off statement
6:11 p.m. Lost dog, beagle mix, Campbell St.
9:09 p.m. Vehicle lock-out
11:27 p.m. Wheel covers for right side of Car 3 are missing, Main St.
Tuesday, August 17
2:48 a.m. Loud party, Highland Park Rd.7:51 p.m. Caller unable to care for stray male cat, Wachusett St.
Wednesday, August 18
10:41 a.m. Cows loose on Glenwood Rd., advised owner3:48 p.m. Neighbors complaining about loud dirt bikes, Barre Paxton Rd. Officer spoke with individuals with dirt bikes, they are within legal statutes, no violations.
4:42 p.m. Dirt bike operator riding without a helmet, Glenwood Rd.
Thursday, August 19
6:00 a.m. Dogs loose, Pommogussett Rd.9:02 a.m. Walk-in with fishing hook in her finger; officer removed
12:02 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Pommogussett Rd.
5:54 p.m. Checking two unattended, parked vehicles at school, Main St.
Friday, August 20
7:02 a.m. Two pit bulls running loose, Lewis St. Determined that dog is a boxer, owner on Inwood Rd.7:35 a.m. Inwood Rd. boxer loose on Main St.
7:54 a.m. Daughter requesting assistance for mother locked out of her unit, Autumn Wood Dr.
9:30 a.m. Resident wants appointment to discuss traffic concerns for the school year
11:35 a.m. Noise complaint about neighbors yelling at children, Maple Ave.
11:58 a.m. Report of a driveway sealcoat company soliciting in neighborhood, Ten Rod Rd.
1:22 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Juniper Ln.
5:41 p.m. Walk-in requesting medical attention for a five-year old male with extreme ear pain
7:02 p.m. Rear tire about to fall off vehicle, Main St.
Saturday, August 21
11:16 a.m. Resident found stop sign leaning up against his house, Juniper Ln. May be from Newman Dr./Juniper Ln.2:05 p.m. Three gun shots heard near Whitehall Rd. entrance to Rail Trail
4:53 p.m. Bobcat, Lizzy Ln.
Sunday, August 22
1:15 a.m. Group of youths hanging out, Main St.2:09 a.m. Caller reports carload of youths across from her house, Pleasantdale Rd.
6:06 a.m. Large black car with male in it, yelling at people, Main St.
12:43 p.m. Vehicle lock-out
4:00 p.m. Couple, one in pick-up and one in Mercury, yelling at each other, Barre Paxton Rd.
10:06 p.m. Male party making threats, has been drinking, Barre Paxton Rd.
Sterling
Monday, August 16
8:49 a.m. Animal control officer to retrieve raccoon, John Dee Rd.10:13 p.m. Caller reports man lying on ground near motorcycle, Worcester Rd.
Tuesday, August 17
7:27 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in driveway, Justice Hill Rd.8:00 a.m. Person waiting for dead raccoon to be removed, John Dee Rd.
10:00 a.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about a “wild dog” in the neighborhood, Justice Hill Rd. ACO says it’s probably a coyote
Wednesday, August 18
4:05 a.m. Two people yelling at each other, unsure if they are going to fight, Jill Lane and Riverview Rd.Thursday, August 19
11:24 a.m. Pair of prescription sunglasses turned in, Leominster Rd.1:13 p.m. Report of possible underage drinking party, Maple St.
1:45 p.m. Report of blocks in roadway obstructing breakdown lane, Worcester Rd.
4:18 p.m. Person came to station to report suspicious email purporting to be from the FBI, Leominster Rd.
Friday, August 20
3:48 a.m. Four horses got out of fenced in area, now missing. Tracking dog requested, Muddy Pond Rd. and Griffin Rd.9:43 a.m. Report of lost poodle mix dog, Pratts Jct. Rd.
11:29 a.m. Loose German Shepherd in middle of road, Redemption Rock Trl.
8:09 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, older white van, two occupants, Legate Hill Rd
Saturday, August 21
6:09 p.m. Suspicious truck in driveway, Flanagan Hill Rd. Person delivering phone books10:09 p.m. Loud party, Redstone Hill Rd.
10:21 p.m. Report of multiple gunshots, Pikes Hill Rd.
Sunday, August 22
6:31 p.m. Mixed terrier type dog, Redstone Hill Rd.Keeping the doors open
(Originally published on OnTheCommon.com - Keeping the doors open)
You'd think that a kid going off to college in the 60s would have been worried about war, drugs, rock-and-roll, 'n other stuff. There was all that, for sure, but there was one additional fault line. Colleges, you see, typically use the Library of Congress cataloging system. I was a small-town boy who only knew the Dewey Decimal System. How was a kid like me supposed to find a book?
My mother worked at the Westminster library when I was a kid. My library card number was 1018. I was a bit disappointed when they introduced the numbered library cards. They used to write the names of the previous borrowers on the slip pasted in the book. I could see who'd been interested in the same book. I guess that's why they went to a numbered system. It really is no one's business what anyone else reads, as interesting as that information might be.
Later, when Sandra and I married, I learned that she'd helped her mother put books away at the small Chaffins branch. (The branch was in the former Chaffins school, now the light department building.) Sandra's mother drove the bookmobile, bringing books to the bookless around town.
Libraries have changed. They've always changed. The latest changes - increased use of electronic resources, reduced funding - are just as profound as the challenges they've encountered in the past.
This notion that we as a public should make sure that we have free access to the universe of ideas is so wonderfully democratic, so wonderfully subversive, that, of course, it's always going to be threatened. It's threatened because the universe of ideas is expanding; libraries must keep pace. It's threatened because the free flow of ideas is expensive.
Nevertheless, libraries endure. Jane Dutton, Holden's library director, encourages us. In the recent Friends of the Gale Free Library newsletter, she writes, "It seems to me that every year the news and talk gets more depressing and dramatic. I am always asked about Gale Free Library and how it will survive the current economic struggles." She remains optimistic. The history of the Holden library shows its evolution from a school building to a library to a renovated library to a town center for reading and celebrating ideas.
It's during these times hard times that the library is needed most. Dutton reminds us that the library's history is an affirmation of the value that town sees in its library.
It requires smart, hard-working people to keep a library thriving. We're fortunate to have Jane Dutton, along with staff, friends, and townspeople, keeping the doors open.
Dutton closes her article with this reminder.
You'd think that a kid going off to college in the 60s would have been worried about war, drugs, rock-and-roll, 'n other stuff. There was all that, for sure, but there was one additional fault line. Colleges, you see, typically use the Library of Congress cataloging system. I was a small-town boy who only knew the Dewey Decimal System. How was a kid like me supposed to find a book?
My mother worked at the Westminster library when I was a kid. My library card number was 1018. I was a bit disappointed when they introduced the numbered library cards. They used to write the names of the previous borrowers on the slip pasted in the book. I could see who'd been interested in the same book. I guess that's why they went to a numbered system. It really is no one's business what anyone else reads, as interesting as that information might be.
Later, when Sandra and I married, I learned that she'd helped her mother put books away at the small Chaffins branch. (The branch was in the former Chaffins school, now the light department building.) Sandra's mother drove the bookmobile, bringing books to the bookless around town.
Libraries have changed. They've always changed. The latest changes - increased use of electronic resources, reduced funding - are just as profound as the challenges they've encountered in the past.
This notion that we as a public should make sure that we have free access to the universe of ideas is so wonderfully democratic, so wonderfully subversive, that, of course, it's always going to be threatened. It's threatened because the universe of ideas is expanding; libraries must keep pace. It's threatened because the free flow of ideas is expensive.
Nevertheless, libraries endure. Jane Dutton, Holden's library director, encourages us. In the recent Friends of the Gale Free Library newsletter, she writes, "It seems to me that every year the news and talk gets more depressing and dramatic. I am always asked about Gale Free Library and how it will survive the current economic struggles." She remains optimistic. The history of the Holden library shows its evolution from a school building to a library to a renovated library to a town center for reading and celebrating ideas.
It's during these times hard times that the library is needed most. Dutton reminds us that the library's history is an affirmation of the value that town sees in its library.
It requires smart, hard-working people to keep a library thriving. We're fortunate to have Jane Dutton, along with staff, friends, and townspeople, keeping the doors open.
Dutton closes her article with this reminder.
I have always loved this quote from Mr.Gale and believe in his words. This is your palace, this is your library: "Let this be your palace royal; keep always the door wide open, the feast spread and the lights burning, this till these rugged stones shall crumble and be as dust." (Samuel Chester Gale, at the opening of the Damon Memorial Building, 1888.)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ma Bell reclaims its own
We've lived in this house since 1982. At that time, our telephone company was New England Telephone, a subsidiary of AT&T. New England Telephone became NYNEX became Bell Atlantic became Verizon. Last year, we jettisoned our landline service and just used our cellphones. I was able to transfer our home number, the one we've had since the aforementioned 1982, to my cellphone.
So, why, in the name of little green apples did I receive this note from AT&T, offering us new wireless service because they claimed that we've moved. Are they trying to end the diaspora?
So, why, in the name of little green apples did I receive this note from AT&T, offering us new wireless service because they claimed that we've moved. Are they trying to end the diaspora?
An evening at the bookstore
Visited a Barnes and Noble last night. Nice place. Good energy. Nice people. Wanted to find a book. Looked around a lot. Couldn't figure out what category it was in. Found lots of 2011 calendars, rude and funny books, and plenty of displays of summer reading paperbacks. Didn't find the book I wanted. Came home and ordered it on Amazon. It'll be here on Thursday.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
One more reason to hate immigrants and minorities
Breaking news from the Dept. of Cheese.The USDA reports Long-Term Growth in U.S. Cheese Consumption May Slow.
If you want to read the whole report and learn how it is that young females and older males were among the biggest buyers of cheese, here's the full report
. I'm sure that the parents of the study's authors were very proud to see their childrens' names in print.
The current White majority (the major consumers of cheese) of the population is expected to shrink as other groups grow in size. So, while U.S. per capita cheese consumption has more than doubled since the mid-1970s, future growth may slow as the U.S. population changes.Somehow, this unpleasant turn of events is related to the following:
Own-price elasticities for all cheese products were statistically significant and elastic. Expenditure elasticities for all cheese products were also statistically significant, but only expenditures for American, cottage, and other cheeses were found to be elastic.And, of course, you must disaggregate the cheese consumption pattern.
If you want to read the whole report and learn how it is that young females and older males were among the biggest buyers of cheese, here's the full report
. I'm sure that the parents of the study's authors were very proud to see their childrens' names in print.
We are better than this
You know, I'd expect this kind of comment from some guido on Jersey Shore, not from one of the premier religious leaders in the country, son of a man who has counseled presidents through their darkest times, including President Obama. (Obama and Evangelist Billy Graham Share a Prayer. Franklin also attended the prayer session.)
Rev. Graham, please comment on the important stuff in the world. Please raise up the issues of floods, hunger, disease, poverty, despair, hopelessness, and pain. Please ask the Christians of the country to think about something other than this black hole of narrow-minded bigotry that is sucking the energy from us all. Please lead us toward peace, not divisive. Please lead us to wisdom, not innuendo. Please do the right thing. You're better than this. You know it. We know it.
Please don't make Christians be ashamed to call themselves Christians.
"Now it's obvious that the president has renounced the prophet Mohammed, and he has renounced Islam, and he has accepted Jesus Christ. That's what he says he has done. I cannot say that he hasn't. So I just have to believe that the president is what he has said."He may be a Christian. He may not be. I don't know for sure. I'm just sayin'.
via Franklin Graham Says President Obama was 'Born a Muslim.' As Pew Poll Shows, More Americans Confused About President's Religion. - ABC News
"I think the president's problem is that he was born a Muslim, his father was a Muslim," said Graham.No, the president's problem is preachers who betray him.
Rev. Graham, please comment on the important stuff in the world. Please raise up the issues of floods, hunger, disease, poverty, despair, hopelessness, and pain. Please ask the Christians of the country to think about something other than this black hole of narrow-minded bigotry that is sucking the energy from us all. Please lead us toward peace, not divisive. Please lead us to wisdom, not innuendo. Please do the right thing. You're better than this. You know it. We know it.
Please don't make Christians be ashamed to call themselves Christians.
Crime in suburbia - follow-up
Sandra received a new phone the other day. In the package was this mysterious item:
After reviewing this week's Crime in Suburbia and seeing this item, 6:40 a.m. Caller wants to know what to do with deceased bat in his yard, I figure that there's a use for it, although I'm not sure how.
After reviewing this week's Crime in Suburbia and seeing this item, 6:40 a.m. Caller wants to know what to do with deceased bat in his yard, I figure that there's a use for it, although I'm not sure how.
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