Seeing ourselves in another's mirror

The occasion was the passing of my mother's cousin at age 94. He was my mother's father's sister's son. For most of the gathered, including Bill's four daughters, I'd not seen these folks for five to as much as 50 years.
I might not be thinking of myself as old. If, however, I haven't seen someone for 50 years, well, if it ain't old, it'll do until some other explanation comes along.
"We went straight from being children to being old," remarked one of my second cousins. "We skipped right over that growing-up part and becoming adults."
You have to let your vision relax a bit before you start to notice the family threads run through each of the faces. Listening, you hear the slight chop of a Finnish accent, even among the American-born. We swap memories of visits to this family's house, that family's farm, to the camp and sauna.
I have a scanned copy of a newspaper clipping of one girl who'd shot a deer. It was from the front page of the Gardner News. She called it her 15 minutes of fame. That was back in the 1950s. She lived a full and a good life, but that's what got her name and picture in the paper.


We jump past the old stuff and earnestly talk for a couple of hours about what's going on in our lives now. We learn of each other's talents, hopes, troubles, and fears and theirs sound like our own.
One has recently been sort of diagnosed as having MS, although it's not certain. "I think MS means 'Maybe Something.',"  There are stories of Alzheimer's, ALS, and  other afflictions. There are celebrations of good things in our lives, children and grandchildren, work and retirement, travel, and other fun stuff. The darker, awkward stories of divorce, depression, abortion, drug use, chronic unemployment, even those quickly get into the conversation because, well, frankly, because we don't have time to do otherwise. This is who we are, who we've become, and we need to know these things.
And then, just like that, the room was emptying. We promise that we'll stay in touch by email, Facebook, a phone call, a visit. (Several of the folks live right nearby.) We might even follow through on those promises. You know, though, how life gets full. A day becomes a week becomes a month becomes, well, you know.
We squeeze a half century of news into a couple of hours. Who are these people? How can I know them so well when, just a short while ago, we were introducing ourselves as though we were strangers?

One slide does not make a show

Update 5:40AM -

The T&G has put the slideshow in place: telegram.com - Photo Gallery
---
The front page of this morning's telegram.com page offers a Slideshow Online.

via Telegram.com - An edition of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Sunday Telegram 5:17AM 9/7/10

It seemed a bit redundant to learn about an online slideshow online, but this is the new T&G, so what the heck.
The next page gave the same promise.

via Labor Day dealings President assails Republicans for creating hard times

Leading to the final reward:

Entropic wisdom

It started innocently enough. A friend posted a note on Facebook about getting the season's firewood stacked. A few of her other friends commented, including a question about how much firewood would a typical household need.
I started to reply.

Before long, I realized that I might not be able to stop writing everything I know, thought I knew, wished I knew, think that I might know later this winter about heating a house with wood.
Among the microverse of people we know, there are three groups:

1. Friends and loved ones who will listen to you expound on a topic because they like or love you very much.
2. People who will listen to you for a while because they think they might learn something.
3. People who wish you'd shut up already because no matter how righteous your wisdom might be, they can't stand to hear another word about it.

The rate at which people move from Group 1 to Group 2 and from Group 2 to Group 3 is known as the entropy rate. There's some complex math related to all of it, but I probably shouldn't get into that right now.
Anyway, it was chilly this morning and we needed a fire in the stove.

The hopes and fears of all the years

Former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair recently observed that radical Islam is the greatest threat to world peace and stability. (BBC News - Radical Islam is world's greatest threat - Tony Blair . If you get a chance, listen to the interview as well.)
Mr. Blair was focusing his remarks on the direct threats brought about by terrorist violence and the sponsorship of same by Iran. And, while the September 11th attacks remain seared in our consciousness as a terrible time for our country and its people, part of the goal of terrorism is to get us to thinking about nothing but terrorism. In that sense, the terrorists won. They got inside our heads and got us to play their game, not ours.
In 2001, more than 42,000 people were killed in car crashes. Deaths attributed to accidents where alcohol was a factor were five times the number of people killed in the World Trade Centers.
In the Congo, where 5.4 million people have died in its civil war and aftermath. Forty-five thousand people die each month.
But, then, they're black and not on TV so, if it makes the news at all, it has all the relevance as the baseball scores from the Pacific Coast League.
There's no disputing the horrors that the Taliban has afflicted on Afghanistan and Pakistan. There's no question that there are mujahideen who would do violence to us and our way of life.
There's also no doubt that more people will die because of our inaction in relief of those suffering from the Pakistan floods. The U.N. has requested about $500 million for flood relief. There are some 200 people on the Forbes list of richest Americans who could write a check for $500 million and still have a billion dollars left over.
A half-billion dollars is a rounding error for every federal department. Alaska received more than two billion dollars in much-hated stimulus money. Heck, Anchorage received $600 million. If we wanted to win the hearts and minds and bodies of the afflicted of the world, how about we give that money to those truly in need, rather than those proclaim that they don't need, want it, but will take it just the same.
We're seeing frequent reports that the poor of Pakistan will judge us by our response to this crisis. The bad guys are poised to help themselves by helping those who suffer and can do so most easily in our absence.
It's no surprise that we're moved to action most passionately by fear. The trouble is that, as humans, we're not really good at understanding the true dangers. We can rise to action when we have an enemy, be it Osama bin Laden, George Bush, or Barack Obama. When the suffering is caused because of a flood or lack of a functioning government, it's more difficult to act, even as the amount of suffering is several orders of magnitude greater.
And even when our long-term interests are best served by actions of another kind. It's easier to spend a trillion dollars (with a T) on the last war than less than a half a percent of that in an effort to prevent the next one.

The hopes and fears of all the years

Former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair recently observed that radical Islam is the greatest threat to world peace and stability. (BBC News - Radical Islam is world's greatest threat - Tony Blair . If you get a chance, listen to the interview as well.)
Mr. Blair was focusing his remarks on the direct threats brought about by terrorist violence and the sponsorship of same by Iran. And, while the September 11th attacks remain seared in our consciousness as a terrible time for our country and its people, part of the goal of terrorism is to get us to thinking about nothing but terrorism. In that sense, the terrorists won. They got inside our heads and got us to play their game, not ours.
In 2001, more than 42,000 people were killed in car crashes. Deaths attributed to accidents where alcohol was a factor were five times the number of people killed in the World Trade Centers.
In the Congo, where 5.4 million people have died in its civil war and aftermath. Forty-five thousand people die each month.
But, then, they're black and not on TV so, if it makes the news at all, it has all the relevance as the baseball scores from the Pacific Coast League.
There's no disputing the horrors that the Taliban has afflicted on Afghanistan and Pakistan. There's no question that there are mujahideen who would do violence to us and our way of life.
There's also no doubt that more people will die because of our inaction in relief of those suffering from the Pakistan floods. The U.N. has requested about $500 million for flood relief. There are some 200 people on the Forbes list of richest Americans who could write a check for $500 million and still have a billion dollars left over.
A half-billion dollars is a rounding error for every federal department. Alaska received more than two billion dollars in much-hated stimulus money. Heck, Anchorage received $600 million. If we wanted to win the hearts and minds and bodies of the afflicted of the world, how about we give that money to those truly in need, rather than those proclaim that they don't need, want it, but will take it just the same.
We're seeing frequent reports that the poor of Pakistan will judge us by our response to this crisis. The bad guys are poised to help themselves by helping those who suffer and can do so most easily in our absence.
It's no surprise that we're moved to action most passionately by fear. The trouble is that, as humans, we're not really good at understanding the true dangers. We can rise to action when we have an enemy, be it Osama bin Laden, George Bush, or Barack Obama. When the suffering is caused because of a flood or lack of a functioning government, it's more difficult to act, even as the amount of suffering is several orders of magnitude greater.
And even when our long-term interests are best served by actions of another kind. It's easier to spend a trillion dollars (with a T) on the last war than less than a half a percent of that in an effort to prevent the next one.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

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

Holden

Monday, August 23

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

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

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

Tuesday, August 24

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

Wednesday, August 25

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

Thursday, August 26

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

Friday, August 27

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

Saturday, August 28

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

Sunday, August 29

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

Paxton

Monday, August 23

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

Tuesday, August 24

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

Wednesday, August 25

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

Thursday, August 26

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

Friday, August 27

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

Saturday, August 28

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

Sunday, August 29

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

Princeton

Monday, August 23

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

Tuesday, August 24

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

Wednesday, August 25

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

Friday, August 27

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

Saturday, August 28

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

Sunday, August 29

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

Rutland

Monday, August 23

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

Tuesday, August 24

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

Wednesday, August 25

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

Thursday, August 26

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

Friday, August 27

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

Saturday, August 28

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

Sunday, August 29

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

Sterling

Monday, August 23

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

Tuesday, August 24

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

Wednesday, August 25

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

Thursday, August 26

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

Friday, August 27

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

Saturday, August 28

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

Sunday, August 29

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

Water and tumbling rocks

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

---

Disease differences due to spelling

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

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

Hurricane Earl Coordination Message #7

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


Hello to all...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

In the "Because we can" Dept.

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

I want to do what's right

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

But, the follow-through is a bit lacking.

A mighty wind in Templeton

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

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

---

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

Fwd: NWS Taunton Public Information Statement - Tropical Cyclone Terminology

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


Hello to all...

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

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

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

...KNOW YOUR TROPICAL CYCLONE TERMINOLOGY...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$$


BELK

Respectfully Submitted,

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

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

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

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

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

More on food

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

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

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

Obligatory weather grumble

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

Tropical Storm Earl Coordination Message #1

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


Hello to all..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Hurricane Center - Miami Florida Information:

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

And there it should stay

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

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

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

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



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

Crime in suburbia

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

Holden

Monday, August 16

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

Tuesday, August 17

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

Wednesday, August 18

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

Thursday, August 19

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

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

Friday, August 20

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

Saturday, August 21

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

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

Sunday, August 22

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

Paxton

Monday, August 16

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

Tuesday, August 17

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

Thursday, August 19

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

Friday, August 20

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

Saturday, August 21

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

Princeton

Monday, August 16

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

Tuesday, August 17

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

Wednesday, August 18

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

Thursday, August 19

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

Saturday, August 21

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

Sunday, August 22

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

Rutland

Monday, August 16

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

Tuesday, August 17

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

Wednesday, August 18

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

Thursday, August 19

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

Friday, August 20

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

Saturday, August 21

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

Sunday, August 22

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

Sterling

Monday, August 16

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

Tuesday, August 17

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

Wednesday, August 18

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

Thursday, August 19

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

Friday, August 20

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

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

Saturday, August 21

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

Sunday, August 22

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