Sunday, November 30, 2008

An unidentified body found floating in Boston waters


BOSTON, Mass. -- A body was found floating in the water off of Castle Island on Sunday morning.

A Coast Guard crew spotted the body and police were dispatched to remove it from the water.

So far no word on the identity or what may have happened.

UPDATE: Still no word on the identity of the man found floating in the harbor. Police will only say that he is in his 50's and trauma does not appear to be the cause. The investigation continues.

Problem in State and National Parks

submitted by Murphy

The last few weekends my Mom, Beri and I have gone hiking at Kittatinny State
Park. It's in rural, northwestern NJ (Sussex County). Beautiful country. There's always been an issue with bears in that part of NJ. Recently, however, the number of encounters between people and bears has increased dramatically. In fact, the park rangers were explaining that, particularly in the past week, this phenomenon has been reported in virtually every state/national park throughout the country.

The photo below captures this disturbing trend that is beginning to affect Wildlife in the US:

Animals that were formerly self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democratic Party... as they have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance. This photo is of a Democrat bear.

Forgive your enemies...

Chicago couple wait for first kiss at the altar

CHICAGO—Won't kiss on the first date? How about waiting until marriage?

Chicagoans Melody LaLuz and Claudaniel Fabien shared their first kiss Saturday at the altar. The two teach abstinence at the city's public schools and practiced what they preached to their teenage students.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the couple had never kissed and that they had never been alone together in a house.

A friend of LaLuz says wedding guests cheered and stomped during the two-minute smooch between the 28-year-old bride and the 30-year-old groom.

LaLuz and Fabien say they have no worries about how they will spend their honeymoon in the Bahamas.

Boston.com

Saturday, November 29, 2008

7-Eleven worker killed in Lowell


LOWELL, Mass. -- Authorities say three men stabbed and killed a 7-Eleven worker in Lowell after the victim exited a Chelmsford Street store to take a break.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone says Mazen Alwarad of Lowell was flown to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, where he was pronounced dead following the early Saturday attack.

Witnesses say the 37-year-old Alwarad had just exited the convenience store to take his break when he was attacked by three men in the parking lot.

Lowell Police responded to reports of the stabbing at about 6:45 a.m.

Local and state police continue to investigate circumstances surrounding the incident.

WHDH Channel 7 News

'Christmas Story' fans celebrate film's 25th year


CLEVELAND—Fans of the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" are celebrating the film's 25th anniversary with a convention and trips to the house where the movie was made.

The 1983 film, an adaptation of Jean Shepard's memoir of a boy in the 1940s, was set in Indiana but largely filmed in Ohio. The movie starred Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, a young boy determined to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

The film was a modest theatrical success, but critics loved it. It eventually joined "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street" as a Christmas cult classic.

"It's a film about being a kid and looking back," said Brian Jones, who owns the house where the movie was shot and the neighboring museum dedicated to the film.

Boston Globe - Full Story

Been to church?

Article on Boston.com: Many continue to rely on ER's


Many continue to rely on ERs - I read this article on Boston.com and wanted to scream. Has anyone been sick lately...ear ache, sinus infection, etc? Call your primary care physician on a Thursday and they MAY be able to see you next Tuesday or Wednesday. I learned early on when my children were small not to bother to call. Just show up in the doctor's office and at some point they have to deal with you, adults are different. You're told if the symptoms persist, go to the ER. Most insurance plans charge you over 3 times the amount of a regular doctor's visit...so why on earth would anyone think that sitting in an ER for 6 to 7 hours versus a doctor's office for 1 hour is the choice of the patient?

Instead of watching where patients go when they're sick, insurance companies should start watching what doctor's office advise patients when they are sick and they'd get a clearer picture of what's going on. Doctor's aren't allowing time for sick patients. Isn't that an irony.

Saugus duo arrested for mall parking lot robbery

PEABODY-A dispute over a parking space outside the North Shore Mall turned ugly Tuesday when the fight escalated into a robbery, police said.

Amy Ventrice, 24, of 10 Lincoln Court, Saugus and Justine Comeau, 25, of 8 Atherton St., Saugus, were arrested on robbery and assault and battery charges shortly after the 4:45 p.m. incident.

“It started as a dispute over a parking space,” explained Lt. Dennis Bonaiuto, Peabody police spokesman. “It’s rare but it does happen every holiday season at least once.”

According to police, the female victim was waiting for a parking space to open up outside Macy’s. As the victim started to pull in, Comeau allegedly tried to pull into the same spot with her car.

The victim succeeded in obtaining the spot, which allegedly angered Comeau and Ventrice greatly.

Lynn Daily Item - Full Story

Delivery disaster for a newspaper truck


REVERE, Mass. -- A driver delivering newspapers Friday morning suffered minor injuries after falling out of his truck.

Police say he was making a left turn onto Carey Avenue when he fell out of the side door while the vehicle was moving.

The driver tried to run after the truck trying to catch it, but the truck kept going.

The truck hit a small brick wall, and finally stopped in someone's front yard.

The truck was towed and the driver was taken to the hospital.

Revere police are investigating the incident.

WHDH Channel 7 News

2 men dead after shots fired in SoCal Toys 'R' Us


PALM DESERT, Calif.—Two men pulled guns and shot each other to death in a crowded toy store Friday after the women with them erupted into a bloody brawl, witnesses said. Scared shoppers fled but no one else was hurt.

The violence erupted on Black Friday, the traditional post-Thanksgiving start of the holiday shopping surge, but authorities indicated the shooting wasn't related to a shopping frenzy.

Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez said the fight was not over a toy. He said handguns were found by the men's bodies, but he released little other information. He would not answer a question about whether the shooting was gang-related.

Boston Globe - Full Story

Myths And Realities Of Cyber Monday


It started with "Black Friday," giving a catchy marketing moniker to a certain shopping day to drive people to the stores and ultimately increase sales.

The name worked so well that in 2005, as many consumers began moving online for their holiday shopping, marketers came up with another quasi-shopping holiday: "Cyber Monday."

The only problem is "Cyber Monday" is not the biggest online shopping day of the year.

"People tend to procrastinate, and as "Green Monday" approaches, people take action to ensure they get the items they want in time," said Rick Petry, CEO and interim president of the Electronic Retailers Association.

Wait, "Green Monday?" Where did that come from?

"Green Monday" is an online retail industry term that was coined by eBay for the second Monday in December, the true largest online spending day of the holiday season. The term has nothing to do with the environment, the "green" reference is actually to the amount of cash that flows in on that day.

Generally, the heavy spending on the web begins on "Black Friday", peaks on "Cyber Monday" and then dips significantly as Christmas approaches, mainly because of shipping deadlines. Consider the online spending numbers from 2007, as reported by 3tailer.com via comScore.

"Black Friday": $430 million
"Cyber Monday": $610 million
"Green Monday": $881 million

Though "Green Monday" is the actual the biggest digital sales day, it appears "Cyber Monday" is the term that the industry will likely continue to coalesce around for marketing purposes. Expect to see many web retailers to offer many "Cyber Monday" deals, including free shipping. There's no sign of any "Green Monday" promotions, at least not yet.

But Petry thinks the industry should move beyond Mondays.

"Think about it – suggesting that Monday, the beginning of the work week, should be the advent of the online shopping season is like giving employees license to conduct all their holiday gift buying on their employer’s time. As pervasive as wireless computers are, why can’t we have things kick off with a "Season of Sharing Saturday?" he said.

Will People Shop Online In Bad Economy?

So taking all of the information above, how will the sinking economy impact sales this holiday season?

"This is going to be a bad year for retailers in general," Donna L. Hoffman, co-director of the Sloan Center for Internet Retailing at UC Riverside told the Press-Enterprise of Southern California. "The bottom line is that the economy has collapsed and consumers are not in a spending mood."

Predictions are mixed on what the final sales numbers will be for this year, however, most agree that online sales will improve more over last year than traditional brick and mortar stores. Many experts think online sales will increase 10 percent over last year, while the National Retail Federation sees increases around 2 percent for holiday sales overall.

Petry, of the Electronic Retailers Association, said the reason for the bigger jump in online sales is simple.

"In an age of media multitasking, what could be more convenient that sitting in front of your television while you shop online?" he said.

BostonChannel.com

SoCal police pull over, stun naked DUI suspect


SANTA ANA, Calif. -- California authorities got a shock of their own when they discovered that a drunken driving suspect they had just stunned with a Taser was completely naked.

Santa Ana police say the naked man was pulled over by police Wednesday night after his van hit a car.

Police Commander Stephen Colon says a driver alerted officers to the van that had just hit his car. He says the driver was fumbling in the front seat and refused to put his hands up.

Policed used a stun gun on his head and neck and then saw he was completely naked.

Colon says the man, whose name was not released, was being tested for drugs or alcohol.

WHDH Channel 7 News

Layoffs mean waits for Mass. unemployment seekers


BOSTON -- A surge in layoffs has led to lines as long as two hours at state unemployment centers and lengthy waits for those filing by phone.

The Division of Unemployment Assistance says call center workers answered nearly 30 percent more calls in October, compared to a year ago.

That doesn't count people who've hung up in frustration over waits averaging 30 minutes. One recently laid off woman told The Boston Globe she tried to get through 40 times over two days.

The division's director, Ed Malmborg, said it's taken time to get new help since the dramatic rise in unemployment. The number of first-time claims for unemployment is up 30 percent in the state, compared to a year ago.

But Malmborg said another 55 people will soon be added to the call centers.

WHDH Channel 7 News

Friday, November 28, 2008

Britney: For the Record Premieres Sunday @ 10 on MTV

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:

ARIES: Your ideal mate supports you in your healthy choices. TAURUS: Avoid the trap of making assumptions about what your partner is thinking or doing. Ask questions. GEMINI: Get lost with someone you love. Finding your way back together is an adventure. CANCER: You gravitate to the people who will bring humor and fun to your life. LEO: You'd like to give a loved one some helpful criticism, but it won't go over well if you do. VIRGO: You are not too busy to devote three solid hours of attention to the one you love. LIBRA: You afford your sweetie the benefit of the doubt and it turns out well. SCORPIO: Listening is crucial. It's part of the way you show your love. SAGITTARIUS: Go over and ask someone to dance -- metaphorically or actually. CAPRICORN: If you agree on financial issues, you've got it made. AQUARIUS: Don't wait around for a huge romantic gesture. It's the small ones that matter. PISCES: In every conversation you are building a future together.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Virgo and Pisces are polar opposites on the zodiac wheel. They are both mutable signs, therefore adaptable to one another's differences. Virgo tends to analyze how the relationship is going day to day and Pisces prefers to feel a way through it. With a little patience they learn from each other's different styles and when they meet in the middle of an issue, each will feel gloriously improved.

Wal-Mart worker dies during Black Friday event

NEW YORK—Police say a Wal-Mart worker has died after being trampled by a throng of unruly shoppers shortly after the Long Island store opened Friday.

Nassau County police say the 34-year-old worker was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 6 a.m., an hour after the store opened. Police also say a 28-year-old pregnant woman was taken to a hospital for observation.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in Bentonville, Ark., would not confirm the reports of a stampede during the day-after-Thanksgiving bargain hunting, but said a "medical emergency" caused them to close the store.

Reinstein expresses outrage, works to halt toll increase

Saugus - State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D-Revere) expressed outrage at the decision of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority’s board to increase tolls as a way to alleviate their financial woes. She, along with many of her colleagues in the legislature, is urging Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen to search for alternative solutions and release critical financial information. While the legislature has no jurisdiction over the toll hikes, they can seek legislative options once the financial information is made available.

Under the authority's most recent recommendation, the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnel rates would be boosted to $7, up from $3.50. Also included in their plan is an increase of 75 cents at the Weston and Allston tolls. This, according to Reinstein, places an even tighter financial grip on a district that is already struggling due to the economic instability that has plagued the rest of the nation.

Saugus Advertiser - Full Story

Reserved Parking

Happy Birthday, Caralooch!


Wishing you a Happy Birthday and
I hope all your dreams come true!

The quality of this picture is awful,
but it's the only one I have.

Black Friday

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Winthrop beats Revere

The Patriots lost to the Vikings 20-6 at home in today's Thanksgiving Day game.

For other scores, see Lynn Daily Item or Boston.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

zwani.com myspace graphic comments

Revere man faces shoplifting charge

WALTHAM - A Revere man was charged Monday with trying to steal a digital camera from a Second Avenue warehouse store, police said.

Vincent Gennari, 29, of 47 Winthrop Ave., was arrested at 4:37 p.m. when he tried to steal a digital camera, valued at $150, from Costco, 71 Second Ave. He was charged with shoplifting.

He also had a Boston Municipal Court default warrant for possession of a class A substance with intent to distribute, having drugs in a school zone and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Police News - The Daily News Tribune

Thief caught red-handed stealing from UPS delivery

REVERE, Mass. -- A man is under arrest accused of following a UPS truck and picking up deliveries right after they were made.

Michelle Mongeon left a note for the UPS delivery man to leave the packages she was expecting at her front door.

The UPS delivery man complied, but moments later a man came by and tore through the boxes.

"This was completely ripped open, and the police are going to come by on Saturday and take pictures of it. But this was completely in his duffel bag, the jacket and all kinds of Christmas gifts that were in there," Mongeon said.

WHDH Channel 7 - Full Story

Thanksgiving Blessings


Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Bette Midler on the Election

submitted by Mark C.




"I haven't left my house in days. I watch the news channels incessantly. All the news stories are about the election; all the commercials are for Viagra and Cialis. Election, erection, election, erection - either way we're getting screwed."

Holidays with the Family!

Revere Police agree to new contracts, will allow drug tests


REVERE-Police unions have agreed to contracts authorizing random drug testing, giving the chief oversight on detail assignments and providing $295,000 in raises through 2010.

Some of the money for raises has been set aside in the city budget but Superior Officers’ Association President James Guido acknowledged Mayor Thomas Ambrosino may call unions back to the bargaining table to revisit raises if “things get bad.”

An Ambrosino letter to the City Council hinted that call could come sooner or later.

“I expect that, in the very near future, I will be engaging each of the municipal unions in discussions involving the deferral of future benefits for the purpose of avoiding significant reductions in personnel.”

Ambrosino earlier this month said he is bracing for reductions next July, possibly as early as January, in state money to the city.

In his letter, Ambrosino explained random testing provisions in the Revere Police Employees’ Association and Revere Police Superior Officers’ Associations pacts are tied to contractual education benefits. Under a state law called the Quinn Bill, police are paid to advance their educations.

Lynn Daily Item - Full Story

Redneck Playstation

submitted by Lori

click here

Thanksgiving Meals

Some places offering free Thanksgiving meals in the region (This Thursday unless otherwise noted):

AMESBURY - Our Neighbors' Table, at Main Street Congregational Church, 145 Main St. Dinner served Wednesday, 4 to 6 p.m. Food pantry will also be open, including turkey and chicken distribution. For information, call Rosemary Werner at 978-835-3016 or 978-388-1907.

CHELSEA - Centro Latino, at Williams Middle School, 180 Walnut St. Lunch served Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chelsea Community Kitchen, at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 201 Washington Ave. Light breakfast served Saturday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., followed by dinner at 11 a.m.

East Boston - 2nd Annual Basile Family Thanksgiving Dinner, with all the trimmings, sponsored by State Representative Carlo Basile & Family. The dinner takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th.Doors open at 10:30am, dinner served from 11:00am-1:30pm, at the Sacred Heart Parish, 303 Paris Street. For more information or to make a contribution, please contact Rep. Basile's office at 617-722-2080.

LYNN - My Brother's Table, 98 Willow St. Dinner served 2:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Brothers Deli Restaurant, 41 Market St. Dinner served 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NEWBURYPORT - Newburyport Lions Club, at the Immaculate Conception School cafeteria, One Washington St. Dinner served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers needed for food preparation starting at noon Wednesday. For more information, call Kathy Heywood at 978-463-3746.

PEABODY - Haven From Hunger, 71 Wallis St. Dinner served at 1 p.m.

REVERE - Fellowship of the Believers, at First Congregational Church, 230 Beach St. Dinner served 1 to 6 p.m. Will be accepting food and winter apparel donations for the homeless.

Boston Globe

Going to the Doctor

submitted by Tommy & Orize
An old man in his mid-eighties struggles to get up from the couch then starts putting on his coat.

His wife, seeing the unexpected behavior, asks, 'Where are you going?

He replies, 'I'm going to the doctor.'

She says, 'Why, are you sick?'

He says, 'Nope, I'm going to get me some of that Viagra stuff.'

Immediately the wife starts working and positioning herself to get out of her rocker and begins to put on her coat.

He says, 'Where the heck are you going'?

She answers, 'I'm going to the doctor, too.'

He says, 'Why, what do you need?'

She says, 'If you're going to start using that rusty old thing, I'm getting a Tetanus shot.'

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Alleged suspect of Club Lido incident caught in Chicago

Ervin Memushaj, 26, formerly of South Boston, now faces a rendition hearing to determine if he will be shipped back to Boston to face charges he stabbed four men in the parking lot of the Wonderland T stop on Feb. 12, 2005, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

According to prosecutors, the four men were at Wonderland when one recognized Memushaj, whom he accused of throwing a bottle at members of his family in an earlier incident in Cambridge. The two exchanged words when Memushaj retreated to his car and the guy's friends tried to pull him away. But, prosecutors charge, Memushaj returned from his car with a knife, which he used to carve up the man and then stabbed the other three in their stomachs as they tried to subdue him.

Prosecutors say the FBI tracked Memushaj to Chicago a few days ago; the Suffolk County DA's office and MBTA police asked for the bureau's help because they feared Memushaj might flee the country, possibly to Albania.

Dance Flick-in shows February 2009

The Wayan Brothers make fun of dance flicks.

Learn something new everyday...


or maybe it's because I'm just getting old.

Am I the only person alive who doesn't know what a "handle" of alcohol is?

I look it up online and sure enough, there it is on Urban Dictionary.

handle
A 1.75 litre bottle of alcohol, which is approximately half a gallon. Usually bottles this size have a handle for easy carrying, hence the name.

Also, Orloff @ $13 a handle is the vodka of choice...ugggh!

So this is what we learn when we go away to college. I guess kegs were too bulky.

Help for the Holidays


Butterball Turkey-Talk Line®Need Some Help?
Get expert advice on all things turkey from the pros at Butterball®. Our Talk-Line® experts can help answer any turkey prep, cooking, or storing question that you may have, so give us a call or send us an e-mail. E-mail the Talk-Line experts October through December at talkline@butterball.com or call us during the months of November and December at 1-800-BUTTERBALL available 8am to 8pm CST.

Butterball Frequently Asked Questions

Reynolds Wrap Turkey Helpline
Visit our site for Reynolds Wrap Frequently Asked Questions
Or call the Turkey Tips Hotline at 1-800-745-4000.

Had a nice trip to Maine

Seems the more I visit, the quicker I'm in and out of Maine. One of my favorite states, except in the winter...I hate snow. In and out of St. Joe's so quick didn't even notice if there was still leaves on the trees...maybe next time.

Liz, so close and yet so far away...how many more times before I get to see you and Bob. Soon, I promise. In the meantime, have a great holiday...say hi to Deb & Paul. I'll do the same on my end!

Love you guys. If the ride back to school doesn't work out, maybe I'll swing by...won't know until I'm told tho. Have I said I hate kids!

Twilight Movie Trailer

I've heard a lot of good things about the books and the movie.

Revere Powder Puff Team beats Peabody 14-7

Powder Puff debut ends in game loss, but moral victory
PEABODY — A second-half rally wasn't enough for Peabody High's Powder Puff team to tie up Saturday's game against Revere.

The first Tanners team lost, 14-7, but theirs was a valiant effort for their first outing, Principal Edward Sapienza said. On a late-in-the-game drive, the Tanners took the ball up to the Patriots' 20-yard line but couldn't put points on the board before the buzzer, according to Sapienza.

"Part of it was just because of our newness to it, and Revere's veteran status," he said.

The principal, also the offensive-line coach, said Revere scored quickly on the first drive up the field. The opponents put 14 up on the scoreboard before the Tanners answered with seven points of their own.

Sapienza said Peabody's defense turned up the heat, holding Revere to 14 points overall. All the points were scored in the first half.

"Both teams played admirably," he said. "It was a strong, strong competition. Our kids didn't give up."

The Salem News

Weymouth gal hits as Miss Massachusetts USA






Twenty-one-year-old Weymouth resident Alison Cronin was crowned Miss Massachusetts USA last weekend after beating 114 other women competing for the title at the Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel.

Boston Herald

Everything you need to know about life...

submitted by Tommy & Orize

The Woodpecker may have to go!


Everything you need to know about life you can learn from Noah’s Ark.

• Don't miss the boat.
• Remember that we are all in the same boat.
• Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
• Stay fit; when you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
• Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
• Build your future on high ground.
• For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
• Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
• When you're stressed, float a while.
• Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
• No matter the storm, there's always a rainbow waiting at the end.

Warning: a bad boss may be dangerous to your health

Sick and tired of your lousy boss?

It's more than a mere irritation. It could kill you.

Swedish researchers report today that workers saddled for four years with managers who were inconsiderate, opaque, uncommunicative, and poor advocates were about 60 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac condition. By contrast, employees whose managers exhibited robust leadership skills were roughly 40 percent less likely to suffer heart emergencies.

And the boss effect appeared to trump other considerations, including workload and whether the employee smoked, exercised, or had weight problems, researchers found.

The study, which tracked more than 3,100 Swedish men for the better part of a decade, adds to an expanding body of research showing that what happens on the job doesn't stay on the job. It can, instead, potentially wreak havoc deep in our arteries, with blood pressure soaring and stress-spawned hormones surging.


"For all of those who work under managers who they perceive behave strangely, or in any way they don't understand and they feel stressed, the study confirms this might actually be a health risk," said Anna Nyberg, a psychologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and lead author of the study appearing in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. "And they should take it seriously."

One Boston cardiologist, Dr. Christopher Cannon of Brigham and Women's Hospital, said he found the study so persuasive -- and disturbing -- that he planned immediately to begin quizzing his patients more extensively about their on-the-job experiences.

"Now, we'll ask what is your job like? Are you happy in your job? Is your boss difficult to work with?" Cannon said. "I guess Dilbert would fit in here. Dilbert's looking at an early heart attack, given that he has very little control over his life and doesn't seem to have a very nice boss."

The findings about the dangers of bad bosses emerged, appropriately enough, from a study that goes by the acronym WOLF. It stands for Work, Lipids, and Fibrinogen Stockholm study.

Starting in 1992, workers between the ages of 19 and retirement were screened, with information about medical history gathered and standard cardiovascular tests such as blood pressure and cholesterol readings performed.

The workers, who tended to be better educated and have slightly better access to healthcare than the typical Swede, were also asked to evaluate their bosses' behavior, responding to statements such as, "My boss is good at pushing through and carrying out changes," "I have a clear picture of what my boss expects of me," and "I have sufficient power in relation to my responsibilities."

Over the next decade, the total number of heart attacks, unstable angina, and other serious cardiac emergencies was not alarmingly high: There were 74 such episodes.

But the researchers said they found an unmistakable trend: The longer workers toiled for feckless bosses -- think Mr. Burns of "Simpsons" fame -- the more likely they were to be felled by heart disease. That was a greater negative effect than if the employee smoked, didn't get enough exercise or was overweight, or had high cholesterol.

Dr. Robert Bonow chief of cardiology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, said he believed that the study had, in fact, identified true health consequences related to management skills, but cautioned against overstating the effect.

"It wasn't like this was happening as an epidemic -- it wasn't like these people were dropping over" in huge numbers, Bonow said.

Still, specialists said, there are plausible biological explanations for the phenomenon.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated, for example, that stress can cause blood pressure to spike and the heart to race. At the same time, stress can cause the release of certain biochemical agents, including hormones, that can cause blood clots to form and make arteries more prone to thickening and brittleness.

That, Bonow said, was helpful for cave men staring down a saber tooth tiger. "You'd want your adrenaline to give you this heightened reactivity," he said, adding that clotting was desirable, too, "so that when the saber tooth tiger bites you, you don't bleed as much." That primordial response isn't nearly so helpful in modern humans, though.

Workers today can face a different kind of menace, in the form of uncaring and even hostile managers. While challenging specifics of the Swedish study, a human-resources consultant acknowledged that there is an "undisputed" relationship between a manager's leadership style and workers' productivity and mental health.

"A manager needs to be sincere and care about his or her employees from an individual standpoint and know what motivates them, and understand what their skills and competencies are," said Dawn Hatterer, principal of the Consulting Authority in Frederick, Md. Managers, she said, also should know what employees "want to be when they grow up. That's what keeps people engaged at work, from a management standpoint."

At Winchester Hospital, rated as the best place to work in Massachusetts in a Globe survey released recently, managers undergo two or three days of training together each year and must spend an additional 24 hours engaged in leadership development, said Kathy Schuler, vice president for patient care. The hospital has even hired executive coaches to work with subpar managers.

"People join an organization for a variety of reasons -- salary, job position," Schuler said. "But people leave because of their relationship with their direct supervisor."

As for Nyberg, she said she's always worked for good bosses -- in part, because she's known which ones to avoid.

Boston.com White Coat Notes - News from the Boston Area Medical Community

Monday, November 24, 2008

Manhole Fires Close Hub Streets, RMV Offices


No Injuries Reported

BOSTON -- Boston police say at least three manhole fires in the city's theater district prompted the closure of several Back Bay streets early Monday and forced the Registry of Motor Vehicles to shut down all branch offices and online services because of the resulting power failures in its Transportation Building headquarters.

NSTAR confirmed that the fires occurred in manholes near the intersections of Stuart, Tremont, Boylston and Washington streets, not far from the Boston Common.

No one was reported injured in the blasts, which occurred about 5:45 a.m., but traffic was affected and the MBTA said both the Copley outbound T station and the Arlington Street station were closed. They were reopened by 8:30 a.m., T officials said.

Power was also out in the area, meaning there was no electricity for traffic lights and some outages in the nearby Radisson Hotel and the state Transportation Building. Workers there were told not to report to work until noon.

BostonChannel.com - Full Story

Turkey Quiz


submitted by Helen

Take the turkey quiz...see how well you know your turkey!

Click here to start the quiz

Turkey Talk

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving," little Timothy wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."

What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving

What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

Printable Thanksgiving Coloring Pages <-- click here

Sage cooks give thanks for New England’s own Bell’s Seasoning


Thanksgiving wouldn’t smell the same without Bell’s Seasoning, a fragrant blend of herbs and spices that’s rubbed onto birds, mixed into stuffing or stirred into gravy in millions of American homes.

But did you know this holiday staple - sold in the familiar yellow box with the oddly colored blue turkey logo - is made here in Massachusetts? In a small Weymouth industrial park, a mere 30 minutes from the site of the first feast in 1621.

The William G. Bell Co. began making Bell’s Seasoning in Revere in 1867, originally as a spice blend for homemade sausage. Back then, the herbs were ground in a tidal mill near Revere Beach and packaged in a State Street warehouse in downtown Boston.

Boston Herald - Full Story

Revere SWAT trains & talks


REVERE - Special Weapons and Tactical teams must train for various scenarios of danger and this past Thursday they used a vacant house in North Revere as their training ground.

Team leaders were disappointed that an armored truck was not available for the all-day training on remote Columbia Street. The truck would have been used to rip the front of the house off with chains — something SWAT teams across the country are trained to do.

Instead, 22 members of the Revere, Everett and Malden police departments’ SWAT teams broke windows, busted through doors using battering rams and threw a real “flash-bang” smoke grenade through a living room window with deafening results. The intention of the explosion is to distract the suspect inside and allow police to move in. Dummies were placed in the house as the targets officers were to apprehend.

Lynn Daily Item - Full Story

Beauty looking for Geeks


Now Casting BEAUTY AND THE GEEK Season 6!


The hit TV show, BEAUTY AND THE GEEK is back! We are seeking intelligent and quirky guys who are 21+ with a high IQ or a savvy intellect. If you are more likely to be featured on Jeopardy rather than The Bachelor, then this show could make your richer in life and even love!

We want to show America how much smart and quirky guys have to offer. Be a part of a show where intelligent geeks finish first and rich!


To audition, send an e-mail to ashley@bostoncasting.com with your name, age, contact phone number, city you reside in, a brief bio on how you are a geek, and a photo. If you are chosen to audition, you will be contacted by Boston Casting.

Bostoncasting.com

I know, it's Monday...


But it's a short week for me.

So, I'm thinking today might not be so bad. We'll see.

I'll bet Deb is having a nice day. :)

‘Twilight’ sucks up $70.5M in debut


LOS ANGELES -The vampire romance "Twilight" drained the box office in its opening weekend, taking in $70.6 million.

Catherine Hardwicke’s film also enjoyed the biggest opening ever for a female director, blowing away the previous standard of $41.1 million set by Mimi Leder’s "Deep Impact" in 1998.

Drawing from its huge fan base of teenage girls, who fell for Stephenie Meyer’s novel of forbidden love between brooding vampire Edward Cullen and bookish high schooler Bella Swan, "Twilight" made a whopping $20,636 per theater, according to Sunday morning estimates.

And the fangirls will get another taste soon enough: Summit Entertainment, which released "Twilight," announced during the weekend that it’s going ahead with production of "New Moon," based on the second book in Meyer’s internationally best-selling series.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will return as its star-crossed lovers, but whether Hardwicke will be at the helm again is still being determined.

The laid-back Hardwicke, who went bodyboarding at sunset Saturday to take her mind off this high-pressure weekend, said Sunday morning that she was heading to a meeting later in the day to discuss her possible involvement in "New Moon."

"I want to be sure that it’s going to be done right. I don’t want to rush into it," she said. "It’s not like ’Friday the 13th’ or ’Halloween;’ you can’t just do it super fast and knock another one out. I want to understand their plans and all that."

Hardwicke, whose previous films include "Thirteen" and "Lords of Dogtown," also said she was thrilled about the prospect that the success of "Twilight" will inspire other women and young girls to pursue a career in filmmaking.

Boston Herald - Full Story

Sunday, November 23, 2008

It's a strike, a spare. It's turkey bowling

CINCINNATI—Set up the pins, clear the lanes and try not to roll a gutter bird.

Cincinnati is warming up for Thanksgiving with its traditional Turkey Bowl, an annual outdoor event using frozen turkeys in place of bowling balls.

Contestants will try to knock down 10 pins Tuesday by sliding rock-hard birds down a lane on the holiday season ice skating rink on downtown's landmark Fountain Square.

The person with the highest score after three rounds wins $100 cash and "WKRP in Cincinnati" DVDs including the series' famous "Turkeys Away" episode.

That's the one about a station promotion in which live giveaway turkeys are dropped out of a helicopter to their deaths -- because the station manager thought turkeys could fly.

The frozen birds used in Turkey Bowl are discarded store turkeys not intended for anyone's table.

The event is sponsored by Jack Rouse Associates, a local company that designs theme park and museum attractions.

Boston Globe

Friendship

the only one that Keith sent me that I can post.

Patriots rally 3 times to beat Dolphins 48-28


MIAMI—Three times the New England Patriots lost the lead, and three times they took it back. The message: Don't count them out of the AFC East race just yet.

Matt Cassel threw for 415 yards, Randy Moss caught three touchdown passes and the resilient Patriots won a shootout Sunday, beating the feisty but outgunned Miami Dolphins 48-28.

The Patriots (7-4), who remained a game behind the AFC East-leading New York Jets, avenged an upset loss to Miami in September. New England hasn't been swept in a season series by a division opponent since 2000.

Boston Globe - Full Story

Brady Come Back

Musical tribute to Tom Brady by comedian Matty Blake,
who has a man-crush on Tom.

Astronauts try to work out kinks in urine machine

Can I just say "uuuggghh"!

HOUSTON - Astronauts hope they have a solution for getting a pivotal piece of equipment working so it can convert urine and sweat into drinkable water and allow the international space station to grow to six crew members.

Flight controllers asked station commander Michael Fincke on Sunday to change how a centrifuge is mounted in the $154 million water recycling system. The centrifuge is on mounts and Mission Control asked Fincke to remove them.

Boston Herald - Full Story

Traffic Jams


Donna Bentley wears a suit and commutes 45 minutes one way to her job as an assistant district attorney in New Bedford, yet something her children find criminal happens when she gets behind the wheel of her minivan: She sometimes transforms into Cher.

"Do you believe in life after love?" she sings passionately along with the thumping music. "I can feel something inside me say, I really don't think you're strong enough now."

Bentley, of Mansfield, joins cadres of working people who live double lives; they are among the untold numbers who rock out like Jon Bon Jovi in their Toyota Camrys, rage as Pink in their Ford Tauruses, or croon like Smokey in their Priuses.

A form of whistling our way to work, singing in the car, experts say, is a primal urge rooted in impulses scientists don't fully understand. But if our Neanderthal forebears hummed merrily as they dragged a carcass across the savannah - and scientists think they did - that same urge is alive and kicking today.

Boston Globe - Full Story

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Montana Rancher

submitted by Murphy

A Montana rancher got in his pickup and drove to a neighboring ranch and knocked at the door. A young boy, about 9, opened the door.

"Is yer Dad home?" the rancher asked.

"No sir, he ain't," the boy replied. "He went into town."

"Well," asked the rancher, "is yer Mom here?"

"No, sir, she ain't here neither. She went into town with Dad."

"How about your brother, Howard? Is he here?"

"He went with Mom and Dad."

The rancher stood there for a few minutes, shifting from one foot to the other and mumbling to himself.

"Is there any thing I can do fer ya?" the boy asked politely. "I knows where all the tools are, if you want to borry one. Or maybe I could take a message fer Dad."

"Well," said the rancher uncomfortably, "I really wanted to talk to yer Dad. It's about your brother Howard getting my daughter, Pearly Mae, pregnant."

The boy considered for a moment. "You would have to talk to Pa about that" he finally conceded. "If it helps you any, I know that Pa charges $500 for the bull and $50 for the hog, but, I really don't know how much he gets fer Howard...

Revere Cruisin'

submitted by Carolyn

The group is Made in Revere . They are Bob Nesom, Chuck Vitale, Joe Merullo, Ernie Mottola and Tom Fraser.

Their site is madeinrevere.com

# 1 Song This Day in 1948

Not much of a video, but it is the original version of Buttons & Bows by Dinah Shore. So if you were born today, this was playing somewhere.

Al Green - Fantastic



Photo's were taken with my cellphone from my seat. I liked the seats I had, center to the stage but far enough away to miss the spit! Had no idea I should have taken a camera.

Only song I wish he sang was the one below...really great performance. Nice venue...expensive. Drinks and meal served during performance. Wish I could have checked out the stores, but didn't have enough time. Will definitely make another trip.



He threw roses into the audience, I caught one, but someone wanted it more than me so I gave it away. Purchased his new CD Lay it Down. He sang quite a few songs from the new CD and they were very good. Still partial to the old tunes tho.

Check out Al Green's website by clicking here.

Friday, November 21, 2008

We'll need a Steely Dan update...

So tell me Steve, did they have as much hair as they do in this video? I doubt it. Hope you had a good time! What time did you fall asleep? I like Rikki Don't Lose That Number, myself.

A Quickie

Submitted by Denise

Eddie wanted desperately to have quickie with this really cute, really hot girl in his office... But she was dating someone else.

One day Eddie got so frustrated that he went to her and said, 'I'll give you $100 if you let me have sex with you...'

The girl looked at him, and then said, 'NO! '

Eddie said, 'I'll be real fast. I'll throw the money on the floor, you bend down and I'll finish by the time you've picked it up.'

She thought for a moment and said that she would consult with her boyfriend...So she called him and explained the situation. Her boyfriend said, 'Ask him for $200, and pick up the money really fast. He won't even be able to get his pants down.'

She agreed and accepts the proposal.

Over half an hour goes by and the boyfriend is still waiting for his girlfriend's call. Finally, after 45 minutes the boyfriend calls and asks, 'What happened...?'
Still breathing hard, she managed to reply, 'The bastard had all dimes!'

Management lesson: Always consider a business proposition in it's entirety before agreeing to it and getting screwed.

MTV is getting really hard up for a reality show...

You may think you've seen it all, but you haven't. MTV's new version of the Bachelorette show has 12 straight guys and 12 lesbians competing for A Double Shot of Love with the Ikki Twins, Rikki and Vikki. The Ikki Twins are identical, bisexual twins...and this is reality! There's a video clip below. Premiere's Tuesday, December 9th, at 10 PM ET/PT.

The new "trickle-down" theory...

submitted by Jacko

As the CFO of this business that employs 140 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama is our next President, and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, I figure that the Clients will have to see an increase in our fees to them of about 8%, but since we cannot increase our fees right now due to the dismal state of our economy, we will have to lay off six of our employees instead. This has really been eating at me for a while, as we believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who will have to go.

So, this is what I did. I strolled thru our parking lot and found 8 Obama bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the first to be laid off.

I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem. These folks wanted change; I gave it to them.

Al Green live at Patriot Place

Here's where I'll be tonight @ 8PM...
Al Green performing Live at the new Patriot Place in Foxboro.

I picked this song to put on because Nicole & Matt danced to it at their wedding. Can't believe they went back that far for their song!
Brings back a lot of nice memories for me.

MBTA workers suspended in wake of accidents

BOSTON -Two MBTA trolley crew members involved in separate accidents in the past week have been suspended without pay after testing positive for drugs or alcohol.

Agency spokesman Joe Pesaturo tells The Boston Globe the crews were tested immediately after the incidents, and were suspended while the formal process of firing them is completed. Their names were not released.

Seven people were injured when one Green Line car struck the rear of another trolley at Boylston Station last Friday. A Boston College student was struck as he was crossing the tracks wearing headphones on Monday. The injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Boston Herald-Full Story

Free Ride for Pols


Top lawmakers poised to slam motorists with toll hikes and a gas tax won’t feel the pain themselves thanks to all-expenses-paid campaign-funded cars - and in some cases, taxpayer-subsidized travel allowances to boot, a Herald review found.

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi pilots an $845-a-month Lincoln Navigator, paid for out of his campaign war chest, and even takes a taxpayer-financed $10-a-day stipend under the controversial “per diem” system. He also paid $2,563 in gas, $261 in tolls and even $83 for car washes out of his campaign account this year, records show.

“The speaker has responsibilities beyond his district,” DiMasi spokesman David Guarino said. “The appropriate way to pay for (the SUV) is out of his campaign funds.” Guarino added that the speaker reimburses his campaign about $800 a year for any personal use of the vehicle.

Boston Herald - Full Story

Big Dig firm lands airport project

Hiring of Parsons Brinckerhoff is assailed by critics

The Massport board yesterday approved a $30 million contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff Americas to design and manage construction of a Logan Airport parking complex, prompting criticism from those who said the state should not do business with a company that paid millions of dollars to settle complaints about its work on the Big Dig.

Parsons Brinckerhoff was part of a consortium that oversaw design and construction of the $15 billion Big Dig tunnel project, which was plagued by cost overruns, leaks, and a 2006 ceiling collapse that killed a Jamaica Plain woman.

"There is absolutely no excuse to do business with the major culprits with this disaster," said state Senator Mark Montigny, a New Bedford Democrat and part of a group lawmakers who unsuccessfully tried to bar Parsons Brinckerhoff from ever doing work in the state again. "Fifteen billion dollars and loss of life ought to be enough to convince any management or board that you don't do business with the devil. There are companies all over this country dying to do business here."

Boston Globe - Full Story

Massport chief voices concerns on takeover

The chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority said yesterday that he "hoped to get some sort of agreement in principle" next month to take over the Big Dig and the eastern portions of the Massachusetts Turnpike, but urged caution on Governor Deval Patrick's plan to fix the financially struggling transportation system.

"There's just so many moving pieces to this," Thomas J. Kinton Jr. said in his first public comments since Patrick announced his plan this month. The plan would transfer the eastern portion of the Turnpike Authority to Massport, which runs Logan International Airport, while the state highway department would take over the portion west of Route 128.

Kinton also said yesterday that there would be no immediate increase in tolls on the Tobin Bridge, even as the Turnpike Authority voted last week to raise other tolls in the area.

The Tobin is the only toll road in Greater Boston not controlled by the Turnpike Authority. The turnpike's board gave preliminary approval last week to increasing tolls at the Allston-Brighton and Weston toll booths, and doubling tolls in the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels.

"We're not prepared to do anything just yet," Kinton said about the Tobin Bridge. "Obviously, everything is on the table."

Tolls at the Tobin cost $3 for drivers coming into Boston who pay cash, with a 50-cent discount for those who pay electronically using either Fast Lane or EZ Pass. The turnpike also has discounts for Fast Lane users, though not for those with out-of-state EZ Passes. Massport doubled the Tobin rates to $2 in 2002 and went up another dollar in 2004.

If the Tobin is significantly cheaper than the tunnels, drivers from the North Shore might change their route, which could lead to back-ups on the bridge.

Boston Globe - Full Story

Revere bookmaker enters US plea deal

A Revere bookmaker pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges of racketeering, loansharking, and illegal gambling. Philip Puopolo, 52, admitted in federal court in Boston that he collected loanshark debts and operated illegal video poker machines at the Revere Businessmen's Association, a private social club. He was charged more than two years ago in a federal racketeering indictment with 16 codefendants, including Arthur and Mary Ann Gianelli - the sister-in-law of disgraced former FBI agent John J. Connolly Jr. Puopolo is to be sentenced Feb. 18. Under a plea agreement, the court will be urged to sentence Puopolo to serve 46 months in prison, pay $4,000 to one of his loanshark victims, and forfeit $9,713 to the government.

New England in Brief - Boston Globe

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:

ARIES: You're being mysterious again and it's totally working for you. TAURUS: You have your eye on someone who suspects that you're interested, but has no idea about the strength of your feelings. GEMINI: Pose as a friend, even if you're interested in more than friendship. CANCER: You're through guarding your heart. You're ready to let someone in. LEO: Avoid ostentation. You are more attractive when you blend in, observe and discover what is interesting about others. VIRGO: While you find much to admire in your surroundings, someone is finding much to admire about you. LIBRA: Many will marvel at your social graces that make you oh so attractive. SCORPIO: You adjust your style and manner of speaking in order to communicate well with a loved one. SAGITTARIUS: You are growing more comfortable with someone and as your sense of ease increases, so does this person's love for you. CAPRICORN: Give special recognition to someone who is there for you when it really matters most. AQUARIUS: Do not appear to be working too hard at being impressive, though you may be sweating to do so. PISCES: You get the answer you were waiting for.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Sagittarius and Scorpio can be extremely competitive with each other. They are rivals who become best friends, then best friends who become sweethearts. These two are attracted to each other's complications and they thrive on the drama they bring out. But when the stardust settles, what emerges is two dynamic characters who make each other stronger.

Happy Birthday, Barbara

We know it's not until tomorrow, but we wanted to get a jump on the festivities. Have a wonderful birthday...and many, many more!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

eBags.com 20% Discount Code

* eBags Insiders enjoy an extra 20% off including select items already up to 70% off through 11/23/2008. This special offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, and does not apply to eBags Corporate Sales orders.

Enter promotional code EMTHRDAY to receive your special savings. Discounts cannot be applied towards the purchase of a Greeting-Gift Cards or email Gift Certificates. Discounts do not apply to selected products and brands on our site due to manufacturers restrictions.

Plus for a limited time, buy now and receive $25 off your next order.

Click here to shop @ eBags.com

One Day Only Extended - 30% off MLB.com



Sale extended until November 20th.

No code needed, will apply discount @ checkout.

Click here to shop @ website MLB.com

Police Enforcing Click it or Ticket


PEABODY - The Peabody Police Department is joining forces with several other Massachusetts city and town police departments in the state's effort to promote seatbelt use.

From now until Nov. 30, the city will increase traffic enforcement, public information and community outreach to reduce automobile-related fatalities, injuries and economic loss. All is made possible through the state's Click It or Ticket mobilization program, which first began in fall 2002.

(Lynn Daily Item-Full Story)

Meredith Police log

Article Date: Thursday, November 20, 2008
MEREDITH — Local police responded to 235 calls for service and made nine arrests during the seven-day period ending Nov. 17. They also made 57 traffic stops, issued 50 warnings, seven summonses and investigated four motor vehicle accidents. They also took two adults into protective custody for drunkenness. Those arrested will be arraigned in the Meredith Session of Laconia District Court on December 3.

— Lovering Volvo reported a theft of a vehicle. A number of days later, police received a call from Revere, Mass., to advise the vehicle had been recovered.


(The Citizen of Laconia-Police Log)

Man charged with shoplifting after returning to store

SALEM — A couple's five-finger shopping spree came to an end Tuesday when a man attempting to pick up his girlfriend at a local department store was arrested on charges of stealing a laptop computer from the same store earlier that day, police said.

Jason Knox, 31, of Epping was arrested at the Target at 205 S. Broadway around 6 p.m. Tuesday, while picking up his 26-year-old girlfriend. The girlfriend was trying to return electronics stolen from a Target store in Haverhill, Mass., police said.

Knox and his girlfriend have now been linked to several thefts at Target stores in Methuen, Haverhill, and Revere, Mass., and Salem , but have yet to be charged in those cases, police Capt. Shawn Patten said. He said the duo has taken approximately $3,000 in electronics that include iPods and DVDs.

(Eagle Tribune Online-Full Story)

$12.4m in grants puts focus on gang violence

Area gets state aid to keep teenagers away from trouble

Last month, with the state facing an emergency fiscal crisis, Governor Deval Patrick cut the state budget more than $1 billion. But Patrick promised he would not cut certain social service programs, and last week the governor kept his word, awarding $12.4 million in grants to combat youth and gang violence - with $550,000 going to Lynn, Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, Saugus, and Swampscott.

In addition, Haverhill will share a $220,000 grant with Methuen. Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Revere, and Winthrop will share $822,000 with Cambridge, Medford, Quincy, and Somerville.

"The governor believes strongly in fighting crime at the street level, finding ways to try to keep teens out of trouble; to create safe spaces for kids to make good decisions," said Terrel Harris, a spokesman for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Harris said the state will spend $2 million more on the program than last year. "[Patrick] fought hard to keep this. That's how much he believes in this program."

The program, known as the Senator Charles E. Shannon Community Safety Initiative, began two years ago and now reaches 39 communities throughout the state. The money is spent to help fund city and regional gang units, and also goes to nonprofits and municipal programs to support street workers, jobs programs, antigang awareness, and other outreach programs.

With gangs present in cities such as Lynn, Revere, and Haverhill and spreading to quieter suburbs, a strategic alliance between law enforcement and agencies that work to steer teens away from gangs is the best solution, said Lynn Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Santoro.

"This gives us an opportunity to work directly with the kids - and from a prevention perspective, as opposed to a suppression perspective," said Santoro.

Lynn is set to receive $350,000 - an increase of $95,000 from last year.

(Boston Globe-Full Story)

Crash leads to Revere arrest

REVERE - A North Shore man was arrested for drunken driving Wednesday after he crashed into the back of a stopped car on Squire Road, police said.

Christopher Georgiades, 47, of 20 Apple Road, Beverly, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation of a vehicle at about 1:30 a.m.

A witness reported Georgiades swerved his car around a vehicle then crashed into the back of a van stopped at a red light.

Police administered a breath test and determined the suspect's blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit, police said.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Frank Sinatra - My Space

Pretty popular. I've received this from quite a few people today.

Birthday Wishes


My nieces, Stephanie & Haley, sent this to me wishing me a Happy Birthday.
I'd like to live in a lighthouse someday...love the sound of the ocean.

Avis Budget shares tumble on ongoing debt concerns

NEW YORK (AP) - Avis Budget Group Inc.'s stock continued its decline Tuesday as investors worried that the rental car company will fail to meet its debt obligations.

Avis shares dropped 23 cents, or 27.1 percent, to close at 62 cents. They touched an all-time low of 55 cents earlier in the session.

Avis shares have declined steadily since the company warned on Nov. 7 that it may breach its debt covenants, which would allow its lenders to demand their money back sooner.

Parsippany, N.J.-based Avis blamed its debt troubles to a drop in rental car demand and increased borrowing costs related to fleet financing. Avis is in talks with its lenders to relax some of its requirements.

In a note to investors late Monday, Goldman Sachs analyst Christopher Agnew estimated that the stock is pricing in a 40 percent probability of default over the next year. Agnew said he believes that percentage is too high and that Avis should be able to negotiate changes to its loan covenants.

Agnew maintained a "Buy" rating on the company, but lowered his six-month target price on the stock to $1.50 from $2.

When companies breach their debt covenants, it is usually by falling below a set financial threshold.

CAR closed today @ $0.49.

Revere felon pleads guilty to religious school theft

SALEM - A Revere man with a record dating back to 1999 when he targeted at least 14 religious institutions and organizations, stealing cash and sellable items to support his addiction, will spend up to five years in prison after admitting he hit St. John's School in Peabody in 2002.

Ryan K. Papillon, 31, who last lived at 230 Lantern Road in Revere, pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon in Salem Superior Court to breaking and entering a building with intent to commit a felony, destruction of property over $250 and larceny over $250 in connection with the break-in at St. John's School in July of 2002.

(Lynn Daily Item-Full Story)

2-year-old found alone in car in Revere

REVERE - Revere police contacted the Department of Children and Families on Monday after a 2-year-old boy was found alone inside a car at a shopping center parking lot for 20 minutes, police said.

A concerned passerby called police from the Northgate Shopping Center parking lot on Squire Road shortly after 5:30 p.m.

Police discovered the boy sitting in a child safety seat alone with the car doors unlocked, police said.

Officers summonsed medical aid as a precaution but the child was OK.

The child’s mother, only identified as a 37-year-old Revere woman, exited a store and arrived at the vehicle. According to police, the woman explained the child was asleep when she arrived at the store and didn’t want to wake him.

(Lynn Daily Item-Full Story)

If you were born today...


Happy Birthday: Don't let your emotions lead you down the wrong path. Weakness will work against you this year, so stand tall and make your point clear as you proceed forward. Keep your mind on work and getting ahead. Promptly take care of any personal financial problems or expenses that arise and you will win. Your numbers are 2, 8, 23, 27, 32, 34, 44

Birthday Baby: You have strength of character, determination and the desire to follow through with your plans. You are strong, dedicated, emotional and caring.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (NOVEMBER 19). You are struck with brilliant ideas. Share your unique viewpoint. Your contribution will be an asset to others. In December you learn who really digs your style. Socially you are in demand through the winter. A new client in April improves your financial bottom line. You'll be appreciating wilderness in June. Capricorn and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 21, 4, 39, 17 and 10.

Taking the day off ...

So you can spend the day listening to a few of my favorite songs!

Elton John - Tiny Dancer (reminds me of my girls)


The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil (Neptunes Remix)
I love this version.


Flo-Rida featuring T-Pain - Low (this one is just fun!)
I've included the chorus so you can sing along.
Chorus
Apple Bottom Jeans [Jeans]
Boots with the fur [With the fur]
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo [She hit the flo]
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low

Them baggy sweat pants
And the Reeboks with the straps [With the straps]
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack [Ayy]
She hit the flo [She hit the flo]
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low

# 1 Song This Day 1956



I'm aging myself now...I was never a big fan of Elvis.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Players taking security measures after murders

MIAMI — Frightened NFL players are carrying guns and hiring bodyguards as they seek to avoid becoming victims of violent crime which has already claimed the lives of two players.

Seven players told the latest edition of ESPN The Magazine, to be published on Friday, that the murders last year of Washington Redskins Sean Taylor safety and Denver Broncos' defensive back Darrent Williams, had raised the alarm among some of the country's toughest sportsmen.

"We are targets, we need to be aware of that everywhere we go," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Ronde Barber.

Taylor was shot during a botched robbery at his home in South Florida while Williams was shot and killed outside a nightclub in Denver on New Years Eve, 2007.

This year, Oakland receiver Jevon Walker was robbed and beaten unconscious in Las Vegas and Jacksonville Jaguars lineman Richard Collier had to have his leg amputated after being shot and left paralyzed below the waist.



(Reuters.com-Full Story)

Pedroia Named AL MVP



BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox Dustin Pedroia has been named the Baseball Writers' Association of America's Most Valuable Player for 2008.


Pedroia is the first Red Sox player to win the AL MVP award since Mo Vaughn snagged it in 1995.

Minnesota's Justin Morneau finished second, and Pedroia's teammate, Kevin Youkilis, finished third.