Anyone who's a parent will be able to relate. It's back to school time and we're all hitting the stores to get the kids' fall wardrobe in good shape. Shopping for clothes with young kids is hard enough, but these days it's even more difficult because the freakin' clothes designers have decided to start attaching toys to the clothing to reel the kids in.
While shopping at Kohl's we discovered mini radios, skateboards and other toys hanging from the clothes on the racks. It's crazy. Getting a prize in box of Frosted Flakes is one thing, but dangling a skateboard from a Tony Hawk shirt is another. These toys jack up the prices and attract the kids who, of course, want the toy more than the clothes. Something just isn't right here.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Watch out for West Nile
Time to lather up in Deet.
New Hampshire health officials today confirmed the first case of West Nile virus in mosquitoes found in Kensington. Just when we thought we'd escape the threat of a mosquito-borne illness, West Nile pops up...and you can bet Eastern equine encephalitis isn't far behind.
Here's my story appearing in tomorrow's New Hampshire Union Leader.
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
KENSINGTON - The town will begin spraying today around the school, town hall and a local park after mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.
State health officials announced yesterday that the state’s first positive case of mosquitoes carrying the disease was found in a mosquito pool in a swamp near the town hall.
The discovery has put state and local officials on heightened alert as they hunt for more mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, both potentially fatal diseases spread through mosquito bites.
Officials said the positive test came a little later than they expected, but that people shouldn’t let their guard down.
“The fact that it’s later in the season gives us some comfort, but at the same time we want people to be proactive and protect themselves,” said Jason Stull, state public health veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the University of New Hampshire.
While no mosquitoes were found carrying West Nile virus in New Hampshire last year, six mosquito pools, two animals, and three people tested positive for EEE.Kensington is one of many towns across the state with a mosquito-control program to fight the spread of the potentially deadly diseases.
After learning about the positive test, selectmen and school officials met yesterday with Michael Morrison of Municipal Pest Management to prepare a plan of action. The plan will include spraying to kill adult mosquitoes around Kensington Elementary School, the town hall and Sawyer Park.
The school plans to notify parents about the discovery and the protective measures they should take to keep their children safe.
The town took steps to kill mosquito larvae in the spring.
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been popping up recently in eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.
“We kind of saw it coming,” said Morrison, who provides mosquito control in Kensington.
The state began testing mosquitoes on June 1. In this case, mosquitoes were collected on Aug. 19 and the positive test was found when the results came back yesterday.As of Aug. 23, the state’s public health lab had tested 5,676 mosquito pools, four animals, and 118 human specimens from across the state for EEE and West Nile virus.
“We have continued our surveillance efforts this year for these diseases and will enhance local efforts as needed through state-sponsored mosquito trapping,” Dr. Jose Montero, the state’s director of public health, said in a statement. “I am hopeful that this (West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis) season will be short and that we will have an early frost, but people should continue to be vigilant with prevention measures such as wearing mosquito repellant until that time…”
New Hampshire health officials today confirmed the first case of West Nile virus in mosquitoes found in Kensington. Just when we thought we'd escape the threat of a mosquito-borne illness, West Nile pops up...and you can bet Eastern equine encephalitis isn't far behind.
Here's my story appearing in tomorrow's New Hampshire Union Leader.
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
KENSINGTON - The town will begin spraying today around the school, town hall and a local park after mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.
State health officials announced yesterday that the state’s first positive case of mosquitoes carrying the disease was found in a mosquito pool in a swamp near the town hall.
The discovery has put state and local officials on heightened alert as they hunt for more mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, both potentially fatal diseases spread through mosquito bites.
Officials said the positive test came a little later than they expected, but that people shouldn’t let their guard down.
“The fact that it’s later in the season gives us some comfort, but at the same time we want people to be proactive and protect themselves,” said Jason Stull, state public health veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the University of New Hampshire.
While no mosquitoes were found carrying West Nile virus in New Hampshire last year, six mosquito pools, two animals, and three people tested positive for EEE.Kensington is one of many towns across the state with a mosquito-control program to fight the spread of the potentially deadly diseases.
After learning about the positive test, selectmen and school officials met yesterday with Michael Morrison of Municipal Pest Management to prepare a plan of action. The plan will include spraying to kill adult mosquitoes around Kensington Elementary School, the town hall and Sawyer Park.
The school plans to notify parents about the discovery and the protective measures they should take to keep their children safe.
The town took steps to kill mosquito larvae in the spring.
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been popping up recently in eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.
“We kind of saw it coming,” said Morrison, who provides mosquito control in Kensington.
The state began testing mosquitoes on June 1. In this case, mosquitoes were collected on Aug. 19 and the positive test was found when the results came back yesterday.As of Aug. 23, the state’s public health lab had tested 5,676 mosquito pools, four animals, and 118 human specimens from across the state for EEE and West Nile virus.
“We have continued our surveillance efforts this year for these diseases and will enhance local efforts as needed through state-sponsored mosquito trapping,” Dr. Jose Montero, the state’s director of public health, said in a statement. “I am hopeful that this (West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis) season will be short and that we will have an early frost, but people should continue to be vigilant with prevention measures such as wearing mosquito repellant until that time…”
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Epping balloon festival taking you to new heights
Some will come seeking a thrilling ride aboard a colorful hot air balloon. Others will come for the wide variety of food, music, and other entertainment.
But everyone who attends the 8th annual Highnote Balloon and Music Festival will come for the same reason: To honor the legacy of Adam McPhee.
The festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2 p.m. until dark at the grounds of the Governor Prescott House on the McPhee family farm on Prescott Road in Epping where Adam’s name is grown in the hay field as a memorial.
The festival is held each year to raise money for the Adam McPhee Memorial Foundation and awareness of people with disabilities.
Adam was born with disabilities and was the first student to enter Epping High School with a special inclusion program.
The McPhee family established a fund in Adam's name after he died in 1999, the same year he graduated from Epping High School. Money raised supports local charities and provides scholarships for students who choose a career working with people with disabilities.Over the years, the festival has become not only a celebration for family and friends who knew Adam but a community event that draws as many as 500 people each year to the McPhee farm. The festival has raised about $50,000 for the foundation since it began.
“Adam was very special to the family and to be able to help others in our community and outside our community with the fundraiser is more than enough to keep everybody enthusiastic about it,” said Adam’s brother, Cory McPhee of Epping. “It really has become a staple event in the community, almost like an old home day event.”
Tickets to the festival cost $15 for adults; children and high school students are free. While the music and other events at the festival are held rain or shine, the hot air balloon rides and a fireworks display are weather permitting.
Tethered balloon rides will begin at 5 p.m. Private balloon flights will be available for morning and afternoon departure by appointment by calling pilot Bob Russell at 895-3909.
Music will include performances by Oncoming Traffic, Matt & Howard, and Wayne from Maine with percussionist Jimmy James, the “KoongaBoonga Man.”
Other activities include mechanical bull rides, hay rides, arts and crafts for children of all ages, local artisan exhibit booths, and a horseshoe tournament. Food will be provided by Goody Cole’s Smokehouse and Zampa Restaurant.
For more information, visit the Web site for the festival, www.highnotefest.com.
Additional donations can be made to The Adam McPhee Memorial Foundation, 174 Prescott Road, Epping, N.H., 03042.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tips keep coming in case of teen missing since 1980
The top photo is of Rachel Garden when she was 15 and disappeared in Newton, N.H. The bottom photo shows store owner Peter Jewett standing next to a missing person poster hung up at his store in East Kingston within the last week. He is believed to be one of the last to see Rachel before she went missing.
I wrote an update for the paper this week on the search for a Newton teenager, Rachel Garden, who went missing in 1980. While it might seem like a cold case, police are still chasing down leads, hoping to find some clues to point them in the right direction. They've even begun posting new missing person posters around the area, even after all this time has passed.
I had a chance to briefly interview Rachel's father this week for the story that appeared in today's paper.
Here's the story:
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
NEWTON - It’s been 28 years since he last saw his 15-year-old daughter Rachel, but Stuart Garden still holds out hope that she’s out there somewhere.
“If she is alive, she’s not around here, there’s no question about that, and if she is alive, she’d have another life,” the 70-year-old Garden said yesterday as he reflected on the years of searches that have so far turned up nothing.
Rachel vanished without a trace on the night of March 20, 1980, after leaving Rowe’s Corner Market. The young teenager came into the store that night as she often did, bought a pack of Marlboro Lights, handed Peter Jewett a $5 bill, and went on her way.
“I was leaning against the counter and watched her cross the street. She went down Maple Avenue and that’s the last I saw of her,” recalled Jewett, who owned the local convenience store at the time and is believed to be one of the last people to see Rachel before she was gone.
Over the years, the Garden family has hunted for clues along with state and local police investigators who have followed up on countless leads that have led them to dig in Kingston, Newton and other areas. They’ve searched by air and water, and in recent months, scoured a pond in Kingston to check out a tip.
Private detectives and even psychics have been brought in as well, but still there are no answers for Rachel’s family, her friends, and the police investigators who can only wonder what happened.
In hopes of generating new leads, police within the last week have begun posting new missing person posters in the area with information about Rachel and two photographs, one of Rachel when she was a teenager and another generated by a computer to show how she might look today if she were still alive.
The case is still officially classified as a non-family abduction, but authorities have suggested that she may have been kidnapped and murdered. Others speculate that could have run away.
While Rachel’s father appreciates the work of some of the investigators, he raised questions about the way some of the searches have been handled. “I believe some of the searches that they’re doing are not valid,” he said, declining to elaborate.
The recent effort to hang new missing person posters “doesn’t hurt,” he said, but posters were put up when she first disappeared with little luck. During the initial investigation, there was little publicity about her disappearance, but the Gardens tried to get the word out by hanging posters and giving posters to truckers to post across the country during their road trips.
One truck driver who lived across the street from the Gardens actually claimed to have possibly seen her while he was in Florida shortly after she went missing, but the claim could never be confirmed.
“As time goes on you don’t think much of it because you’ve accepted certain things, but there’s always the thing in the back of your mind that she’s out there,” said Stuart Garden, whose family moved from Newton to Center Harbor about five years after Rachel disappeared.
Like others who knew her, Jewett has always wondered where Rachel went after she left his store.
Jewett, 66, sold the Newton store 24 years ago and now owns Jewett’s General Store in East Kingston.
Jewett knew Rachel and her family well. They were frequent customers and lived just down the street. Jewett described Rachel as a “mini Phyllis Diller,” saying she was an outgoing young teenager who was so full of life.
“I would give anything to have the case solved in my lifetime,” Jewett said. “I would really like to know.”
Anyone with information in the case is urged to contact the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit at 271-2663.
Coyotes on the prowl
Here's yet another warning about wild animals lurking in your backyard. It's not the bears this time...it's the coyotes. In fact, I've got a pack hanging out behind my house and the other day one of youngest members of the family went dashing across our back lawn. I can handle the flock of 15 turkeys, but the idea of a crazy coyote prowling around doesn't sit too well.
In any case, Kingston police are telling pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets and other domestic animals after a coyote killed a chicken and a duck. The coyote attack occurred on Aug. 11 at a home on Exeter Road where a family keeps ducks and chickens in a secure pen.
Police Chief Donald Briggs Jr. told me that the coyote apparently managed to get into the pen and killed a chicken and a duck. The remaining animals were then removed and put into crates inside the house to protect them.
Police occasionally receive reports of coyotes attacking domestic animals. Even when the animals are secured, Briggs said coyotes can still work their way in.
In any case, Kingston police are telling pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets and other domestic animals after a coyote killed a chicken and a duck. The coyote attack occurred on Aug. 11 at a home on Exeter Road where a family keeps ducks and chickens in a secure pen.
Police Chief Donald Briggs Jr. told me that the coyote apparently managed to get into the pen and killed a chicken and a duck. The remaining animals were then removed and put into crates inside the house to protect them.
Police occasionally receive reports of coyotes attacking domestic animals. Even when the animals are secured, Briggs said coyotes can still work their way in.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Pond scum can make you sick
A view of Country Pond in Kingston.This is kinda frightening. The state put out a warning today about swimming in Country Pond in Kingston because of high levels of a blue-green algae known as cyanobacteria. Apparently ponds across New Hampshire are seeing high levels of this pond scum, and it's extremely dangerous if you ingest it accidentally. It can even be fatal, although fortunately no deaths have been reported in New Hampshire.
This is just good information to know if you swim in a pond or lake here, especially this year when the levels are higher than they've been in 10 years.
Here's my story appearing in tomorrow's New Hampshire Union Leader. This spells out just how bad this is and how serious we all should take it.
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
KINGSTON - Swimmers and pet owners who use Country Pond were warned yesterday to stay out of the water after the state found high levels of cyanobacteria, a potentially dangerous pond scum that’s been more prevalent because of this summer’s morning sun followed by torrential rains.
“It’s very serious,” warned Jody Connor, limnology director for the state Department of Environmental Services. Country Pond is the latest pond in Kingston to show high levels of the blue-green algae that can release sickening toxins into the water.
Since July 22, the state has issued warnings for Greenwood Pond, Great Pond, and Half Moon Pond in Kinston. Those warnings remain in effect and are among more than a dozen warnings that have been issued for ponds and lakes across the state this summer.
“If you’re in an area where (the scum) is very thick, that’s where you’re going to find the most health effects,” Connor said. Fears over cyanobacteria prompted Boy Scout officials from the Yankee Clipper Council to call off water activities on Country Pond. The Lone Tree Scout Reservation is located along Country Pond, which is often used by the scouts. Council members said yesterday that the pond wouldn’t be used by the scouts until tests come back clean.
With excess phosphorus and ample sunlight, cyanobacteria blooms often form surface scums that are bright green or blue-green and resemble paint chips or bright green balls floating in the water. The cyanobacteria carry toxins in their cells which break down and are released into the water or a person who may accidentally ingest them in the water.
Connor said dogs who swim in areas with a high concentration of cells can drink the water or get the water on their fur, which they then lick off when they get out of the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins than can cause acute and chronic health effects ranging from skin and mucous membrane irritations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to damage to liver and the central nervous system.
Depending on the amount of toxins ingested, a pet or person could experience convulsions, seizures, or liver disease.
While there have been no reported deaths from the toxins in New Hampshire, Connor said they can be fatal. Deaths have been documented in other states, he said. Connor blames this summer’s weather conditions for creating the high levels of cyanobacteria, which he said are the worst the state has seen in the last 10 years.
The cynobacteria has thrived on the sunny mornings and the heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons where runoff has carried more materials into the ponds.
“A lot of lakes and ponds have low concentrations, but when given the right materials and right amount of food everything is ultimate for their growth. They produce at a high rate and that’s when they become dangerous,” Connor said.
More information on cyanobacteria can be found on the Web site for the state Department of Environmental Services, www.des.nh.gov/beaches.
This is just good information to know if you swim in a pond or lake here, especially this year when the levels are higher than they've been in 10 years.
Here's my story appearing in tomorrow's New Hampshire Union Leader. This spells out just how bad this is and how serious we all should take it.
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
KINGSTON - Swimmers and pet owners who use Country Pond were warned yesterday to stay out of the water after the state found high levels of cyanobacteria, a potentially dangerous pond scum that’s been more prevalent because of this summer’s morning sun followed by torrential rains.
“It’s very serious,” warned Jody Connor, limnology director for the state Department of Environmental Services. Country Pond is the latest pond in Kingston to show high levels of the blue-green algae that can release sickening toxins into the water.
Since July 22, the state has issued warnings for Greenwood Pond, Great Pond, and Half Moon Pond in Kinston. Those warnings remain in effect and are among more than a dozen warnings that have been issued for ponds and lakes across the state this summer.
“If you’re in an area where (the scum) is very thick, that’s where you’re going to find the most health effects,” Connor said. Fears over cyanobacteria prompted Boy Scout officials from the Yankee Clipper Council to call off water activities on Country Pond. The Lone Tree Scout Reservation is located along Country Pond, which is often used by the scouts. Council members said yesterday that the pond wouldn’t be used by the scouts until tests come back clean.
With excess phosphorus and ample sunlight, cyanobacteria blooms often form surface scums that are bright green or blue-green and resemble paint chips or bright green balls floating in the water. The cyanobacteria carry toxins in their cells which break down and are released into the water or a person who may accidentally ingest them in the water.
Connor said dogs who swim in areas with a high concentration of cells can drink the water or get the water on their fur, which they then lick off when they get out of the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins than can cause acute and chronic health effects ranging from skin and mucous membrane irritations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to damage to liver and the central nervous system.
Depending on the amount of toxins ingested, a pet or person could experience convulsions, seizures, or liver disease.
While there have been no reported deaths from the toxins in New Hampshire, Connor said they can be fatal. Deaths have been documented in other states, he said. Connor blames this summer’s weather conditions for creating the high levels of cyanobacteria, which he said are the worst the state has seen in the last 10 years.
The cynobacteria has thrived on the sunny mornings and the heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons where runoff has carried more materials into the ponds.
“A lot of lakes and ponds have low concentrations, but when given the right materials and right amount of food everything is ultimate for their growth. They produce at a high rate and that’s when they become dangerous,” Connor said.
More information on cyanobacteria can be found on the Web site for the state Department of Environmental Services, www.des.nh.gov/beaches.
Stroke commercial nothing to laugh at
I'm sure some of you have already seen this commercial floating around on YouTube, but I just had to share it for those of you who may not have seen it yet. It's essentially a public service announcement put out by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to drive home the warning signs of a stroke. I know this probably sounds like a total bore, but believe me, it's worth a look. The commercial has a serious message, but I'll admit, it had me in stitches. You'll know what I mean after you see it. I give the creators some credit for coming up with a clever way to get their message out. Even though I laughed until I cried, the message stuck: FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCvIMy_dTmQ
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCvIMy_dTmQ
Friday, August 15, 2008
Heads up for possible hurricane
I know I'm probably overreacting, but I just read a blog from one of my favorite meteorologists over at Accuweather (Henry Margusity) and he put out a warning today for New Englanders to be on alert for a possible hurricane late next week. Now I know it's really early in the game and these storms always change course, but New England is long over due for a big hurricane and it looks like conditions could be ripe for a biggie here. Don't forget...the last time I issued my own warning on my blog about a bad weather week here in New Hampshire, we had a tornado.
Here's the link to Henry's blog entry from today where he warns of the threat next week.
http://www.accuweather.com/mt-news-blogs.asp?partner=accuweather&blog=Meteomadness&pgurl=/mtweb/content/Meteomadness/archives/2008/08/east_coast_big_daddy_hurricane_possible_next_week.asp
Here's the link to Henry's blog entry from today where he warns of the threat next week.
http://www.accuweather.com/mt-news-blogs.asp?partner=accuweather&blog=Meteomadness&pgurl=/mtweb/content/Meteomadness/archives/2008/08/east_coast_big_daddy_hurricane_possible_next_week.asp
Bear cub is back in Kingston
Just wanted to give a quick update on the bear sightings in Kingston. It seems the bear cub has returned. He was spotted by a few residents over the past few days in the Main Street area. The mother bear was seen again a few weeks ago around North Road. I figured I'd pass it along just in case you thought the bears had left. It seems they must be making their home in the Kingston area, so if you live in Kingston, you'd better accept the fact that they've moved into the neighborhood because Fish and Game isn't going to do anything about them.
Here's the scoop on Friendly's
Ahhh...summertime in New England. They say we New Englanders eat more ice cream than anyone else in the country, and I believe it. We're always on the hunt for the best ice cream in town.
While I'm a big fan of buying from local ice cream shops, this summer I rediscovered an oldie but goodie: Friendly's Ice Cream in Exeter, N.H. It had been years since I'd stepped foot in Friendly's, but earlier this summer I happened to stop there with the kids and I was amazed at the price. We got three kiddie cones (they're more like a regular small because they had about a scoop and a half of ice cream) for about $3, including tax. I'm not joking. The kiddie cones are a buck! It's the best deal around, especially when you're buying for a family.
Now, don't get me wrong, there's still something special about the local shops. I still enjoy a cone from the Wright Place in Stratham (formerly Hodgie's), Memories in Kingston, and Jimmy Lee's, also in Kingston, but this summer, with ice cream prices on the rise, I can tell you that I've made more stops at Friendly's. And, unlike years ago when I visited Friendly's and it seemed more like Angry's because of the waitstaff, things have changed. The waitstaff at the Exeter Friendly's has been phenomenal. So, if you're passing by, swing in for some good old-fashioned ice cream at a good price.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Breathtaking ceremony now an Olympic disappointment
Like everyone else, I was captivated by the elaborate opening ceremony to the summer Olympics in Bejing. How could you not marvel at the thousands of talented Chinese performers, the extraordinary musical selections, and the brilliant fireworks displays that danced across the sky? It was truly a spectacular event that will be one for the Olympic history books. I read today that it was the second most watched program on NBC after this year's Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, for the past two mornings I've woken up to news reports about how some of the things we saw weren't quite as amazing as we thought. I'm sure you've all heard by now, but just in case you live under a rock and never open a newspaper or flip on the TV news, the fireworks we saw that night were FAKE! Remember those incredible feet walking across Bejing to the stadium? Thank China's version of Hollywood because they were nothing more than computer-generated images for our viewing pleasure. And then, what's worse, this morning we learned that that cute 9-year-old Chinese girl who sang so brilliantly and seemed to be a singing sensation really WASN'T SINGING! What? How can this be? Well, turns out the girl who really sang the song was a 7 year old who just didn't pass China's cuteness test to make it on TV. The music director admitted that in the days before the ceremony it was decided that a cuter girl would have to lip sync the song. Imagine being the parents of that 7-year-old who had to tell her that she could record the song, but that she wasn't allowed to sing on stage because she wasn't cute enough! I wonder what we'll wake up to tomorrow. I'm telling you, if I find out that those 2,008 drummers were all computer-generated as well I think I'm going to call for a boycott of the games.
Now, I can only hope that Celine Dion is really singing when Kathy and I see her in concert in Boston tomorrow night. You can bet I'll be demanding a refund if I notice her mouth moving and no words coming out. Then again, we'll be sitting so far back we won't see her anyhow.
Unfortunately, for the past two mornings I've woken up to news reports about how some of the things we saw weren't quite as amazing as we thought. I'm sure you've all heard by now, but just in case you live under a rock and never open a newspaper or flip on the TV news, the fireworks we saw that night were FAKE! Remember those incredible feet walking across Bejing to the stadium? Thank China's version of Hollywood because they were nothing more than computer-generated images for our viewing pleasure. And then, what's worse, this morning we learned that that cute 9-year-old Chinese girl who sang so brilliantly and seemed to be a singing sensation really WASN'T SINGING! What? How can this be? Well, turns out the girl who really sang the song was a 7 year old who just didn't pass China's cuteness test to make it on TV. The music director admitted that in the days before the ceremony it was decided that a cuter girl would have to lip sync the song. Imagine being the parents of that 7-year-old who had to tell her that she could record the song, but that she wasn't allowed to sing on stage because she wasn't cute enough! I wonder what we'll wake up to tomorrow. I'm telling you, if I find out that those 2,008 drummers were all computer-generated as well I think I'm going to call for a boycott of the games.
Now, I can only hope that Celine Dion is really singing when Kathy and I see her in concert in Boston tomorrow night. You can bet I'll be demanding a refund if I notice her mouth moving and no words coming out. Then again, we'll be sitting so far back we won't see her anyhow.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A freakish fungus find in Fremont
Collin and Brendan Rand pose with the big mushroom found in the backyard of their Fremont home.I swear, this mushroom is one for the record books.
I got a call this week from Tracey Rand in Fremont who told me that I should swing by her Fremont home to get a shot of the huge mushroom found in the Rands' backyard. She told me it was the biggest she'd ever seen. While I didn't doubt that it was big, I didn't think the thing was THAT big. Well, she was right. I stopped by Thursday night and couldn't believe what I was seeing. This massive puff mushroom measured about 20 inches in diameter! That's right, folks...20 inches!!!!!!! The thing is a monster. Unfortunately, they plucked it from the ground. Had they left it the thing probably would be continued to grow in all this damp weather.
In working on a story about the big mushroom find, I learned that some veterinarians are seeing an increase in the number of mushroom poisonings among dogs. With so many mushrooms sprouting, dogs are biting into them and getting sick. So, it's a good idea to make sure you keep your dog away from all mushrooms, unless you're an expert mushroom hunter and can tell the good ones from the bad ones. To me, they're all disgusting and creepy, so I'd never touch one. I don't even eat mushrooms from the store. I just think they're nasty things. The idea of eating fungus is pretty gross, I think.
Here's a link to my story if you want to read more about the monster mushroom.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Man dials 911 when Subway forgets the mayo
Now this is a story that's gotta be getting some laughs around the water cooler at work this week. If you haven't heard the story yet, here's the meat of it: A guy in Florida goes into a Subway, orders a sub, the worker forgets to put the mayo on, the guy then gets so annoyed that he calls 911. Yes, that's right ... 911! Why he thought 911 dispatchers would be able to help is beyond me. It's not as if the sub had suddenly begun attacking him and he needed to be rescued. Here's the full story and the news clip with the 911 recording...you gotta see it...when you click on the link you'll see the video clip to the right of the story.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Why is Epping the center of the universe?
Epping Town Clerk Linda Foley holds up one of the "Epping is the center of the universe" bumper stickers.If you've lived in the Epping area, you've probably heard the phrase, "Epping is the center of the universe."
Well, I'v always wondered how it got that title, so I decided to do a little investigation. I became even more curious when I found a sign at the Epping Town Clerk's Office last week advertising bumper stickers for sale for $1. It's quite an interesting story, so I had to share it.
Below is the story that appeared in Monday's New Hampshire Union Leader explaining why Epping is considered, at least in some minds, the center of the universe.
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader correspondent
EPPING - The town clerk’s office has always been the place to go for car registrations, but in Epping, you can get your official “Epping is the center of the universe” bumper sticker as well.
A sign next to the clerk’s window advertises the dark blue bumper stickers with white lettering at a bargain price of just $1.
The stickers have been a hot item since the clerk’s office started selling them a few years ago. In fact, the sample sticker attached to the sign at the clerk’s window has been swiped several times and has had to be replaced.
As many as 134 stickers were sold last year, and sales this year have averaged about 10 a month, according to Deputy Town Clerk Joyce Blanchard, who bought bumper stickers for her sons, but they refused to put them on their cars.
Town Administrator Dean Shankle got two bumper stickers for himself when he was hired earlier this year, but he keeps them at his house.
“I think it’s nice for the town to have an identity,” Shankle said. “It’s a memorable brand.”
The idea for the bumper stickers began in the early 1970s when longtime resident Howard Phelps owned what was then known as Freddie’s BP gas station.
Phelps’ brother-in-law and high school buddy, Rick Wells, worked at the station and is believed to be the first to coin the phrase, “Epping is the center of the universe.” It was a statement he made while joking with a cynical resident who liked to stop by to complain about town politics.
Wells, who lived in Epping at the time but has since moved to New York, later decided that the gas station ought to start selling the phrase on bumper stickers, just for fun. The first batch of stickers was printed up by a printer in Dover.
“We sold quite a number of them and we had to get a subsequent order,” recalled Phelps, who is now 65 and works as a nurse’s aide at the Rockingham County Nursing Home after running the BP for 30 years.
As more and more bumper stickers were sold, “Epping is the center of the universe” was a phrase that stuck and soon it became a sort of motto for the town among locals. But as the stickers were displayed on bumpers and people in other towns began to see them, Epping became known as the center of the universe to outsiders as well.
Phelps will never forget the day when he and his wife were at a supermarket and overheard a conversation between a cashier and a customer about how Epping was geographically the center of the universe.
“We sort of grinned to ourselves, but didn’t say anything,” Phelps said with a laugh.
The bumper stickers eventually sold out and the gas station stopped printing them, but the idea was revived a few years ago by Epping resident Kim Sullivan. He was a selectman then and decided to have the stickers reprinted and sold at the town clerk’s office.
Old-timers who remember the origin of the phrase like to buy them along with newcomers who think they’re funny.
As bumper sticker sales continue, the phrase “Epping is the center of the universe” is making its way to the Internet. The phase now appears on the Web site for the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Epping is listed on the site as one of 16 places around the world that claim to be the center of the universe, mostly as a joke.
Phelps still gets a kick out of the phrase when he hears it around town.
“It brings a little smile to my face whenever it’s mentioned,” he said.
Well, I'v always wondered how it got that title, so I decided to do a little investigation. I became even more curious when I found a sign at the Epping Town Clerk's Office last week advertising bumper stickers for sale for $1. It's quite an interesting story, so I had to share it.
Below is the story that appeared in Monday's New Hampshire Union Leader explaining why Epping is considered, at least in some minds, the center of the universe.
By Jason Schreiber
Union Leader correspondent
EPPING - The town clerk’s office has always been the place to go for car registrations, but in Epping, you can get your official “Epping is the center of the universe” bumper sticker as well.
A sign next to the clerk’s window advertises the dark blue bumper stickers with white lettering at a bargain price of just $1.
The stickers have been a hot item since the clerk’s office started selling them a few years ago. In fact, the sample sticker attached to the sign at the clerk’s window has been swiped several times and has had to be replaced.
As many as 134 stickers were sold last year, and sales this year have averaged about 10 a month, according to Deputy Town Clerk Joyce Blanchard, who bought bumper stickers for her sons, but they refused to put them on their cars.
Town Administrator Dean Shankle got two bumper stickers for himself when he was hired earlier this year, but he keeps them at his house.
“I think it’s nice for the town to have an identity,” Shankle said. “It’s a memorable brand.”
The idea for the bumper stickers began in the early 1970s when longtime resident Howard Phelps owned what was then known as Freddie’s BP gas station.
Phelps’ brother-in-law and high school buddy, Rick Wells, worked at the station and is believed to be the first to coin the phrase, “Epping is the center of the universe.” It was a statement he made while joking with a cynical resident who liked to stop by to complain about town politics.
Wells, who lived in Epping at the time but has since moved to New York, later decided that the gas station ought to start selling the phrase on bumper stickers, just for fun. The first batch of stickers was printed up by a printer in Dover.
“We sold quite a number of them and we had to get a subsequent order,” recalled Phelps, who is now 65 and works as a nurse’s aide at the Rockingham County Nursing Home after running the BP for 30 years.
As more and more bumper stickers were sold, “Epping is the center of the universe” was a phrase that stuck and soon it became a sort of motto for the town among locals. But as the stickers were displayed on bumpers and people in other towns began to see them, Epping became known as the center of the universe to outsiders as well.
Phelps will never forget the day when he and his wife were at a supermarket and overheard a conversation between a cashier and a customer about how Epping was geographically the center of the universe.
“We sort of grinned to ourselves, but didn’t say anything,” Phelps said with a laugh.
The bumper stickers eventually sold out and the gas station stopped printing them, but the idea was revived a few years ago by Epping resident Kim Sullivan. He was a selectman then and decided to have the stickers reprinted and sold at the town clerk’s office.
Old-timers who remember the origin of the phrase like to buy them along with newcomers who think they’re funny.
As bumper sticker sales continue, the phrase “Epping is the center of the universe” is making its way to the Internet. The phase now appears on the Web site for the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Epping is listed on the site as one of 16 places around the world that claim to be the center of the universe, mostly as a joke.
Phelps still gets a kick out of the phrase when he hears it around town.
“It brings a little smile to my face whenever it’s mentioned,” he said.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
A blog bungler
Sorry if some of you had trouble accessing my blog yesterday. Apparently the sitemeter program that allows me to track hits on the blog malfunctioned, blocking access to the blog. I deleted the sitemeter and that seems to have corrected the problem.
Cell phone's got me buzzing
OK, so I'm starting to freak out over the dangers of using my cell phone. I keep hearing more and more about the cancer risk, and the more I hear the more I'm getting worried. Now I know I tend to overreact every time a new study comes out. Just ask my wife. She's had to learn to live with my doom and gloom attitude. I always blame it on all the heartwrenching stories I've had to write about diseases over the years.
In any case, a few months ago I was watching Larry King and he had some experts on who were talking about cell phone dangers and how there have been no concrete studies done yet linking cancer and cell phone use, but that over time studies will eventually show that there is a connection. The cell phone is still a relatively new device, so it might take another 10 years before we know whether it really carries a risk. The studies need to be done over a longer period of time.
To support my fears, a prominent doctor at a cancer research center recently warned all of his staff about the dangers in a memo. Check out the story here: http://www.macon.com/274/story/412509.html
After watching the recently Larry King interview, I rushed right out the next day to buy a headset. That worked great, but it was a pain trying to haul it out and get set up every time someone called. Then I forgot the thing was in my pants' pocket and it went through the washing machine two weeks later. I ran out and got another one, but after a week the microphone that hangs off the headset snapped off. So now I'm sticking to the speakerphone, which is OK when I'm in a private place, but I don't enjoy having the entire world listening to my interviews and chit-chats if the call happens to come when I'm in a public place.
After my bad experiences with headsets, I'm now left wondering how to safely use my phone. If you've got any ideas, I'm all ears!
Meantime, if you want another reason to worry, check out this insane video showing how the radiation from cell phones can pop kernels of popcorn. This is sickening and another reason to keep that phone away from your ear. http://sorisomail.com/videos-comicos/1963.html
In any case, a few months ago I was watching Larry King and he had some experts on who were talking about cell phone dangers and how there have been no concrete studies done yet linking cancer and cell phone use, but that over time studies will eventually show that there is a connection. The cell phone is still a relatively new device, so it might take another 10 years before we know whether it really carries a risk. The studies need to be done over a longer period of time.
To support my fears, a prominent doctor at a cancer research center recently warned all of his staff about the dangers in a memo. Check out the story here: http://www.macon.com/274/story/412509.html
After watching the recently Larry King interview, I rushed right out the next day to buy a headset. That worked great, but it was a pain trying to haul it out and get set up every time someone called. Then I forgot the thing was in my pants' pocket and it went through the washing machine two weeks later. I ran out and got another one, but after a week the microphone that hangs off the headset snapped off. So now I'm sticking to the speakerphone, which is OK when I'm in a private place, but I don't enjoy having the entire world listening to my interviews and chit-chats if the call happens to come when I'm in a public place.
After my bad experiences with headsets, I'm now left wondering how to safely use my phone. If you've got any ideas, I'm all ears!
Meantime, if you want another reason to worry, check out this insane video showing how the radiation from cell phones can pop kernels of popcorn. This is sickening and another reason to keep that phone away from your ear. http://sorisomail.com/videos-comicos/1963.html
Epping Mobil gets drive-thru window
The photos above showing the crash were supplied by the Epping Police Department.Has anyone noticed the boarded up front store window at the Mobil on the Run on Route 125 in Epping this week?
Apparently on Thursday a pickup truck operated by a teenager from a local masonry company attempted to park in front of the store, but he told police that the gas pedal stuck. Oops! He ended up jumping the curb and crashing into the front window, sending shards of glass flying into the store near the front counter where store clerk Barbara George of Brentwood was working. Fortunately no one was hurt.
Just imagine what would have happened had someone been walking on the curb in front of the store when the truck came charging forward. I get gas at that Mobil all the time, but luckily at the time of the crash I was down the road bicycling with the kids to Walgreens to get some soda for a soda geyser experiment, you know, the one you've seen on YouTube where you drop Mento candies into the soda bottle and it creates a 25-foot geyser. Well guess what, our experiment fizzled out...literally. More on that later with a photo of the big flop.
In the meantime, check your gas pedals to make sure there's nothing sticky.
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