CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

Chocolate in Chatham & Coffee Cake

Ok, February is over, but what was one of the biggest things of the month... Valentine's Day, and what do we associate with that day, Chocolate, yes grand chocolate.

So what does that have to do with the Cape you ask? Well to me it is my yearly pilgrimage to Chatham, I know I have mention this before but hey these are my memories, and my journey is for one thing...Truffles.

They are one of the few chocolate products that I am willing to pay extra for, and when you find a chocolate truffle you enjoy it is almost heaven on earth. No, all truffles are not the same, so you must hunt and taste and be patient and pay and pay and oh well, you get the picture. My favorites come in dark chocolate, forget the milk chocolate, that's for kids and beginners. Then there are the flavors, of course the best are those with the alcohol or better pronounced (OWL-KEE- HALL). Baileys, Amaretto, Kahlua, and Grand Marnier, I have also had champagne and I am sure I am missing one or two, but I will eat just about any of them.

One year, it was the early 90s, Dad was still staying at the cottage we did not have much money, but splurged and got a few truffles for me anyway. We got ready to leave and were on our way home when we remembered that we had left the truffles at the cottage. We called Dad and he took them back to the store who graciously shipped them to us.

However when I opened the box we discovered that in traveling, in the August heat, my truffles had melted. We called the store to let them know, not expecting much but to at least let them know for future shipping.

About a week later we got by special delivery a new package and inside a new set of truffles. Bless them for they replaced all the truffles and few extra to boot. It was the best surprise I had had that summer from the Cape. I have never forgotten them for what they did for me. My wife has found favor in their chocolate covered pretzels and there is always the raisins covered with dark chocolate and the bark. Ok...

I am starting to salivate so I had better stop for now. You can find this fine establishment right in the heart of Chatham, and I love them dearly, thank you for the memories and looking forward to this year enjoying more... at the Chatham Candy Manor.

Today's recipe: Heath Bar Coffee Cake
This can be a Breakfast Cake or a Dessert Cake

1/4 lb     salted butter                                                Topping:
1 C.          buttermilk                                                         6           Health bars crushed
2 C.          all purpose flour                                                            (they crush best if frozen)
1 tsp.      baking soda                                                  1/4 C.       pecans
1 C.          light brown sugar                                                         pinch salt
1               egg
1/2 C.     white sugar
1 tsp.       vanilla

Blend flour, butter and sugar, once mixed take out 1/2 cup of mix and set aside. To the mix that is left add buttermilk, baking soda, egg and vanilla and mix well. Pour into a greased and floured 9 X 13 pan. Make the topping next: crush the Heath bars well, add pecans and salt along with the 1/2 cup of mix that you had set aside. Sprinkle this over top of the batter in the pan and back at 350 for 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

This is another recipe that came from my wife's Mother, it was hand written with no notation to where it came from.

Enjoy and have a great day on the Cape.

Cape Cod Chamber ad scares away visitors

And asks, "Do you want your next vacation to look like this?"
Is it time for a Cape Cod Convention & Visitor Bureau?

For the first half-century of its existence, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce took the hospitality industry's money to "fill bedrooms" and attract more visitors to Cape Cod. 

Today the chamber is scaring them away instead as this half page ad on page 16 of the 2007 chamber guide shows. 

The scare headline in the Alliance half-page ad on the right shows an oil rig platform and shouts:

Do you want your next vacation to look like this?

This regional chamber is overwhelmingly funded by the hospitality industry here, and to spend their membership fees in this way is provoking consternation from members and local town chambers, some of whom  may decide to refuse to distribute the Cape Cod Chamber's guide with this scare mongering in it.

Since the overthrow of long-time chamber head Mike Frucci over a decade ago, the "new" chamber has turned away from "filling bedrooms" to become a local, business support organization.  Every other similar family vacation destination has long ago created a totally independent Convention & Travel Bureau, like Boston, Myrtle Beach, Orlando and a hundred others. These vacation destinations have separate "chambers of commerce" for local non-tourism, business needs like Orlando and Boston.

The chamber has been controlled since Frucci's bloody dismissal by John O'Brien Sr.* who was a registered lobbyist for The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound while still listed as a lobbyist for the chamber, and whose son, the former State Senator, works for one of Cape Wind's major competitors in the energy industry.

Mr. O'Brien, on right, was instrumental in getting the chamber to oppose Cape Wind from the start and even prevented the operators from presenting their case to the chamber membership.  His current association* with the chamber is outlined underneath a full-size version of the Alliance ad in the 2007 guide book below.

Some members say it is time the chamber's membership put a stop to this kind of political interference in a community organization whose purpose is to encourage tourism, pointing out that the Palm Springs Chamber uses photographs of their wind farm in their guide and website to promote, not discourage tourism. 

Why a C & V is needed now 

When Mr. O'Brien took over, Cape Cod was getting just over 70% of its annual revenue from visitors.  Today that number is something over 50%.  Visitors are gold to communities since they do not require schools and teachers and most of the other costly year-round support facilities like police and fire.    There are only a handful of counties in the US so luckily situated. 

The chamber may try to wiggle out of this embarrassment of running this scare ad by the Alliance by claiming that they HAVE to accept any member's ad.  If they say that, it's not true, according to industry people we've asked, because any publisher can turn down any ad and not give a reason.

A Cape Cod Convention & Visitor Bureau would never in a million years have allowed that ad to scare away tourists.   A "chamber of commerce" devoted to residential concerns rather than the hospitality businesses here did.  The chamber guide above with the ad shown below is mailed to the thousands and thousands of potential visitors who write, email or call the chamber for information about spending their money here this summer.

It's fair for members to ask Mr. O'Brien and his surrogate Wendy Norcross if it's the chamber's job to scare visitors if a member like the Alliance wishes to spend part of their reported $16 million slush fund that way.

One member told us that while this may please Mr. O'Brien's clients, it is directly against common sense to involve the chamber in scare-mongering.

Those concerned can contact  O'Brien or chamber president Wendy Norcross today and let them know.  His number is (508) 362-3225, ext. 525  and his email address is john@capecodchamber.org or contact Wendy Norcross at (508) 362-3225, ext. 517 or email her at wendy@capecodchamber.org.

An interesting sidebar on this event is that for years Cape Wind opponents faulted Cape Wind's visual simulations showing what the wind farm would look like from various points on shore in clear conditions for not including the ESP (supply platform), that Cape Wind was "hiding it", when in fact - it was there all along, it's just that it was  barely discernible, just really hard to notice it if you didn't know where exactly to look.  The structure would be one of 130 structures in the middle of the wind farm.  The only reason the Alliance uses the image in their ad is because at some point they figured out that a lot of people LIKE the way wind turbines look and their visuals of offshore wind turbines were not effective in scaring people so now all their visual attention is devoted to a structure that most people will never actually see.   Here is the chamber ad:

*If you call the chamber at (508) 362-3225 and ask for John O'Brien you are transferred to his voicemail, and on the chamber website he is still listed as O'Brien Associates, 5 Shoot Flying Hill Road, Centerville, MA  02632, Phone (508) 362-3225 which is the same address and phone for the chamber's visitor center at the Route 6 exit 5 ramp. He is listed also in the staff directory as John O’Brien Government Liaison, Phone: 508-362-3225 x525 Email:  john@capecodchamber.org.

Lowell Sun praises Patrick's Cape Wind support despite NIMBYs

Patrick's on point on going ‘green'

Gov. Deval Patrick is right about one thing. The state needs a strategy to promote clean-energy solutions and the good-paying jobs that come with "green" companies locating here.

The alternative-energy industry, still in its infancy, is rising high on America's radar screen. And there are opportunities galore for states seeking to attract leading-edge companies.

Patrick wants to seize the advantage. He wants to develop initiatives that would make Massachusetts the welcome home of green industry.

It's a good idea, and the Legislature should get behind the governor and push hard for a comprehensive alternative energy strategy.

On Monday, Patrick addressed 200 business, environmental and labor leaders in Washington. Here's what he said:

"I don't just want wind farms. I want companies that build turbines. I want hybrid-vehicle companies to consult us on conservation strategies. I want companies that design solar panels. The whole integrated industry can have a place in Massachusetts and in the U.S.," Patrick said. "If we get this right, the whole world will be our customer."

Give Patrick credit. He supported the wind farm project off Cape Cod despite opposition from Not-In-My-Backyard millionaire loudmouths. He is resolved to promoting 21st century solutions to the nation's energy crisis and pollution woes.

With its higher institutions of learning and proliferation of high-tech companies, Massachusetts is primed for an industry explosion that is bound to take place over the next five years. There are only two problems. First, these companies must be recruited. Second, the state's arduous and complex permitting process must be fast-tracked for these companies to locate here quickly.

America 's future rests on reducing its dependance on foreign oil. Massachusetts has a chance to become part of the solution and reap huge dividends from new economic activity and a cleaner environment.

Of course, it won't be easy. Soon after Patrick's remarks in Washington, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter threw down a competitive challenge. "Gov. Patrick talks about bringing jobs to Massachusetts. We're going to arm wrestle you for those jobs because we want those same manufacturing plants," he said.

The game is on. There's no time to waste.

__________________________________________

The Editor of The Sun is James Campanini. The newspaper won the New England Associated Press for Editorial Writing in 2001.  This Editorial in The Sun on February 28, 2007 i reprinted here with Mr. Campanini's permission.

Harwich crash; In Dennis: assault leads to drug charges; three arrested in disturbance

Harwich crash seriously injures one
HARWICH - One man suffered serious but non life-threatening injuries after they lost control of their pickup on Route 6 near exit 10 around 9 PM Wednesday evening. The pickup truck struck a tree by exit 10 demolishing the front end. The driver 47-year old Kenneth H. Pratt III of Chatham was found near the truck and was rushed to Cape Cod Hospital. State Police are investigating the crash. Further details were not immediately available. 

Assault leads to drug bust
DENNIS - Police responding to a disturbance call ended up making a drug bust as well. At about 1:34 AM Wednesday morning Dennis Police responded to the Condominium complex located at 428 Route 28 in West Dennis in response to a cell-phone 9-1-1 call reporting a disturbance at the location. When the police arrived Patrolman Cleve Daniels observed a male subject in the parking lot of the condominium complex who was flagging him down. This subject reported to him that he had been assaulted by his female roommate just prior to calling the police.

While speaking with the victim, Ptl. Daniels could hear a female yelling and banging coming from inside the apartment in question. Ptl. Daniels was able to gain entry to the apartment and with the assistance of Ptl. Thomas Downes arrested the female for Assault and Battery on her roommate. As the officers were escorting her from the apartment she reportedly asked Ptl. Daniels to retrieve her pocketbook and shoes and bring those items with her to the police station. Police say those items were subsequently inventoried at the police station and inside of the pocketbook Ptl. Daniels found a small quantity of packaged Cocaine, Marijuana and several prescription pills. In addition to the A&B charge the suspect 47-year old Gina M Champ of West Dennis was also charged with Possession of a Class B Controlled Substance-Cocaine, Possession of a Class B Controlled Substance-Percocet, Possession of a Class D Controlled Substance-Marijuana and Possession of a Class E Controlled Substance-Klonopin. Ms. Champ was later bailed on personal recognizance and was due to be arraigned in Orleans District Court on Wednesday.

Two arrested for burglary, third for assaulting officer in Dennis
DENNIS - Dennis Police arrest two people for alleged burglary and a third person for allegedly assaulting an officer. Police say approximately 6:30 PM on Tuesday evening they responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a disturbance at 28 Maple Terrace. in South Dennis. Upon arrival officers learned that two individuals later identified as 20-year old Kevin D. Cochran and his sister-in-law 27-year old Jennifer M. Cochran both of Dennis had allegedly forced their way inside the residence and Mr. Cochran had allegedly assaulted a resident by punching him, knocking out his two front teeth. 

Police believe the suspects had apparently broken into the residence to retrieve some items, which belonged to another resident of the Maple Terrace home who was now staying with the suspects at their residence.

Both individuals were taken into custody at the scene and were being charged with Burglary.  Mr. Cochran was also charged with Assault & Battery Resulting in Aggravated Injury to the occupant of the residence while Ms. Cochran is additionally being charged with Assault & Battery on the occupant. The victim was treated at the scene by Dennis Fire/Rescue personnel but refused transport to the hospital.

While further investigating the incident the victim became upset while talking on his cell phone.  At the end of his conversation, the victim threw the cell-phone in the direction of the investigating police officers, striking one of them.  The officer, Patrolman David Tinelli, received a minor injury to his leg, which did not require medical attention.

The victim 21-year old Nicholas K. Bickel of Dennis was then placed under arrest for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon on a police officer. 

All parties were released from custody, on Personal Recognizance bail, due to be arraigned in Orleans District Court on Wednesday.

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Deliver me from American Idol

Frequently, dogs are referred to as man's best friend.    Don't know about man's, but my Chihuahua, Chloe, proved herself to be my best friend last night.

Unless you are living under a rock (a rock without cable,  that is) you've seen or are at least familiar with  American Idol.  I hate it.  But I have to watch it.  My lady says so.  It  is required viewing in my home.  Don't judge my  mate--she's a smart lady who could knit, calculate, build  and cook circles around most of you (and me), but she  looooves the American Idol.

Go to another room you say.  Read a book you say.  Run  for your life you say.  Not an option.  Truth is, American  Idol is interactive.  You need another person there to  comment to.  It's not the same when you sit alone in your  living room dissin' clothes, song choices and agreeing  with the judges' comments about pitchy notes. 

A  digression: What a great drinking game! You drink  every  time Paula, Randy or Simon says pitchy!  It's almost  as  good as the old Newhart drinking game when you down one  every time someone says, "hi Bob" Or when you have a shot  every time obnoxious Rachael Ray says "evoo" on 30  Minute  Meals.

I'm tortured. Forced to watch an insipid, karaokesque  show, three evenings a week.  I suppose we all have our  cross to bear. 

So, anyway, back to my dog, my savior, my Chloe!  At one time, during the abysmal evening, I think Seacreast was  standing on his tippy-toes, trying to look taller, my Chloe, my baby girl, stepped on the remote control and the screen went black.  She didn't just step on the remote--say a  number or the volume, she hit, the shiny, red "all off"  button.

Screen dead. Sound dead.  Panic, yes panic took over my  S/O.  Confused, angry, she uttered, "what the hell?"  Okay, she probably said something worse than that.   I  quickly realized what had happened.  I J.B. Fletchered   the situation and turned the TV back on.  Oops, missed  the comments and couldn't go back on the DVR.  Darn it! 

And my  favorite canine?  She got an extra big piece of cheese.    Man's best friend? Dunno.  My best friend? You betcha!

PS: I sure hope she finds that button again tonight...

Live from Sarah Peake's Dungeon

 Love and politics on the Lower Cape

Last month The Cape Codder featured an extensive story about Sarah Peake's splash into the Massachusetts House of Representative.   The reporter, Stephen Desroches, lives in Provincetown, is liberal, supports same-sex marriage and is gay, just like  Peake (shown on right with Ted Kennedy's "go-fer"). 

So I wasn't surprised to see 5 pages of ink lionizing Peake that included a pic of  the Representative smooching her lesbian lover. The Cape Codder's agenda, as it seemed at the time, was to normalize gay marriage by showing Sarah Peake giving her woman a kiss before heading off to her first day of "work." I was disgusted by the fact that the gays at the Cape Codder were using the newspaper to boost their buddy Sarah Peake's image and trying to shove homosexuality down people's throats.  (Ok, for those of you  who are ready to jump on me and vilify me as a right wing-extremist homophobe, please withhold your impulsive judgment until you hear me out for once). But I was wrong and must apologize for my own impulsive ignorance. The same reporter in this weeks issue of the Cape Codder exposes Sarah Peake's backroom deals. Yes liberals, your Goddess Sarah Peake is involved in dirty good old boy, or should I say,  good old  gal politics.

Sharon Lynn and her partner patronized Sarah Peake's campaign manager by purchasing a condo in her development in Provincetown. Then both Lynn and her partner patronized the Peake campaign by donating a grand total of, I believe, around $500.  So of course they would have to get something in return, how else do you think that Peake was able to raise close to $200,000.00 without making crooked deals?  So when 30 candidates were presented as applicants for the new town administrator position, Peake first whittled away all the most qualified candidates until only the least most qualified candidates remained next to, guess who, her political buddy SHARON LYNN!!!!!! Good job reporter Desroches, not even I was able to detect this. Now that's what I call expert investigative reporting. Having grown up in an evangelical church with members of Desroches' family, I am even now more convinced that he is the nice young man they say he is. Keep doing God's work Steve.

So how do we know that the other town manager candidates (other than Peake's fellow gay conspirator) are low caliber candidates? Well, Sarah Peake, known for her smear campaigns (i.e.: Peake vs. Perdue, Peake vs. Gomes, Peake vs. Gottwald, Peake vs. Maloy), investigated all the candidates, eliminated the qualified ones, and then SMEARED the least qualified finalists who were vying for the position against her bud Sharon Lynn.

Even more upsetting is Peake's recanting of her campaign promises. Throughout her entire campaign she spoke endlessly about how affordable housing was her top priority. Less than two month's after being swore in apparently she has abandoned this promise. When asked by a community television talk show host what her most important issue was she responded with homeowners insurance. WHAT?????? I always saw straight threw her insincerity all those times that she would stoke the media with the affordable housing jargon.  Just how can somebody who has played a major role in driving poor people off the outer Cape and into homelessness speak about affordable housing? How can someone who objectifies her working class house slaves (she refers to them as her maids) even dare claim to advocate for the working poor? Well, she did, and used her hundreds of thousands of dollars in dirty money on media campaigns aimed at fooling voters with these cheap affordable housing sound bytes. Typical Democratic politicians, rave about helping the poor when it's politically advantageous. We all know that it's REPUBLICAN's and Green Party people who help the little guy (Republicans and Green party people donate more to human service groups than Democrats).  Oh, and, AND, Ms. "I'm Will to Solve Affordable Housing" skipped out on a landmark affordable housing vote (3-0) that was taken by selectmen at Provincetown town hall (Peake is still a Selectman).

Sarah Peake, now housed in her State House dungeon, thinks that she can just wave her wand at people here on the Cape Cod now that she is State Rep. This is a major shift from the trajectory set by Shirley Gomes for the people on the Lower and outer Cape. As State Rep. Gomes did not govern, she did not exercise authority or abuse her position of influence. She was an advocate for the people. Sarah Peake is not. Shirley enslaved herself to needy people because she has a heart of gold. You don't think of Shirley Gomes as a "governing authority." With Peake going around pressuring town administrators into giving her financiers/machine workers jobs and political favors, yeah, those loathed images of back room deals, political corruption, Machiavellian authoritarianism and aristocracy do come to mind.

I knew that the Democrats would screw up, but I never dreamed it would happen so soon or that they would be so sloppy.  Check out my rap lyrics below:   (Chorus comes from Jay-Z rap song Ferrari's and Jaguars......yeah I still listen to rap and used to be a Homey G with baggy pants and Chicago Bulls hooded sweatshirts)

Yo, Patrick, Pelosi, and Peake......all birds of a feathah,    Bling bling (money)
to their buddies they all in it togethah,  
Pelosi snagged a jet that is mega chill, 
Patrick lounges in a pimped out Caddy De Ville,  
Yo, Yo, Yo Peake likes the honeys who got all the dough (money)  
If you're a straight man her gang of womyn will kill you slow

(chorus)  
We got  our Ferrari's and Caddy's switchin four lanes,  
top down screamin out "money ain't a thang"  
Patrick don't like it if it don't bling bling (sound of cash register)  
Sarah says to "to hell with the price cause taxpayah money ain't a thing"

Ok, anyone want to finish this? Got any rhymes?  

Hookers speak to the Cape Cod Young Professionals

Ok..Ok..Not those kind of Hookers! 

Paul Parker, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishemans Association will be the featured speaker at the CCYP evening event at Chatham Bars Inn on Thursday, March 8th from 5:30 - 7:30pm.  If you've never heard Paul speak, this is a great opportunity to learn about this vital Cape Cod industry.   On top of that, we'll get to enjoy some great food in the main dining room, courtesy of CBI and meet new friends through the CCYP network.  Cost to attend is $10 and receipts will be available.  Please RSVP by email to capecodyp@gmail.com 

 Membership's Growing!

Our membership has hit the 375 member mark!  Everyone talks about how there are no young  people on Cape Cod, but we're finding that is just not the case.  

We're hopeful that our organization will continue to grow thanks to the support of local businesses and community leaders who see this group as the next generation of Cape Cod Leadership (and rightfully so, we might add!)

Do you know someone who might want to be involved?  Send them to our website to get a little more info and sign up for our enews... http://www.capecodyoungprofessionals.org/

Breakfast with the President

 Next up...Mark Novota, President of the Wequassett Inn Resort and Golf Club.  As the head honcho of one of the premier vacation destinations on the Cape, Mark will speak on one of the most important industries to the Cape Cod economy - the Hospitality industy.   Mark will speak at the Hearth and Kettle in Hyannis on April 10th at 7:30 am.  Cost to attend is $20 and includes full breakfast.  Please RSVP to capecodyp@gmail.com .

Real Estate rise; CCBL to New Bedford; Hurricane threat

Housing market on mend?
The number of single-family homes sold rose 13% in January compared to a year earlier

A sharp rise in January home sales and modest price declines indicate that the Massachusetts real estate market may be recovering from its worst slump in more than a decade.

The number of single-family homes sold rose almost 13 percent in January compared to a year earlier, the first increase in the last 10 months, according to the monthly housing report released yesterday by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. Sales were strongest on the South Shore of the Boston metropolitan area and on Cape Cod. The median price of a single-family home fell to $340,000, 2.4 percent lower than a year ago but virtually unchanged for the past four months... Read the rest of this Globe story here.  Leave a comment
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Gatemen to revisit New Bedford;
Mayor Lang hopes for more baseball in Whaling City

The Cape Cod Baseball League is going off-Cape for its all-star game for the first time since 1999, and its coming back to New Bedford for at least one regular-season game this year.  Wareham Gatemen general manager John Wylde and New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang hope both are signs the league will continue to spread west.

"This is just a great opportunity for the town of Wareham and Southeastern Massachusetts," Wylde said. "In our way, we kind of represent Southeastern Massachusetts."
The Gatemen will host the Cape League All-Star Game at Spillane Field on July 28.  Wareham is the Western-most team in the league — the only organization located before the Bourne Bridge.   Read  the rest of this Standard-Times story here.  Leave a comment
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Worldchanging Interview: Kerry Emanuel, Climate Scientist

^{Kerry Emanuel, one of the world's leading authorities on hurricanes, is a professor of tropical meteorology and climate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His book, Divine Wind, delves into the history and science of hurricanes.}

Even if climate science could tell you exactly what would happen to the physical climate over the next 100 years, to undertake the analysis of the optimum route for society, what's the mixture of trying to mitigate it versus trying to adapt to it, it is a profoundly complicated problem and I would be foolish to have a shot at it.  Invariably it will be a mixture of things because unless someone discovers some absolutely spectacular alternative energy source, and we can't rule that out it might happen. People will have a demand for energy, but there are things we can do...

...How does it affect their economic welfare? As it is already happening, people are moving out of Cape Cod because they can't insure their houses, because there is a fear that the risk of hurricanes is going up, and that is when people wake up... Readv the rest of this World Changing interview here.

"Do-It-Yourself" World

I distrust most any machine that requires swiping a card, especially when my bank account is somehow involved.

So there I stood at the "12 Items or Less" line at the local supermarket with three measly items in my hands. I swear the customer at the counter was sneaking 14 or 15 items in, but I wasn't about to cause a fuss over it. After all, it had been a long, cold day on the mail route and I was beat ... too beat to argue over two or three extra items.

The line was long and moving slowly and I was hungry so I starting thinking about a quick fix. I scanned the candy selection ... hmmm ... Milky Way? Snickers? Three Musketeers? What, no Chunky bars?! It was a tough choice. As my mind raced over the options a very nice employee with a name badge that read either "Bob" or "Bill" or "Biff" approached me, asking if I would like to avoid the long line by using the Self Checkout. I hesitated for a moment, looking over toward where the employee was pointing, and then quickly shook my head "No." The employee next asked an elderly woman ahead of me, who was more vocal, saying, "Don't you know those Self Checkouts are eventually going to take away your job!" No takers, so the employee just smiled and walked away to locate another victim. The old woman grunted and shook her head in disgust. I went back to thinking about candy. Three Musketeers, yes definitely Three Musketeers.

I have to admit those Self Checkout lines scare me. I just don't trust them. Or perhaps, I don't trust myself using one. I'm afraid I'll attempt to buy a gallon of milk and somehow manage to completely empty my checking account of all funds by pushing the wrong button. Also, I don't like how the machine announces to everyone in the store each item that you're purchasing. Buying toilet paper is embarrassing enough without putting it over the public address system!

Self Checkout, whether at the supermarket or at the mega hardware store (where you can scan your own 2x4's, sheetrock, and joint compound - oh joy!) is the latest trend in the whole "do-it-yourself" world of the 21st century. Sure, we've been pumping our own gasoline for decades. In fact, so accustomed have we become to pumping our own gas that when we drive up to a station with an attendant on duty we scarcely know the proper etiquette. I was at such a station in Quincy a couple of weeks ago and wondered if I should be tipping the attendant. I didn't. (Was that the right thing to do?)

Some libraries are now offering Self Checkout. I saw one in action out in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Of course, there was an armed guard standing nearby with a license to kill. Hey, library lending is serious business -- especially out in the Midwest.

All this "do-it-yourself" business got me thinking what might be next. Today we pump our own gas, bank at ATM machines, pay our bills online, check out our own purchases, and soon, check out our library books. What's in store for tomorrow? Hmmmm .....

"Do-It-Yourself" Surgery - Why go to the hospital and pay outrageous medical expenses when you can perform surgery on yourself at home. All you need is a sterile knife, a needle and some thread, a rough understanding of human anatomy, and a mirror so you can see what you're doing. Just remember, the image is reversed so the left leg is really the right leg, the left lung is really the right lung, etc, etc.

"Do-It-Yourself" Religion - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Paganism. It's all been done before. So start your own religion! Invent your own god(s), write your own holy book, develop your own dogma, come up with your own psalms, and schedule your own holy days. Your religion can be as strict or as liberal as you want it to be. Just whatever you do, don't go around saying your religion is the only true religion. That's how the Crusades got started!

"Do-It-Yourself" Government - Who needs legislators when you've got ... YOU! Start at the local level, then jump up to the state level, and when you think you're ready, move on up to Washington, DC - the House of Representatives, the Senate, who knows, maybe even the Oval Office! Raise taxes on your friends and neighbors, install renegade Supreme Court justices who don't believe in such things as evolution and inside-the-park homeruns, devaluate currency, reinstate the military draft, attack other countries "just because," maybe even drop the big one on some poor unsuspecting souls! Who knows, play your cards right and someday your face may end up on a coin!

Oh heck, maybe I'll try the Self Checkout line. After all, it is the 21st century. And besides, what's the worst thing that can happen. It's not like one of these buttons will launch a nuclear miss... oh, darn!

Jack Sheedy

Boston Magazine's Explosive Story of Worthington Trial

An Unjust Conclusion
This is a summary of a Boston magazine exclusive report on the Christa Worthington trial, written by Cape Cod author Peter Manso

As the newest edition of Boston Magazine slid across my desk today, I couldn't help notice the headline on the left side cover--- something about the Worthington trial.   The article, "An Unjust Conclusion", spans throughout the magazine to include a large glossy photo of that memorable court room scene the day the verdict was read.

As I turned the page, I was overcome by a sad and teary Christopher McCowen, filled with a look of ---genuine innocence which leaped from the page to beg the question......why?  Why was an innocent man sent to jail? 

In detail, the article describes point by point harrowing accounts which occurred during jury deliberations.  From the words of two jurors, the story illustrates how some were bordering onto the brink of violence over accusations of racial bias.   One juror stated how she felt deliberately, systematically and emotionally beaten down---eventually swayed in favor of a conviction.

Boldly written, the article states, "The crime scene had been corrupted by local cops who'd never handled a murder case.  They had no witnesses, no murder weapon, and no fingerprints other than those deposited by the victim and her daughter, the medics, and Truro police personnel (one of whom was rumored to have had an affair with the victim's cousin; some said with the victim herself).  The once powerful case had been exposed as poorly investigated, and run by a District Attorney's Office bent on an arrest and, in some quarters, regarded as irresponsible, if not corrupt.  The state police had ignored sure suspects when the evidence pointed directly at them for a variety of reasons, which seemed to be business as usual on Cape Cod". 

There is much more to read in the article, but I don't want to give all the surprises away.  That wouldn't be fair to Boston Magazine.

Hopefully, as the public continues to become more aware of the disturbing circumstances that surround this case and trial, an appeal would seem to be imminent.