How Loud is a Bomb?

My mind raced to think of the damage being done people’s hearing. My mind raced to the temporary damage being done to people’s hearing systems. And, the permanent damage that will show up as a result of the loud explosions.

How Would You Rate Andover's Plowing During the Blizzard of 2013?

Are you satisfied or frustrated with how the town handled the area’s fifth largest snowstorm in history? Let us know by posting a comment below.

Now that the snow has fallen, and started to melt, it’s your time to rate how the city's plows handled the more than two feet of snow that fell Friday and Saturday. On a scale from one to ten, feel free to give praise or thanks, express frustrations or offer up constructive criticism in the comments below, and keep in mind, the blizzard was the fifth largest snowstorm in New England history.

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What Do You Think About Gov. Patrick’s Travel Ban?

Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?

All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …

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Please Don't Help My Kids

A Patch blogger's post about not helping her children on the slide is being debated across the country.

A Patch blog from Alameda, Calif., called “Please Don’t Help My Kids” has struck a nerve with readers across the country. Posted in September, the blog has taken off over the past few weeks as it has found a second life through social media sharing. The blog has 124,000 Facebook recommendations and 833 people have tweeted the blog. The blog is an open letter to other parents at the playground. The blogger Kate Bassford Baker’s basic request is for parents to not help her daughters on the slide. She wrote that she wants her daughters to do things and learn things on their own. Learning to walk up the slide’s ladder is the first step to learning new things and overcoming obstacles, she wrote. “Because, as they grow up, the ladders will only …

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Momma Bear

4:17 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Well said Travis.....   more ›

Patch Picks: 5 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes

Food ideas for people whose Turkey Day involves no turkeys.

In one week, we'll be doing the Thanksgiving scramble: Running to the inlaws' house, hitting the store for some last minute cranberry sauce, or checking on the bird in the oven every five minutes. What some consider the best meal of the year, fit for kings and gluttons, is centered around meat. Not all of us, for varying reasons, choose to eat meat, though. What is one supposed to prepare for those who don't eat turkey on Turkey Day? The answer is easy, and the options are many. Whether you're cooking for a vegetarian guest, or are a vegetarian yourself, Patch helps you out this week with five tasty recipes for a vegan/vegetarian Thanksgiving. 1. Tofurky: Funny sounding name, seriously tasty substitute. What you need: 1 Tofurky Roast (can …

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LETTER: Jim Lyons Thanks Voters

This letter is from State Rep. Jim Lyons, who recently won his reelection bid.

As election day has come and gone, I write to thank you, the voters and citizens. During my door-to-door campaign, I was warmly welcomed into the homes and neighborhoods of Andover, Tewksbury, Boxford, and North Andover throughout the last six months. I deeply appreciate your kind greetings and helpful comments while visiting your communities.   I worked to campaign with the civility and decency that is worthy of you, the voter. I am proud that the Lyons campaign focused squarely on the issues: increasing Local Aid, rolling back the 25% Sales Tax hike, ending rampant political patronage among Beacon Hill insiders, advocating openness and transparency in state government, stopping the waste of tax dollars in the EBT card scandal, ending …

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Letter to the Editor: In Support of John Tierney

The following was submitted by Barry Y. Weiner.

I first met John Tierney in 1995 when he asked if I would consider helping him in his run for Congress. I agreed and have chaired the finance committee for his successful campaigns since then. Over this time, I’ve consistently found John to be a bright, hardworking, honest fellow, and a passionate and effective representative for our District. Despite the power and glitter of the position, he’s also never changed, remaining the same down to earth guy from a modest, middleclass family. Given what I know about John it pains me to see him attacked, and so unfairly and savagely in this campaign. I say “unfair” because the assertion that John knew of the crimes of his brothers in law and his wife’s “willful blindness” is just not true. If there…

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Letter to the Editor: Lyons on Local Aid

The following was submitted by Thyra Sherman.

Editor: A lot of times we hear from candidates who want to "increase local aid.” In our local race for State Representative, Jim Lyons' actions on Beacon Hill don't back up the claims he makes to his constituents back home. Last week Mr. Lyons and his opponent, Barbara L'Italien, met for a debate at Memorial Hall Library. Several times during their exchange, Mr. Lyons made the claim that he supports increasing local aid. However, as Ms. L'Italien pointed out multiple times, Lyons’ record does not support this claim. As our State Representative for the past two years, Lyons was the only State Representative - Democrat or Republican - to vote against a state budget that actually increased local aid to our cities and towns. As Ms. L'Italien …

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Letter to the Editor: Lyons Wrong on HB 1060

The following was submitted by Margo P. Goldman.

The death of a child causes incalculable pain and loss to the parents. Moreover, when the tragedy is due to suicide, that pain is compounded by knowing it might have been preventable. Dozens of gay and lesbian teens every year commit suicide after prolonged anti-gay bullying. Suicide among gay youths is much higher than among their straight peers. However, the risk of suicide can be significantly reduced by counseling and an empathic ear. As a psychiatrist, I understand the value of counseling-- being heard and understood can make the critical difference between life and death. That's why I was  astonished to learn about Rep. James Lyons' attempt to make it harder for gay youth to seek and receive this much-needed help. He co-sponsored …

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