Only In New Hampshire

Smoke N' Guns

2008-05-18T08:56:00.002-04:00

An AP article reports that two New Hampshire women have been accused of robbing a Tilton, NH store.

Twice.

With a toy gun.

They took turns.

J

New Spring Peeper Discovered at UNH

2008-04-20T16:42:00.001-04:00

Last month, University of New Hampshire police were made aware of a reported male "peeper" in Devine Hall.

This slimy guy is 5'9" to 6' tall and was wearing a black Northface style jacket with blue jeans and black Timberland style boots.

"It's kind of creepy," said one of the residents.

I agree.

J

New Hampshire's Own Weapon of Mass Destruction

2008-01-01T21:02:00.000-05:00

A weapon of mass destruction (WMD for short) is defined as "a nuclear, biological or chemical instrument or tool which can kill large numbers of human beings, animals and plants." If you accept this definition, whether or not the use of the instrument was intentional or not, then New Hampshire can claim its very own.

When European explorers and settlers arrived on New Hampshire's shores, the Native Peoples of New Hampshire (Penacook, Abenaki, and Pocumtucks) numbered in the tens of thousands. By 1631 between about 500 and 1200 remained. Physical interaction between the Native People's and the colonists had caused this decimation by the introduction of a variety of diseases, with smallpox being the deadliest.

By 1763 the use of small pox to purposefully reduce the number of Native Peoples (a suggestion by Francis Parkman) was agreed to by General (Lord) Jeffery Amherst. The town of Amherst in Hillsborough County New Hampshire is named in honor of Lord Amherst.

By the time of the American Revolution, the dread of being exposed to small-pox while serving in the army was greater than the dread of the enemy. In New Hampshire offers as high as fifty dollars were advertised for substitutes.

Go figure.

The Santa Who Wasn't

2007-12-27T18:58:00.000-05:00

A reported Santa Claus Robbery apparently wasn't.

The man who robbed St. Mary's bank in Londonderry New Hampshire was not wearing a Santa Claus Cap--instead it was a BLUE hat with "Red Sox" on the front. Instead of a beard, he was wearing a white scarf.

But he did get away with cash.

I want An Apartment Pony Too!

2007-11-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Hey, I know Vermont isn't New Hampshire, but it's close, right?

Reportedly Patty Cooper of Montpelier VT wants to keep a miniature horse in her apartment. She says it will pull her wheelchair. When her landlord refused her request, she filed a lawsuit.

I'm just waiting for an Animal Rights group to get involved, and then it really will become a three-ring circus, or at least a dog-and-pony show.

Moose Warning: Don't Cross the Path of People With Unpronounceable Names

2007-10-05T10:14:00.000-04:00

I-93 North in Bethlehem New Hampshire was the site of a moose hit last night around 8:45 PM.

According to the Union Leader, a vehicle struck a moose that crossed its path.

Trapped in the wreckage were Madhava Idupulapati, 53, his wife, Uma, 44, both of India, and their children, Nagesh Idupulapati, 25, of Ruston, La., and Raja Idupulapati, 28, of St. Johnsbury, Vt.

If you can pronounce their names correctly the first time, than you are a better person than I.

Skuze Me Technorati

2007-09-11T19:24:00.001-04:00

Due to Technorati's royally screwed up method of determining a blog's "authority," from time to time I post the links of my blog friends....

To each of them I lift my cup in a toast....

Cow Hampshire
Geezum Crow
sisu
Merrimack Sites and Legends
The Interloper
Everybody cares what I think
Better Living Through Chemistry
Grain-of-Salt
Atlantic Ave
NH Photo Tour
Pop Diner

GOP Gunpoint Fund Raising

2007-08-16T20:41:00.001-04:00

Of course it was all supervised fun.

On August 5th, the Pelham Fish & Game Club hosted a GOP fundraiser.

Attendees selected one of several machine guns, and pulled the trigger.

Wanna bet Dick Cheney wasn't invited!

Hell Freezes Over in New Hampshire

2007-07-31T09:06:00.000-04:00

Err... well close.

Reportedly Senator John Sununu (son of John H. who was best buddy of George H.W. Bush) won't campaign with Bush.

Can you spell PARIAH?

NH Bush Robs Bank

2007-07-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

At least he was trying to be a bush.... and he really did rob a bank.

READ MORE.

Paris Hilton is a Desperado?

2007-06-27T14:16:00.001-04:00

Yes, you read it right...

Paris Hilton is apparently a cousin to some significant bank robbers, and other desperado-type characters...

J

94-year old Sweater being Worn by Its Creator

2007-06-11T21:03:00.000-04:00

Mary Jo Ray of Westmoreland NH not only turned 112 in May of this year, but for the party she wore the 94-year old sweater she knitted when she was 18.

Anyone who keeps a sweater that long should get something more than cake and ice cream.

J

Former White House Chief of Staff Promoted to Hog Reeve

2007-04-30T19:32:00.000-04:00

John H. Sununu was honored with this Hampton Falls title....

Scary Black Snakes That Chase You

2007-04-30T19:21:00.000-04:00

I'm not kidding... it was in the newspaper....

New Hampshire Rocks Have Eyes

2007-03-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

New Hampshire Rocks, Rivers and Trees have eyes in this school program.

Read more.

Cannibal Found in Stratham, NH

2007-02-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

Apparently a cannibal is loose in Stratham NH.

Well, not exactly loose.

But he did eat all his roommates.

Read more.

NH Study to Investigate Unusual Claw Marks

2007-02-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently the Public Service Company of NH believes the claw marks left on utility poles by black bears are interesting.

Interesting enough to fund a grant to study them.

Read more.

Little Terrier Allegedly Killed and Stuffed

2006-12-19T17:22:00.000-05:00

A little five pound Jack Russell terrier in Hill, New Hampshire was allegedly killed and stuffed in a duffle bag. Reportedly a man was arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

Read more.

Faking It

2006-12-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

Reportedly a New Hampshire teacher faked cancer in order to get benefits she would not otherwise have been entitled to.

Her colleagues raised money for her treatment. She covered her head with a scarf and said chemotherapy for kidney cancer made her hair fall out.

Read more....

Gold Bars in the White Mountains?

2006-11-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

Davis Wolfgang Hawke (nee Andrew Britt Greenbaum) the notorious Spam Nazi (aka Spam King) sued by AOL is still missing and apparently incognito. [See here why he is called the Spam Nazi].

Receipts show that Hawke purchased gold jewelry and gold bars--the location of which is also unknown (but AOL is hunting for to collect their court-appointed reward).

AOL has already checked out the land (in 2006) around Hawke's grandparent's home in Massachusetts, and also want to check his parent's land. According to Hawke's former girlfriend, (who he lived with in a rented house in Vermont) the gold is probably in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Sounds like a field trip with a metal detector is in order.

J

New York City Police Horses May Vacation in New Hampshire

2006-11-04T11:14:00.000-05:00

Retired New York City police horses headed to new pastures

Read more

Tilton New Hampshire Man Missing Himself

2006-10-20T10:42:00.000-04:00

Sanbornton legislator Bill Tobin was shocked to find out this week that he is missing.

Apparently his lifesize replica is MIA.

J

I've Been Slimed in New Hampshire!

2006-10-04T12:42:00.000-04:00

Amy of Atlantic Avenue pretty much covers the New Hampshire slime scene.

Un-Lobsters Getting Headlines

2006-10-04T10:08:00.000-04:00

O.K., so the original headlines were in Maine, not New Hampshire. But this is a crabby issue!

Are langostino's being passed off as lobsters? Or are langostino's lobsters anyway? They don't appear to have claws, but do they technically have to be?

Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine says it has to stop. According to the same article, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council says langostinos cost Maine fishermen $44 million in lost sales to restaurant chains that market the shellfish on their menus. At least three restaurant chains market the alternative.

According to Answers.com: "In March 2006, Long John Silver's garnered controversy by offering buttered lobster bites, advertized with the statement "made with real langostino lobster." This is misleading because langostino is not actually lobster."

Red Lobster's current dinner menu on their web site calls it lobster at least twice on its menu:
--Entree:" LOBSTER AND CRAB--Shrimp and Lobster PastaShrimp and Maine & langostino lobster meat in a garlic Alfredo sauce over linguini."
--Appetizer: "Lobster and Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms--Fresh mushrooms with a savoury Maritime & langostino lobster meat, crawfish, broccoli, rice & cheese stuffing, smothered..."

Some say langostinos are actually closer to the crab family, although it does look somewhat like a cross between a lobster and a shrimp. I've also seen it called a "prawn."

Read the 2005 article, "It Wasn’t a Rock, It Was a Rock Langostino" about a woman who sued a restaurant in Los Angeles who served langostino's in their burritos, and said it was lobster on the menu. According to "Look Smart," Rubio's officials received permission from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration consumer safety officer to use the term "langostino lobster" for the two species used in the dish. According to Slashfood, in May of 2006, the action was settled. "The popular fresh Mexican restaurant settled the suit by offering class members and other customers a one-time coupon worth $3 off a $10 purchase at any of Rubio's restaurants in California.

Either the folks in the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Seafood need a new lobster manual OR Senator Snowe should call off the dogs.

Go right now and search the FDA search engine for LOBSTER... see what comes up FIRST!!

Garbage Can in Colorado Puts NH Man in Jail

2006-09-25T12:40:00.000-04:00

Yes, believe it or not.... garbage cans can cause jail time

A Somersworth New Hampshire man and his companion, who took food out of a garbage can in Colorado, now will spend six months in jail there! Read more.

Some real criminals don't spent that much time in jail. Remind me not to visit that Les Miserables state again!

J

Cow Abduction in New Hampshire, Warn A Loved One

2006-09-14T14:45:00.000-04:00

Wow

Cow Abductions

Read More

New Hampshire's New Welfare System: Rob A Bank

2006-09-14T14:40:00.000-04:00

No kidding... Gaetan Roy of Manchester NH didn't have a job. The plan he made was to go to jail "to be supported."

Soo.... he robbed a bank, then went next door to Dunkin' Doughnuts, sat down and ordered an iced coffee.

Read more

New Hampshire Home to Panty Stealer

2006-09-14T14:25:00.000-04:00

An 18 year old Londonderry NEw Hampshire man was arrested in Durham New Hampshire for reportedly stealing women's underwear.

He was found on a couch in a video store wearing nothing but a pair of women's underwear.. doh!

Read more

Hurricanes Named for New Hampshire Writers

2006-08-29T11:20:00.000-04:00

In an astounding fluke of fate, hurricanes and tropical storms have been named for some illustrious and prodigious New Hampshire writers...

Read more

New Hampshire Teen Attempts A Paddling

2006-08-21T22:50:00.000-04:00

Strange as it may seem, on August 18th in Barrington NH, a teenager reportedly angered by two horseback riders, attempted to attack them with an .... err.... OAR.

Read more.

Raining Cows and Dogs

2006-07-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

Perhaps our wet weather should be called "raining cows and dogs".....

Lightning Strikes New Hampshire

2006-07-29T08:37:00.000-04:00

Lightning strikes are a common occurrence in New Hampshire as attested to in New Hampshire Peculiar Freaks of Nature....

770 Thousand Visitors to Cram Into NH During 4th of July Holiday

2006-07-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

CONCORD, N.H. New Hampshire tourism officials expect the state to be crowded with visitors for the Fourth of July holiday.

They also expect these tourists to spend more than $105 Million Dollars... Welcome to New Hampshire!! Over the holidays, there will be more people than cows in New Hampshire.

Read More

Uncle Sam Tries to Eat Squam Lake

2006-07-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

According to the Union Leader, the United States Government (aka Uncle Sam) was holding a 600-acre plot of land at Squam Lake for ramson, pending payment of a huge estate tax bill by the children of Walter Koeing.

Fortunately, the Squam Lakes Conservation Society came up with the cash.

The Union Leader article goes on to say, "Open space is one of the prime victims of the estate tax, which forces heirs to sell land to developers just to pay Uncle Sam. It’s time this destructive and unnecessary tax met its demise. The longer it survives, the more land will be needlessly lost. "

Read more
J

New Hampshire Man Stolen in Barbardoes

2006-06-27T11:51:00.000-04:00

Well, at least his ashes were...

Is nothing sacred?

Is it me, or are you starting to feel that the Barbardoes and other nearby locations are becoming more dangerous...

...for both the living and the dead?

J

New Hampshire Man Gets ADP Oops

2006-06-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

Reportedly ADP, a national payroll company, MISTAKENLY faxed the names, addresses, social security numbers and income information for at least 80 people to the wrong person--to Paul Dullea of Nashua NH.

He kindly reported the error to ADP, who sent him a FAX (doh) apologizing for the mistake, and asking him to sign a statement saying he hadn't copied it (doh again)

Read more

New Hampshire Flasher Wears Underpants Mask

2006-06-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

Once again the Odiorne Point New Hampshire flasher is back this year.

The police are warning the community to watch for a "a white male, about 55, with a chubby belly and gray chest hair, wearing underwear to mask his face."

If this sounds like anyone you know, contact the Rye, New Hampshire police.

Read more...

New Hampshire: Dead Deer Turns In Fugutive

2006-06-24T11:59:00.000-04:00

It could only happen in New Hampshire.

A fugitive from Florida was taking a little camping trip in Conway, New Hampshire, when he apparently hit a dead deer, that was hanging in a campground tree.

That prompted another camper to call the police.

The local police discovered the man was a fugitive from justice in Florida, paroled on a drug conviction.

They found him fishing--in a stolen canoe.

Read more

New Hampshire: Unusual Weather Glossary

2006-06-12T16:41:00.000-04:00

For a new resident to be successfully integrated into New Hampshire society, they must become familiar with the following New Hampshire weather-related terms.

Barometer: your son/nephew/co-worker gave you one a few years ago, that hangs on the living room wall. Having a barometer is a New Hampshire tradition, like father's chasing kids around with power tools .

Blizzard: when enough snow falls that your Fish & Game Club meeting is cancelled. This is a good time to make snow angels on the graves of your ancestors, catch a snow flake (or two or three) on your tongue, make hot chocolate, and plan trips to Alaska, where it is warmer.

Read more

Deer Terrorizes Manchester New Hampshire Residents

2006-06-12T08:10:00.000-04:00

Actually, it's more like the city of Manchester terrorized this poor deer....

It finally collapsed in exhaustion, on its way to check into the Radisson Hotel.

Read more

J

New Hampshire Oxen Making Comeback

2006-06-10T21:43:00.000-04:00

New Hampshire farmers seeking to farm more naturally, with a slightly slower pace, are increasingly using oxen and draft horses instead of tractors.

Graphic on the right is: The Oxen of the Sun. Caeretan hydria, c. 550 BCE. Musée du Louvre, Paris.

Also see: Cow Hampshire

J

New Hampshire Koi Attempt to Golf

2006-06-07T22:37:00.000-04:00

After New Hampshire's floodwaters receded, Eric Brand's koi goldfish were discovered on the third fairway at the Nashua Country Club.

The club staff returned them to the Brands. This family attributes their, and the other koi's survival, to the fact that they stayed together.

I wonder which one drove the golf cart.

J

British Man Gets Lost in Manchester New Hampshire

2006-06-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

Poor Jim Hourihan of Liverpool England... took a road trip by mistake to Manchester New Hampshire... His intended destination was Manchester, England.

I guess he knows there are two of them now.

I wonder if anyone heading to Rome, New York ever ended up in the Italian version?

J

New Hampshire Wants Massachusetts Washed Out to Sea

2006-06-06T12:11:00.000-04:00

For years Massachusetts has refused to pay all that is owed to New Hampshire through a Flood-control pact.

Reportedly frustration over this issue has escalated to the point where NH State Rep. Richard "Stretch" Kennedy was recently quoted as stating he'd like to take the dams out and "wash the bastards out to sea [referring to Massachusetts]..."

[Read the rest of the article in the Concord Monitor]

J

Photograph

A 165,000 pound "Elephant" in New Hampshire

2006-05-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

New Hampshire has 15 million of them.

It is estimated that they weigh 165,000 pounds.

What are they? Highway Tokens.

The state decided, with the advent of the EZ-Pass System, they would do away with the use of these "discount" tokens, which of course happened.

These coins are becoming collectors items, and several museums are keeping a few on hand for
historical purposes...

Greg Leedberg states his case AGAINST the New Hampshire EZ-Pass System.

J

New Hampshire's Disappearing Kisii Kisii

2006-05-26T12:47:00.000-04:00

University of New Hampshire students are developing a rulebook for Kisii Kisii, an unwritten language from the highlands of Kenya.

Interestingly in Kisii, "Yaya" means no.

Also, rumor has it that Naomi Nagy and Henry Gekonde wil be grilling a goat soon at a Kenyan-themed dinner. I wonder if they will get it to talk.

Read more

Ten Ways To Know You Are In New Hampshire

2006-05-25T08:56:00.000-04:00

You Know You Are In New Hampshire When:

1. the greatest number of shootings actually occur while hunting.
2. you are looking for Freedom, and all you have to do is drive to Carroll County.
3. your idea of a wild time is attending a NH Fish & Game event.
4. the localvore's major food groups are yogurt, wild game, Budweiser, and fiddleheads.
5. every four years the political signs and posters outnumber the state's population.
6. your idea of an exciting evening is watching moose cross the road or picking ticks off your dog
7. you can tell someone is from out of state because they actually use their vehicle's 'blinkers.'
8.wearing red and black plaid is a fashion statement
9. the road signs don't help you learn where you are going, but they do say "Live Free or Die"
10. you drink "frappes," eat "grinders," wear "dungarees," and call a mountain pass a "notch."

[This is a unique Top Ten List created by Janice Brown of "Only In New Hampshire." Copyright May 2006. If re-used, please include a link to this blog post.]

Hoffa Reaches Out From Cupcake

2006-05-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

OK OK, I admit, these Hoffa Cupcakes are NOT being baked and sold in New Hampshire. I wish they were.

It would be great for tourism right now, while our lovely state is still reeling from the recent flooding and tornado.

I have to say that this news item, even though it is sad for the Hoffa family, is otherwise very creative.

Kudos to Brain and Eggs where I first noticed this, and where a vague reference is made to New Hampshire and Johnnycakes... arggh enough of that please! New Hampshirites don't make or eat Johnnycakes. And maybe they aren't strange enough to eat these cupcakes either.

J

China and Japan Duke It Out in New Hampshire

2006-05-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

A lady bug from Japan (Sasajiscymnus lady beetle) is going toe-to-toe with the Chinese hemlock woolly adelgid in New Hampshire, thanks to the New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands.

Read More.

New Hampshire Birds Not Scaredy Cats

2006-05-24T11:23:00.000-04:00

New Hampshire wildlife experts say the recent flooding shouldn’t pose a grave danger to any of New Hampshire’s bird species and could even end up helping some.

In other words, the recent flooding won't scare them away.

Read more

Exploding New Hampshire Mosquitoes

2006-05-23T16:28:00.000-04:00

EXETER NEW HAMPSHIRE - The mosquito population is expected to explode this year after the recent floods.

Read more.

The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

2006-05-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. --Strafford County's domestic violence prosecutor has been arrested on a domestic violence charge. He has resigned from his prosecutor's job.

[we will assume both cooking vessels are cast iron, and that he is innocent, unless proven guilty.]

Biting off more Mount Madison Than They Can Chew

2006-05-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

Three hikers from Connecticut ended up calling 911 for assistance on Mount Madison in Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, New Hampshire.

They were lucky. Read more.

New Hampshire Media: Norman Rockwell, and Lobsters, and Murder--Oh My!

2006-05-23T13:42:00.000-04:00

A famous museum... a shocking murder... a distinguished symbologist... an alluring cryptologist... secrets written in code

After reading the best-selling book (you either know the name by now, or you have been living under a rock) New Hamphire attorney Alfred Thomas Catalfo wrote a script, directed, and also acted in his spoofy short film, "The Norman Rockwell Code." [see it at this link]

If you enjoy New England humor, or the Andy Griffith Show, it is definitely worth your time to watch this 35-minute movie. Catalfo refers to his creation as a "comic homage" to Brown's book. This post isn't a "spoiler," so instead I'll briefly comment on a few of the actors, and let you write your own review...

Mike Walsh has a consistent performance as Langford, and I give him alot of credit for not cracking up at his own words.

Danica Carlson plays the role of "Sopha" and honestly she is a better actress than Audrey Tautou.

Fritz Wetherbee portrays the Curator, and his yellow rubber fishing waders brought tears to my eyes.

I'll never visit Nubble Light near York, Maine again without thinking of this film.

J

-Important Links-
Movie: The Da Vinci Code (because I loved the movie, though it could have been better)

New Hampshire Not Known for Breeding

2006-05-22T11:32:00.000-04:00

New Hampshire isn't known for breeding ..." said Emily Hughes, the new Miss New Hampshire. "This is my opportunity to change that."

Read More

Fifty Humanoids Invade Vernal Pool

2006-05-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday approximately fifty humanoid beings invaded amphibian territory, rudely observing the intimate egg-laying moments of the native residents.

"I'd hate to be that frog," one of the adults was overheard to say. "Don't rubbit in," stated the spokestoad for the group.

Read more

Missing Link Found in Exeter New Hampshire

2006-05-21T22:45:00.000-04:00

The American Independence Museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary next weekend.

A great number of historical artifacts will be on display. They are a concrete link between activities of the past, and the present.

Read more

Man Goes to Extreme Lengths to Disprove Fiction

2006-05-21T22:34:00.000-04:00

Fiction is, well, a story that is made up, correct? And it is NOT factual.

So why did Sri spend so much time writing and lecturing to disprove something that is fiction?

Can you spell, o-p-p-o-r-t-u-n-i-s-t?

J

New Hampshire Neighbors Tested for Temperament

2006-05-21T13:50:00.000-04:00

Before a homeless New Hampshire Rottweiler is assigned to a new home, they are temperament tested for human interaction, food and toy possessiveness, and behavior with other animals...

Wouldn't it be nice if people had to be tested the same way before they were allowed to move into your neighborhood (and especially next door)?

J

Strange Appearance in New Hampshire

2006-05-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

In a strange twist of fate, Lake Titicaca, usually located between Peru and Brazil, has suddenly shown up in New Hampshire.

Go figure... or is that "Whizbang!"

J

Da Vinci Code Responsible for New Hampshire Flooding?

2006-05-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

In a strange twist of interpretation, some people may be blaming the Da Vinci Code book for New Hampshire's recent flooding.

The photograph is of Merrimack New Hampshire, during the Flood of 1936, when people did not have Dan Brown to blame.

Direct Descendant of Mary Magdalene In New Hampshire

2006-05-20T13:26:00.000-04:00

I found a direct descendant of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, living right here in New Hampshire.

His verification of this fact, was illuminating to say the least.

He is "wildly excited about all the hoopla."

J