Stolen Bike near Tufts

[http://users.livejournal.com/_saint_cecilia_/]

Combination warning and plea for advice / consolation - My bike was stolen from Bromfield Rd in the early hours of Tuesday morning.  It was a lovely new 2010 Trek Soho S.  Yes, it was locked up out front (which it rarely was) and it was locked up with a cable lock (which it rarely was - my old bolt had just broken.)

As a bike commuter it is as destructive to my life and livelihood as someone stealing my car, especially since my insurance fell through.  More than that though, I really hate that now every bike I see is potentially MY bike, and all of my neighbors feel like suspects, and I feel the need to check craigslist every 20 minutes even though I know that even if it ends up there eventually (which it probably won't) it wouldn't be there today.  It's just so invasive.  I've had (old, beater) bikes stolen before- even from a U-bolt - but to have my new bike stolen feels especially bad.  I have a better sense now of why societies used to cut thieves' hands off.

I called Somerville PD; I asked advice of several bike shop owners and friends.  Flyers were suggested, but that's about all.  Realistically, it's gone for good.

So, yes- perhaps with the return of the students, the thieves are back. Whether they ARE students or are here to prey on them.  Lock up your stuff out of site.

Meanwhile, if you have suggestions for great bike locks / thoughts on what to do next / insurance solutions (renter's insurance was a scam) / gig work for extra cash / cheap ways to console myself - please please share!

Thanks!

Recommendations for dog boarding/sitting?

[teko.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for any recommendations of places to board my dog during an upcoming weeklong trip. There was a post here from January asking the same thing, but of the two places recommended, one (Paws Here) is very expensive and the other (dogzzarecool.com) doesn't seem to be answering emails or calls.

Cushy corduroy couch on curb

[redcolumbine.livejournal.com]

If you want this couch, it's in front of 64 Cameron Ave. 70" wide, 44" deep, probably about 30" high when you put the other 3 legs back on.

It's all fun and games until you hit the sprinkler system

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

I was just picking up glasses in the shopping mall at Lesley in Porter (yanno, where the Uno's used to be) when the fire alarm went off. I went outside (not that long since we evacuated a building for an earthquake, after all) to my car in the small garage at the back, to find  someone in a U-Haul trying desperately to back out of the low-height portion of the garage. They had hit the water main pipe that feeds the sprinkler system there. I might add also that the U-Haul was directly under a sign that said "7-foot clearance"

Welcome to September, y'all!

couch free to a good home

[dancingdeer.livejournal.com]

35"D x 27"H x 84"W

Beige block pattern. Both arm protectors and two throw pillows.

Structure is solid. One rear backrest pillow needs a couple of stitches where it is pulling away from the frame at the rear (of the pillow). Some minor discolorations from past cleanings. Though we've given it a light cleaning, probably not the best couch for people with dog allergies; the boys have been all over it over the past few years.

The couch is still good, and we don't want to just throw it out - but we need to downsize, and it just won't fit anymore. Will happily help load it at this side of things if it will help get this to a new home.

This is near Arlington Center (MA).

Picture here: http://www.vfocus.com/~points/CouchSm.jpg