The NBA's new ball is toast, and that's a good thing

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December 16, 2006

By Dale McFeatters , Scripps Howard The Salem News Sat Dec 16, 2006, 12:20 PM EST

WASHINGTON - At one time we had a toaster in our kitchen. You put in two slices of bread, pushed down on a handle and a few minutes later - SPOING! - you had toast, popped up for easy removal. Simple, and, in its own way, elegant.

But that's all it did - make toast. The small-appliance people couldn't stand it and began tinkering until you had the stovetop oven or some such. Now there is an elaborate dial that offers you way more choices than you need.Read this article in full with a
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Opinion

Our View: Flashing light sends mixed message

You know our traffic laws have become too lax when we need to employ "crosswalk warning devices" that advise pedestrians, "Cross street with caution. Vehicles may not stop."
But that's the ominous message greeting those attempting to cross Salem's busy Bridge Street at Skerry Street near the Carlton School. Worse, as Ward 2 Councilor Mike Sosnowski points out, it can be confusing to children who regularly cross Bridge Street to get to class or play with friends.

Feb 9, 2012 4:36 am
Our View: Health reform vote a key test for Peabody council

A major test faces the Peabody City Council tonight when it is presented with legislation that would give the Bettencourt administration greater flexibility in its effort to reduce the cost of employee health benefits.

Feb 9, 2012 4:35 am
Analysis: Mitt still struggling

DENVER — Mitt Romney just can't shake his difficulty attracting conservatives. And that reality is undercutting his effort to cast himself as the inevitable Republican presidential nominee, prolonging a race that each day exposes deep divisions within the party.

Feb 9, 2012 4:34 am
Letter: Hiring of regional 911 director doesn't smell right

To the editor:
We recently learned a director has been hired for the new regional 911 dispatch center (the Essex County Regional Emergency Communication Center).
Lo and behold, the new director of this new state bureaucracy is the same consultant hired to go from town to town telling us all how great this new arrangement will be. As of yet, the salary has not been finalized, but will be around $100,000.

Feb 9, 2012 4:33 am
Letter: Bloomberg for president?

To the editor:
I believe it is correct to say that many Republicans are disappointed in the candidates that the party has put forth for the office of president.
Though many are against the re-election of President Obama, they should not forget his organization defeated a Clinton organization that was no pushover.

Feb 9, 2012 4:32 am
Letter: Report shows nothing to fear from wind turbine Feb 9, 2012 4:31 am
Letter: STOCK Act could create more problems than it solves Feb 9, 2012 4:30 am
Our View: New police HQ should be top Beverly priority Feb 8, 2012 4:46 am
Our View: Requests for road restrictions deserve careful scrutiny Feb 8, 2012 4:45 am
My View: Unified community college system could help close 'skills gap' Feb 8, 2012 4:44 am
Barbara Anderson: Speedy Registry visit leaves less time for reading, more for thinking Feb 8, 2012 4:43 am 1 Photo
Letter: Public streets are for the public's use Feb 8, 2012 4:42 am
Letter: Public transportation vital to Boston-area communities Feb 8, 2012 4:41 am
Letter: Obama-Clinton ticket no solution to nation's problems Feb 8, 2012 4:40 am
Letter: Friends of Peabody COA seeks new members Feb 8, 2012 4:39 am
Letter: Blames Brady for Pats' loss Feb 8, 2012 4:38 am
Running club provides lots of benefits to members and community Feb 8, 2012 4:37 am
Letter: Lapse of judgment can occur at any age Feb 8, 2012 4:36 am
Letter: Late physician was dear family friend Feb 8, 2012 4:35 am
Our View: Regional projects still must prove themselves Feb 7, 2012 4:34 am
Our View: Giants New England's latest New York-area nemesis Feb 7, 2012 4:32 am 1 Photo
My View: Dickens bicentennial: 'Inimitable' British author still has worldwide fan base Feb 7, 2012 4:30 am 1 Photo
Learn more about Dickens Feb 7, 2012 4:29 am
Our view: STOCK Act a win for Brown Feb 6, 2012 5:00 am
Our view: PEM's big footprint adds to its responsibilities Feb 6, 2012 5:00 am
Ann McFeatters: Romney gaffes may be beyond fixing Feb 6, 2012 4:30 am
My View: Ambitious goal: Ending homelessness on the North Shore Feb 6, 2012 4:30 am
Essays: Students reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Feb 4, 2012 4:40 am
David M. Shribman: Shades of 1912 in this year's presidential skirmishes Feb 4, 2012 4:38 am
Our View: Nothing to fear from a winter like this one Feb 3, 2012 5:00 am

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