Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The results from last week's poll looking at Reading's top priority in 2012.
After compiling the results from last week's poll concerning what should be Reading's top priority in 2012, it seems that most Reading Patch Readers thought that cracking down on drug use in and out of schools was the most important issue to examine in 2012. With 50 percent of the vote (26 votes) "Cracking down on drug use in schools and elsewhere" proved to be the biggest lightning rod for political action in Reading in 2012. Upgrading/Improving Roads was second with 21 percent (11 votes) and More Support of Police and Fire Departments came in third with 11 percent (6 votes). Less important topics that got a few votes were: more retail and restaurant options and more money put in to the Reading Public Library. Snubbed all-together was the…
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Last week, Reading Patch asked its readers what they thought of cellphone use while driving.
After the New York Times recently reported that the US Safety Board is urging for a cellphone ban while driving, we asked our readers if they thought that a new law banning all cellphone use while driving in Massachusetts was a good idea. With 15 votes, (62 percent) Reading Patch Reader's choose: "Yes. It's a distraction and a danger to everyone on the road" beat out, "No. It's not fair to ban all cell phone use by drivers" that had just 9 votes or 37 percent. Interestly enough, the most outspoken comment we recieved was someone not in favor of the ban. Reading Patch Reader, John Carpenter, brought up some good points concerning the subject when he wrote: "Regarding cell phone use while driving, I'll say it yet again: DON'T BLAME THE …
Monday, November 28, 2011
Last week we asked Reading Patch Readers how they felt about Black Friday.
Last week, we asked Reading Patch Readers if they were going to brave the Black Friday madness for an item they have had their eye on. With 57 percent of the vote, Readers chose to avoid the entire mess by selecting, "No, I’d rather pay more money than fight Black Friday crowds." Just 1 vote, (4 percent) chose, "Yes, I can’t pass up a bargain," with 8 people (34 percent) picking, "Are you kidding? I just woke up." It seems that Reading was a little indifferent to Black Friday, but the rest of the state took full advantage of the cheap buys. Lines were reported to start at popular stores like Walmart, Target and Best Buy almost a full day before the consumer holiday. Cutting Thanksgiving short, or not having at all for a T.V.? It seems that…
Monday, November 21, 2011
In last week's poll we asked: would you rather host Thanksgiving dinner or travel to someone else's home?
By a two to one margin, Reading Patch readers thought that hosting Thanksgiving was preferable to traveling for Turkey day. With 13 out of the 19 votes (68 percent) Reading readers chose, "Host; it may be extra work, but it feels special to have the holiday in my own home." 6 people, (31 percent) voted for: "Travel; I don't enjoy preparing my home for that kind of event." Donna added her thoughts on the matter when she commented: "New England is the birthplace of Thanksgiving! I love to host...it is work...but easier than dealing with traffic and then after all that food...you can't just pass out on someone's couch..but you can go up to your own bed and take a good rest! Happy Holidays Everyone!" She made an interesting point with being at…
Monday, November 14, 2011
Last week we asked Reading Patch Readers if they would be as brave as Nick Intoni who ran into a burning building.
Last week, we asked Reading Patch Readers if they would mimic the actions of local hero, Nick Intoni, who ran into a burning building to help a confused resident escape the fire. According to the results, Reading residents are heroic indeed. Either that, or our voters were demonstrating some serious self-selection bias. With 15 votes, 13 people (86 percent of the vote) said they would run inside a burning building to help someone in need. After all, it's their duty to protect their fellow man. There was 1 vote for, "urge someone else to help; clearly they should be helped, but I'm not the person to do it," and 1 vote for, "wait for the professionals; they know what they're doing. I don't." While this sounds great, this is precisely where …
Monday, October 31, 2011
Last week Reading Patch ran a poll on which is the better holiday - Thanksgiving or Halloween? Here are the results.
Out of 37 total votes, Reading Patch Readers overwhelmingly thought Thanksgiving was the better holiday. Turkey Day had 33 votes, beating out Halloween that had just 4. This 90 percent to 10 percent ratio was a landslide for the late November celebration. Two Reader Patch Readers expressed their opinion on why those chose either Halloween or Thanksgiving. Robin Kelly wrote: "Halloween is great but it's more for the kids where Thanksgiving is about family and food." Donna Dudley, one of the few Halloween fans, added: "I like Halloween better because I like chocolate more than turkey. :-) And while Thanksgiving *is* more about family, that's what can make it more stressful. I love all the cute kids in their costumes."
Monday, October 24, 2011
Taking a look at poll that ran last week on Patch, Reading Patch readers share their thoughts on drug-use in town.
According to a poll that Reading Patch ran last week, just two percent of 90 responders believed drug-use to be less prevalent in Reading than in other communities. Meanwhile, 61 percent said drugs were, "as common in Reading as anywhere else" and 36 percent voted that "drugs are unusually pervasive in Reading." Reader, Marissa, gave the following comment towards drug-use in Reading: "The level of drugs is really not any more or less than years ago in terms of availability. Unfortunately, the drugs today are stronger and do more damage. Parents, you must do your job and communicate and monitor your kids." Reader Pamela gave this perspective: "I grew up in Reading and attended high school in the early 70's. There was drinking, marijuana, …
