Scott Wachtler interviews the neon-sign collector who bought the sign and who now mostly keeps it in a Lynn warehouse as he tries to find a place to put it. Last Halloween, he trucked it down to Government Center and cranked it up.

... "There's something pretty cool about a nine-foot-tall neon chicken wearing an apron waving to people to come on in and eat chicken," Waller said explaining the sign's lasting allure. ...

The chicken in its heyday:

Boston Police report that when officers pulled over a car in West Roxbury near the Dedham line last night (on the old Rte. 1? Doesn't say) because its headlights were off, they noticed the female passenger quickly change positions with the male driver:

The female now sitting in the driver's seat told officers that she had been driving the car.

Officers requested the male suspect exit the car and immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol. As the suspect got out of the car, officers noted that the suspect was very unsteady on his feet and had to be supported against the car to prevent himself from falling. Based on the male suspect's condition, officers formed the opinion that he could not even perform the basic sobriety tests. The suspect, once out of the car, told officers that he had a "few warrants" and that his license was revoked.

Frank J. Lepardo, 55, of West Roxbury, was arrested and charged with OUI, operating with a suspended license and possession of amphetamines.

Lepardo last made news in 1991, when he and his brother were sentenced to ten years in prison for their participation in what officials called the largest pot-smuggling ring in New England history - charged with importing 300,000 pounds of Columbian marijuana into New England.

Innocent, etc.

Does anyone have any info on "Allegedly deceptive business practices" of LA Fitness?

I happened to find this petition site, Petition Site with a petition to stop the LA Fitness club from opening in W. Roxbury. These people seem to be very upset that the permits were fast-tracked by the city, and have lots of alleged problems with LA Fitness listed on the petition.

It's written by the "VFW Parkway Business Assoc" but I don't know if that's a real group or not.

I almost hate to give them any publicity but the petition has been signed by people in Australia and Romania (Romania?) so I guess it's out there.

I just don't get it. I know health clubs often have tricky or misleading contracts, but I don't know enough about LA Fitness to know if they are really that bad. Seems to me a new business in an abandoned building would be a good thing.

Mmm, keftedes. The transformation of the old Friendly's on Centre Street in West Roxbury into the Skara Grill is now proceeding fast and furious.

More on the plans.

Is nothing sacred over there anymore? Apparently not content to just move the bread and seltzer around, now Roche Bros. in West Roxbury has removed the white frosting from the Triple Berry Blast muffins, Matt O'Malley reports. O'Malley quickly adds he hopes this was just a mistake by the bakery department:

... However, if this frosting-free change is permanent, then God save the Commonwealth.

Unless you want to get a flat from all the broken glass left behind from an accident earlier today.

I got a thank-you note today for a Christmas tip, from the person who delivers the Globe! This was so unusual that I wanted to post it - there is still great service out there.

I also got a typed-up note saying that she would not be delivering the paper for a couple of days, but someone else would, and it included a phone number to call in case of any problem with delivery.

She also delivers the paper right to the front step, every morning, even during the awful weather we had last week. (I really love having the paper delivered.)

I don't know if the Globe instructs the people who deliver the papers to do this or if this is just a really great employee. Either way, thanks Renee! Delivering papers is a tough job, but you are appreciated.

Captured.

Boston Police report they are looking for Hosea Richardson, 33, of Newton, on charges he beat a woman he met at a club late Friday or early Saturday.

Police say Richardson is a 5'8", bald, light-skinned black male with facial hair and a muscular or medium build.

According to the victim, she and the suspect returned to her home after attending a nightclub together. Upon returning to the victim's home, the victim says the suspect began to punch and kick her. By the time police arrived, the suspect was gone. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Not long after, Dedham Police got a call from a relative of his, warning he was acting strangely and was willing to take on any police sent after him.

Anyone know of a place in West Roxbury or Rozzie (or nearby) that still has Christmas trees for sale, and what their hours are if known? All out at Home Depot in WR and Lowes in the Dedham Mall. In fact, it looks like they have been all out for a while. A charity-based sale would be good but we're not too fussy at this late hour.

Thanks

Filmed at the Burlington Mall (see if you can spot him Segwaying past the Legal Seafood entrance), South Shore Plaza and, filling in for New Jersey, West Roxbury.

Via Sam Baltrusis.