Most Popular Local Stories Of 2011
10. Fall River, New Bedford Try To Ban 'Lazy Cakes'
Authorities in New Bedford and Fall River wanted so-called Lazy Cakes banned from stores back in May because they could be harmful to children.On the company's Facebook page, they call it a "Tasty chocolate treat that brings on the ultimate state of relaxation."
"The magic of Lazy Cakes™, the original relaxation brownie, is in its proprietary blend that includes herbal relaxation aids melatonin, Valerian Root Extract, Rose Hips Extract, and Passion Flower," the company says.
There's about eight milligrams of melatonin in each of the brownies. Even a single serving size, which is half the brownie, far exceeds the recommended dose.
9. Two-Faced Cat From Worcester Sets World Record
Frank 'n Louie, a rare two-faced cat, turned 12 in September, becoming the oldest such cat in recorded history.The cat was nominated by Guinness World Records for the longest living Janus cat, which is a new term for two-faced cat, says the cat's owner, Marty. The term Janus cat refers to the Roman God Janus, who had two faces.
Frank 'n Louie almost didn't make it, though. When he was just one day old, a breeder dropped him off to be euthanized. Marty, a veterinary nurse, adopted him right away.
8. 74-Year-Old College Teacher Charged With Running Somerville Meth Lab
A 74-year-old professor who has lectured at Boston schools for two decades was charged in December with running a methamphetamine lab.Irina Kristy taught math at Boston University and Suffolk University. Her son Grigory pleaded not guilty to the same charges last month.
Kristy was later placed on administrative leave at both Suffolk and Boston University.
7. Dean College Students Expelled After Beating Video Surfaces Online
Nine students at Dean Collegewere expelled in December after a student was beaten up in an attack that was recorded on video.The disturbing video posted onlineshows a young man confronting another man. Moments later, the first man punches the other, knocking him to the ground and the beating continues.Students said the altercation was over sneakers that the attacker believed the victim had stolen from him. They are limited edition Nike sneakers that sell for $200.
6. Kara Kennedy, Daughter Of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Dies At Age 51
Kara Kennedy, the only daughter of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, died soon after suffering a heart attack following her daily workout at a Washington-area health club back in September.Kara was a lung cancer survivor and her cancer had been in remission since 2003.
Patrick Kennedy said he thought his sister Kara's cancer treatment "took quite a toll on her and weakened her physically." He said "her heart gave out."
Ted Kennedy died back in 2009.
5. Thermal Cameras Show Too Much?
A thermal imaging project in the city of Boston was put on hold in April because of privacy concerns, according to a report from the Boston Business Journal's Lisa van der Pool.Boston officials had hoped to have aerial and street-level photos taken across about four square miles of the city this winter using infrared cameras that would show heat loss in the city homes.
The project hit a snag when the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts raised concerns that the infrared cameras would reveal information about what's going on inside the homes.
4. Mysterious Debris Crashes Through Plymouth Warehouse Roof
A solid piece of metal crashed through the roof of a Plymouth furniture warehouse in early December, but its origin was a mystery.Investigators said the debris appears to have fallen from the sky, but it did not come from a plane.
No one was hurt by the falling debris.
A Texas man contacted WBZ-TV and suggested that the piece of metal may have come from a broken tree grinder at a nearby construction site.
3. Menino To Niketown: Take Down Controversial T-Shirt Display
Mayor Tom Menino didn't like Niketown's window display at its Newbury Street store in June and requested it be taken down.Menino said he was walking in the Back Bay with his wife and noticed T-shirts in the window with the expressions "Dope," "Get High," and "F**k Gravity" on them.
He believed the shirts promoted drug use.
2. CDC: Deadly Superbug "C-Diff" Spreading
In February, WBZ-TV's Kate Merrill filed a report on C-Diff (Clostridium Difficile), which is a bacterium that attacks your intestines. C-Diff kills thousands of people every year and that number is growing.Kate introduced us to a local woman from Dennis who was recovering from the disease.
1. 7-Year-Old Accused Of Possible Sexual Harassment For Kicking Boy In Groin
A 7-year-old boy was investigated by his South Boston elementary school in early December for possible sexual harassment after kicking another boy in the crotch. His family later transferred him to a new school in the city of Boston.No charges were filed in the incident.
