Breakaway News Volume No. 10 Issue No. 6 June 2005

Father’s Day

Got a really great tie and don't know what to do with it? Let us remind you that Father’s Day is on June 19th. We will deliver that tie, or anything else, to dear old Dad on his day in the hammock.

New Software

For years, we have relied on dispatching software developed in 1982 and it has been showing its age. Which is why we’re happy to announce that Breakaway NY will soon be rolling out its new computer software later this year (we’re shooting for August). Already in use in Boston, the new system takes advantage of all the advances in software and hardware since 1982. Customers will have more options in terms of tracking deliveries, receiving invoices and paying bills.

Morning Ritual

Former messenger and general office guy, M510, has been getting up at the crack of dawn to bicycle a fast seventeen miles with some equally unbalanced individuals. M510 reports that since taking these rides, his mood and concentration have improved, his waist size has dropped, his cats have become more friendly, and more of his favorite shows are on at more convenient hours. M510: a "livestrong" convert.

Summertime Express

Many of our customers migrate to the shore for the summer. Breakaway offers efficient delivery service between Manhattan and both the Hamptons and the Jersey Shore. In addition, service is available between Boston and lovely Cape Cod. You can work right from your vacation pad while Breakaway keeps you in touch with your office-bound colleagues. Please remember to turn over occasionally so you don’t burn while you are… (ahem) …working.

Messenger World Games Are Coming.

The excitement is stirring. At the end of June, messengers from around the world will converge on NYC for the annual Cycle Messenger World Championships. Internationally, couriers have always viewed New York as THE city to ply their riding skills. We’ve received inquiries from couriers from as far as Berlin and Peking looking to do a brief stint in Manhattan. So don't be surprised if you hear, "guten Tag", "bonjour" or "ni hăo" when your Breakaway Courier stops by.

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked you to tell us how many streets in Manhattan have “Broadway” as part of their name. The answer: six. They are: Broadway, West Broadway, East Broadway, Old Broadway, Broadway Alley, and Broadway Terrace.

T-Shirt Question

On June 5^th, 1904, the General Slocum, a New York City ferry, caught fire and sank in the East River, killing more than 1000 people (mostly children). For many years, this was considered the worst disaster in New York City history. In which Manhattan park is there a monument dedicated to the disaster’s victims? The first person to call John Handrik with the correct question will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 10 Issue No. 5 May 2005

May’s Many Moments

If April showers bring May flowers, then May brings a crop of other days and events. There’s May Day (May 1^st), Mother’s Day (May 8^th), Cinco de Mayo (guess when) and Memorial Day, which comes not too long after on the 30^th. As always, Breakaway is ready to bring those May flowers, cards, and other items to Mom, or anyone else you want to send a May gift to.

Food Plan

It’s official: The old food pyramid is no more, having been replaced by a slew of new, color coded, individualized pyramids, ready to guide the munching masses of our fat…er…great nation to nutritional nirvana. We kept trying to get our personalized pyramids from the mypyramid.gov web-site, only to have it repeatedly tell us to get lost. Apparently, all the bike riding we do makes us too fit to qualify for a pyramid. We were, however, offered a choice of some nice trapezoids, and various other polygons.

Helping Hands

Got a lot of tasks to perform and not a lot of time to perform them in? Try hiring a Breakaway messenger by the hour. Our messenger will do the menial, time consuming labor that you need done, leaving you free to concentrate on more specific, critical tasks. Take the ‘mess’ out of your day with one of our messengers!

Leave in Silence…

At the commencement of the Tour de Georgia, America’s biggest bicycle stage race, Lance Armstrong officially, and calmly, announced to the world that he’ll retire after this year’s Tour de France. We here at Breakaway Courier want to bid the six-time Tour champ a fond and sad farewell, as well as a heartfelt thank you for providing us, for 14 great years, with an example of what a champion should be. Thanks Lance; we’ll miss you.

World Messenger Games 05 in NYC

On June 30^th, the 2005 Cycle Messenger World Championships will be held in New York. Well, actually in Jersey City, New Jersey. This is the thirteenth edition of the CMWC, and the first to be held in the New York area. And, when they say World Championships, they mean it; prior events have been held in Budapest, Zurich and Edmonton (the first was in Berlin). Events will focus on skills unique to bike messengers, such as the Cargo Race, Track Bike events (no brakes allowed!) and the Dispatch Race. As a pre-event, nine days before the CMWC, there will be a bike race from Boston to New York, the Route 1 Stage Race. So, mark your calendar and get ready to cheer our NYC daredevils on as they compete for the title of World’s Greatest Bike Messenger!

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked for the name of the taiji (tai chi) master and Boston native who was world renowned for his skill, longevity, wicked sense of humor, and who taught scads of Bostonians the joy of moving in slow motion. The answer: T.T. Liang.

T-Shirt Question

How many streets in Manhattan have “Broadway” as part of their names? The first person to call John Handrik with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 10 Issue No. 4 April 2005

Weather and Time

Ah, Spring. When a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love, chocolate, and the resulting mountain of credit card debt. Our fancy turns to thoughts of snowless streets, blue skies, and fabulous riding conditions. With a really brutal winter behind us, delivery times are going to pick up, fast, so have that package ready when you call. And please, make sure it’s thoroughly labeled.

Rolling Along

There are health nuts, fanatics, and then there’s our very own Office Manager Andy Young. Andy recently acquired a new set of small diameter/high difficulty bicycle “rollers” to train on while in the office. Apparently, running up and down the 14-story stairwell five times in a row and doing bike laps in Central Park just wasn’t enough.

Breakaway R&D

A new study confirms that world ocean temperatures are rising – fast. On top of this, there is evidence that the Himalayan glaciers are receding at a rapid rate. Climate change is coming, and Breakaway is prepared. We are currently testing a new fleet of jet skis, for when NYC gets submerged. The one-man personal subs are still on the drawing board, though. This means that customers at ground level are out of luck.

Ring It In

Breakaway’s Communications Officer and Radio Guru Gil Ortiz keeps all our radios crackling so we can provide top-notch service. He’s also become obsessed with a fun feature of modern cell/radios: ring tones. His phone can emulate Homer Simpson, play Darth Vader’s theme and call out “Hello” like the Three Stooges. All of which begs the question: If it’s not a bell ringing, why is it still a “ring” tone?

So, You Want to Be a Messenger?

Last week, we hired a young man who was brisk on his bike, seemed intelligent, and who’d said he’d been a messenger in Seattle and Chicago. After two days here in the Big Apple, he quit, crying, “I can’t handle New York!”, as he ran out the door, leaving a trail of messenger paraphernalia in his wake. Due diligence revealed that he’d only hung out with the messengers out west, while dreaming romantic dreams of the messenger life. In the words of our own S546, he was a “pose-enger.” Our final advice to the wannabe? Click your Ruby Bike Shoes together three times and say, “There’s no place like home…”

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked for the name of the author and former messenger who had written the “Rosy Crucifixion” trilogy. For a bonus, we also asked for the fictitious name of his messenger company. Answers: Henry Miller was the author and Cosmo Demonic was the company.

 T-Shirt Question

Which long time, late resident of Boston was also a world renowned master of taijiquan (t’ai chi to most people) and lived to the ripe old age of 103, after having taught thousands of Beantowners? The first person with the correct answer to call John Handrik will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 10 Issue No. 3 March 2005

Leprechaun Lookout

Breakaway would like to wish all our customers a happy Saint Patrick’s Day.  This year it falls on a Thursday. Once again, our couriers will have to dodge in between the scads of leprechauns moving about. And let’s not forget all those teenage kids, in for the day of fun and frolic, as our couriers scratch their heads wondering what all the fuss is about.

Referral Gift

Breakaway does very little advertising. Instead, we focus our resources on providing quality service to our customers. Most of our growth has been fueled by word of mouth. If you are impressed by our service, why not tell a friend? If they open an account with us you will receive a special surprise gift. Just have your friend include your name on their completed application.

C is for Crisis – Not!

Well, it seems that the C train crisis resolved itself after just a couple of weeks (a fortnight to you Shakespeare lovers), not the years that city officials and straphangers were talking about. A rare and well-deserved congrats to the city for resolving the problem faster than cynicism allowed for.

And now for something completely different…

The Long Good-bye

Bye-bye, Yea, … yea   ok   alright  yea  ok   yes…yes  alright, alright  now ok yea ok bye everything alright ok alright yea I'll talk to you later bye, yea… ok..

 One of the thousands of titillating conversations overheard by our couriers everyday.

Required Reading

Here at the Breakaway compound, we’re always looking for ways to improve service. Our latest idea requires all of our couriers to read the Diamond Sutra. Soon, Breakaway messengers will be flitting through NYC and Boston a la “Crouching Tiger” in no time. Try stopping us then!

Three’s a Charm?

First it was the Red Sox and then the Pats. With the Bruins out of the picture, due to the cancellation of the hockey season, can the Celtics keep Boston’s streak going? Perhaps not. But hey, two out of three ain’t bad.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you to tell us the name of the field where the New England Patriots held their first regular season game. Answer: Nickerson Field, September 9^th, 1960.

T-Shirt Question

What famous N.Y.C. author and former messenger wrote the “Rosy Crucifixion” trilogy? The first person to call John Handrik with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt. Bonus question: What was the name of the fictitious messenger service he worked for?

Breakaway News Volume No. 11 Issue No. 2 February 2005

New Year Part II

Gung Hay Fat Choy! January 29^th was Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese calendar (which is a lunar, not solar, calendar) the upcoming year will be 4702, the Year of the Dog. Woof!

Minimum Wage Raise

New York State raised the minimum wage by 16.5%. On Jan. 1, 2005, the hourly rate went from $5.15 to $6.00. Stay tuned for further developments.

It Was So Easy

More and more customers are feeling the convenience of shopping by messenger.  They are ordering online or by phone from any store in Manhattan and Boston and then calling Breakaway to pickup the order. Try it, you'll love the simplicity.

Errands by the Hour

If you need an extra set of hands for a big job, give us a call. For a very reasonable price, we can send over a courteous messenger to do your bidding. Gift returning, moving, packing, cleaning, filing, research, standing in line, shopping, errand running, dog & cat walking, fish feeding and general schlepping are among the tasks that our skilled messengers can perform for you. You name it, we’ll do it! (Within reason)

Cell Phone Chatter

"Like, we were dancing, and, like, his wife was cheering me on. I couldn't believe it. They're, like, really weird."

One of thousands of titillating conversations overheard by our couriers every day.

Sneakers Subtleties

You have your work sneakers. You have your dress sneakers. And the two shall never overlap. Although we created lockers and bicycle parking for our couriers, we did not anticipate the need for sneaker parking. Everyday, on each dispatcher's desk, there is a row of pristine clean sneakers.  These sneakers are only to be used after work, preferably for a night on the town.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you to tell us the meaning behind the Mets’ official uniform colors. This generated a lot of controversy. The answer we were looking for was that the colors represent the two teams that New York lost: Orange for the NY Giants and blue for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Others informed us that these are also New York State’s official colors. While the latter may be true, we’re giving preference to our original answer.

T-Shirt Question

What is the name of the boathouse where the Central Park Model Yacht Club members store their boats?  The first person with the correct answer to call John Handrik will win a coveted Breakaway T-Shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 9 Issue No. 12 December 2004

Holiday Wishes

Breakaway would like to wish you a joyous Holiday Season.  Believe it or not, we have already received our first holiday card.  Remember we can deliver your holiday gifts to friends, family and business associates. Be on the lookout for flying reindeer wearing Breakaway jerseys. Happy Holidays!

Bravo K888

One of our customers found herself at JFK airport, heading for London in ninety minutes without her purse. She left it behind at her midtown hotel. Not to panic, she called us at 6:00 PM.  Thanks to the expert skills of K888, Maninder Kumar, she had her purse in her hands by 7:00 PM. Nice job Maninder!

Password Overload

Do you have too many passwords to remember? Here's our tip: Make a file that is password protected and record all of your other passwords in that file. Remember only one password. If you forget your other passwords refer to your password protected file.

Santa and Security

Rumor has it that even jolly old St. Nick will have to present a picture I.D. when making his rounds this year. Don't forget to completely label your gift deliveries. Otherwise, they might not be accepted at the delivery point.

December Horoscope

We see many fabulous gifts in your near future. A significant other will surprise you with an unexpected adventure to a far-off land. A Breakaway Courier will be in your life for at least 20 seconds.

Snow Pool

It is time for our snow forecasters to show off. Confidently tell us the number of inches of snow that will fall in Central Park by April 30^th, 2005 and email your prediction to snow@breakawaycourier.com. If your guess is the most accurate, you will win a special prize.  Consult your favorite soothsayer and join the fun.

Stump the Band

Last month we wanted to know who said, "I was riding on the Mayflower when I thought I spied some land."  Answer: Bob Dylan, from his song Bob Dylan's 115^th Dream.

T-Shirt Question

The performance of the Nutcracker Suite is a holiday tradition at the NY State Theatre and Colonial Theatre in Boston. What is the name of the leader who battles against Clara & the Nutcracker at midnight? The first person to call John Handrik will win a coveted Breakaway T-Shirt and perhaps a pair of ballet slippers.

Breakaway News Volume No. 9 Issue No. 10 October 2004

Happy Halloween 

As the days get shorter and fall sets in, our thoughts turn to ghouls and goblins. The ancient festival of Samhain (Celtic feast of the harvest) approaches. Trick-or-treaters will soon descend upon us. This is an excellent time of year to have a pumpkin or other treat delivered to someone special! We can deliver that must-have outfit from your favorite costume shop or that fresh pumpkin pie from your favorite bakery. This year most of our bike messengers intend to dress as…bike messengers.  Happy Halloween.

Good Bagel/Bad Coffee

Here on our block we were sorry, but not surprised, to see that Mom's Bagel Shop has closed its doors. They had great bagels but lousy coffee.  Bad coffee can sink a restaurant faster than soggy toast.  In search of the ultimate cup of coffee, we asked our couriers, "Where is the best coffee in Manhattan?" So far the consensus is Taralluci-E-Vino on First Avenue in the East Village.

Payment by Credit Card

Simplify your life; pay your Breakaway invoices by credit card and rack up your airline miles. Call John Handrik or email John at: acccounting@breakawaycourier.com

Heard on an Elevator

"Ok, when we go in, I'll do the talking. You say nothing. This is what I'm going to tell Liz. When Mary walks in, you're going to tell her everything's taken care of and the deal is done."

Just one of the thousands of titillating conversations overheard by our couriers every single day.

Mike's Ordering Tips

Most office buildings now have elaborate security schemes, which impede the delivery of your package. It can take us 15 minutes to arrive at a building and another two hours to get the package in your hands. Mike Czekaj, one of our stalwart troubleshooters has some labeling tips for hassle-free deliveries:

Delivery information, please include

• company name
• room number
• recipient's name

It also helps to let us know what time the security desk closes.

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us the last time the Republicans held their presidential convention in New York City.  The correct answer is 2004. This was the first time (and last?) the Republicans held their convention in the Big Apple.

T-shirt Question

What were the dates of both the 1920's stock market crash and "Black Monday" in the 1980s? The first person to call John Handrik with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-Shirt.

Breakaway News NY Volume No.9 Issue No.9 September 2004

Labor Day Gratitude

In honor of Labor Day, we would like to thank our hardworking couriers, office staff and valued customers who make all our jobs possible. We will be closed Monday, September 6^th, 2004. Enjoy the Holiday.

RNC Update

This newsletter should arrive during the RNC. The convention is two blocks from our office. NYPD has assured us that we will be able to enter our block. If not, we have contingency plans, which will impede us but not shut us down. Look for updates on our website. We expect major delays in the "lock down" zone. But hey, we're New Yorkers.  We'll deal with it.

Summer Vacations

Messengers are, by nature, travelers. Unfortunately these days, our travel is limited to 5^th Ave., 6^th Ave., over to Park Ave., back to 5^th, etc, etc, etc. We love postcards from  exotic lands. Better yet, whoever calls with the most exotic summer vacation story gets to go to the front of the line for the new hit TV show Extreme Reality Survivor.

Speaking of Exotic

Andrew Young, our general manager, did get away to watch Lance Armstrong win his sixth Tour de France. We never did get the postcard, so Andy missed his casting call. When not traveling overseas, Andy can be seen running up our building's 14 flights of stairs, repeating the torture FIVE times. That's 70 flights!  Why bother? Something about improving lactic acid threshold... Ok Lance.

We Have Storage Space

Yesterday we renewed our liease and committed ourselves to an additional floor of storage space.  This fills a need for our cutomers who store items on short notice.  If you have a project that calls for some stuff to be stored off your premises -- think Breakaway Storage.  We can store freight on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.

Predict the Super Bowl Winner

Who's going to win the Super Bowl? Who's going to lose the Super Bowl? If you can predict these two things, you'll win the Breakaway Superbowl Contest. The winner shall receive an all-expense paid trip to Starbucks. Email your prediction to:

superbowl@breakawaycourier.com.

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you what year Gracie Mansion became the official residence of the Mayor of NYC.  The correct answer is 1942.

T-Shirt Question

New York City has hosted many political conventions. When was the last time the Republicans held their presidential convention in New York City?  The first person to call John Handrik with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-Shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.8 Issue No.12 December 2003

Happy Holidays

Breakaway would like to wish all of our customers and employees a joyous holiday season.  This can be a trying time of year but just remember to go easy on the eggnog and everything will be just fine.

Snow Pool

Once again its time to poll all you precipitation prognosticators out there. Just give Account Manager Ralph Santoni a call with your guess of the number of inches of snowfall that Central Park will receive by April 1^st, 2004. If your guess is the closest to being correct, you will win a special gift. Consult your favorite soothsayer and call us to join the fun.

Early Shopper Appreciation

When it comes to holiday shopping the early bird truly gets the worm. The longer the delay in heading to the store, the longer are the lines that await the desperate shopper. The same thing holds true for your bulk holiday deliveries. The longer you wait, the more uncertain your delivery date becomes. Call us immediately to insure worry free delivery.

Breakaway R&D

The Breakaway R&D department is always working on ways to improve our trucking services. Its latest project is to vastly increase our trucking fleet, during the winter months, by using ice-sculpted vehicles. They have run into a snag. As the engines warm up, they tend to drop out the bottom of the ice trucks. Until this little problem is solved we will have to rely on our large existing fleet of vans, lift-gate and big-haul trucks. Stay tuned for more details.

Online Order Tracking

Customers can track their large (and small) holiday orders online at www.breakawaycourier.com. This puts us one step ahead of a certain reindeer-equipped competitor. Please contact Account Manager Ralph Santoni directly with any questions at 646-674-8353 or rsantoni@breakawaycourier.com.

Stump the Band…

Last month, we asked you to tell us the name of the child born on the Mayflower during the crossing of the Atlantic. Several people knew the answer but many more were interested in finding out the answer. The child born during the crossing was named Oceanus. He was the son of Stephen and Elizabeth Hopkins.

T-shirt Question

What is the name of America’s oldest, continually operating hotel? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.8 Issue No.10 October 2003

As the days get shorter, our thoughts turn to ghouls and goblins. The annual autumnal celebration of things arcane has almost arrived. Trick-or-treaters will soon descend upon our sidewalks. This is an excellent time of year to have a pumpkin or other treat delivered to someone special! We can pick up that must-have outfit from your favorite costume shop or that fresh pumpkin pie from your favorite bakery. This year most of our bike messengers intend to dress as…bike messengers on October 31^st. Happy Halloween.

Tear-away and FOLD

Recently, we heard from one of our valued customers concerning our remittance slips:

"Guys, your tear-away portion doesn't fit in your envelope! What gives?"

 Over the years we have received the occasional comment about our unique, patent-pending, tear-away and FOLD remittance slips. These slips easily fit into our return envelopes after FOLDING. Why doesn't it fit without folding? Well, besides the obvious health benefits that strenuous folding affords, it is just plain cheaper to keep our stubs the way they are. Thank you for asking.

Online Tracking

Breakaway customers can track the progress of all their deliveries at www.breakawaycourier.com. To use this feature, customers need to create an online user name. It is really simple. Instructions appear on our web site or you can call Account Manager Ralph Santoni at 646-674-8353.

Express Mail

If the mailman is making you wait, call Breakaway and wait no longer. We can pick up your mail from the Post Office in the morning and speed it directly to your office. When you use our drivers, there will be no more anxiety with your payroll or precious receivables. Neither rain nor sleet nor flat tires will keep us from our appointed rounds…for the most part.

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us what day the Manhattan Bridge formally opened. We had a wide array of answers to this question, ranging from the Civil War to the LaGuardia administration. The correct answer was December 31^st, 1909.

T-shirt Question

How many people were convicted during the famous Salem Witch Trials that lasted from 1692-1693? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.