Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 9 September 2008

Autumn Equinox

This month, autumn will officially begin on September 22^nd, at 11:39 AM. After a lazy August, we are rolling up our sleeves and looking forward to your abundance of phone calls, web orders and rush deliveries this fall.

Fulfillment

Fulfillment is at your fingertips--not the spiritual kind but the Breakaway kind.  What are we taking about?  Simple. It’s another service we provide. We complete marketing projects for some of our customers. For instance, one of our customers is preparing 400 gift bags stuffed with 100 gift items.  For a reasonable fee, we will complete the whole project for you. This includes collecting all the products, storing them, filling the bags, labeling the bags and delivering them. It’s what we call logistics and fulfillment.  Call Andrew Desmond, 646-674-8385, to outsource your next marketing blitz.

To the Rescue

Recently, we got a call from a frantic customer because their in-house driver had “low-bridged” their company truck by driving through the transverse in Central Park with a clearance of 10 feet and the truck was 14 feet high. We met the damaged truck, loaded up, and completed the delivery on time. Next time, why not outsource the whole project to us?

Route Work

We also do “route work” If you have a group of deliveries that occur on a regular basis, we also do these types of pre-scheduled deliveries. For instance, on a daily basis, we pick up medical samples all over the city and deliver them to a processing lab.

Heard on the Street

More profundities heard near the methadone clinic on our block:

 “I go back to my house, I cook my own food.”

Gold Medal for D233

Hats off to D233 for working around his handicap. His courier job requires constant verbal communication via two-way radio. However, he has a hearing impairment. We worked around this hurdle by using text messages.  With a little extra effort from our ace dispatcher Bill Dappio, D233 overcame his handicap and has become a great messenger. His determination is an inspiration to all of us.

Staycation

Several news reports have pointed to a new trend this summer, the “staycation”. It’s not even in the dictionary yet. A staycation is nothing more than staying at home for your vacation.  We love it. No frenetic trip to the airport, no traffic jams to idle through. Just a truly relaxing time in the comfort of your home with a good cup of java and all your stuff at your fingertips. Now that’s relaxing.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you to name the former NYC bicycle messenger who won a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics. Answer: Nelson Vails

T-Shirt Question

What is the record time for climbing up the 86 flights of stairs in the annual Empire State Building stair run? The first person to call with the correct answer will win the coveted Breakaway T-shirt. Please call Andrew Desmond, 646-674-8385.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 7 July 2008

Happy Fourth

We would like to wish all our customers a relaxing and restful Fourth of July. We will be closed on the 4^th and back open on Saturday, July 5^th. 

Stuff to the Beach

We were saddened to learn of George Carlin’s passing but we are also reminded of his routine about “stuff”.  Yes, we move stuff.  Chances are you will need more stuff than fits into your car to bring to your summer vacation home. Call Breakaway to bring your extra stuff. If it fits into our 26-ft lift gate truck, we can take it.

Invitations by Hand

If you are having a big summer party do not mail your invitations, use Breakaway! Having a messenger hand-deliver your invitations adds an element of style that a stamp just does not offer. We extend discounts on large volume orders (50+ at once), so give us a call today.

Express Payment

Make your life less stressful by enrolling in our Automatic Payment Plan. You will still receive an itemized statement of your charges. However, opening your envelope will be optional, because your bill will be paid by credit card! For more information, contact Maria Ortiz at 646-674-8351

Allez Neil Encore!

Bravo Neil! Since our last newsletter, our rookie sensation, Neil Bezdek has been burning up the local race circuit. He now has won his last five bicycle races.  Though a marked man in the peloton, Neil continues to dominate. Starting in July, he moves up to Category 4, where the competition may be a little stiffer. Stay tuned. 

July: Tour de France

Although no American is favored to win this year, we are looking forward to our favorite sporting event: The Tour de France. We’re brushing up on our Spanish because Alejandro Valverde is favored to win. Even if you’re not a bike racing fanatic, the beautiful French countryside is broadcast on live TV. Instead of spending thousands on airfare, sit back with a glass of wine and a baguette, enjoy the scenery on Versus TV and see who wins the yellow jersey.

Wonderful Web

Place your next order for Breakaway over the Web! It’s fast, easy, and gets your work done without having to take your mitt off the mouse and place a phone call. Details are on our website, www.breakawaycourier.com

Stump the Band

LNDDIAEE

Last month we asked you to unscramble the anagram listed above. Although we had many honorable mentions, actually too many to mention, the answer is DEADLINE.

T-Shirt Question

What Manhattan street corner marks the approximate spot where American patriot Nathan Hale was executed by the British in 1776? The first person to call with the correct answer will win the coveted Breakaway T-shirt. Please call Andrew Desmond, 646-674-8385.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 6 June 2008

Twenty Years

Hooray for Breakaway!  June 6^th will mark our 20^th anniversary.  We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all our devoted customers and employees; especially the ones who have been with us since the beginning. We couldn’t do it without you.

Allez Neil

Recently, rookie of the year, Neil Bezdek, aka B560, made a stunning move from delivering packages to delivering victory. B560 was the winner of two consecutive Category 5 bicycle races in May. The second win is already the stuff of legend. After missing an early morning train, Neil rode a hard 30 miles just to reach the starting line. He then thundered to victory in a 25-mile race. B560  attributes his success to his  dispatcher Angel Lao who pushed his  limits on triple rushes all over the city. Bravo Neil,  next stop: The Tour de France!

Does Time Exist?

Since punctuality is the cornerstone of our excellent service, we are fanatics about keeping our clocks on accurate time. We set our clocks with www.time.gov which is the official time keeper from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

Oh My Gosh!

While waiting for an elevator, N517, had the misfortune of an old sewage pipe bursting on him! Although we have thousands of war stories, this is a first. Intrepid courier that he is, N517 shook it off, went home, showered and promptly returned to work. That’s the spirit.  And yes he also changed his clothes and his bag.

Fathers Day

Breakaway would like to wish all our Dads a happy Father's Day. On June 15^th, why not give Dad a little extra slack? Let him sleep late and watch all the sports he wants. We are open on Saturday and Sunday to deliver your last minute necktie or tool set straight to your Father’s couch.

Not Spinal Tap

Our own Mike Czekaj is vacationing in Europe and drumming for his old band the Fuzztones, a “path-breaking, pre-punk pre-Seattle grunge band”. The Fuzztones are wildly popular in Europe. “Mad” Mike will be drumming in Madrid and Barcelona and a host of other cities we can’t pronounce. You may know this “Mad” Mike when you call our trucking department. For details check out www.fuzztones.net.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you: How much did the Red Sox shirt, buried under the Yankee’s new stadium sell for on EBay? Answer: $175,100

Delivery Anagram

LNDDIAEE

The first person to unscramble the letters above will win the coveted Breakaway T-shirt. Please call Andrew Desmond, 646-674-8385.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 5 May 2008

M Day

Can you believe it? Memorial Day weekend is around the corner and Mother’s Day is next week. If you are setting up shop at a vacation home, we can help move your office with our liftgate trucks. Also, we are open on Sunday for last-minute deliveries to your Mother.

Magic Exercise

We noted with bemusement that the NY Times reported that exercise is the “magic bullet” for curing all health ills according to the Harvard School of Public Health. They could have just as easily asked our bicycle couriers who have known this for years.

15 lbs or Less

Do you have a package that’s a bit bulky but on a deadline? You may be able to opt for an oversize shipment with a bicycle courier. Bikers in Manhattan can handle a great many of your bags, flats, and miscellany. Tell us what sort of package it is and how it's packed. We may be able to send a biker instead of a car and get there faster. Hard-taped 18”x24" flats, 12”x12" boxes and a shopping bag of shoes are just a few examples of this type of delivery, which can be coupled with our spectrum of rush services.

Helping Hands

Do you have many tasks to perform and not much time in which to perform them? 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!

Read on a Website

May 30^th is “Water a Flower Day”

Breakaway Village

As the years go by, an increasing percentage of the population has spent at least one hour of their life as a Breakaway Courier. By the year 2020, experts agree that 95% of Americans will have worked at Breakaway. The latest example comes from Puerto Rico. Former editor, Rob Martinez was lounging at an exclusive resort wearing a t-shirt from the “Breakaway Casual Wear” collection. Suddenly, ten tourists blurted out our alumni motto, “Yo Dude, I used to work for Breakaway”.  Next stop: Morocco.

Doom, Gloom & Boom

We are not one to wallow in fear and anxiety. With the economic forecasts of impending doom, food shortages, and rocketing fuel prices, it’s hard not to expect the worst. But pessimistic expectations can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. Fear not we say, keep spending, consuming and always have Breakaway do your deliveries.

Stump the Band

The answer to last month’s question was: 144,100 free parking placards have been issued to car owners by various departments of NYC.

Trivia Question

How much did the Red Sox shirt, buried under the Yankee’s new stadium sell for on EBay? The first person to call Bob Modica, 646-674-8353, will receive the official Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 4 April 2008

Many Happy Returns

Tax season is one of our busiest times of the year. Tuesday, April 15th will be especially busy, so please plan ahead. As a reminder, we are always open on the weekends. Your Breakaway messenger will reach the Internal Revenue Service in plenty of time to avoid any...unwanted attention. Never fear; if you are audited, Breakaway can shuttle paperwork quickly between you, your accountant and your attorney.

Spring Shoes

Ah yes, Spring has arrived. What a great time for a new pair of shoes.  While walking through SOHO, we noticed all kinds of candy-colored shoes under $100 to brighten up your day.  Best of all, we can deliver your new shoes to your home or your office.

Congestion Pricing

As of this morning, the New York City council passed approval of congestion pricing. In theory, trucking services will cost more but deliveries will happen much faster.  If Congestion Pricing is approved by New York State, we shall see how this theory works in practice. Either way, at least it will not affect our bicycle deliveries.

Neighbors

The other day, our neighbors from the third floor came to our office frantically looking for a favor. They had an emergency and wanted of all things: a carton, not just a roll, but a carton of toilet paper. Third-Floor Man promised he would re-stock our supplies soon. And true to his word, about a week ago, we received a full carton of two-ply toilet paper. What a great neighbor. 

One Million Orders

Congratulations to Edwards & Zuck for placing the one millionth order on our new computer system.  In addition, kudos to Eric Owen for deftly taking the order.  We are pleased that our new software has shown the test of time.

New Hire Rejects

Recently, we had some high profile applicants drift through our hiring office looking for messenger work. Sadly, all of them were turned away for a variety of delusional half-truths about their past. One guy claimed to be an ex-governor, another one a U.S. Attorney General, another said he was the CEO of a major investment bank. Strange days indeed. Life goes on. We’re still here, ready for your next delivery.

Stump the Band

The answer to last month’s question was: On March 15th, the assassination of Ancient Roman leader Julius Caesar cast a pall that day.

Trivia Question

How many free parking placards has the City of New York issued to car owners? The first person to call Bob Modica, 646-674-8353, will receive the official Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 3 March 2008

Leprechauns

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

Ironman M222

“I’m a New Yorker. I don’t take the subway. I just take my bike everywhere.”  And so speaks Breakaway’s Ironman, M222. Eddie Maldonado has been working for us, everyday, for the last 15 years. Recently he got a case of carpel tunnel syndrome and could not ride his bicycle. Not to be denied, he started using the subway. Only problem is, he hasn’t been on the subway in 15 years! “What’s a metro card?” he asked. Whatever it is, it has recently gone up in price. Hats off to M222.

Daylight Savings

Customers! Spring forward on Sunday Morning March 9^th. Set your clock ahead and continue to wait for Spring to follow.

633 MPG

With the price of gasoline predicted to increase to $4.00 a gallon by next summer, we would like to point out that bicyclists gets the equivalent of 633 miles per gallon.  According to Bicycling Magazine, there are 31,000 calories in a gallon of gasoline.  You would have to ride 633 miles to burn 31,000 calories.  For our top bicycle couriers this means they can do deliveries for 21 days on a single gallon of gasoline.

Giants Rule

As predicted, New York rules. Sorry Boston, nothing is perfect is it?  As we were reminded in the Super Bowl that even in a perfect Patriot world, someone will come along and muck it up--like Eli Manning and David Tyree. AND we are still waiting for our clam chowder.

Alumni Magnet

Our paper shredder is a magnet for all employees, even former ones. Recently H512, who now works around the corner, was spotted at Breakaway HQ, shredding confidential papers on his lunch break. Everyone brings their top-secret documents from home to work for safe disposal. What is it about our shredder? After a rigorous study, we feel it is the solitary shredder’s copious emission of odorless pheromones as it looks to attract its soul mate.

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked you how much Bill Belichick was paid for his first coaching job. Answer: $25.00 per week.

Trivia Question

What historical event has forever cast a pall over the Ides of March? The answer is not the IRS corporate tax deadline. The first person to call Bob Modica, 646-674-8353, will receive the official Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 2 February 2008

Cupid’s Couriers

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  On this day or any other day, Breakaway can guarantee true love. Well, not exactly--but we can help you woo the apple of your eye! From chocolates,  to flowers, to  plane tickets to  Paris, we can deliver testaments of love. Call us and we will deliver your special gift to that special person in record time.

Lift-Gate Vision

Things you can do with a lift-gate truck: Easily move 10 couches, or 5000 pounds of peanuts or a big photocopy machine. We have nine lift-gate trucks at your service. Why not simplify your life and call us for your big freight jobs?

Harry Potter Pulled

We thought playing the audio book of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for our on-hold music was a nice change of pace. The responses to this were extremely passionate to say the least.  Either you loved it or hated it. There was no middle ground.  Ninety percent of the responses were positive.  However, Broadway actor Jim Dales' reading was so realistic that some customers truly thought the  Cruciatus Curse was about to be inflicted on them. Sorry for the mix-up; it was only a muggle speaking.

Andrew Math

We now have three employees named Andrew in our office. So far it’s been a bit confusing. How do large companies do it? We've come up with a highly sophisticated algorithm to address this matter and it's easy math. First you take Andrews' initials AB AY AD. Cube it. Square it and you come up with A(B+D+Y). Capiche?  Next week: Fractions.

Clam Chowder Bowl - Manhattan Or New England?

Here we go again. Another big sporting event, the Super Bowl, will  decide which city is superior.  We are happy to say, we are writing from New York and ELI’S COMING!

Friendly Wager

Breakaway-Boston Mayor Tom Cromwell has offered a friendly wager with Breakaway-New York Mayor Rob Kotch. The stakes are high: If the Giants win Mayor Tom will send 250 servings of New England Clam Chowder, one for each biker, driver and dispatcher. When the Patriots win, Rob will send the Boston crew 250 servings of Manhattan Clam Chowder. Mayor Tom's prediction: Patriots 38, Giants 17. Mayor Rob's prediction: Giants 35, Patriots 34.

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked you why Nikola Tesla was ahead of his time. The correct answer is “wireless electricity transfer”.

Trivia Question

How much was New England Head Coach Bill Belichick paid per week for his very first coaching job? The first person to call Bob Modica with the correct answer will win the coveted Breakaway t-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 13 Issue No. 1 January 2008

Happy New Year!

To all of our customers, a heartfelt and sincere Happy New Year! Our new New Year’s mantra is, “When I breathe in, I breathe in peace. When I breathe out, I breathe out love.” Like it or we’ll smack you one.

Sit! Fetch! Deliver!

One of our customers was determined to do something for our messengers this Christmas, but sending cookies and chocolates for more than 200 messengers can put a severe strain on anyone’s budget. With a burst of Christmas ingenuity, they decided to sponsor a dog in need of a home, in our name. The dog, a very adorable spaniel mix, is now named Breakaway! That’s a present that’ll make our hearts glow all year.

Caloric Christmas

While the dog takes top prize as Most Ingenious Gift Ever, many of our other customers sent wonderfully traditional edible gifts to us, ruining our svelte figures. The tally so far: 1 large bag of pistachios, 5 boxes of cookies, 7 items of chocolate, both white and dark types, and 1 box of chocolate salt water taffy. Burp!

Welcome Aboard

It’s heartening to watch everyone turning green these days. Not with envy, but with environmental consciousness. For the record, we at Breakaway have been green for twenty years, since eighty percent of all our deliveries are made by bicycle. We also just deposited a down payment on our first big cargo bike.

Elevator Talk

“Spoofed? No, I wasn’t spoofed. Why, did someone spoof me?”

 Just one of the many conversations overheard by our messengers every day.

Bragging Rights

This Christmas season our messengers rose to the occasion, as did our dispatchers, answering the wild call of each and everyone of our procrastinating customers (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).

Smarty-Wheels

Daimler will soon be selling its Smart car in NYC. Popular in Europe, these two-seaters get 40/mpg and can park anywhere an SUV can’t, i.e.; everywhere. For Manhattan, that’s pretty smart.

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked what Manhattan street is laid out in geographic east-west orientation. This one turned out to be not so challenging as we got a lot of correct answers, which was Stuyvesant Street, on the Lower East Side.

Trivia Question

Nikola Tesla was years ahead of his time. What idea of his is only now starting to become reality? The first person to call Bob Modica with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt, or coffee mug. Your choice.

Breakaway News Volume No. 12 Issue No. 12 December 2007

Happy Holidays!

Breakaway wishes all of our clients Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. As always, Breakaway is standing by at Code Red (Alpha one-zero-niner Delta!) to help you with your holiday needs, large or small. See the reverse side for important holiday planning tips.

Messenger Relativity

How long does it take to bicycle from 42^nd street to 57^th street? Ten seconds per block, multiplied by 15 blocks, equals 150 seconds. How long does it take for a package to go from the mailroom to the 26^th floor? Five hours! Often, a package can languish for days in a mailroom, even rush packages. The solution: label the item with the contact’s name and number so they can be called when the package arrives.

Leaping Leopards!

We went to a Mac OS X launch party, and it was crammed with Mac maniacs, live jazz, free beer and real leopards (only two of the Mac faithful were eaten). Now that’s how you launch an OS! If your laptop needs a lift, or your computer must be carried somewhere, Breakaway’s messengers have a high data-transfer rate (i.e. we’re fast).

Leftover Love

Pavlov would be proud. We’ve become habituated to the baked goods that staffer MN brings in every morning. His wife runs Cheeks bakery in Williamsburg, so every morning he brings in leftover goodies like scones, muffins, and cake. The downside: each muffin is at least 2 more laps around Central Park.

Elevator Talk

“All I’m doing is running drugs for people. I don’t wanna run drugs anymore.”

Just one of the many conversations overheard by our messengers every day.

New Beginnings

Staffer and Newsletter editor RM is in school for acupuncture, and will be leaving in January to pursue it full-time. He’ll be an intern at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, so, if ever you feel the urge to be made into a human pin cushion, call the school and ask for Rob Martinez’ shift.

Coining a Phrase

Do you have that guy on staff who, while going to the store, asks if you want anything, but never gets it anyway? We had that guy, in spades. He once asked us if we wanted anything, and when we asked for a seltzer, he replied, without a hint of irony, “I’m not going that way.” This was years ago, but we still say, “I’m not going that way,” in fond remembrance of his recalcitrance.

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked you what fantasy series featured a ring of power and a leper as its hero. The answer: The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, by Stephen R. Donaldson.

Trivia Question

What Manhattan street is laid out on a precise East-West orientation? The first person to call Robert Martinez with the correct answer will win a  coveted Breakaway Courier t-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 12 Issue No. 11 November 2007

Thanksgiving

We want to wish all of our customers a safe, happy, memorable, and fattening Thanksgiving holiday. Remember to drive safely, and if you have any last minute needs - like, say, extra cranberry sauce - Breakaway is ready to get you out of a jam. Just be sure to give the messenger a nice helping of turkey. Note: We’ll be closed Thursday the 22^nd, but open Friday the 23^rd.

Breakaway in Peru

General manager AY has returned triumphant from Peru, after a glorious vacation in the Andes. He visited Machu Pichu, and brought back a bunch of presents for the staff (well, we got one at least). He also reports that the new office for the Andean branch of Breakaway is just about ready. The only difference is that the messengers will be riding llamas instead of bicycles.

Where is ZP?

ZP, our newest office commuter from Yonkers, hit a snag recently. Or, more precisely, he hit a TLC limo while riding into work one day. He’s mostly okay, but seems to have torn some ligaments in his knee. The limo was totaled.

No Starch!

DD brought his $300 jersey to the local dry cleaner near the Breakaway compound. In the end, he wished he hadn’t. It was returned XXXXXXXtra small, and with more holes in it than a chain link fence. Caveat emptor!

Thanks

We would like to report that the Newsletter has won a prestigious award for industry newsletters. But, that would be lying. We have, however, received praise from our readers. Thanks. That’s better than any award.

Seven and Nine

If you were a Dart customer, and had a four digit account number, it is now preceded by a 7. So, if your account number was 1234 with Dart, it is now 71234. Dart customers who’s account numbers started with a 9 are unchanged.

Pod People

How cool is Apple’s iPhone? So cool that now messengers can use the touchscreen iPod’s built in browser to view the jobs that are dispatched to them, as well as look up Google Maps to help them with find their way. Unfortunately, they can also get run over from watching movies instead of minding traffic. So, it has its good and bad side.

Stump the Band

Last month, we asked how many chicks were sired by New York’s most famous red-tail hawk, Pale Male. The answer: According to the Audubon Society, Pale Male has sired 26 chicks. Send cigars to 927 5^th Avenue, 12^th floor window on the right.

Trivia Question

What fantasy series has a ring-wielding leper as its hero? The first person to call Robert Martinez with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt. Try Googling that you Wikipediers!