Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 7 July 2009

Happy Fourth

Independence Day is just around the corner. Make sure your barbecue grill is ready, the burgers are bought, and you have a clear view of the fireworks. If you need last minute supplies for your Fourth B.B.Q fest, we have some very patriotic messengers who will answer the call of duty. As it is a Federal holiday, Breakaway will be closed July 3^rd.

Open Secret

We write about it often, but surprisingly, some of our customers aren’t aware that we also offer  trucking services. Yes we move frieght over 100 lbs. If you are among those who thought we do nothing but bicycle deliveries, give us a call. You’ll find that our cargo service is just as fast as our bicycles.

Watch Your Step!

This June is on track to be the sixth rainiest ever. As a result, the parks and forests of New York are incredibly lush and green. Just make sure that the patch of green you go traipsing through isn’t poison ivy. Of course, you could always do your traipsing in a hazmat suit which we can deliver to you.

Lance and France

July 4^th not only marks Independence Day, it’s also the start of Tour de France.  Lance Armstrong will be riding this year, after a four year absence. If you call Breakaway and get no answer, we may be glued to online coverage during an exciting stage. We know you’ll understand.

Complementary

We have received more than a few calls recently praising our fast service. Thank you. Please remember to tell the messenger also.  It goes a long way toward making their day special. 

Caught in our Web

No, we don’t mean some nefarious plot to take over the world. Rather, we encourage people to place orders online. In addition to placing orders, you can update your account’s address book, access online billing, and even track your package. Check us out, at www.breakawaycourier.com.

Going Somewhere?

The English language just recently added its one millionth word. Among the new entries in the lexicon: staycation; taking time off but not going anywhere. Words vanishing from the lexicon include: vacation, newspaper, and pension.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked when Boston’s The Globe stopped publishing The Boston Evening Globe. Begun in 1878, The Boston Evening Globe ceased publication in 1979, more than 100 years after its inception.

T-Shirt Question

Bryant Park in NYC just recently screened “Breaking Away,” a coming of age film featuring bicycle racing. What brand of bicycle did the film’s protagonist own and adore? The first person to call Gil Ortiz with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 6 June 2009

Enlightened Delivery

Breakaway has already hit the heights in the mundane world of city messengers. Now, we’re about to hit nirvana! Our liftgate driver C803, made a special delivery for the Dalai Lama’s throne to Webster Hall. His Holiness personally thanked Elbert for the delivery at 3 AM, at which point our driver came to enlightenment. Since he’s one of our drivers, we can honestly say that’s good car-ma!

Back to the Future

The Post reported in May that commuting by bicycle in New York City jumped by 143%. An estimated 185,000 people cycled to work in 2008, compared to 76,000 in 2000. The reason is two-fold; miles of new bike lanes, making cyclists feel safer, and the economy, which squeezes owning a car in the city. One cycle commuter estimates it saves him $260 per month. We’ve seen the future, and it has two wheels.

The BikeDoctor Is In

Is your bicycle not in good shape? Not pedaling well? Fitted improperly? Contact our resident expert bike mechanic James Lao. James, a former Breakaway Courier, is a world-class bike mechanic, and he’s set up shop on the ninth floor here at BreakawayHQ.  jlao@breakawaycourier.com

Marketing Messengers

It has occurred to some of our P.R. customers that they can utilize our courier’s ubiquitous street presence to promote their client’s products, services and latest releases. We have been commissioned to distribute or promote new products from beverages to shampoo. If you have an item to promote, call our sales department to engage our couriers in some very effective gorilla marketing.

June Bugs

June isn’t known for holidays, but there are a bunch of national days and some observances. Our favorites: National Adopt-a-Cat month, Potty Training Awareness Month, National Iced Tea Month, National Clay Week. Birthdays include June 1^st for Oscar the Grouch, and June 30^th for Superman.

Street Closures

The city has now closed Broadway to traffic at two locations; from 47^th street to 42^nd street, and from 35^th to 33^rd street. We’re watching this closely and we urge customers to bear these closings in mind when calling in deliveries that require a vehicle in those locations.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked for the names of the two pitchers who signed on to star in a police drama with David Janssen, and the movies name. The answer: Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, in the movie, “Warning Shot.” Drysdale was to play a TV commentator and Koufax a detective.

T-Shirt Question

Newspapers are endangered these days, although the Boston Globe is still going. There used to be a Boston Evening Globe. When did it stop publishing? The first person to call Andrew Young(x8322) with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 5 May 2009

May Is For Mom

This means you’d better be nice and get that package full of love and gratitude to her on a direct rush, or you’ll never hear the end of it! Not to worry; large package or small envelope, Breakaway has you covered six ways to that second Sunday in May.

Naming Rights

With all our big financial institutions paying big money for naming rights at sports arenas, Breakaway has decided that we’re not to be outdone! After this month, the dugout section of the teeball field in the north east corner of Van Cortlandt Park will be called Breakaway Dugout. And it only cost us a hot dog and some baseball cards!

Gil’s Got Wheels

Our indispensable Gil Ortiz just recently bought a bicycle. Living in upper, upper Manhattan, he doesn’t have a short commute to Breakaway HQ, but we’re confident that he’ll be scorching the bike path in no time.

Whale of a Tale

Brooklyn residents near the Verrazzano Bridge were treated to a rare sight: a humpback whale in New York Harbor. He had called us on his cell-conch three days prior for a lift-gate Rush order of gefilte fish. The order was a little difficult to take, because only one staffer here speaks high-pitch humpback. Our trucker pushed the whole order into the harbor at Old Slip, whereupon the happy cetacean headed home. We’re told the rest of his pod will open an account soon.

A Spacious Trunk

Our new cars? Nope, our cargo bicycles! Our trucks aren’t the only ones able to haul a lot! Give our cargo bikes a try. You’ll be amazed at what a bike can carry.

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day, from Breakaway Courier to all our veterans, who gave their all for our country. Here’s hoping our forces deployed in hot spots around the world get home safe.

Cinco de Mayo

Breakaway wants to wish everyone a safe and happy Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to widespread belief, this is not Mexican Independence Day; that’s in September. Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. But hey, it’s still a great excuse to drink beer and eat taquitos!

Stump the Band

Last month we asked when and where the first telephone line was installed. The answer: April 4^th, 1877, the first line was installed from the home of Charles C. Williams’ home in Somerville to his office in Boston.

T-Shirt Question

In 1966, two pitchers signed on to star in a police drama movie with David Janssen. Who were the pitchers, and what was the name of the movie? The first person to call Gil Ortiz (646-674-8323) with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 4 April 2009

April Foolishness

Hopefully, our savvy customers didn’t get fooled too badly this April 1^st. If you managed to avoid the water bucket perched on the door, the whoopee cushion, and the rubber spider on the keyboard, congrats! If you managed to get someone with the aforementioned pranks, congrats!

Store and Pack 

So, you have tons of party favors to get ready for a big event, limited manpower, and no place to store the items. Call Breakaway! We can store the goods, and our messengers can help pack each gift bag. Our professional truckers will see that the items reach their destination safe and sound.

Tour de Klutz

First Tyler Farrar in Milan-San Remo, then Lance in the Vuelta de Castilla Y Leon. Both American bicycle racers broke their collar bones in the middle of their respective races. Not an especially auspicious start for the Americans during the Spring classic races in Europe. There were also reports of suspiciously high numbers of banana peels on the road during both races.

Own Words

“I never really had anything crazy happen to me on delivery. One thing you realize, going office to office, is that each building has its own personality. I went into this one building on Union Square, and accidentally got off on the wrong floor. So, I hit the button for the elevator. Then, I noticed that the walls were covered with giant crossword puzzles. A sign on the wall read, ‘Our elevators are REALLY slow. Amuse yourself with the crosswords while you wait.’ At least the people there were considerate!”

As told by messenger M510.

Holiday Bonanza

April is jam-packed with holidays, religious and otherwise. Just a few this month: Passover (8^th), Easter (12^th), Earth Day (22^nd), Take our Sons and Daughters to Work Day (23^rd), Arbor Day (24^th), and others, including Eggs Benedict Day (16^th). Remember, Breakaway can deliver goods for you on any of these special days for all your holiday needs, even the Hollandaise sauce.

Spring Fever

Global warming may be a reality, but it was still a cold, miserable winter. Our messengers are champing at the bit for some warm weather to ride around in. We want to thank all our hardcore riders who stuck it out this winter, and delivered no matter what.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked which Revolutionary War hero had a park drive and circle named after her. The answer: Mary Corbin, who took her husband’s post at his cannon after he was killed. Mary Corbin Circle and Drive are located in Fort Tryon Park.

T-Shirt Question

When and where was the first telephone line installed? The first person to call Gil Ortiz with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt. (Court st, Boston, April 1877)

Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 3 March 2009

Green and Lucky

Breakaway wishes all our customers a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s said that deliveries made on Saint Paddy’s are extra lucky, so be sure to call our leprechauns to handle your rush orders of emeralds and four-leaf clovers from the market.

The Fallen Mighty

These days, we have the darndest applicants showing up. We had several messenger wannabes ask us how much of a bonus they will get, who will clean their bicycle, who will launder their clothes, and to schedule “a standing 1:00 PM” with the company masseur. What fun we had breaking the news to them.

Rent-a-Courier

As we all know, time is money, and money is very tight these days. So, if you find that productivity is lagging because menial tasks slow you down, rent one of our messengers. You can rent a messenger for the hour, the day, the week or month. Our courier will schlep, file, stuff, and organize, all for a low price, so you can get on with the important stuff.

Elevator Talk

“Look, just send me a tweet. No, that’s not a tweet, that’s a status update. They’re different. Whaddaya mean, why don’t you twitter? Look, just tweet me…”

Just some of the titillating conversation overheard by our messengers every day.

Flip Flop

A broken flip flop in our office has come to symbolize the broken economy.  RK’s flip flop has broken in half and needs to be replaced.  But there is no capital for the flip flop upgrade.  We’ll just have to walk barefoot until the stimulus comes through. When the flip flop is replaced, you’ll be the first to know. 

Goods News for M510

Former messenger M510 has finally done it. Six years after starting school, he’s finally graduated with a Masters degree in Chinese Medicine. He says he’s elated to be practicing, but hasn’t figured out how to use his acupuncture on the packages and deliveries we handle.

Somethin’ for Nothin’

Competition every month is pretty fierce to answer the trivia question. People really, really want that t-shirt. Hey, who doesn’t want the Bikeman emblazoned across their chest? Now, you can get it the easy way; activate an online account with Breakaway, and you’ll get a coveted Breakaway t-shirt.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked, when was the first public printing of paper money in Western civilization and where? Answer: In Massachusetts, 1690. £7,000 in public paper currency was printed, un-backed by gold or metal, to help pay expenses related to military action against Canada during King William's War.

T-Shirt Question

What Revolutionary War hero has a park drive and circle named in her honor? The first person to call Gil Ortiz with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt. 

Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 2 February 2009

On-Time Love

Did you know that more than one billion cards are sent around the world on St. Valentine’s? This makes it second to Christmas as the card-sending holiday with the highest volume, to say nothing of gifts. Lesser known is that a half-million men get beaned with frying pans for being late with their gifts. Not our customers though, all of whom got presents to their Valentines on time, every time, using Breakaway.

Wow

Breakaway would like to add its voice to the myriad of voices in praise of pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, who safely ditched into the Hudson, saving all his passengers. The event actually happened not far from Breakaway’s headquarters. Talks are under way for Chesley to start Breakaway’s new air division. So far, he hasn’t returned our calls.

Shameless Marketing

Naturally, when the NTSB found Flight 1549's engines in the Hudson, they needed it moved as fast as possible. Who did they call to move that huge load? We'd be proud to tell you that they called us, but that would be lying. On the other hand, if you have something enormous to move quickly, you can always rely on us and our truckers and lift-gates to get it there promptly and safely. Unless geese get in the way.

Have Chair, Will Travel

Right after The Inauguration, we had an interesting new applicant show up at Breakaway. It was a mysterious bespectacled old guy in a wheelchair. Seemed competent enough, if somewhat secretive. We’re just wondering how he’ll maneuver through the streets with that white cat on his lap and his retinue of well dressed bodyguards…er…personal trainers.

Blackberry Blues

We understand that President Obama has successfully held onto his beloved Blackberry, with an ultra-secure model. However, we patriotically propose a sure-fire way of keeping his correspondence secure: one of our messengers! They can’t be hacked, have “bike-fi”, high bandwidth, and come in a variety of shapes and color combinations. We’re still working on installing keypads, but that’s minor.

Football Bummer

The Super Bowl is coming up, and notably, neither New York team is in it. Nor are the Patriots, team of Breakaway’s other burg. What happened to Favre and Manning? The Patriots have an excuse, of course, since Brady was injured. Naturally, Breakaway’s football fanatics will still watch the Super Bowl, but it won’t be the mania-fest it might’ve been had either the Giants, Jets, or Patriots been there.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked, what song did Scott Joplin write the stock market’s recovery from an extremely bad bear market. Answer: Wall Street Rag.

T-Shirt Question

Here’s one for our economic times: Where did the first ever issuing of public paper money in Western civilization take place? The first person to call Andrew Desmond with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt. 646-674-8385

Breakaway News Volume No. 14 Issue No. 1 January 2009

Year of the Ox

We would like to welcome 2009. By Chinese reckoning, it is the year of the Ox.  Although we don’t understand all the details, the Chinese New Year begins on January 26, which is the beginning of a new moon. The Ox will rule the new year and influence the character of any child born this year.  This means we’ll have a strong slow year. Bank on it or cross your fingers at least.

Deliveries to DC

We have had an inordinate number of deliveries to Washington, DC recently. As a matter of fact, we moved a full truckload of freight the other day.  If you need a truck load of freight delivered in the tri-state area and beyond, we can to it.

Cargo Bicycles

Our two new cargo trikes have been turning heads all over Manhattan. They are stable, swift and very green. They are definitely filling a niche that was wanting for many years.

M566 In the House

The father of The Door’s Jim Morrison died in December. There has always been speculation that his son is still alive. We have it on good word that he works at Breakaway.  His number is M566 and he is at the corner of 59^th and Lexington holding three packages, going downtown. 

Excuse of the Season

“I can’t come to work today because…I have to shovel my mom’s driveway”  All day?” We asked.  “All day he answered” And we thought we heard everything.

Heard on the Street,

“Of course we’ll have to sign a verbal contract” ?!

Gee we’d like to see how that contract looks.

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

Crank Compliments

We received a flattering phone call the other day from a very famous writer; a Pulitzer Prize winning writer in fact. Sure you are a famous writer. Nice try. But we’re still flattered. We wanted to send you an official Breakaway T-Shirt. However we did not write down your account number correctly in our starry-eyed state of mind. Please call us back for your limited edition T-Shirt. Thanks again for the psychic wage.

Employee of the Month

Don Molitz. Do you know him? We do. He’s been doing a great job for us for over 14 years--a rock solid performer who opens our office at 6:00 AM like clock work. He’s a great motivator to our drivers and makes sure your truck deliveries run smoothly and our drivers arrive at your door on time.  Hats off to Don!

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you on what date did the first ball drop in Times Square to usher in the New Year? Answer: December 31, 1907.

T-Shirt Question

One-Hundred years ago, Scott Joplin wrote a song to commemorate the stock market recovering from an extremely bad bear market.  What was the name of the song?  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. 12 December 2008

Happy Holidays

Breakaway would like to wish all of our valued customers and employees a wonderful and joyous Holiday Season.  A Breakaway Courier is the perfect choice for delivering holiday gifts to friends and business associates. Be on the lookout for  Breakaway elves making their rounds. Happy Holidays!

Santa and Security

Rumor has it that even jolly old St. Nick will have to present a laminated picture identification when delivering this year. Please remember to fully label any gift deliveries you are sending out. Otherwise, they may not be accepted at the delivery point.

Fuel Surcharge Ends

Because of the rapid decline in gasoline prices, we are pleased to announce that we will rescind our fuel surcharge as of December 1, 2008.

Fuzztones

Those still mourning the closing of CBGB’s can take heart at the recent European tour of legendary punk band, the Fuzztones.  Breakaway office stalwart, legendary “Mad Mike Czekaj”, took a leave to play the drums on the tour.  Our clients miss him when he is away but he has a larger mission to keep the music alive.  In November, the fuzztones drew crowds from Sweden to Spain. 1977 lives on!  Fuzztone merchandise is available on their website, www.fuzztones.net

Active Voice

Our spellchecker keeps telling us to rid ourselves of the “passive voice”. We vow to make this one of our New Year’s resolutions, no more passive voice. If only we could tell the difference. How’s this for an active voice: You shop. You buy a big box item. You call Breakaway. Breakaway delivers your big item to your home with one of our liftgate trucks.

Happy New Year

We are looking forward to a great New Year. Let’s face it, 2008 was quite memorable and mostly for all the wrong reasons.  We will be closed Christmas, December 25^th and New Year’s Day January 1^st, 2009.  Happy New Year!

Employee of the Month

We would like to give a big shout out to Beverley Naidoo, one of our many fine customer service reps. She has been consistently near the top of our daily productivity metrics. Translation: She takes a lot of phone orders, always with a pleasant voice and a cheerful smile. Brava Beverley!

More Cargo Bicycles

Within the week, we expect the arrival of two more cargo bicycles for the Holiday Rush.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you to name the street address that  Barack Obama lived on while he was attending college in New York City. Answer:  339 E. 94^th St.

T-Shirt Question

On what date did the first ball drop in Times Square to usher in the New Year?  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. 11 November 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Breakaway would like to wish all of our customers and employees a Happy Thanksgiving. This year our office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and open on Friday, November 28th. Have a wonderful holiday.

Presidential Couriers

By the time you read this, we will know who our next president is. At Breakaway, it has been a long-standing tradition for us to offer employment to ex-presidents. Former President Clinton pedaled a few days before settling into his offices on 125^th Street. We do know that President Bush has been cycling for many years. We can only assume he is preparing for the rigors of his carefree days delivering your packages. We have already reserved a locker, messenger bag and a safety orientation class for him.

Four Flavors of Rush

Did you know we have four levels of rush service, each with a faster delivery deadline? Is it a rush, double rush, triple rush or exclusive rush?

Green Cargo Trike

You may have seen our new cargo bicycle around town. Practicing the concept of appropriate technology, we use the cargo bike to deliver freight that is too big for a bicycle messenger but too small for a car. It has given us such dexterity in traffic, that we ordered two new cargo tricycles. We hope to receive them in time for the holiday rush.

Heard on a Cell Phone

Young man speaking very loudly:

“Well you bet that was a crucial five minutes!! In those five minutes all my data hit the information super highway. Now I’m out of business.”

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

Special Thanks

What a memorable month October 2008 was. We would like to give special thanks to all our customers who continue to call and continue to pay their bills on time. Yes, we’ve heard all about the credit crunch. According to Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman, now is not the time to stop spending money. We must keep consuming.  Why not consume up and down Madison Avenue and have Breakaway deliver all your purchases to your office or residence?

Holiday Deliveries

It’s not too early to start planning your holiday deliveries. We are staffing up for the surge in December orders. One option you can utilize is our four-hour economy service with a 10-delivery minimum. Call the sales department for details.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked: What were the names of the two children who had “fits” which sparked the Salem Witch trials in 1692?  Answer: Betty Parris, age 9, and her cousin Abigail Williams, age 11.

T-Shirt Question

Name the street address that Barack Obama lived on while he was attending college in New York City.  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. 10 October 2008

All Tricks No Treats

Riding downtown our bicycle couriers can hear the echoes of Wall Street brokers long past. Mortgage excess summons the ghosts of 1929 for this year’s Halloween. Couriers have seen them rising up, marching in catatonic fits to Christopher Street waiting with glee for the Friday night parade. Perhaps a Snickers bar for the weary 1929 ghosts or maybe big bags of green paper instead?

Focus Group Question

With the size of video cameras shrinking, we were wondering if you would ever need to have a critical delivery videotaped? If you think this is a service you would use on important deliveries, please let us know. Info@breakawaycourier.com

Express Payment

Make your life less stressful by enrolling in our Automatic Payment Plan. It is quick, easy and we accept all major credit cards. You will still receive an itemized statement of your charges. However, opening your envelope will be optional, because your bill will be paid. Talk about bill-paying convenience! For more information, contact Breakaway A/R Manager Maria Ortiz at 646-674-8351

Phone Complications

Recently we have been experiencing an unusual number of problems with our phone company, Verizon. We apologize for the inconvenience they may have caused. When there is a problem, we are often the last to know because no one can call us! We think we’ve solved all our hiccups with Verizon. However, if you get a busy signal, please don’t hesitate to email us and let us know there is a problem: info@breakawaycourier.com. Thanks.

Direct Rush to Off Season

Too bad, so sad. As another baseball season closes, all our water-cooler debates are silenced as neither the Yankees nor the Mets made the playoffs. Of course, the Red Sox barely made it, so we tip our hats to our lucky fans in the Red Sox Nation.

Labeling Tips

Most office buildings now have elaborate security schemes, which impede the delivery of your package. Here are some labeling tips to sail through security:

 1. Label your parcel completely

2. Include your return address with your phone number and your name.

3. Confirm the closing time of the delivery point

4. Company Name

5. Room Number

6. Recipient's name

7. Recipient's phone number, including extensions and direct dial #’s

8. Street Address

9. City, State, Zip Code

Stump the Band

Last month we asked what is the record time for climbing up the 86 flights of stairs in the annual Empire State Building stair run? Answer 9 minutes, 33 seconds.

T-Shirt Question

What were the names of the two children who had “fits” which sparked the Salem Witch trials in 1692? The first person to call with the correct answer will win the coveted Breakaway T-shirt. Please call Andrew Desmond, 646-674-8385