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Two cops, two shootouts, one family

Somerville Police Sergeant Joe McCain Jr. called his wife after the shootout, asking her to “Go downstairs and tell my mother it wasn’t me” who got shot.

Essdras M Suarez/Globe Staff

When Police Sergeant Joe McCain Jr. had a wild gunfight on the job, it was eerily reminiscent of one his father survived in 1988.

IN PRACTICE

Understanding your willpower

Willpower is not only a skill that can be strengthened, but also a commodity that can be depleted.

On Hockey

Fine season so far for the Bruins

While the Coyotes wait for a Wednesday night visit by the blazing-hot Bruins in the Glendale desert, here are a few Boxing Day briefs from the Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont.

Online shopping jumps on Christmas Day

Internet shopping also showed a 10 percent increase this afternoon over last year as the number of shoppers using mobile devices surged.

Maine toddler was taken, police say

A 20-month-old girl didn’t walk from her home on her own, officials said today as they announced the largest reward ever in Maine to find a missing person.

MBTA dispatcher faces reprimand after holiday message

’Tis the season to offer subway riders a bit of holiday cheer, but a dispatcher’s move to do that on Christmas Day could land him in hot water.

http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2011/12/26/BostonGlobe.com/Business/Images/26brigham1_photo.jpg New operating room a high-tech wonder

Brigham and Women’s has opened a new surgical facility that allows surgeons to use just the right equipment for a wide variety of procedures.

“Would I like to see my daughters now? I would. But... as long as they’re with somebody, I’m comforted.”

Marty Manson,  whose daughter, Adina Davies, is spending the holidays with friends

Metro

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New Celtic Brandon Bass hits the boards in debut

Brandon Bass had a double-double in his first Celtics game, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, including five offensive rebounds.

Health and wellness

G Force

Dr. Salah D. Salman

He speaks his mind on health

Dr. Salah D. Salman, a former Lebanese cabinet minister and former surgeon at the Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary, wrote a critique of the American medical system.

Arts

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“Ambition’’ by Wale (above) will appeal to fans of “Watch the Throne’’ by Jay-Z and Kanye West.

The kindred spirits of the year’s top album releases

If you stuck to 2011’s top albums, you may have missed some real gems. Here are our critics’ picks for can’t-miss complements to the year’s biggest albums.