On Connecticut

Go ahead, boycott!

2009-12-17T09:48:00.002-05:00

Baseball-cap-wearing Michael-Moore-mouthpiece Michael Moore has called for a boycott of Connecticut in reaction to Sen. Joe Lieberman's nightmarish, self-centered manipulation of the national health-care legislation now before Congress. Moore blames the people of Connecticut, who voted Lieberman into office, for the current weakened state of the bill. He states in a recent tweet that "we'll boycott your state" if those of us here in Connecticut don't immediately begin a recall process against Lieberman.
Well, first of all, we don't have a recall provision for a situation like this. But secondly, and far more interestingly, I wonder just what form such a boycott might take. I guess primarily it would mean that Moore himself would refuse to enter Connecticut. I don't think most people here would qualify that as a great loss. I don't think we see much of him, or his spending power, anyway. But then there are the others who constitute the "we" in his threat. Does Michael Moore have a large posse of followers who stand ready to do his bidding? Could there be another Jonestown somewhere in our future? (Well, at least it doesn't look like the carnage would take place in Connecticut.) Or is Moore now speaking on behalf of all the people in America who are unhappy with Sen. Lieberman? This would be a significantly larger group, and it'd represent quite a leap in Moore's already heady sense of self-importance. Of course many of those who are fed up with Lieberman live in Connecticut, which would make it especially hard for them to boycott it.
Finally, practically speaking, how would the boycott work? Moore could order his minions to stop buying Pez and Wiffle balls, I suppose. He could refuse to step aboard an Otis elevator (using the stairs might do him some good). But could he afford to abandon the campuses here (Yale, Wesleyan and others) that serve as incubators for his followers? Could he afford to turn up his nose at the many Connecticut residents from the entertainment world who help fund his adventures?
Like most successful agitators, Michael Moore notoriously sees the world in black and white. He has trouble fixing his jowly gaze upon the likes of a Joe Lieberman, who, unlike stolid Charleton Heston or Roger Smith, changes his coloration from day to day. It's much easier for him to take a shot instead at the entire state of Connecticut, which, I might point out, excepting Lieberman, has elected what is likely the most Michael-Moore-friendly slate of legislators in America.
So bring on the boycott, big guy! Dazzle us with your powers to deny and demean. Maybe we'll put your head on the top of a Pez dispenser.

Broken Budget

2009-09-08T10:41:00.003-04:00

Anyone looking for a prime example of how mindless and broken Connecticut's budget-making process has become need look no further than the state's own efforts to market itself to visitors and residents. According to the recently approved state budget, some $2.7 million has been allocated so that everyone working in the Commission on Culture and Tourism will keep his or her job, but only $1 (that's right, $1) will be available for marketing programs. That means the effort that formerly included things like the Connecticut Vacation Guide, the ctvisit.com website, television commercials, press releases, welcome centers, seminars, press events and more--in short, all the support for the billion-dollar culture and tourism industry--will disappear even though all the state employees responsible for them will remain at their desks. How will these public employees spend their time? No one knows. Likewise, who knows how many similar situations there are out there across all of state government?

Ready or Not . . .

2009-06-12T17:07:00.006-04:00

Today at noon television stations in Connecticut and around the country began the historic switch from analog to digital transmission, as required by federal law. Cable and satellite customers won’t be inconvenienced in any way, but those who still depend on a roof antenna or the rabbit-eared set to receive a signal will no longer have TV service unless they purchase a converter box.

Savvy consumers may have already purchased the latest HD TVs to get the optimum results but the FCC predicts that millions of people are not yet prepared, and hordes of viewers are probably panicked and clamoring right about now. (Actually, it would be a good idea to check on some of the older folks in your neighborhood -they might have just lost their best friend.)

It’s always hard to make a change but things will settle down eventually and we’ll all be enjoying wireless broadband, TV on our cell phones and of course the great new TV picture quality that “looks like real life.” And what about real life? It’s as clear as the nose on Big Bird’s never-aging face that what was once deemed newfangled technology is the dawn of a new era. Let’s all make sure we’re prepared for it. For more information, visit dtv.gov.

Connecticut Classics

2009-04-13T10:08:00.002-04:00

As the weather is finally getting warmer, is it too optimistic to start thinking about summer? Believe it or not, we're already working on our annual summer fun issue, thinking about all the warm weather "classics" we've come to love here in Connecticut, from laying on the beach at Hammonasset or riding the Wildcat at Lake Compounce to feasting on hot lobster roll at Lenny & Joe's or lapping up ice cream from Wentworth's. It's all good, all summer long . . .

What are some of your favorite summertime favorites here in Connecticut? Tell us in our monthly FIRST survey by clicking here.

The Hyping in Connecticut

2009-03-26T10:35:00.002-04:00

As you all might be well aware, the movie The Haunting in Connecticut opens this weekend. It stars Virginia Madsen as a woman whose family is besieged by nefarious otherworldly forces, and from the commercials and trailers, it looks like your standard Amityville Horror-type scarefest.

The story is based on "true events" that allegedly occurred in the 1980s in a Southington house that had been a funeral home -- a family claims that their son started seeing all sorts of unusual things in the basement, which led them to calling in renowned ghosthunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, which in turn, led to claims of a haunting. Some accused the family and Warrens of making up (or embellishing) the story, which eventually led to the book (In A Dark Place), a TV special and now the movie.

It's been interesting to watch the story unfold in the past few weeks as interest has mounted, from the family currently living in the house now saying they've never had any problems in the house (aside from nosy curiosity seekers) to others speaking out against the veracity of the original claims to discovering that U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy used to live in the house. It's been all over the local news, and has generated quite a bit of web-based discussion over the "truthiness" of the story.

As matter of fact, the only question that I haven't seen asked about The Haunting in Connecticut is one of the most important ones: Is the movie any good?

Of course, the answer to that probably won't stop the majority of horror aficionados who will go to see the film this weekend (myself included). As they famously say in Hollywood, "Any publicity is good publicity."

Curb the Destruction

2009-03-18T15:46:00.007-04:00

At the risk of sounding like a cranky old man -- has anyone else noticed that this winter has been especially harsh on Connecticut curbs?

From the parking lot here at the magazine's office in Trumbull to my street in Shelton and on lots of the roads in between, it seems as though there has been an especially high level of curb carnage -- curbs that have been torn up and knocked asunder by snow plows. Why?

Is it because of all the snowfall this past winter and the multiple plowings that have come with it, regular curbs just wore down and gave way? Or do they just not make 'em like they used to (all asphalt, no concrete, nothing below the road's surface)? Or are snowplow drivers not as careful any more? Or is it a combination of all these reasons? It seems as though there are lots of potholes this year, too, so I don't doubt that it was an especially rough season on roads.

I know in my case, at the request of my neighbor, the city has said they may come out and repair the section of asphalt curb in front our houses -- I don't want them to bother because unless they do it with a solid concrete curb (unlikely in this economy) or they can guarantee it won't snow next winter (come on global warming!). Otherwise, we'll be right back in the same spot next spring.

Connecticut Specialties to Try

2009-03-09T10:12:00.002-04:00

In conjunction with an upcoming article in our May issue, we're running a survey to find Connecticut specialties that everyone who calls themself a proper Connecticut resident should try at least once. We're looking for particular dishes from Connecticut restaurants -- from the white clam pizza at Pepe's in New Haven to the steamed cheeseburgers at Ted's to the clam hash at Pat's Kountry Kitchen.

Have any suggestions? Please click here and share what local dish you think everyone should try.

More Scare Headlines

2009-03-05T15:00:00.002-05:00

Lots of scary headlines today about the number of Connecticut residents either way behind on their mortgage payments or actually in foreclosure. Ignore them. The fact is that even in this tumultuous economy, the number of such delinquencies is 24,230 out of a total of 922,957 owner-occupied homes in Connecticut. The number of delinquencies represents 2.6% of the total. That means that 97.4% of all Connecticut homeowners either have paid off their mortgages or are doing so on time and in an orderly way. This is perspective you aren't finding in the local paper these days. When so many are feeling uncertain about the economy (with good reason), it can be a little comforting to understand what the real numbers are.

Too Much Reverence for Wealth

2009-02-26T09:33:00.003-05:00

One of the problems hobbling our current efforts to make a budget on the state and federal levels is our reverence for wealth and fear of the people who are wealthy. It is useful to keep in mind that most of the very wealthy people in this country (over $500,000 in annual earnings from all sources) were born into their money, or have been overpaid for the services they render, or have made one or a handful of clever investments or friendships. Do some of them work hard, build businesses and provide useful products and services? Sure, but why should we be afraid to tax them? Why do we grant them special status? Why shouldn't a higher percentage of their money go back into the society that gave them the opportunity to be rich? In Connecticut, our Republican legislators (mostly) act terrified of the prospect of raising taxes on the wealthy. It's time to grow up and stop being afraid of rich people. At this point, I don't know which is worse, the Democrats afraid of state employees or the Republicans afraid of their wealthy constituents. Both tendencies are very harmful to the budget-making process.

Dodd's Curious Course

2009-02-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

The longer that Chris Dodd continues to be less than fully forthcoming about his sweetheart mortgage loans from Countrywide, the more likely this sordid affair will become his legacy. One would think that he would have learned a lesson from the experience of his own father, whose hotly denied misdeeds tarnished a distinguished career as well as the Dodd family name. Dodd's release of some information regarding the loans, to some reporters, for a limited period of time (and with no copying allowed) is hardly a satisfying outcome. We are left with the feeling of Emily Dickinson's doctor, who was supposed to examine her as she walked, fully clothed, past an open doorway. By assuring that this episode will now be prolonged--despite his promise that he will be refinancing with another bank--Dodd assures that this stain will grow larger, more visible and harder to remove. John Rowland did, finally, stand up in public and say, "I am ashamed to be here today and I accept full responsibility for my actions." Why can't Dodd come even part way to the same admission, or at least to a full explanation of what happened? Until he does, many people (including many supporters) will think the worst of him and history's view of his quite remarkable public career will continue to darken.

Hypocricy at the Top

2009-02-04T09:38:00.004-05:00

As Gov. Rell delivers her budget address today, stressing how hard times are right now and advocating budget and program cuts across the board, it will be very hard for me to ignore the fact that she's rewarded her own staff with pay raises this year--as reported in this morning's Waterbury Republican-American. The governor will try to establish a relationship in her speech with her struggling constituency, especially those who have been laid off or whose income has been frozen. But she clearly believes her own people are above such realities and that they deserve special consideration in these difficult days. Speaking on behalf of only one business entity out here in the state, I can say that we will have no raises this year and our company contributions to our 401(k) plans have been discontinued. Don't try to express solidarity with us, governor. Your true nature--and your disregard for the people who elected you--was revealed the day you quietly put these raises into effect.

The Machinations Have Begun

2009-01-29T16:38:00.003-05:00

State employees have begun their defense against possible budget cuts with the release of poll results under the headline "Voters Value Connecticut Public Service Workers and Services--No Appetite for Layoffs or Cuts." The first thing to notice is that for the purposes of the polling questions they are "public service workers" rather than "state employees." The second thing to notice is that the poll asked respondents whether they'd like to see service cuts in health care, education or road maintenance (the answer of course was no) or layoffs (again, naturally no one likes to see other people get laid off). One question that wasn't asked of the Connecticut public is something along the lines of "Would you support a one-year freeze on state employee salaries and other compensation?" This question might have yielded more interesting results and gotten closer to the truth of the way people feel. But why conduct a poll if you can't direct the results in your favor?

Watching at the Office

2009-01-20T15:13:00.002-05:00

It was an interlude from another time: a group of office workers gathered around a portable television picking up a nearby signal through rabbit ears. At first there were jokes—about Aretha's hat, Diane Feinstein's political address, W's wistful, out-of-touch serenity. But then as the new president began his address, we grew rapt and quiet, each of us in our own way taking in the moment and the message we were hearing. Was it a great speech? It was great enough. It made a clean break from the ugliness of the last several years, and it promised great things if we would only work to attain them. There are those who will not get the message (Wall Street chief among them), but millions in this country and billions around the world will now move forward with a new image of America in their heads—a place of understanding and open-handed pragmatism animated by the belief that our many strengths can serve the world well.

Donovan Hires Amann

2009-01-16T16:28:00.002-05:00

This can only be the result of a bet, a dare or a serious bout of drinking. It bespeaks the total lack of regard these two men have for their colleagues (who will inevitably have to wear some of the stink the hiring has created), their constituents (who surely didn't vote them in for this) and the taxpayers of Connecticut (who they clearly despise). This is absolutely the wrong thing to do at the wrong time and very much at odds with the mood that has to prevail in the State Capitol right now. How can they not see this, or be advised by someone who does see it? I thought Gov. Rell's appointment of the pro wrestling maharani wouldn't be topped for some time, but this is far worse. This is very nearly a crime.

Rell Rumble

2009-01-15T10:18:00.002-05:00

Can the end of days be so near at hand? I wondered this as I read that Linda McMahon, chief executive of Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment has been nominated for a spot on the state Board of Education by Gov. Rell. For years, the WWE has done everything in its power to make America a stupider, more brutal society. It has promoted vulgarity, sexual stereotypes, steroid-fueled aggression and 2nd-grade-level humor in order to keep wrestling (wrestling!) at the forefront of our entertainment menu. Clearly, Linda McMahon has had a hand in all of this. If she truly has any concern for young people, she shouldn't sit on a state board, she should work to shut down her own company. And who in God's name pressed Rell to make this amazing decision?

State Budget: Here's Why It's Difficult

2009-01-12T16:55:00.002-05:00

In the midst of a fiscal crisis, Connecticut's Republican legislators have proposed delaying binding arbitration for state employee contracts until June. Under the circumstances, and given the many sacrifices being made in the private sector, this does not seem an unfair thing to ask. Yet today, here come the state employee unions, appalled that they could be treated so shabbily. A statement from CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 says in part: "Connecticut needs real solutions that don't dismantle the public services on which Connecticut's residents rely more than ever." Who is dismantling public services? Why such a disproportionate response? I think the taxpayers of the state deserve a more measured, intelligent argument from those they employ.

Idiocracy at WTIC

2009-01-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

In casting off Colin McEnroe, its most creative, unpredictable, wide ranging, buoyantly intelligent voice, the management at Hartford's WTIC-AM radio has struck a senseless blow to the heart of Connecticut culture. I understand that financial decisions had to be made. All media in the state are facing similar stresses. But sometimes you reach a crossroads at which you have to decide just what sort of radio station or newspaper or magazine you are going to be. WTIC reached that crossroads and decided to take the low road, the one that goes downhill to the land of the lowest common denominator, a tremendously uninteresting place governed by the endlessly repeated fears and anxieties of its commentators and listeners. Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are many things, but they are never ennobling; they never challenge their listeners to go out and do or see something that might change the way they view the world or themselves. I don't want to elevate McEnroe too much; I was not a regular listener. But I do know that Connecticut needs voices like his if we are to remain a state of comparative enlightment and intelligence (and it makes no difference to me whether he is liberal or conservative). His bosses at WTIC made an idiotic decision, and they richly deserve their new reputation.

Connecticut's Top Public High Schools

2008-11-19T11:16:00.004-05:00

LOTS of reaction to the "Top High Schools" feature in Connecticut Magazine. Anger from inner-city teachers and administrators who feel demographics need to be factored in; dismay from some suburban precincts who feel they didn't finish high enough; joy from those who feel the results perfectly illustrate the disparity between schools in rich and poor areas of the state. Our intention was simply to put the numbers out there to be used however they might. The fact is, these are the "top" schools in terms of the factors we used and they do a great job of preparing the kids they have. Whatever else it says is all in the eyes of the beholder. The results are now available here.

Why Obama Saved Lieberman

2008-11-19T08:56:00.004-05:00

It seems to me that if those who voted for Obama were serious about the changes they want to see in Washington, they will just have to suck it up and live with Joe Lieberman's slap on the wrist. I was disgusted with our senator's behavior during the campaign and I'll never forget how low he was willing to go as a supporter of John McCain. But the bigger picture must prevail here. The malignant strain of partisan politics, fathered by Lee Atwater, nurtured by Carl Rove and infecting both sides of the aisle, must be eradicated. My guess is that Obama sees Lieberman as a potentially mollifying figure in that effort--someone unloved by both sides who nonetheless can be useful in bringing them together. The American people really want to see a new mood in Washington, and the energy and excitement associated with an Obama presidency just might be able to move in that direction. Oddly enough, Joe Lieberman might have a role in that effort, either symbolically or in real politics. If we want to see a new Washington, it's time for us to move on and get to the job at hand.

Why the Economic Scare Tactics at the Courant?

2008-11-13T10:12:00.003-05:00

The Connecticut Center of Economic Analysis released a report yesterday that could well have been greeted as good news for Connecticut. It said the state had been in a recession for about a year, had seen "only modest job losses" during the period, projected 40,000 more job losses ahead before improvement begins and "anticipates the recession will not be a deep one for the state." The Hartford Courant treated the report with the headline "UConn Economists Latest to Predict Sizable Job Losses" and a lede saying the report was projecting "massive job losses." The 40,000 figure looks very bad, of course, but it represents only 1.8 percent of the state's workforce, so the newspaper's use of "sizable" was probably okay, but "massive" is a real stretch. The news in the report, however, is the prediction that the recession here will not be a deep one. Whether this projection turns out to be wrong or right is unknown at this point, but the reporter missed the story. What is the point of taking a mildly optimistic report and trying to make it as scary as possible for readers?

Survey Time

2008-09-22T11:46:00.002-04:00

As you may have noticed, it's time for our annual readers' choice restaurant survey.

We also have a new FIRST survey, the results of which we will publish in an upcoming issue of the magazine (or on this website). This time, we're asking three questions:

1. What's your favorite Connecticut holiday tradition? Is it going to Bethlehem to get your Christmas cards stamped? Visiting the Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Park in New Haven? Welcoming Santa as he comes ashore in the Rigging Parade in Essex? As anyone who lives here knows, there's lots of holiday fun to be had all across the state.

2. What is your favorite Connecticut tourist attraction? Do you like to swim with the whales in Mystic? Roll the dice at the Mohegan Sun? Look at the dino skeletons in the Great Hall at the Peabody Museum in New Haven? Connecticut may be small, but there's plenty to do here.

3. Who is your favorite Connecticut author? Stewart O'Nan? Luanne Rice? Amy Bloom? Sandra Boynton? When it comes to literary excellence, this state is an embarrassment of riches.

Anyway, take a few minutes and let us know what you think. As always, we look to our readers to tell us what the best things are about this state.

FIRST Survey: Leaf-Peeping

2008-09-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

Is it almost fall already? The calendar has turned to September, the kids are back to school, the NFL has kicked off its season and the nights have gotten chillier. If you look closely, you may have noticed that a few trees have already began their transformation, tinges of yellow visible as they prepare for the spectacular fall foliage that we've all come to enjoy each year here in Connecticut.

Since it is nearly that time, we recently asked visitors to connecticutmag.com to tell us some of their favorite places to view fall foliage. Here are a few of the top responses:

"Litchfield County" - An all-encompassing destination, including the towns of Litchfield, Washington and Cornwall, as well as "the rolling hills" and "the northwest corner."

Lake Waramaug, New Preston - Nothing like the beauty of changing leaves reflected in a scenic lake -- if you can point a camera and shoot, you're instantly an artist.

The Route 8 corridor - Suggestions here included stretches through The Valley -- Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury, etc. -- as well as past the Naugatuck State Forest and near Torrington and Northfield.

Connecticut State Parks - Sleeping Giant in Hamden, Castle Craig in Meriden's Hubbard Park, Mount Riga in Salisbury, Macedonia Brook in Kent, and Avon's Talcott Mountain were among the numerous state parks suggested for great viewing.

Route 154 - A tour alongside the Connecticut River through such picturesque towns as Essex, Higganum and Old Saybrook is always highly recommended. Lots of great places to stop and shop or eat along here, too!

"My own back yard" - Sometimes the best place to enjoy the fall foliage is from the comfort of your own home . . . of course, until you have to rake.

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share!

The Next Generation

2008-08-11T10:48:00.003-04:00

This is sort of a follow-up to recent post about the changing Connecticut roadways --

This past Saturday, I was out with my family, driving through Ansonia. After turning onto a side street, we spotted a young man (about 12 years old) on a bicycle on our side of the road, riding toward us, head down and looking at something in his right hand. His friend, who was riding on the other side of the road, saw us and shouted to him, causing him to look up and move out of the way of oncoming traffic.

As we reached the two, we saw that the kid who had been riding on the wrong side of the street had been occupied with a cell phone.

Gee, wonder where he learned that?

Staycation Nation

2008-07-31T16:15:00.003-04:00

Gov. Rell seems very pleased with her "staycation" concept, which encourages Connecticut residents to take their summer vacations in Connecticut this year (although if the concept catches on, wouldn't that mean people in New York and Massachusetts who normally would have visited Connecticut will have to stay home, too?). Whether people are actually doing this remains to be seen (my family snuck over the border to Rhode Island for a few days), but the term "staycation" seems to be catching on. Today, I notice the Courant was talking about "daycations," meaning a brief trip that doesn't include an overnight. Then the Sunday New York Times Connecticut section devoted way to much space to the "staycation" concept. All of which makes me think there is plenty of room to take the "-cation" notion and pound it into the ground. Like this:
Haycation: An overnight for two to the Quiet Corner.
Graycation: A trip in a Buick for two older couples--men in front, women in back--to the Curtis House in Woodbury or any restaurant whose name tries to summon up the Colonial Era.
Praycation: An educational tour of notable church architecture in New Haven.
Gaycation: What'll it be--Northampton, Fire Island or that dorm at Wesleyan?
Neighcation: Off to see the Governor's Horse Guard.
Slaycation: A too-long weekend in Hartford.
Flaycation: A multiday food romp through Fairifield County with the noted celebrity chef.
Playcation: Taking in a show at Goodspeed.
Autodafecation: Going to view a Richard Blumenthal press conference during which he threatens to sue and punish utility-company bigwigs.
Perriercation: Sitting on the back porch with cheese and bottled water.
Oyveycation: Enough with this concept, already!!

Breaking Free of the Asphalt Jungle?

2008-07-29T11:30:00.003-04:00

As we all deal with higher gas prices, I was impressed by this story out yesterday about how Americans drove nearly 9.6 billion less miles in May. That's a whole lot less miles -- about equal to driving to the sun and back 50 times.

Wow.

To save money like everyone else, I have tried to cut my own driving by combining trips, but there's got to be a few people out there making significant cuts to balance that out. Doing some simple math, with around 200 million licensed drivers in the U.S., that means each would have to average driving 48 miles less last month to equal the 9.6 billion.

I guess mass transit and carpooling can work after all.

Aside from less traffic, I've noticed a few subtle changes on Connecticut's roadways.

- Less speeding. Obviously, the faster you go, the more gas you burn, so I notice that I'm getting passed less and less while traveling at 65 mph -- and that's a speed I've forced myself down to from what was more of a normal cruising speed of 70-75 mph. And yes, I've noticed a tank of gas seems to be going a bit further.

- Where have all the Hummers gone? I know of at least two people personally who have traded in their SUVs for smaller, more economic vehicles, and I have to assume that the fact Ford recently reported record losses and a move away from building larger, gas-sucking vehicles, to smaller, more fuel-efficient ones, there must be an actual trend going on here. By my own eye, there seems to be less on the roads. Interesting.

Of course, traveling by car in Connecticut is still less than perfect -- lots of trucks and construction projects out there. And there are still bad stretches of highway -- the I-95 corridor from Milford to New Haven, is still a dangerous drive. And I know there are others -- as a matter of fact, our monthly FIRST survey wants to know what Connecticut residents think are the worst stretches of roadway. If you have a second, click here and tell us what you think.

Dodd in Office Too Long

2008-06-13T12:11:00.003-04:00

It is one of the great truths of holding public office that eventually, if you are in long enough, you will develop a sense of entitlement. It happens to the best of them--and the worst of them. It happens in big ways and small ways. It happens sooner to some and later to others, but it always happens. John Rowland decided to run for his third term and was ensnared by his feelings of entitlement. My own father was in Congress for 14 years and found it almost impossible to give up the little license plate that allowed him preferential treatment at National Airport in Washington. And now Chris Dodd has been in the Senate for so long, and is so immersed in its culture, that he doesn't even realize when he's been given a special deal by a lender. Or if he did realize it, he thought he deserved it. All of this points to the need for term limitations. Senators should be limited to three terms (18 years) and U.S. Representatives to 10 terms (20 years). These are generous lengths of time and will not cure the "entitlement" virus entirely. But they would save many good public servants from themselves.

Counting Down to Summer

2008-04-04T10:30:00.003-04:00

Although we're enjoying the early vestiges of spring -- like lots of rain, flooded basements and muddy yards -- here at Connecticut Magazine, we're already planning for summer. That includes dusting off a few of our summer classics, including favorite places along the water and great summer places to eat.

But we know our favorites -- we would like to know about yours. To that end, our new online survey (the results of which will appear in the "First" section of the magazine) is an opportunity for you to share. Click here and tell us what's your favorite place along the water (Hammonassett Beach? Candlewood Lake? Waterside in Essex on the Connecticut River?), as well as your favorite warm weather place to eat (Chick's Drive In? The Spot? The deck at The Blue Oar?).

We look forward to reading what you have to say!

What's Next?

2008-03-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

I'll be honest -- even though I know that I'm about halfway to the end of the my working days (ideally), the recent stories about the stresses on the Medicare and Social Security systems have drawn little of my interest. I think -- like I think many think -- that "they" will have it all figured out by the time I get to that point. You know, because "they" have been doing such a bang-up job on the economy, immigration, health care and all . . ..

Completely naive, I know, but that's where my head is at.

Still, although I'm not quite sure how I might pay for it all, I do think about my golden years from time to time. And with 78 million baby boomers on the verge of retirement, I'm not the only one. Traditionally, many people have sought out warmer climates -- Florida, Arizona -- but there seems to be a growing portion of the population who want to stay close to their family. And with everything this state has to offer -- museums and theaters, great restaurants and outdoor activities, the proximity to New York and Boston -- hanging around here is an appealing option.

As such, in the upcoming May issue of Connecticut Magazine, we're taking a look at 20 ideal retirement spots right here in Connecticut. Part of that also is a new online survey where we're asking our readers to tell us, if money was no object, what town in the state would be their ideal retirement destination. If you have a second -- it's only one question -- please feel free to contribute your thoughts.

For the record, I'm partial to the water -- a little house overlooking the Sound in a town like Old Saybrook or Stonington would be acceptable.

Deja vu All Over Again

2008-03-17T14:54:00.002-04:00

Watching David Patterson be sworn in as governor of New York earlier today, I'm sure I'm not the only Connecticut resident who had flashbacks to July 2004 when M. Jodi Rell ascended to the top office in the state in somewhat similar circumstances. Yes, John Rowland's crimes were significantly different than Eliot Spitzer's, but the bottom line was the same -- an abuse of power and office, a reprehensible lapse of personal judgment and ethics, and an irreparable violation of the public trust.

Today, Albany is full of optimism that the new leadership will be more ethical and upstanding than the prior administration -- much like the Connecticut legislature was four years ago. They are looking for a fresh start, a clean slate, and are hoping that the new governor can lead them to better days. Honestly, I don't know much about Mr. Patterson -- up until a week ago, who did? -- but from what I've seen of him and read about him, he certainly seems to possess the tools and integrity to succeed. I certainly hope he does.

I guess one of the things sort of nagging in the back of my mind is that as sure as I'm typing these words, I have a feeling that it's only a matter of time before we're being dragged into the next political drama where another elected official has taken advantage of his office for personal gain. Then it'll be another couple of days of denials, a media frenzy, public apologies, a forced resignation and the next new hope stepping up. I don't understand why it keeps happening over and over again, I just know that it does.

Yes, history shows us we never learn from history. But is it being naive to hope that maybe we might?

Java Support

2008-03-12T15:26:00.003-04:00

As the war in Iraq drags into its fifth year and the situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen, there could be no more critical time than now to show support for our troops overseas.

One organization that's brewed up support for the troops is Holy Joe's Cafe, a coffee house ministry run by military chaplains, supported by the United Church of Christ in Connecticut, in particular the Wallingford congregation, where it was created by Tom Jastermsky.

Basically, coffee donations are collected and sent to chaplains stationed in active military zones, who have created coffee houses as a place for soldiers to relax, and if necessary, unburden themselves emotionally and psychologically. The coffee houses also provide an alternative to other forms of relaxation and give one of the things many servicemen miss overseas—a good cup of coffee and a quiet place to talk.

According to a recent article in the Connecticut Post, Holy Joe's Cafe has collected and shipped more than 85 tons of coffee overseas, supplying chaplains at some 57 military bases across the Middle East. The efforts of Jastermsky and the UCC have been well received by the troops, who of course, are always greatly appreciative of support from home.

If you're interested in donating, please visit the Holy Joe's website.

Mastering the Mastery

2008-03-03T09:10:00.003-05:00

If you have a child in elementary school, you are undoubtedly well aware that today is the beginning of the Connecticut Mastery Test, the results of which will be used to determine federal funding, per the asinine No Child Left Behind Act.

And I don't use the word "asinine" lightly. As a parent of elementary-school age kids, I've seen how many months have been spent teaching my children to learn to take tests, you know, a practical skill to have as opposed to reading, writing, arithmetic, art, science or any other legitimate school subject. I've also seen how the school administration and teachers have constantly bombarded the students with the "importance" of the test (because their heads are on the line if they lose funding), so much so that my third-grader has told me that he's worried about the test and what's going to happen to him if he doesn't pass it. He was actually very stressed about it until I explained that nothing will happen to him and he's not really the one being tested here.

Look, I understand the law came out of wanting better education for our children, and that testing is needed to measure where their education is at, but if it's gotten to the point that everyone is freaking out about it and not concentrating on actual learning, I have to wonder if maybe the law doesn't need to be tweaked, if not outright scrapped.

Roll Another One

2008-02-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

Maybe Gov. Rell, in her budget address, should have proposed splitting the DOT into three parts instead of two, with the third devoted to truck rollovers. The chaotic mess on I-84 just west of Waterbury this morning was a perfect illustration of why our rails should be used to move more freight, most notably hazardous materials that now mix it up with family vans and hot-headed speeders. The rails aren't completely safe, of course, but the roads have become brutal. For things to change in any meaningful way, someone in Hartford has to want it to happen--and I don't see that sense of urgency right now. Certainly, the DOT isn't going to step up on its own, even with a new commissioner. The governor's office doesn't seem very interested in creating a legacy of greatness or change. Their specialty seems to be quietly sidestepping controversy and not slipping in the polls. But this is an issue that effects the economy and public safety, and you can almost see it getting worse and more dangerous every day. Which one of our "leaders" will take the lead on this?

State Salary Charade

2008-02-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

If Connecticut were really interested in any sort of fiscal restraint (as all the pols were professing at the Capitol the other day), it might start with the salaries of its appointed commissioners and others at the top of the fiscal food chain. But it's not. I sampled a few commissioner's salaries to see how they've risen over the past ten years in relation to inflation. For example, the commissioner of motor vehicle's salary ten years ago was $83,500. If it rose in line with inflation, it should be $107,400 today, but it's actually $128,000. The commissioner of public safety's salary ten years ago was $95,000 and should be $122,200 to stay even with inflation. But instead it rose to $140,000. I could go on, but take my word for it that in every single case, the commissioner's salary has far outrun inflation. This isn't to say that some, even many, commissioners earn what they get. But can the state really play the salary (and pension, and benefit) game like this and still profess to be on the side of fiscal restraint? Finally, it isn't hard to imagine that the rank-and-file state workers have also made out exceptionally well over the past ten years. If they hadn't, they'd never allow their "bosses" to get away with it.

Is More Access A Good Idea?

2008-02-08T09:59:00.000-05:00

So a very quiet news items recently was the Connecticut Judicial Department making its database of criminal records (since 2000) now available online. It includes convictions for crimes -- including motor vehicle infractions -- with the idea of more transparency for the department and better access to the information.

All the information is already public record, so really what has changed is being able to search it from the comfort of your computer rather than having to trek down to state offices. It also has a very convenient-to-search interface.

I just caution you before you click that going to this site is like trying crack -- after I was done typing in my name (I'm clean!) as well as my friends, co-workers and neighbors, I started trolling for old high school friends, college buddies, former acquaintances and even past girlfriends. Very highly addictive. . . .

And I wonder, if not a bit too invasive also. Yes, all the data is already available to all, but are we losing a level of privacy by having it so easily accessible? I know there's also harassment laws and employment considerations -- and even though there are bold disclaimers on how the information is to be used, I'm not naive enough to think someone out there won't use it in less than the spirit in which making it accessible was intended.

Obviously, there's already a state sex offender registry (which I don't think most would argue with), and most local newspapers already have some sort of police blotter roundup -- I guess my question is do we really need to have access to every single traffic ticket conviction? Is all access too much access? Where is the line between needing to know for safety's sake and invading privacy?

For Whom the Polls Toll

2008-02-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

Super Tuesday is upon Connecticut and voter turnout is expected to heavy today as for the first time in recent memory the state's primaries are positioned in a point on the calendar to matter. Even though there are only 27 Republican delegates and 48 Democratic ones -- not make or break numbers -- the state enjoyed visits from the candidates over the past few days: John McCain stopped in at Sacred Heart University on Sunday, Hillary Clinton returned to her stomping grounds at Yale yesterday afternoon and the XL Center in Hartford warmly welcomed Barack Obama.

After years of seemingly being late to the party, it's nice to feel like an active (and relevant) part of the nomination process. And with the Democratic contest appearing to be neck and neck, there's a great sense of enthusiasm associated with the primaries, a breath of fresh air in regards to the state's role in the national political scene.

Here's hoping the interest and enthusiasm continues right through November.

Clinton Jumps Ugly

2008-02-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

"Mayor Michael J. Jarjura was just about to attend an endorsement event with former Rep. James Maloney on the Green at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. But at 1:20 p.m. Director of Operations Joseph Geary received a call canceling Jarjura's invitation."
The event was for Hillary Clinton. It was evidently the Clinton campaign that rescinded Jarjura's invitation because Jarjura had recently hired former Gov. John Rowland to a local economic-development position in Waterbury. Regardless of how you feel about Rowland, the Clinton move strikes me as petty, vindictive and unnecessary, but probably indicative of how a Clinton presidency would operate. It's just the sort of "politics first" way of thinking that Barack Obama seems to have little talent for. It's only a small part of the picture to consider when picking a president, or a nominee, of course, but I think it creates a mood that in a Clinton presidency would extend out into Congress, the bureaucracy and even foreign policy. Haven't we had enough of that with the current administration?

Not-So-Deep Pockets

2008-01-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

I saw this story this morning in the Hartford Courant about the middle class feeling the pinch of tougher economic times. Like everyone else, I'm also taking a beating over escalating energy costs -- electricity, heating oil and gasoline -- but I wonder about all the little "necessities" and "conveniences" that we've added to our lives which are subtracting from our wallets. Are they worth it?

I'm not talking about food or clothes, but things like TV -- we pay for basic TV, but then it's a few extra few dollars a month to have HBO, Showtime and Skinemax. Oh, and then we need to have it all on a shiny new 60-inch plasma flatscreen. And don't forget that for just a little more, you might as well get the high def and DVR service . . . .

Or communications equipment -- gotta have a cell phone, right? Plus, for only a few dollars, your own ringtones and themes -- and don't forget the text messaging (the plan is cheap!). And the camera. And web access is only cents per day . .. .

Or computers -- why have a desktop when you can have the convenience of a laptop for a few hundred dollars more? And to be hip, you need every bell and whistle available, all the software from desktop publishing to burning DVDs -- they come with the basic package, only a fraction of the original cost. Plus, a web cam, scannner, and of course, with the fastest internet connection we can find, wireless, obviously. Only a few dollars a month more. ...

Or cars -- can't drive a used stationwagon -- for only a few thousand more, you can get the shiny new SUV! (Gas prices are going to come down, I promise!) Then there's the warranty. And that subscription for satellite radio and the GPS service because, it's only a few more dollars a month. And don't forget, while going through the drive-thru window, it's only 50 cents more to supersize it. . .

Gee, I can't understand where all the money goes.

Rowland Safe at Home

2008-01-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

As a citizen of Waterbury, I am delighted to have John Rowland on the case, promoting and pushing for the place he loves most. Waterbury 's downtown has many assets as a place for businesses and offices, but the city has never been willing to pay for a top person to do the schmoozing and selling. Now they are getting a very good schmoozer, who still has good contacts in place, at what will no doubt be a bargain price. Make all the Waterbury jokes you want. I have heard them all and even made up a few. Rowland has paid a fair price for his foolish behavior and now wants to turn the page and prove himself anew. I really do think Waterbury will benefit from this move.

A Silver Lining

2008-01-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

Well the best thing to be said about Chris Dodd's ignominious defeat in the Iowa caucus is that the state of Connecticut gets a Senator back. He'll have plenty of time after he's scurried back home with his tail between his legs and when the Senate reconvenes on Jan. 22 to unpack his belongings and move back into the job the people of Connecticut elected him to do.

Of course, you can't blame Dodd for being ambitious and wanting to run for the White House -- I suppose it's the dream of everyone who gets into politics. And I do give him credit for accepting reality and getting out (relatively) early. (Then again, if there's a lot of speculation that you couldn't even win in your home state, then maybe you shouldn't have run at all. . . .)

Over at Connecticut Local Politics, they do a great job of dissecting Dodd's demise, noting that it wasn't just one thing that doomed the campaign, but a confluence of factors, not the least of which was his lack of being able to distinguish himself from the pack.

Well, now that his fantasy has been dismissed and his ego deflated, there's a good chance that Dodd will now rededicate himself to the citizens of Connecticut, some of whom were put off by his relocating to Iowa as well as the entire run itself. Let's hope his loss now makes for our gain.

The Little Freeze

2008-01-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

Before you ask, yes, it's cold enough for me.

Everyone complains about global warming, but I'm all for it! I hate shoveling snow, driving on icy roads and dealing with frozen pipes -- the sooner we can get the Connecticut climate like Florida, the better. As a matter of fact, after I'm done typing this, I'm going to the top of the palatial Connectiut Magazine Tower here in Trumbull, and not only am I making a bonfire out of all the styrofoam I can carry, but I have a case of my sister's AquaNet hairspray from the '80s that I'm going to run around releasing. Then I'm going to all the local farms to see what I can do about getting cows and pigs to produce more methane . . . .

Obviously, I'm kidding -- I'm not going to drive around to any farm on a day this cold!

And the good news is that despite how cold it is today, over the next few days, temperatures are expected to rise up through the 40s and possibly to 50 by Monday. Not exactly shorts and T-shirt weather, but I'll take it.

Still, I guess the winters of my youth may truly be a thing of the past -- instead of a sparkling white wonderland, we'll be looking at a rainy gray mushpile. No more sledding, snowmen and snowball fights, but mud pies, mudslinging and mud wrestling instead.

It's not the same, but you'll probably still have someone come up to you and ask, "Hey, muddy enough for you?"

The Hartfordland of Tomorrow

2007-12-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

The architect's rendering is one of my favorite art forms. In it you can find more unalloyed hope, a rosier version of the future, a far more perfect world, than you might pick up in a whole month's worth of presidential debates. Take the drawing that accompanies today's release of the new plans for Front Street in Hartford. Here is the Hartford of tomorrow: clean, well-ordered, vaguely seductive and basically depopulated. The handsome buildings exude a sophisticated urban vibe, although their purpose is unclear, and their signage doesn't really say anything coherent. The streets are peaceful and extraordinarily uncrowded. A couple of cars, small and stylish, make their way unhurriedly. Citizens, sleek and gainfully employed (judging from the briefcases) stroll and chat. In this version of the near future even the dogs, unleashed, trot obediently alongside their masters. The trees are worth noting, too. They are lollipop-shaped and seem to grow very close to the buildings without ever quite touching them. These wonders of nature possess a diaphanous quality, a mysterious there-but-not-quite-there beauty that will also be a part of life in our reborn capital city. The only standard architect's feature missing in this particular rendering is a fountain in which a lone boy sails a toy boat. But surely that will not be denied to those who are brave enough to desire it. In Hartford. In the future. It's just around the next corner.

Car-nage!

2007-12-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

(How's that for a New York Post-inspired title?)

So like touching a bruise, I'm here to recount my commute in last Friday's "monster" snow storm, commiserating with all the others around the state who were trapped in the mess. First, know that my normal ride from here at my palatial office high atop Connecticut Magazine Tower in Trumbull to my modest abode in Shelton is usually about 10 minutes, 12 when it rains.

Last Friday, it took 1 hour and 45 minutes.

And I consider myself among the lucky ones as there was no part during my trip where I crashed into anything or skidded into a ditch. But it was truly like end-of-the-world anarchy out there on the roads -- well, at least in the parking lot that doubled as the Route 8 corridor through Trumbull and Shelton -- as the first snow of the season, Friday night rush hour and holiday madness combined for a perfect storm of traffic.

Now as much as I hate snow, I do enjoy the first snowfall because that's when all the people out there who overpaid for big and shiny new SUVs usually wreck them in their maiden foray onto slippery roads, mainly because they don't understand the First Rule of All-Wheel Traction: "Having four-wheel drive doesn't mean having four-wheel STOP."

In other words, just because you can go fast in the snow doesn't mean you should -- stopping still involves the laws of physics, and if you're going 45 miles an hour on a surface that provides minimal or no friction, all the gas-guzzling, road-clogging, heated-seating, GPS-navigating, quintuple side-curtain airbagging excesses isn't going to stop you before you wrap yourself in a guardrail. Fortunately for me, I learned that years ago when I spun my then-new Toyota 4x4 pickup into a simple curb on an abandoned road one icy January night and came away shaken, but without a scratch.

That being said, I was shocked at how poorly people were driving on Friday night, like it had never snowed in Connecticut before. Do people forget the basic concepts over the summer? Holy guacamole. While I was trying to cross an icy overpass, a car going in the opposite direction actually backed into my lane unannounced and in front of me, and then proceeded to back all the way across overpass -- staying in the wrong lane the whole time. At no point did she pull over or try and turn around. (Oh, and she had kids in the car, too!) People on Route 8 were speeding in the break-down lanes to try and beat the lines of slow-crawling traffic. Craziness.

Fortunately, I was able to get away from the general madness without incident. But to the rest of you out there who weren't as lucky, you have my sympathy. To those of you who seemed determined to make a tough situation impossible, you have my scorn.

Violated

2007-11-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

As the horrid details continue to come out in the stunning discovery of a huge cache of child pornography in the former home of the late Dr. George E. Reardon, the word that keeps coming to mind -- after all the revulsion and anger -- is "violated."

Obviously the victims were violated in a way that makes us all sick to our core, but I also find myself thinking about many of the people indirectly involved -- other patients of Dr. Reardon who have to be replaying their every encounter with him, other patients at the hospital where the activities were going on, nurses and support personnel who may have unwittingly been involved in aiding these crimes . . . .

Not only are these people feeling violated by Dr. Reardon, but they must also be feeling a bit violated by the hospital administrators, the local police department and the department of health, all of whom seemingly turned a blind eye to the extent of the activities they may have had a suspicion were going on, if from nothing else but the number of complaints lodged against Dr. Reardon. ("If there's smoke . . .")

I'm fortunate in that I've never had to endure first-hand anything this horrible in my life, but even so, I feel a bit violated -- the doctor-patient relationship is one of the most sacred there is, and it's something that after an event like this, if at your next visit to your physician you're not thinking about it up front, it's at least somewhere in the back of your mind. Troubling.

I also feel for the unfortunate homeowner who stumbled upon this nightmare -- he must feel violated by his own home, holding a dark and nasty secret in its walls. I mean, can you imagine stumbling upon that? "Oh, time to renovate this old basement. Guess I'll start with this wall over here . . . let's pry back this board and .. . what the heck? Slides, movies? What is this stuff?" [picks up one slide, holds it to the light] "Oh. my. god."

Talk about a sucker punch to the gut. I feel bad for him then trying to make that phone call to the police to explain how he found 50,000 slides of child pornography in his house while trying to maintain his dignity -- the poor guy did nothing wrong other than take a hammer to a basement wall, but you know he probably had to defend his innocence and integrity a bit when the first investigators showed up.

It's amazing how the vile actions of one man could violate the lives of so many.

Riding the Rails

2007-11-06T15:36:00.001-05:00

One of the things we enjoy here at Connecticut Magazine is finding a variety of viewpoints and voices that help convey the "Connecticut experience," as it were.

To that effect, one of my favorite local blogs to visit is Derailed, which details the ongoing activities of Bob McDonough, "The Conductor to the Stars." A sharp-eyed conductor who rides the rails of MetroNorth, he shares many of his entertaining encounters, having met many celebrities during his daily travels, from Brett Somers to Dominick Dunne to Gwen Stefani. He also recounts many of his unique rail-riding experiences, such as returning to New York on Sept. 13, 2001, often alternating between amusing and thoughtful. Off the rails, he shares other personal anecdotes, like the story of discovering his father's "shocking" role in the famous "Milgram Experiment" at Yale.

Personally, I knew Bobby back when he was "The Paint Salesman to the Customers," when we both worked at Sears in Orange during the 1980s. I was "Stockboy to the Warehouse," or something like that -- and I'm pretty sure we both had more hair back then. I hadn't heard from him in years, and was very pleasantly surprised to cross paths with him again (so to speak). It's fun to re-connect with someone like this -- ah, the glory of the internet!

Anyway, next time you're on the train, say hi. Maybe you'll end up on the blog yourself.

Rell Calls for "Round-the-Clock Medical Care" for Ex-Governor Meskill

2007-11-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

The governor's latest call to action followed her order on Monday to put up Jersey barriers along a stretch of I-95 in Groton four days after a horrendous accident occurred there. Earlier in the year, the governor used the occasion of the brutal home-invasion murders in Cheshire to order that--starting now--violent criminals not be released on parole; she also ordered more money for the inspection and repair of Connecticut bridges following the tragic collapse of a bridge in Minnesota. The governor also issued a call for enhanced laptop security among government agencies following the disappearance of one belonging to a state employee, and she strongly urged an investigation of DOT practices after negligence was discovered in construction jobs along I-84 in Waterbury.

Accidents Everywhere

2007-11-02T16:35:00.000-04:00

I know it would greatly impinge upon our automobile-centric economy and probably our national psyche as well, but I think it's time that the driver's-license test (both written and in the car) in Connecticut and elsewhere be made much more difficult than it is right now. I'm serious about this. The growing wave of traffic accidents on I-95, I-91, I-84 etc. is proof that too many people don't know the rules, don't have common sense or a "head" for driving or just don't possess the skills to operate a car (or truck) at moderate-to-high speeds in increasingly heavy traffic or under adverse conditions. Our own observation tells us the same thing. People don't know how to merge or how to enter a highway from a standing stop in the breakdown lane. They don't know how to get out of the passing lane when they're not passing anyone. They're not paying attention. Sometimes they barely seem to be driving at all. Everyone knows the driver's-license testing is perfunctory at best, and that a license is laughably easy to obtain and hold onto. Imagine if the test were made difficult enough so that the bottom 20 percent of drivers did not qualify. How much better, and safer, would our roads be then? And imagine if more testing were required every 10 years before a license is renewed? It wouldn't eliminate all the problems, of course, but it would be a good start.

Clone Wars?

2007-11-02T10:40:00.000-04:00

I saw that they're breaking ground on a new Lowe's in the Orange-Derby Plaza, and although I'm happy to see the space be used productively, I have to ask when is enough enough?

I mean, I don't begrudge the spirit of capitalism, and although I'm not a fan of chains in general -- especially restaurant chains -- I do shop at them, understand their role and the things people like about them: convenience, reliability and often cheaper prices (at the cost of local businesses and American industry, but that's a story for another day). My concern is that it seems that there are too many of the same ones popping up over and over again.

The aforementioned Lowe's in the Orange-Derby Plaza is going in about a mile away from a Home Depot (which I understand from a competition view point), but it'll also be less than five miles from another Lowe's (on the Post Road in Orange), which of course, is less than a mile away from another Home Depot. Does this really work? It must, or these multibillion dollar corporations wouldn't do it, right? Right? Bueller?

I went shopping one night last week in the new Target in Ansonia, which is only miles from the newish Targets in Milford, Orange and Trumbull (not counting the new one going into the Trumbull Mall), and I noticed that the place was nearly empty. Was it the night I was shopping, or have we begun to reach the saturation point? If one Target in Orange is good, then three more are better, right? On my last Sunday Drive, I passed what seemed to be about 60 Walgreens in a half-hour span -- I understand wanting to eliminate the competition, but it seems that some of these businesses are trying to drive themselves out of business.

Quick story: Back in the day, I used to work at a Flower Time garden center in Milford, part of a small chain which was eventually devoured by a bigger fish, Frank's Nursery and Crafts, a national chain. Manifest destiny then seemed to become the business plan as they opened more and more bigger stores, including another one on the Post Road in Milford, less than two miles from the first one. Was there such a need for so many giant floral, craft and garden centers, especially so close to each other?

I think if you drive by the now-empty store on the Post Road, you know the answer.

Stratford Hauntings

2007-10-25T12:34:00.001-04:00

A Halloween haunted house in Stratford has become a mansion of terror for its owners and town officials. Joyce Mounajed and Jennifer Cervero's annual outdoor Halloween display was intended to give visitors to their East Main Street home a frightening thrill, but a ghoulish hanging character scared some townsfolk enough to shout in protest.

When Rev. Johnny Gamble, of Friendship Baptist Church in Stratford, happened to pass by the house last Saturday, he saw red. He called police and then confronted the homeowners. Gamble was so outraged by the hanging man, which he interpreted as a representation of the lynching of an African-American man, that he promised to organize a "massive protest" in front of the home if it wasn't removed. Mayor James R. Miron, Police Chief John Buturla and other community leaders met with Mounajed and Cervero and convinced them to take down the hanging man. The women insisted the character was just meant to provide some Halloween fun and did not depict any racial group. They removed the figure from the noose and moved it to the steps of the house, where it sits with a bloody knife through its heart. Since this incident hit the national news, the family has been harassed and threatened.

Halloween displays like this have sparked controversy across the country. Some homeowners take the decorations down yet others defend their right to keep them up. What do you think?

Moving Up

2007-10-23T13:30:00.000-04:00

With one eye securely positioned on The White House, U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd has his other eye set squarely on Iowa. Without a win in the early Iowa caucus Dodd's chances of moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. are over, and right now he's at the back of the pack of Democratic presidential hopefuls. What's the five-term senator from Connecticut to do? Well, his advisers said Iowa's the place he ought to be, so he loaded up the truck and moved to—Des Moines. That's right, Des Moines (Connecticut residents remember, both esses are silent). And wife Jackie and daughters Grace and Christina have joined him, too (Grace has been enrolled in kindergarten there).

So what about the people who voted for him in the first place? According to Dodd campaign spokesperson Colleen Flanagan,"His constituents in Connecticut understand that it is important to have a strong showing there [in Iowa]." Does that mean Connecticut's left with one senator, namely Joe Lieberman, to look out for its interests? Let us know what you think.

Tuition Wishin'

2007-10-23T13:16:00.000-04:00

What bothers me most about the announcement today that college costs have risen an inflation-busting 6.6% during the last 12 months is the fact that as costs rise, the number of class days shrinks. In 1964, college students were in class an average of 191 days a year, according to the National Association of Scholars; now it's more like 140. That's a 50 day difference! Ten weeks!! The Christmas break has become unconscionably long, the school year ends in early May, classes typically meet once or twice a week. The whole thing is a joke, no doubt pushed hard by faculty members, many of whom would rather not have to be in actual classrooms with actual students. These same faculty members are enjoying unprecedented prosperity and leisure, especially those at the top colleges, which are basically printing money at this point. It's hard to see what will snap this trend . . . liberal guilt, maybe?

Simply Irresistible

2007-10-22T12:50:00.000-04:00

In reading about the antibiotic-resistant organism known as MRSA, here, you may be wondering why the cases mentioned as occurring in Connecticut have often been linked to kids in high school. My theory: Kids in school, especially those involved in athletics who are routinely cut and bruised during competition, no longer take showers at the end of practices and games. At one time, it was required that athletes take hot showers at school before getting back into street clothes. If you didn't, there was something strange about you. Now, at most schools, the showers are basically unused, and cuts and scrapes that once would have been scrubbed at with soap and water right away are now allowed to fester. What's the reason for this? I have no idea, but somehow kids growing up in a seemingly permissive, sexually charged era are too modest to take showers in front of each other.

What the Cell?

2007-10-12T10:21:00.000-04:00

The Insurance Journal recently ran an interesting article talking about the effectiveness of Connecticut's cell phone and driving laws. The gist of the story is that although more people are being ticketed by police for breaking the law, the reason is that even more are completely ignoring (and breaking) the law. (Don't even get me started on the fact that over two dozen bus drivers have been ticketed -- "Ride the bus and leave your negligent death to us.") And of those actually ticketed, less than half are being forced to pay the $100 fine.

Of course, there's talk of the legislature fine tuning the bill, but we all know the problem isn't the ban, it's the enforcement, which has been very weak, at best.

Yes, I know the police have better things to attend to, but when public safety is at risk because someone is more interested in keeping a phone tucked under their ear than paying attention while properly piloting a 2,000-pound hunk of glass and metal moving at 70 mph through a turn on a busy highway, I think it deserves their attention.

Then again, that might require them to put their own phones down first.

The Mildest Show on Earth

2007-09-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

I see that the state legislature has approved a $1.25 million bonding request for renovations at Bridgeport's P.T. Barnum Museum. You may think this is an appropriate expenditure of public funds, or you may not, but to me it proves Barnum's famous line that there's a sucker born every minute. If the idea of the Barnum Museum is to keep alive the legacy of its namesake, it should be the most exciting, unpredictable, over-the-top museum in America. It should be a magnet for outrage, a center for scam, the Weekly World News of the museum world. People should be lining up outside its doors to come view the latest spectacle. Instead, the museum is quiet, unassuming and, dare I say it, so tasteful that you barely know it's there. What could and should be one of Connecticut's most notable and colorful attractions is instead a shrinking violet. Barnum no doubt would be embarrassed to have left behind such a low-key monument. And the state should wonder about its unquestioning support. Who are the suckers this time?

Mountain Lions in Connecticut?

2007-09-13T09:13:00.000-04:00

One of our most commented-upon stories in the past few years is "Seeing Ghosts" by Brigitte Ruthman, which explores the possibility of mountain lions (or "cougars" or "catamounts" or "pumas") having returned to the state. Since the story was published on connecticutmag.com in 2005, there have been numerous eyewitness accounts posted from people who believe that they have seen a mountain lion here, primarily in the less-populated and more-forested northeastern and northwestern corners of the state.

Officials at the Department of Environmental Protection maintain that the majority of sightings are either bobcats or coyotes, and cite the lack of physical evidence (no footprints, no dead carcases, etc.). The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has created a site dedicated to the Easter Cougar, and is trying to verify the existence of this elusive creature.

I personally have done a lot of hiking around the state and never have come across any of these creatures, but that doesn't mean they're not out there. Anyone have any stories to share?

UPDATE: I posted this last week, and lo and behold in a hometown paper, the Shelton Weekly, there's a report of a third appearance of a large "cat-like" animal in the White Hills section of town. The creature sighted was a "golden animal" "the size of a baby deer" and was reported in a tree at one point.

Non Compos? No Problem!

2007-09-11T16:45:00.000-04:00

We've all long understood that accountability among our state employees for the mistakes they make and stupid things they do is basically non-existent. Two recent episodes bring that home very clearly. The first was the complete, criminal screw-up of renovations to I-84 in Waterbury, in which not one, but two, private firms didn't bother to, first, properly build, and, two, check the work on, the roadside drainage system. Kind of lost in the drama was the fact that these two firms had to have been overseen by multiple employees in the state Department of Transportation Thus far, only one such person has been identified, but he was "punished" by being transferred to another responsibility (much like a rogue parish priest quietly being shifted to another flock). A similar scenario is unfolding in the laptop scandal in which a tax department employee allowed a computer with info on more than 100,000 Connecticut taxpayers get stolen from his car. Will he or she be named? Punished? If makes me think that if you're worried about identity theft--which is the whole problem with the laptop dust-up--just become a Connecticut state employee and then get into trouble. No one will ever find out who you are.