Did I say that — Keep from extinction

Written by Joe Pisani
Friday, 20 November 2009 09:49

Maybe because I have thousands of books stored in a barn in New Hampshire, or maybe because I have hundreds more at home, piled on the floor and stacked perilously high on my nightstand about to topple, or maybe because I just wanted to be cool, I did the unthinkable — at least the “unthinkable” for a dinosaur who loves the smell and feel of paper.

Keeps getting harder

Written by Sue Wolf
Thursday, 19 November 2009 09:16

It just keeps getting harder and harder to communicate.

Years ago, there were operators, and phone numbers were four digits, at least in Indiana. The operator connected you to the party you were calling.

Deadline looms

Written by Sara Poirier Correa, Editor
Thursday, 19 November 2009 09:51

The deadine for press release submissions for the December 3 issue is noon Wednesday, November 25, because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Letters to the editor must arrive by Monday at 5 p.m. to be considered for that Thursday’s edition.

Fireplace safety tips this season

Written by Fred Baker
Monday, 16 November 2009 09:52

As the weather gets cooler, we all think, “This is a great night for a fire in the fireplace.” But the fire department has already responded to two homes where chimney flues were not properly opened before the fire was started. The following is a list of safety tips to ensure an enjoyable night with the fireplace:

Celebrating a veteran in the family

Written by Julie Butler Evans
Sunday, 15 November 2009 09:51

Yesterday was Veterans Day. It’s not always noticed by everyone, though the schools — particularly the elementary ones — seem to make sure the young people under their roofs understand a bit about the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, in wars and the significance of the day set aside to honor those in the military. Under our roof, of course, Veterans Day is personal.

Busy teenage schedules

Written by Stephanie Badanes
Saturday, 14 November 2009 09:50

At this point in the year, I have gotten used to answering one question with the same answer —“Hey, Steph! Want to hang out in town with us after school?”

My response, “I can’t, I have rehearsal.”

E-mail avalanche grows

Written by Joe Pisani
Friday, 13 November 2009 09:47

While I was waiting in line at the information desk of Barnes & Noble, a clerk told the woman in front of me, “I’ll contact you when the book comes in. What’s your e-mail address?”

There was a moment’s pause before she responded, “I don’t have an e-mail address.”

Get to know the deadlines

Written by Sara Poirier Correa, Editor
Thursday, 12 November 2009 09:45

With the holiday season almost upon us, knowing when to submit items for consideration in the Advertiser will be important when trying to let readers know about a community project or event. There’s nothing worse than receiving a last-minute request to add something to the paper and us not being able to make it happen because it’s too late.

Safety tips — Where's the fire?

Written by Fred Baker
Monday, 09 November 2009 06:01

Emergency responders are still having problems finding homes because house numbers are not clearly displayed. Put yourself in the emergency responder’s shoes — police, fire or EMS. You are responding to a reported “child choking” and time is ticking away. You are driving down the street, watching the mailboxes for house numbers — some have them and some don’t — and you cannot find the one you’re looking for. You can see the frustration... which one is it?

School of thought — The fear of failing

Written by Amanda Milunovich
Sunday, 08 November 2009 06:58

Abraham Lincoln said, “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”

Failure is generally viewed as unacceptable, especially in high-achieving Fairfield County. This is perhaps most true in education, which is an emphasis in many homes.