Editorial: Getting harder
Wednesday, 18 November 2009 14:06
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.
Editorial: Curb distractions
Wednesday, 18 November 2009 14:04
Hooray! The state recently received a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to combat the problem of distracted driving — people who drive while using a cell phone, texting or are otherwise sidetracked.
The grant will pay for a two-year pilot program to model a distracted driving enforcement and awareness program after the proven “Click it or Ticket” model. The idea, according to a press release from the governor’s office, is to make motorists aware of the dangers of distracted driving through public information and education campaigns while increasing enforcement of distracted-driving violations with a focus on cell phone use and text messaging.
What it is: A worthy cause
Written by Alyssa Shapiro
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 15:06
My column frequently pokes sacred cows. That is why you read it. But if you feel that charity should be a topic exempt from this treatment, please turn the page now; today’s bit might not amuse you. At the risk of being ostracized as a cheap, heartless monster, here it goes:
I am weary of “fighting disease” with ribbons — and so are a lot of other people. I hit bottom recently when an establishment promoted a food item to help fight breast cancer. It was cinnamon, walnut, white chocolate chip, and cranberry. Or was it blueberry, chocolate and walnut? Whichever, it was an abomination and enough is enough. Eating an amalgamation of sugary, processed ingredients isn’t helping women with breast cancer. You cannot convince me that it is. From what I learned, cancer prevention has to more do with fresh vegetables, not a bakery product that contributes to obesity and high blood sugar.
Editorial: Time to reach out
Written by Joan Lownds
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 14:29
Now that Election Day has passed, it’s time for the promises to be realized, especially those of cooperation toward a better community.
Wilton will need positive sentiments to deal with the harsh realities of more bad news on the municipal revenue front ahead.
Connecticut's pet trusts — barking up the right tree
Written by John W. Hetherington
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 14:17
Sophisticated estate planning covers many issues, but one question has often has gone unanswered. That is the question of what will become of Rover, Felix, Polly, or any other beloved creature, when the owner dies. Some people are fortunate enough to have a friend or relative who will welcome the pet into a new home. But often a friend or relative isn’t really prepared to accept the responsibilities of keeping a pet. Then good intentions can lead to an unhappy situation, particularly with the really serious costs involved in maintaining a healthy dog or cat.
One option is to contract with an animal charity to provide lifetime care for an orphaned pet, with the assurance that it won’t be destroyed absent humane necessity. Some organizations have an excellent reputation and probably meet their obligations well. But they are expensive and typically offer no refund if an animal dies prematurely in their care.
Ask the Realtor: The kitchen is king
Written by Julie Carney
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 14:12
As Thanksgiving approaches, followed by the ensuing madness of holiday entertaining, the flaws or advantages of your kitchen are amplified. Family and friends inevitably pack themselves like sardines into this utilitarian room, denying all others no matter how beautifully decorated or how much exotic food and drink you have peppered around the house to entice them to visit, say, the living room. The kitchen has become the Living Room, and the most important room in a sale, as well.
It’s a good time to reflect on your current design and bank account, to determine if a kitchen remodel might be in the cards. Most experts agree you will get at least a 100% return on your investment when you sell, and there are many ways to make this improvement, from the extravagant to the economical.
Editorial: Compassion day
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 15:10
Connecticut’s one-day push designed to fully stock the state’s local pantries, Foodshare, and the Connecticut Food Bank is this Saturday. Gov. M. Jodi Rell is proclaming it Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion, and many others are commendably joining in participating and getting out the word in these tough times for many families and individuals across the state.
“We are encouraging those who are able to do so to drop off nonperishable food items at one of many participating fire stations across the state, including the Westport Fire Station,” says Senator Toni Boucher of Wilton, referring to the station at 515 Post Road East where nonperishable food will be gratefully accepted from 10 to 2.
Editorial: Remember vets
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 14:46
When Armistice Day was first observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the end of what was then The Great War, it was hoped that the war to end all wars was over, that such hostilities would never again erupt.
That hope has yet to be realized, and families throughout the community continue to feel the pain caused by war.
A View from Glen Hill: Effective litigation, like war, lies in how force is used
Written by Stephen Hudspeth
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 14:31
Leslie Gelb, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, in his recent book, Power Rules: How Common Sense Can Rescue American Foreign Policy, argues unsurprisingly that having the ability to project military power convincingly (but ideally without having actually to use military force) is something the U.S. definitely needs in coordination with skillful diplomacy and adroitly used economic power.
Mr. Gelb’s distinguishes between having military power and using military force. While military power can be enhanced by successful use of military force, it is diminished when military force is either used ineffectively to advance national purpose or not used at all, even under provocation. Conversely, Mr. Gelb vigorously urges that military force used successfully to advance a strong national purpose and limited to what needs to be accomplished is a tremendously effective tool for enhancing the future projection of military power without having to use military force.
Ask the Realtor: Halloween in the 'hood
Written by Julie Carney
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 14:03
Wilton is not known for its neighborhoods. The topography and zoning is such that many of our homes are on large parcels with wooded and rolling hills, and generally separate us by more than six degrees from our neighbors. The privacy and space is an attraction to many who move here, but it means there’s no borrowing a cup of sugar next door, and for my clients who come from denser suburbs, it takes some getting used to.
Enter, The Meadows. Located off Chestnut Hill in south Wilton, it is separated into East and West Meadow roads, with Woodway Road and the south end of Rivergate rounding out the figure-eight area. Mostly one-acre-plus parcels, the houses are varied and beautiful, many with manicured lawns. Elegant stone Frasier Peters “cottages,” stately colonials, the occasional contemporary and several extraordinary Tudors and Mediterranean style houses make for a refreshing melting pot of architecture.
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