Stuck on the train

Out too late cause I'm a sot.
Hobknobbing with people both charmers and snots.
Full of cocktails the price of a yacht.
Stuck on the train beside a squirmy tot.
Trying to make a little jot.
All I can think is it's too damned hot.

The Police Are Calling and It’s for You

On September 1, 2009, Connecticut is rolling out a Reverse 911 system. The state’s website is keeping quiet for now, but the Connecticut Post reports that residents can receive notices about emergencies on their home phones, cell phones, email accounts or fax machines (do people still use those?).

The article suggests that the program will cost $1.4 million in its first year and $650,000 each year thereafter. This program sounds swell and all, but having just posted about the state’s seeking a billion dollar loan and just read that we’re shedding another 1,200 public teaching positions, I have to wonder if this is really a necessity. Were TV, radio and the internet failing to spread the word? Are there people savvy enough to register an email address who are not savvy enough to turn on the local news? I suggest we put this back in the “what a lovely idea when there’s money to spend” file and open it up again when the Dow reaches 1200.

(phone man photo from KB35, flickr.com)

Now that's something you don't see everyday...

The Advocate's Frank MacEachern probably enjoyed writing the following headline: Greenwich man breaks into home, cuts pubic hair. Unsurprisingly, I was not able to continue living and breathing until I read that the 18-year old crotch barber "broke into a Locust Street home Wednesday while the owner was away, cut his pubic hair and left the trimmings, police said. Remorseful about his actions, the man later confessed to the woman, who then called police."

Apart from the fact that the word "trimmings" made me throw up a little, this article inspired so many questions. Was the lighting better? Was it a furry little love note? Did he walk around his neighbor's house and think to himself, "I know just how to make this house a home..."?

(photo from fast eddie 42, flickr.com)

Urban Transitway

Ok, so the ribbon cutting was in July, but it's not ridiculously untimely to point out that the first leg of the Urban Transitway is up and running. I noted it mostly because the irritating collection of construction cones leaving the Stamford Metro North station was replaced by a spiffy looking intersection - but were I coming from Elm Street, this new stretch of road allegedly would make my commute to the train all the easier. The first section extends one mile, but work is underway to expand the passage further and reduce congestion.

For more information, you can fork over $3 and read Harold Davis' July 3rd article in The Advocate archives or check out the city's project information posting and map. My husband and I have long agreed with BlogStamford about the need for more city bike access, and we were pleased to see that the new roadway includes a bike lane. Too bad we'd get squished getting to it from Broad, but it's a step in the right direction.

PS - Yeah, I know I should have said something meaningful about the final Alive@Five, but I got nothin...other than props to Stamford Talk, BlogStamford and SOS for a blog well done.

Stamford Center for the Arts Blackening Up Its Books

According to Stamford Plus, the Stamford Center for the Arts has filed legal papers to get out of bankruptcy in the next few months. If all goes as planned, their bankruptcy won’t live much beyond its first birthday. Very pleased for the SCA, but looking ahead to their fall schedule, I find it hard to get excited.

Upcoming shows include Jackie Mason, Tony Bennett and “Menopause The Musical.” Target audience for these acts combined has to about 72 years old. I swear to God I’ve seen some 20 and 30 somethings milling around this town. What’s on tap for us, pray tell? Perhaps they can combine two upcoming events – the symphony and “Fall Fisticuffs III,” the youth boxing event. I could be persuaded to spend a nickel or two to see if the last man standing was wearing trunks or a tux. If they don’t take my suggestion, here’s hoping they figure out another way to spice up the lineup.

Street Beat, On your Feet!

I was a little tardy for the Street Beat this time around, but what I saw was fabulous. The atmosphere of the street performance added another layer of character and texture to downtown Stamford. It's just what we need. I saw a group gathered around African drummers at Columbus Park and a guitarist singing her face off on Summer. I was hoping to catch the act in front of Napa, but we must have missed it. There's a repeat performance next Wednesday, and I recommend a little downtown exploration.

We did, however, enjoy a first-class late dinner at Napa this evening. All smiles from me on the cod, and I heard not one complaint from my cuter half about the duck. It was LOUD, but I was grateful for the 1/2 off wine deal with the iShop card (especially since every other time I've tried to use it, I got the thumbs down). A little street music, some lovely food and far too much wine - not a bad night altogether...

Connecticut is Moving in with its Mom

Bloomberg.com reports that Connecticut is on the verge of borrowing one billion dollars to cover its 942 million dollar budget shortfall. State law requires a balanced budget and, as you can see, we ain't got one. Apparently, the state maintains a 1.4 billion dollar rainy day fund, but Governor Rell has other plans for it - namely - to compensate for our future anticipated financial delinquency.

I have less than no expertise in this area, but I am not a fan of the idea that we'll be a billion dollars in debt and presumably paying interest on such a preposterously high loan. Today seems like a pretty rainy day - could we at least pay down a portion of the debt? I'd like to know what kind of interest rate we are getting and how the governor plans to pay for it.

Moreover, as an alternative, I would like to propose a tax on one or more of the following: excessive eyeliner; costumes for dogs; the wearing of pants so baggy that they cling desperately to the underside of the butt; fake British accents; the sale of crappy wine; anyone who went to Harvard and when asked where they went to school says "in Boston"; and sale of whatever detergent left blue marks on my shirt.

You Got Nails Revisited

My neighbors and I caravanned to You Got Nails (108 Bedford St) yesterday for a heavy dose of girliness, and I am happy to report that the reason I stopped going – the massage guy who would not take no for an answer – was nowhere to be found.

Not only that, but they’ve lowered their prices considerably. When I went there last year, a pedicure alone cost $40. A manicure/pedicure yesterday together came to $25! The space is lovely and clean. The staff is polite and competent. I’ve changed my mind – I officially got nails.

(photo from Dplanet::, flickr.com)