For weeks I’ve been writing about the CDOT’s impending bus and rail service cuts and fare hikes and their profound impact on commuters, local businesses and real estate values. But with just weeks to go, the folks who can prevent this pain… our legislature… seem to be doing nothing. The deadline is July 1 this year when proposed CDOT cuts will go into effect: A 10 percent … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Transport Cuts Will Hurt Us All
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Legal News You Can Use: Spousal Support Could be Affected by Tax Law Changes
Sponsored Content by Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. From property division to spousal support, financial issues have been some of the most significant factors for Connecticut couples going through a divorce. Alimony payments are already a contested issue in many divorces, leading to lengthy negotiations and even court battles. Spousal support issues could become even more … [Read more...] about Legal News You Can Use: Spousal Support Could be Affected by Tax Law Changes
Family Wellness: Does Mindfulness Work for Families?
“Mindfulness” is certainly trending these days. Books and workshops are in abundance, aimed at children, adults and families. For some, the concept provokes rolling of the eyes, for others, curiosity, others still, an eagerness to share how helpful the practice has been for them. Perhaps in some it may provoke an urge to purchase new yoga pants and scented candles. I … [Read more...] about Family Wellness: Does Mindfulness Work for Families?
Letter From Paris: The (Rail) Battle That Macron Must Win
France is going through the labor pains of implementing a variety of overdue structural reforms if France is to be brought into the 21st century. President Emmanuel Macron has tackled this objective at a dizzying speed since his election on May 7, 2017. The pace of change was so fast that the opposition appeared unable to react until Macron turned to the reform of the SNCF … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: The (Rail) Battle That Macron Must Win
Talking Transportation: “Getting There” – Grabbing The Best Seat
It was the folks at Cunard who said “Getting there is half the fun”. And crossing the Atlantic in style on an ocean liner certainly was. But whatever your mode of transportation, getting the right seat can make for an enjoyable or miserable trip. On Metro-North, I usually go for a window seat. However, on crowded trains, any seat is better than none. But I can still get an … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: “Getting There” – Grabbing The Best Seat
Letter From Paris: Macron & Merkel: Can This Power “Couple” Lead Europe?
On Sept. 26, 2017, Emmanuel Macron chose the Sorbonne University to develop his grand vision for Europe. In that seminal speech he was urging his perceived partner German Chancellor Angela Merkel to join him in tackling the lofty goals of European reforms, speeding up the integration of the Eurozone through the creation of a parliament, a ministry of finances, and its own … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Macron & Merkel: Can This Power “Couple” Lead Europe?
Reading Uncertainly? ‘Mountains of the Mind’ by Robert Macfarlane
Have you ever been mesmerized by a mountain? I have ... Mount Fuji, from the waters of Suruga Wan, Mounts Rainier and Baker from Puget Sound on a cloudless day, and even Mount Kearsarge in central New Hampshire when I actually climbed it with some of our family. What is it about mountains that seem to entrance our minds? Robert Macfarlane, a Fellow of Emmanuel College, … [Read more...] about Reading Uncertainly? ‘Mountains of the Mind’ by Robert Macfarlane
A la Carte Goes Colorful with Crispy Cod with Chorizo, White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes
Back in January, I was invited to a dinner party. The food was incredible, beginning with an appetizer of a seared sea scallop, topped with shredded duck and enveloped with a sunny yellow hollandaise and an arugula in subtle vinaigrette. As an “intermission,” there was glorious white lasagna which melted in our mouths. The entrée was beef and carrots in Borolo, silken mashed … [Read more...] about A la Carte Goes Colorful with Crispy Cod with Chorizo, White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes
Letter From Paris: Visit to Franco-American Museum in Blerancourt Sparks Review of Relationship Between the Two
La Fayette nous voilà (La Fayette, here we are) are the famous words General John J. Pershing , commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, is supposed to have pronounced on July 4, 1917 during the commemoration near the tomb of the Marquis de La Fayette at the Picpus cemetery in Paris. The entry of the Americans in World War I was a way to return the favor to the French … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Visit to Franco-American Museum in Blerancourt Sparks Review of Relationship Between the Two
Talking Transportation: Citizen Anger About Imminent Transport Funding Cuts Needs to be Directed at Legislature
In recent weeks I’ve been criss-crossing the state talking to folks about our transportation crisis: the proposed fare hikes on trains and buses coupled with service cuts on the branch lines, and the multi-billion spending cuts at CDOT. I call it the “Winter of our discontent” magical misery tour. From Woodbridge to New Canaan, from Old Lyme to West Haven, I’ve talked to … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Citizen Anger About Imminent Transport Funding Cuts Needs to be Directed at Legislature
Family Wellness: Screens, Media and Family Life
The idea for this column came from a LymeLine.com reader, but there is also a general clamor for information about this topic that I am privy to in my work with families. Anna and Rosalie Shalom were the picture of old school, imaginative play in their West Orange, New Jersey, home. The two, 5 and almost 3, labored in harmony at their task, preparing an elaborate pretend … [Read more...] about Family Wellness: Screens, Media and Family Life
A la Carte: St. Paddy’s Day Recipes for Any Day
Remembering St. Patrick’s Day is easy since my second oldest grandchild was born in Massachusetts on the day before St. Patrick’s Day. When we heard that Sydney had peeked into this world early that morning of March 16, we drove as quickly as we could, legally, and were at the hospital, without breakfast, in less than two hours. I had grabbed a few clementines and I peeled … [Read more...] about A la Carte: St. Paddy’s Day Recipes for Any Day
Legal News You Can use: It Takes Two – Except When You’re in a Single Car Accident
Sponsored post: One misconception people have about motor vehicle accidents is that "It takes two" - two or more vehicles to justify a claim. Some drivers are embarrassed to say they were injured while sitting alone in their cars - as if it makes them appear foolish. In truth, there are several major categories of single-car accidents - many of which involve negligence … [Read more...] about Legal News You Can use: It Takes Two – Except When You’re in a Single Car Accident
Letter From Paris: Annual ‘Salon de l’Agriculture’ Prompts a Peek into Farming in France
The Salon de l'Agriculture (agricultural fair) is the most popular event of the year in Paris. For two weeks, the Porte de Versailles is turned into an oversize farm Four thousand animals - bovines, pigs, sheep and fowl - move in for the delight of both children and adults. It is the largest agricultural show in Europe. The French are emotional about their relationship … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Annual ‘Salon de l’Agriculture’ Prompts a Peek into Farming in France
Letter From Paris: ‘The Donald’ and Europe Grow Further Apart
In February 2017, the European Union (EU) members, gathered at the Malta summit, were flabbergasted by President Donald Trump's hostile attitude toward the United States's traditional allies. One year later the world has adjusted in the opinion of the seasoned diplomat Hubert Vedrine, France's Minister of Foreign Affairs (1997-2002). The French diplomat commented, "One has to … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: ‘The Donald’ and Europe Grow Further Apart