So long

Dear MM bloggers

The blog is dead, long live the blog. This particular version of the blog is going away, having never quite gotten off the ground. Thanks, though, to those of you who contributed. Although I'm going to withdraw as editor, I understand that under the Minuteman's reorganization, a new version will be launched.

Dan England

Safety on?

An article in the Minuteman this week reviewed what Fairfield U and Sacred Heart are doing about security and finding help for disturbed students. If you have a student at college (or are one yourself) how secure do you feel?

Middle school bands out of parade

Tomoorow's Minuteman will report that the Middle School bands will not participate in this year's Memorial Day Parade. The American Legion is a little upset because they are short three bands. But it seems that spring sports and other commitments are keeping kids from the band on Memorial Day. Is this all really too bad or just a sign of the times?

The trouble with anonymity

We continue to struggle with the appropriate guidelines for this blog, especially whether to post anonymous comments. The current policy, set with the best of intentions, says we won't publish anonymous comments. This has put a chill on the number of comments. I now have several anonymous comments that are perfectly acceptable, but, well, they're anonymous. Will those writers please resubmit them with names so we can get them posted? Meanwhile, we will continue to review the policy. Thanks.

-- The editor

Train Station Parking

In a long letter to the Minuteman this week, Greg Wilczek said "The system is broken," citing the fact that lots of people have parking permits who hold on to them like family treasures on the Antique Road Show for the occasional trip to the station. Meanwhile every-day commuters, denied permits by a waiting line longer than heaven, the DMV and Shaw's combined, go through all manner of inconvenient solutions to get to the train. What's your take on this situation?

Notice to Readers

When we started this blog, we took a chance by deciding to let people post things anonymously, hoping people would hold to our request to be temperate. Unfortunately, that has not happened and some, but not all, have used "anonymous" as a blind for mere sniping. In hopes of raising the tone and getting a more civilized conversation going, we're not going to post anonymous comments anymore. We will continue to be generous in our scope for comment, but doggerel has no place here.

The editor

Spring Break for whom?

Is anyone else out there experiencing a sort of reverse Spring Break with kids home who can't find enough to do?

Water Water Everywhere

The Fairfield Police and Fire Departments were busy all night with flooded basements threatening electrical service, stranded motorists in deep puddles and lots of closed roads. Predictions are for more rain today. What was your experience? Where are the spots in town that are always affected by heavy rain?

Easton election

Who should run for first selectman in Easton now that Bill Kupinse is not running?

Can anyone beat Flatto in the Fall?

Now that we're into the second week of April with no declared candidate for the Republicans in town, the question is, can anyone beat Ken Flatto in the fall election for what is now a 4-year term?

What's in a name?

So we have at least one person who wants a snappier name. Suggestions welcome -- maybe if we get something really good, we'll change it. -- The editor

Coyotes

We've heard that there have been many sightings of coyotes around town. The Minuteman, in fact, published a full page of photos of a coyote taken by a reader last December. Apparently the animals are still around. A coyote was seen on the Fairfield University campus this morning, and there was another recent sighting on North Benson Road. The many wild turkeys in the area must be a veritable feast for the quick coyote.
We hear from wildlife experts that coyotes don't pose a threat to humans unless — like all wild animals — they are cornered or rabid, but cats and small dogs are tasty morsels for the wily coyote. So when your pets are outside, keep an eye out. Let us know if you have seen coyotes or other wildlife in your part of town.
— Gretchen Webster

New Golf Rule at Smith

If you've ever gotten bogged down in a 5 plus hour round and H. Smith Richardson golf course, or had your rhythm ruined by standing around waiting for the green to clear, you may like a new rule at the golf course. But if you are a leisurely player, or just not too good, or, let's face it, a bit aged, you may not like it at all. The new rule was recently passed by the town Golf Commission.
Basically, players who do not keep to a certain pace of play consistently at H. Smith Richardson golf club can be banned from playing before 2:00 pm. You can see an explanation of the new rule at www.hsrgolf.com and click on "announcement" at the bottom of the page. After you've read the rule, come back here with a comment. What do you think? Is this going to work, or just make golfers angry?