Columnists
A Dog Knows
“What a sweet dog!” I said, in Spanish. “She is a sweet dog,” the man walking her answered, in English. He had an Irish accent and was walking the young dog down the street as my husband, Peter, and I made our way home from dinner. “And she has no idea what will happen tomorrow,”…
Read More2022 Toyota Corolla Crosses Over
The Toyota Corolla is a fine automobile, even if not particularly exciting with its affordable price, frugal gas mileage, and renowned durability. You don’t buy one to be fancy; you buy one because it is a smart way to spend your money. The latest one looks quite handsome as a sedan and hatchback, but today’s…
Read MoreDon’t Believe Everything You Hear!
We are definitely living in a post-truth world. It’s not just in the political sphere that we have to be careful of facts and “alternative facts”; it also extends to the scientific and medical worlds as well. The public is being constantly bombarded with scientific information via mainstream media, social media and other internet sources.…
Read MoreIn What Parks Activities Would You Participate?
Would you have an interest in playing in a wiffle ball league on the weekends in the summer? Would you spend $15 to join a hiking program, and keep track of your miles hiked on park trails and earn rewards? Would you compete in a scarecrow-decorating contest in October? These are just a few of…
Read MoreWestfield comedy, golf fundraiser, bird walks, more, among 25 things
A comedy at Basile Westfield Playhouse, bird walks, TopGolf fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club and more are among the 25 things to do this weekend and beyond in today’s list of things to do in The Times: 1. Main Street Productions presents “Flaming Idiots” comedy by Tom Rooney, at Basile Westfield Playhouse, at…
Read MoreMiddle Ages. Part 2
Although some terrible viruses are around today, we’ve still got it better then folks who lived between the 5th and 15th centuries. Those were called the Middle Ages because surviving to 50 seemed impossible. Here’s the deal: if you were a nobleman, you could live well if you owned enough land. But manor homes didn’t…
Read MoreIt’s All About Timing In ‘Flaming Idiots’ Comedy
In a comedy with five shutting doors, timing is crucial. Timing with lines. Timing with reactions. And timing with entrances and exits. “I’ve been working with the actors to get the timing correct, so as to squeeze out maximum laughter,” said Brian Nichols, director of the comedy, “Flaming Idiots” opening tonight (Thursday, March 31) at…
Read MoreTransgender Question Still Up In Air
Less than a year ago I wrote about the controversy of transgendered people in sports. I got crucified over it, but what opinion doesn’t get you that with today’s cancel culture? To sum up, I pointed out the inherent unfairness of allowing male to compete against female. If you have followed the issue, then you…
Read MoreKirk’s Hardware: The end of an era
Just walk in Kirk’s Hardware, it’s like turning back time. Little has changed through the years. The tin ceiling is still in place. The receipts are still handwritten. And service is still No. 1. Customers stop in, looking for hardware parts to fix something at home, a single screw or nail in a particular size,…
Read MoreIt Started With the Chickens AND the Eggs
If businesses were eligible for the Notable Nineties list, the Gatewood Vegetable Farm and Greenhouse would be a Sensational Centenarian. The four-generation family business is celebrating its 100th year in 2022, a distinction few local operations can claim. And to think, it all started in 1915 with 50 baby chicks that came shipped in an…
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