A U.S. congressman is urging President Obama to recognize the work of enslaved African-Americans who helped build the White House. “Slaves helped dig the foundation for the White House,” Ackerman wrote in correspondence to the White House Thursday. “They quarried stone that would be used for the walls, dug up clay for thousands of bricks, cut timber, sawed lumber, and performed carpentry inside the White House. Read full story....
The US Senate bailed out its own barbershop after it ran nearly $300,000 in the red last year—despite $27 cut-and-blow-drys, $105 highlight jobs, and 27,000 annual customers. Capitol’s four barbers and stylists made $22,000 to $30,000 last year with no benefits, manager Lynn Dang said. At the Senate barbershop, formally called Senate Hair Care Services, the top four barbers and stylists made more than twice that — $54,761; $70,349; $73,658; and $81,641 — plus they have a generous 401(k) plan, health care and paid vacation. In all, the government contributed $230,000 in benefits for the barbershop, said Eve Goldsher, a spokeswoman for the Senate Appropriations Committee. Read full story.......
The American multinational corporation, Apple, stands accused of hiking up the prices of their Whitney Houston iTunes collections right on the heels of her untimely death, according to the UK’s Digital Spy. Apple’s price increases took place in the space of just 30 minutes after Houston’s death, but further reports indicate that label Sony Music is actually responsible for the hike. Read full story......
The Greek parliament approved a deeply unpopular austerity bill to secure a second EU/IMF bailout and avoid national bankruptcy, as buildings burned across central Athens and violence spread around the country. Cinemas, cafes, shops and banks were set ablaze in central Athens as black-masked protesters fought riot police outside parliament. Read full story..........
While responding to a threatening incident (subject with a knife), Sgt. Edward Weihe was involved in a motor vehicle accident on I-95 s/b near exit 21. Both Sgt. Weihe and another involved person were transported to St. Vincent’s ER. Their injuries were not serious. Sgt. Weihe was treated and released. The status of the other operator is unknown at this time. The accident occurred at 8:20pm Sunday night.
[caption id="attachment_6448" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Photo from Stratford Firefighters Local 998 Facebook page"][/caption]Stratford firefighters were busy again Saturday. As we were first to report at 1:30pm firefighters raced to 275 Johnson Avenue for a fire that started in the basement and extended into the first floor. Two hand lines were stretched to fight the fire. No firefighters were injured but two cats died of smoke inhalation. Milford Fire Department provided mutual aid to cover the town while Stratford fire remained busy fighting this one.
Whitney Houston, the iconic American singer whose battles with drugs, alcohol and ex-husband Bobby Brown marred her star power, has died. She was 48. Houston's publicist confirmed the singer's death to ABC News. The cause of death is not yet known. Read full story..........
The Stratford Arts Guild will hold an Art in the Studio sale and exhibit Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Roger Salls Photography Studio, 80 Ferry Blvd., Suite 106. There is open to the public and there is no charge. Enjoy fine art, wine and cheese!
Service Dog “Lola” from its ranks. Lola is an all-black German Shepherd, and is trained in patrol work, tracking, and narcotic detection. After 10 years of service, and over 1000 arrests to her credit, Lola will be ending her service for the town of Westport and its citizens. Lola first joined the police department in 2002 and was handled by then Officer Foti Koskinas until his promotion in 2007. Officer Marc Heinmiller then took over the responsibilities as handler and caretaker of Lola until her retirement in January of this year. Lola leaves behind a legacy that includes: numerous drug seizures, criminal apprehensions, the finding of the lost or missing, and the relationships she has made with many of the…
Earlier Thursday two firefighters were injured battling a blaze on East Main Street. At an accident scene my mind was on the condition of Lt. Peter Morotto and firefighter Pat Burlinson so I had to ask Assistant Fire Chief Dominick Carfi their condition. They will be in pain for awhile, not life threatening but they will be in pain from a flash over they encountered in their attempt to rescue someone they thought was trapped in apartment fire.
