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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Celebrate National Reading Month With Magazines

Posted on March 21, 2014

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By:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

If I were down to my last $5 it would be a toss-up to spend it on a piece of apple pie from Rein’s Deli or a magazine. Neither is particularly practical when pondering how to use a final penny but at least the pie is food. Truth be told, however, I would probably opt for a magazine – that is how much I enjoy reading magazines.

Obviously, I say this tongue-in-cheek but I do love reading magazines. One of my preferred spots is the long magazine nook at Barnes & Noble. Each month I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the latest editions of my favorite magazines on the stands. I am fortunate too, for several years now to have received a subscription to THE OPRAH MAGAZINE as a Christmas gift from my Seattle family. They are also fans of my writing and believe I should be a writer for Oprah Mag. How great to have family in your corner!

It reminds me of the first time I wrote for the New York Times – newspapers being my other passion – and my nephew Eric said to me, “No matter what, you’ve played for the majors.” Again, how terrific to have family and friends who take joy in your success and remind you of it. Hey, that might make a good “What I know For Sure” story pitch for Oprah mag.

Currently, I have a pending assignment with American Profile Magazine, an anniversary piece slated for two years out. Thrilled though I am, and I am, I have tried to keep my excitement in check until I see the article published.This is a captivating periodical distributed weekly inside the local newspaper, focused on everything American – people, places, food, etc.

As a teenager I couldn’t wait for each new SEVENTEEN Magazine. Then it was on to Glamour. Also, I followed John F.Kennedy Jr.’s experiment in publishing that blended politics and contemporary culture – GEORGE.

Now I look forward to a number of health-oriented magazines including Yoga Journal which has some fascinating articles about how to stretch the body and the mind, HEALTH, and SHAPE, as well as news type publications like TIME, Columbia Journalism Review and The Atlantic. For anyone who has not yet discovered The Atlantic, it’s an interesting read. This month they examine “The Overprotected Kid”, “Fighting Over the Field of Dreams” and for those into wordplay there is a clever essay by Megan Garber decrying the overuse of punctuation titled “Have We Hit Peak Punctuation? : (” – here’s a witty line from this essay!! (oops) -“We have become a nation of promiscuous punctuators.”

For fashion, I like IN STYLE, Country Living for decorating ideas, YANKEE Magazine for all things New England, Boston Magazine and The Improper Bostonian because I adore Boston & so many others…. So, excuse me while I start counting my pennies – it’s almost time for the new April issues to arrive in the stores.

Categories: Magazines, National Reading Month, NEWS, Promote Reading

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Hot Cross Buns, An Enduring Easter Tradition of Friendship, Goodwill & Good Fortune

Posted on March 20, 2014

009By:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

A few weeks before Easter, hot cross buns appear in grocery store bakeries in abundance – but it turns out they are much more than just a tasty harbinger-of-spring. A popular food tradition in predominantly Christian, English-speaking countries, English folklore associates hot cross buns with friendship, good will and good fortune.

Perhaps it is the icing cross found on top of these small, spicy, bread-like cakes filled with dried fruits that originates the legend they are blessed with the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good. For example folklore says, sharing a hot-cross bun with a friend on Good Friday ensures a lasting friendship, giving a piece of a hot cross bun to the ill will speed their recovery, taking hot cross buns along on travels will promote safe passage and hanging a hot cross bun in the kitchen during Lent will enhance baking and protect the area from cooking mishaps.

Hot cross buns can be traced back several centuries to England, according to multiple online sources. In 1361, an English monk is said to have begun giving hot cross buns to the poor on St. Albans Abbey Good Friday. For a period of time the English government is said to have outlawed the baking of hot cross buns except on holidays. In the late 1600’s, the growth of the tradition of hot cross buns is attributed to the growth of Christianity and speculation is that it may have been at this juncture the cross was added to the top of the buns. By the 1730’s hot cross buns were being sold on the streets hence the popular ole’ rhyme likely first sung out by street vendors hawking their wares, “One-a-penny, two-a-penny, hot cross buns.”

Here’s a link on newsandviewsjb Twitter to an “Easy Hot Cross Buns” recipe from King Arthur Flour – I may try it myself.

Categories: Folklore, Food, NEWS, Traditions

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Courageous Paralympian Wows “Dancing With The Stars” Audience

Posted on March 19, 2014
From U-Tube,

From U-Tube.

Commentary by:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Stories about triumph of the human spirit never cease to amaze me.

A performance by double amputee Amy Purdy on Monday night’s 2014 season premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” wowed the audience, and was courageous. Without prior knowledge that Purdy was dancing on two prosthetic legs, one would not have had a clue from the way she moved and swayed with dancing pro partner Derek Hough during a routine that earned the team a standing ovation and is sure to inspire others with disabilities.

Purdy’s willingness to put herself front and center and dance on television in front of millions of viewers was an astounding act of personal strength. It comes on the heels of her winning a bronze medal in snowboarding for the United States at the Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Obviously, competing in the paralympics is high profile. However, Purdy’s appearance on DWTS placed her before a wider audience, doing something new and unfamiliar – daunting for anyone.

“You are a beacon of light,” dancing judge Carry Ann Inaba told Purdy.

It was at age 19 that the now 34-year-old Purdy lost all kidney function and both her legs from the knees down to meningitis.

“When the disease took my legs, I eventually realized I didn’t need them to lead a full, empowering life,” she said in an interview with ABC News.

She went on to say the only true disability “is in our minds.”

In 2005, Purdy also co-founded Adaptive Action Sports with her boyfriend Daniel Gale.

Certainly Hough, a five-time DWTS mirror ball champion and Primetime Emmy Award winner for choreography routines done on the show, deserves credit for the way he too is tackling this challenge. Hough flew to Sochi to rehearse with Purdy and put together a Cha- cha- cha routine that brought attention not to her prosthetics but to Purdy’s dancing.

Categories: acheivements, Courage, Dance, Entertainment, NEWS, Paralympions, People

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Stop Common Core in CT Movement Takes Center Stage at State Capitol

Posted on March 18, 2014
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Clad in bright red t-shirts “STOP COMMON CORE” advocates listen intently during a hearing held March 12 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut..

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Bright red t-shirts that read “STOP COMMON CORE” dominated the halls of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut last week where a marathon hearing on the issue began at noon March 12 and ran late into the night. Three hundred people turned out for the hearing and some of the one hundred said to have signed up to speak waited for their turn to come at 11:00 p.m. and beyond. Common Core standards adopted by the state Board of Education in 2010 came under fire despite an appeal from the BOE chairman to save them. Lighter moments were not characteristic of this agenda, rather the day was marked by serious looks on serious faces on differing sides of the education controversy.

Common Core seeks to establish consistent educational standards across states for grades K-12. It is described by some as a national school standards curriculum. In a nation founded on the rights of the individual that has long encouraged freedom of thought as a hallmark of public education, opponents are decrying the implications of Common Core as stifling both.

Legislators explained the ground rules for the Common Core hearing at the CT LOB.

Legislators explained the ground rules for the Common Core hearing at the CT LOB.

“While Common Core pretends to put children’s learning first, it is really an attempt to nationalize education placing each child into a government-backed educational system,” according to STOPCommonCoreinCt.com.

In his testimony at the hearing, state BOE Chairman Allan Taylor declared the value of Common Core, “With respect, it makes no sense to return to the mediocrity of our prior standards by delaying implementation of the Common Core. Please don’t make Connecticut go backwards.”

In growing numbers, parents and educators in states including Connecticut, New Hampshire and outside New England are rallying against Common Core. Republican Rep. Jane Cormier is a vocal adversary who in an essay published on STOPCommonCoreinCT.com cited five reasons to halt the initiative which she indicates stands to fundamentally change the manner in which American students in public schools are educated.

Common Core she says is assessment  driven and “all computerized” meaning its high expense will come out of local taxpayers’ pockets. Despite claiming to have more rigorous standards, Cormier maintains numerous educators argue math and English components are lower. Perhaps getting to the heart of a change denounced by opponents, Cormier notes information texts will overtake literature in the English component and students will be taught as “cogs in a government managed machine not good for developing independent thinking skills,” not multi-dimensional learning. Assessments will include “data collection,” behavioral and academic criteria on kids that will then be available to federal, state and outside contractors – calling into question privacy issues she said.

“If anyone tells you this is not part of Common Core they are simply not informed – it is indeed a significant part of this progressive movement,” stated Cormier.

She adds there are no fewer than three federal statues prohibiting a nationalized curriculum of “top-down” education.

Connecticut House Minority Leader Larry Cafero, a Norwalk Republican, has called for a delay in implementation of Common Core. He helped secure the more than fifty legislator’s signatures required to force the hearing.

Defenders of Common Core insist new standards are needed because too many students are arriving at colleges unprepared.

At the hearing, parents and educators rapped the Common Core plan itself for inadequate preparation, charging that the rollout has been uneven. Many want a moratorium on the implementation charging that proper preparation is lacking for new standardized testing set to get underway this year for the first time. This is a real concern for the Connecticut Education Association according to representatives, in terms of fairness to the students and the teacher evaluation component that ties teacher evaluations to student performance. The CEA wants a review of the teacher evaluation component and input on it.

Defenders of the plan contend approximately forty-three states signed on to Common Core voluntarily. Opponents charge that Common Core was developed “behind closed doors” by special interest progressives who put it in place without adequate public participation.

“They passed it without asking us, the educators or parents,” Connecticut state Senator Joe Markley (R-16) told Breitbart News.

Categories: Common Core Standards, education, NEWS

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A Grand 2014 St. Patrick’s Parade for Greater Hartford, Connecticut

Posted on March 16, 2014
Irish Folk music from this float filled the air at the 2014 Greater Hartford, CT St. Patrick's Parade.

Irish Folk music performed on one of the many floats in the 2014 Greater Hartford, CT St. Patrick’s Parade held Sat. March 15.

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Grand Marshal Beverly Concannon.

Grand Marshal Beverly Concannon.

 

It was another grand St. Patrick’s Parade that drew an estimated 60,000 spectators to downtown Hartford, Connecticut Saturday, March 15 to watch five thousand marchers.

 

This year’s Grand Marshal was Beverly Concannon, a longtime volunteer for the Irish American Home Society.

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Parade honorees sit on the reviewing stand.

As is tradition the Hartford Fire Department Emerald Society was among the first parade units.

As is tradition the Hartford Fire Department Emerald Society was among the first parade units.

 

Hartford Fire Department Deputy chief Dan Nolan, whose father co-founded the parade.

Hartford Fire Department Deputy Chief Dan Nolan, whose father co- founded the parade and once also served as deputy chief of the HFD.

 

Early morning clouds gave way to sunshine by the 11:00 a.m. onset of the parade.

 

Irish folk music filled the air, as well as, the sounds of “Danny Boy” performed by various high school marching bands.

 

As is tradition the Hartford Police Department led off the parade followed by the Hartford Fire Department Emerald Society.

The ever popular linesmen float.

The ever popular linesmen float.

Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy Band.

Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy Band.

 

Of course, there were bagpipers in kilts and a sea of green revelers who lined the parade route either in celebration of their Irish heritage or being “Irish for the day.”

Bagpipers in kilts.

Bagpipers in kilts.

The HPD took the lead.

The HPD took the lead.

Windsor Fife & Drum Corps Marches Faithfully each year.

Windsor Fife & Drum Corps marches faithfully each year.

 

 

Among the dignitaries who took part were Gov. Dannel Malloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy , Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, -wearing her signature high, high heels – this pair of course in green – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressmen John Larson and Joe Courtney, and state Treasurer Denise Nappier.

First Company Governor's Horse Guard.

First Company Governor’s Horse Guard.

Indicative of the significant role the Irish played in the American labor movement, a number of union locals participated such as the teamsters, the theatrical employees and the ever popular linesmen float.

Beautiful Irish Setters were a crowd pleaser.

Beautiful Irish Setters were a crowd  pleaser.

 

Both the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard and Horse Guard participated.

 

There were some beautiful Irish Setters – a real crowd pleaser,  a Gaelic Football Hurling demonstration and even green cotton candy!

 

The St. Patrick’s Parade is said to be Hartford’s biggest annual parade.

Gov. Dannel Amlloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy.

Gov. Dannel Malloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy.

Lt. Gov Nancy Wyman waves to the crowds - note her signature high. high heels in green!

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman waves to the crowds – note her signature high. high heels in green!

Categories: American Labor Movement, capital cities, Irish heritage, NEWS, Parades, St. Patrick's Parades

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Celebrate March as National Reading Month with Poetry

Posted on March 14, 2014
A treasured gift from my sister Dixie.

A treasured gift from my sister Dixie.

 By:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

How great that my birthday month of March is also National Reading Month. In recognition of my love of the printed word I plan to publish at least one post each week throughout March pertaining to reading.Today’s celebrates poetry.

My sisters Dixie and Candy with my mother looking out over Hogback Mountain in Vermont in October, 2010.

My sisters Dixie and Candy with my mother looking out over Hogback Mountain in Vermont.

Titled “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, one of my favorite poems was written by American poet Robert Frost. A few autumns ago my sisters and I were browsing at a gift shop and a beautiful hard covered book of this poem illustrated by Susan Jeffers caught my eye. Come December I found a copy of that book under my Christmas Tree – a very thoughtful gift from my sister Dixie. For that reason, it is also now one of my treasured books.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though,                                                    He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.                                                           My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near                                                               Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.                                                                  He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake.                                                                        The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.                                                                                                                                                                          The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep,                                                                                                                                                                       And miles to go before I sleep                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              And miles to go before I sleep.

 

Categories: American Poets, National Reading Month, NEWS, Poetry, Sisters

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No Cigars, So Are Lipstick & High Heels Tools of the Trade for Female Journalists Covering Politics?

Posted on March 13, 2014
Photo by Jacqueline Bennett Panel Examines "Journalism & Gender: When Women Report on Politics and Public Policy."

Panel Examines “Journalism & Gender: When Women Report on Politics and Public Policy.”

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

No cigars, so are lipstick and high heels tools of the trade for female journalists covering politics and public policy? The truth of the matter is that high heels are hardly standard attire for female reporters, especially in snow covered Connecticut. Yet when covering the political arena historically dominated by men and sometimes marked by good ole’ boys and back room deals, does gender affect reporting?

The facts of a story are the facts of a story.

That was the consensus of a panel that mulled the topic “Journalism & Gender: When Women Report on Politics and Public Policy” hosted March 12 in Hartford, Connecticut by the state Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. It was part of “Women’s Day at the State Capitol 2014.” Unlikely however to join a public official in smoking a cigar, women reporters face the challenge of pursuing stories to keep readers informed and hold politicians accountable differently than male colleagues – getting to know sources and “build bridges” in a different yet professional way.
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Moderator Susan Campbell.

Moderator Susan Campbell.”I’ve been called every name in the book.”

Panelist Christine Stuart of CT News Junkie relayed her experience with an elected official who became too familiar addressing her as “doll.” Quickly, she said she let him know that was unacceptable.

Did it adversely impact their professional relationship asked moderator Susan Campbell. According to Stuart, it did not. Another spoke of the boss who grabbed hold of her hand, while others told of fielding gestures such as hugs.

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A large turnout.

“Legislators are huggers,” said one.

Campbell said she is quick to “call out” interviewees about inappropriate remarks. Meanwhile another panelist said she tries to ignore them.

An audience member asked if they are impacted by being called insulting names.

“I’ve been called every name in the book. Some of them were true,” said Campbell drawing laughter from the group that nearly filled the room.

She added she does not let herself be affected by the type of people who conduct themselves in such a manner. It was pointed out that since some newspapers have moved to requiring online comments be done through Facebook, the number of nasty comments has dropped significantly. Earlier in the forum that included other business, speakers spoke of striving to change a mindset that results in assertive women being referred to in derogatory terms while assertive men are labelled strong leaders.

On the flip side of breaking through potential barriers as female journalists, was the subject of gender as an asset when it comes to stories that an editor wants a woman to cover.

“I didn’t want to be a girl reporter, I wanted to be a reporter,” said Campbell.

Sue Haigh of the Associated Press emphasized she resents the idea that someone would talk to her just because she is a woman.

“Maybe he respects me,” she said.

Sue Haigh of the Associated Press.

Sue Haigh of the Associated Press.

The field of journalism was described as in distress with more and more reporters leaving. As such, Stuart said sticking with it requires “fire in the belly.” The ebb and flow of the numbers of female reporters in press rooms is currently at a plauteau, it was noted.

According to statistics presented at the forum, just 27 percent of all bylines are by women. Fewer numbers of interviews are done with women and fewer numbers of quotes from women versus men were used in stories – in one assessment, respectively, 80 as compared to 367.

And what about how women are portrayed in the news? For example, reports that focused on former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton losing a shoe as opposed to what she talked about during an event, or her wearing pantsuits.

Fair is fair said Campbell – if Clinton’s pantsuits are not up for discussion nor should Sarah Palin’s shoes be. Added Stuart, she would also have to reexamine interviewing Gov. Dannel Malloy about his cooking holiday meals.

When all is said and done the panelists seem to be saying it is not gender, rather the tenents of good journalism that underscores their work – accuracy and fairness.

Categories: Journalism, NEWS, Politics & Public Policy, Women in Journalism

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Read Me Like A Book

Posted on March 10, 2014

001By:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

“You can read me like a book.”

It is an idiomatic expression with a meaning open to interpretation ranging from the ability to understand someone’s motivation to the ability to predict what someone thinks and will do. For my purposes it is a headline meant to hopefully capture attention on the subject of reading. At any rate, it speaks to the presence of books in our lives.

I was extremely fortunate to grow up in a household that valued reading because, at the risk of sounding preachy, reading is the backbone for so much in life. Reading is empowerment of the individual. To be able to read a menu, a bus route, traffic signs, and yes … newspapers, represents the opportunity to become master of one’s own fate. To read is to expand and stimulate the mind, to be entertained and enlightened. Imagine a world without the works of William Shakespeare – “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as night the day, thou canst not be false to any man”; or without the great Jane Austen classic “Pride & Prejudice.” I cannot.

When I think of reading I think of the use, value and power of words. That intriguing Lewis Carroll line from “Through the Looking Glass” comes to mind, said by the character of Humpty Dumpty : “The question is  – which is to be master. That is all!”

During the recent celebration of “Read Across America” I came upon a succinct and excellent list of tips put out by the National Education Association to promote reading for all children that I want to share:

(1) Set a good example – let kids see your read each day; (2) Order a subscription in his/her name of an age appropriate magazine and when relatives ask for gift ideas suggest magazine subscriptions, books or book store gift certificates; (3) Make reading a fun time to share together; (4) Check out The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease; (5) Keep lots of books, magazines and newspapers around the house and visit the library often, shop for books at garage and yard sales, swap meets and used bookstores; (6)”Don’t fret if ‘Captain Underpants’ has captivated your child rather than ‘Robinson Crusoe’. The important thing is he’s reading. Encourage it and he’s likely to move on to sophisticated titles as he gets older.”

May I add, discuss what you read – have opinions about what you read. Reading is one of life’s grand gifts. And, to my way of thinking, the gift of a favorite book is like giving a bit of yourself.

Categories: Books, Idioms, NEWS, Promote Reading, Read Across America

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Shamrock Angel in the House -Thank You Ann

Posted on March 8, 2014

By: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb005

I have written here on newsandviewsjb many times about the good works of my friend Ann Walsh. She was one of the original volunteers for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and has been instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for the foundation towards research to fight pediatric cancer. She has been a volunteer at Mary’s Place in Windsor, Connecticut – A Center for Grieving Children, has participated in a program to help youngsters at the local schools learn courtesy and manners, for some eleven years she has coordinated a care package program for the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan called “Send Hometown Windsor to the Troops”, was instrumental too in advancing plans for the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, and the list goes on.

When the former Windsor Journal closed down, Ann sent a letter to the editor sharing her feelings about the articles I had written for the paper over twelve years – it meant a great deal to me. Then she followed up by surprising me with a departing memento  – a Willow Tree Angel that came with a saying “Always There -Always Listening -Always Caring.” As a journalist, to have someone see that in your work – well, even for someone whose life is all about words there simply are not ones adequate enough to express how deeply that touched me.

Ann

Ann

I first met Ann when I was covering an Alex’s Lemonade Stand event and soon learned she was tenacious when it came to causes affecting kids. That tenacity and devotion is also present in her efforts for the troops. She collects the items for the boxes, goes out and does the fundraising for money needed to mail them and leads the monthly packing of the boxes. As well, she corresponds with the soldiers. She is the only civilian to date to have been chosen to serve as a keynote speaker at a Windsor Veterans Day ceremony. Her commitment to her causes did not waiver even when she lost her beloved husband Bill last summer.

I am proud to call Ann my friend.

With just this small glimpse into the person she is, it is easy to understand why a Shamrock Angel she recently gave me has a special place by my computer desk. Along with a quilt my mother made that is draped over the back of my chair, this Shamrock Angel is one of the first things I see when I sit down to write each morning – it gives me joy, comfort and inspiration – exactly what Ann continues to bring into so many lives!

Thank you Ann for all that you do and all that you mean to so many people.

Categories: Cancer research, Friends, NEWS, People

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2014 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Steps Off in Hartford on March 15

Posted on March 7, 2014

089Write-Up & Photos by:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb
The 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at Capitol Avenue in Hartford,Connecticut at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. It will make its way through the downtown ending near the Memorial Arch at Bushnell Park. This year’s Grand Marshal, Beverly Concannon, will be presented with her walking cane at the Parade Mass Friday, March 14 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Avenue. The archbishop of Hartford will preside over the mass.

My mom looked forward to Hartford's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and during the 2010 parade received some special attention!

My mom looked forward to Hartford’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and during the 2010 parade received some special attention!

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A day for fun.

In addition to the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee of the Irish American Home Society, ten towns in the Greater Capital Region are slated to march: Hartford, Rocky Hill, Manchester, West Hartford, South Windsor, Glastonbury, East Hartford, Wethersfield, Newington and making its first appearance New Britain.

Irish step dancers peform last year in front of the reviewing stand.

Irish step dancers perform last year.

Crowds turned out for the 2013 St. Patrick's Day parade in Hartford, CT.

Crowds turned out for the 2013 St. Paddy’s Parade.

FOXCT WTIC-TV will broadcast the parade live, according to the Irish American Home Society website. And, on St. Patrick’s Day the parade will be rebroadcast at noon on WCCT-TV.

Held rain or shine, this free event is historically one of Hartford’s biggest attractions drawing thousands of spectators for a day of carefree enjoyment.

Categories: Holidays, NEWS, Parades, St. Patrick's Day Parade

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