That monthly $1.99 fee for something the company isn’t doing for customers is now one of the highest of its type in the telecom industry, and there appears to be nothing to justify it.

David Lazarus

Time for an update on one of my all-time favorite fees — the fee that telecom companies charge to not provide you a service.

For the record: The headline on an earlier online version of this story incorrectly said Time Warner Cable’s fee was $2.99 a month. It’s $1.99. That service is publishing your name in a phone book, which is undoubtedly a pricey endeavor for phone and cable companies.

So if a customer asks that his or her name not be included in the directory, you’d think you’d be saving the telecom provider a little cash. That’s one less entry in the database, for example, one less dollop of ink at the printer.
But this month, Time Warner Cable more than doubled its fee for an unlisted number to a whopping $1.99 a month, or nearly $24 a year.
The higher fee applies immediately for new customers. Existing customers will see their unlisted number charge go up in January.
Again, that’s a recurring fee — now one of the highest of its type in the telecom industry — for something Time Warner isn’t doing for customers.
What prompted the increase? I asked Jim Gordon, a Time Warner spokesman, if the company’s own costs had gone up.
He declined to answer that question directly, saying only that this is "an administrative fee" and that it’s "consistent with our competitors in this space."
Actually, it’s higher. Verizon Communications charges $1.75 a month not to list your name in its phone book and not to give your number to people who call directory assistance. AT&T charges $1.25 monthly not to provide these services.
OK, so why is the unlisted number fee charged on a recurring basis? After all, your ongoing preference can be recorded with a few taps at a keyboard, and then it’s done.
"It’s a recurring service that you’re provided throughout the month," Gordon explained.
Let’s savor that a moment, shall we?
Time Warner and other telecom companies are charging for a service that consists of them basically not doing anything. And because they continue not to do anything month after month, they keep charging you on the grounds that it’s a recurring service.
Time Warner’s fee is all the more remarkable because the company doesn’t produce its own phone book. It pays Sprint to compile all its customers’ names and numbers, and to then pass them along to whichever phone company dominates a particular market for inclusion in that firm’s directory.
Just to be clear: That’s $1.99 a month not to be in a phone book that Time Warner doesn’t even publish.
AT&T’s and Verizon’s fees are a little more understandable. After all, they make extra cash selling ads in their phone books. The more people who choose not to be listed, the less valuable the directory becomes to advertisers, so the phone company wants to discourage people from leaving.
But Time Warner isn’t in the phone book business. Its recurring fee for unlisted numbers is a money grab, pure and simple.
And the unlisted number charge isn’t the only way that the cable giant has started reaching deeper into people’s pockets.
As of Aug. 6, the company raised its fee for customers to pay their bill by phone to $4.99 from $2.99. It also raised its fee for ordering pay-per-view by phone to $4.99 from $2.99.
I’m not trying to tell Time Warner how to run its business, but are such heavy-handed charges really the best way to maintain customer loyalty, especially during economic times like these?
"It’s always a good time to give your customers options and choices, and we do that every day," Gordon replied.
State Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) introduced legislation in 2009 that would have prohibited telecom companies from charging a fee for unlisted numbers. She reasoned that protecting your privacy shouldn’t cost you more.
But Pavley abandoned the bill after fierce opposition by phone and cable companies.
I told her about Time Warner doubling its charge. She wasn’t pleased.
"This kind of an increase — during a time of such economic hardship for so many families — is plain wrong," Pavley said. "The fact that as many as 50% of Californians have chosen an unlisted number demonstrates that a large portion of the public care about the privacy of their phone number."
She added that "it’s simply ludicrous that this ’service,’ which involves doing absolutely nothing, should require a charge."
Unfortunately, she said the telecom industry will "kill any bill that even hints at impacting their profits." So don’t hold your breath that things will change any time soon.
Gift cards
I recently wrote about a Target customer who was told he’d have to pay $4 to activate a $25 gift card. I also wrote that no one at Target returned my repeated calls for comment.
Well, I finally got a call from a company spokeswoman, Janna Fischer, who said the customer must have been purchasing a Visa or American Express gift card, both of which are sold at Target and come with activation fees.
"Our Target gift cards do not have any sort of purchase fee attached," she said.
Good to have that cleared up.
David Lazarus’ column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contactHoward K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at:http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Source:                            

2010 Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival Highlights

Spotlight Event: The Bar-B-Q Pit
Food booths, barbeque vendors, demonstrations and competitions with more than $22,500 in prizes. Organized by the Exchange Club of Norwalk and sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and New England Barbecue Society.

Headline Entertainers:

Friday, September 10 — Local Regional Acts

Saturday, September 11 — Wang Chung - 10,000 Maniacs

Sunday, September 12 — Still Alive & Well - Big Shot

Attractions:
Arts & Crafts
Priates Coast Adventure
BMX Tricks / Demos
Motocross Stunt Show
Tall Ships For Boarding
New England Seaport Village — demonstrations, samples, displays.
Go Green — environmental demonstrations, displays
Festival Docks — harbor cruises … tour working vessels
Kids’ Cove — games, rides, children’s activities
International Food Court — diverse dining choices from local non-profit organizations

Family Day Specials (Sunday 09/12/10 ONLY)
Special entertainment
Special admission fee (Children Under 12 FREE)
Special price for unlimited rides between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kids’ specials at many food booths.

Notes
Online Admission:
Weekend Pass - $18.00
General Admission - $10.00
Seniors (62+) - $8.00
Children 5-12 years - $3.00
Children under 5 years - Free (when accompanied by an adult)
All entertainment included in ticket prices.

Restrictions:
Glass beverage containers are prohibited.
Animals are not allowed in park.
Parking is restricted to only those having a permit.
Alcoholic beverages unless purchased at Festival tents are prohibited.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contactHoward K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at:http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Source:ticketleap

We have become highly self involved in many ways today. The advancements in technology have made us depend less on societal interaction and familial involvement. It can also be said that our friend, family, and professional circles have become smaller and smaller as time has progressed.

There are many things that influence our lifestyles today. Not only are we able to get the world at our fingertips now, but we are also able to get anything that we want or need from the comfort of our homes. During several years of experience at Howard K Hill, we have also learned that technology has made things impersonal for us in many ways. Human interaction is on the decline in many parts of the world, and there are many reasons as to why this has happened.

There is also a general increase in crimes and cooperation in dealing with such activities and other problems like drug abuse. It can also be said that there is a profession for everything that we can imagine today, and family consultations and neighborhood meetings to resolve common issues have now given way to specialist intervention. With the decrease in human bonding, depression has also peaked to become one of society’s most disturbing problems.

It is true that specialist services have made things easier for people and many stresses related to various issues have gone down, but we are also distancing ourselves from each other. The same holds true in times of trouble, where the impersonal nature of handling things like funerals and personal loss has become prevalent.

In this regard, Howard K Hill funeral services are a fresh breath of air. Our mission is to offer highly professional services for people who are faced with a shocking loss and to offer them a helping hand all the time. We have also identified some tips that we can follow in our own lives to make things more personal, such as:

• Community services where families come together on a regular basis should be encouraged. This will promote healthy interaction and also provide some much needed help in times of trouble and joy.
• Children’s games and activities should also be more involving for both children and parents alike. While most good schools have these programs, there is a need to start more programs in neighborhoods so that children and parents can interact with each other more often.
• Joint celebrations during festivals and national holidays should also be encouraged as much as possible. There are many festivals that we should spend with our neighbors and friends. Parades and other events are a great time for people to come together and do things for communities and societies.

· Setting up a neighborhood watch is also something that should be done. Residential areas today hire professional services for this purpose- which is good, but community watches should also be encouraged.

· Setting up of residential prosperity associations is also a good way to address problems that exist in society. Regular drives to educate people should also be established in order to promote general well-being and interaction.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

  We are really proud of the fact that youngsters are now capable of taking life’s problems a bit more seriously than previous generations did. Education standards have improved, industries are looking for even more skilled professionals, and inflation is at an all time high.

Whether we look to young children in our own homes to become good citizens or laud those who grew up to become seasoned professionals, at Howard K Hill, we have witnessed young minds setting new records and establishing their success in every field.

There was a time when we couldn’t expect people as young as 25 to handle some key roles in society. From medical science and engineering to businesses and politics, youngsters have now made their presence felt everywhere.

A number of young students are now volunteering for non-profit or charitable work for communities as well. Youngsters are highly likely to take up humanitarian tasks and other responsibilities that help the family, community, and nation at large.

Family and community members have to play a pivotal role in supporting the youth. Today’s vibrant youth is already prepared to climb the ladder of growth and prosperity, provided they are supported by their near and dear ones. Young minds find all the necessary impetus from outside to steer forward to a bright career, but they just need to be assured of support from their loved ones. Therefore, family and community members can leave the highest impact on young minds.

School and college going students have to struggle through the tough academic system, and so, it is a must for family members to understand their dilemma about certain issues related to academics or sports. Harping on the problem won’t help, but focusing on the solution certainly will.

Over the years, demands of the industry have changed to a great extant, and educational institutions shift this pressure directly to the young minds. As a result, they don’t study just one subject, or their field of knowledge is not limited to one profession alone.

Children today are no different than a blank CD that can be made to either handle the complexities of life or be left alone to get infected by some sort of ‘virus’ or non-productive activity. In major cities, the number of youth aged between 18 to 30 years forms the major portion of the entire population. In the next few years, these youngsters will hold the important offices in the cities and towns in our country.

Young minds are curious and ready to explore the world around them. It is very important to be careful when you deal with youngsters. Discussing problems with an open mind is the best thing that everyone can do. The future of youngsters in the house and community at large cannot be brightened by creating a feeling of fear and insecurity. They are already doing their best to create a better world for everyone around them.

Today’s generation has given us the greatest technological advancements- just look at Facebook, Google, YouTube, Apple Computers, etc. What would have happened if these people were not inspired to follow their dreams and create a future they always aspired for?

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Community participations are an all important part of being a responsible member of society and community. There are many things that we can do as a part of a community. Not only do such community services and tasks help us grow individually, but they are also crucial in deciding how we contribute to the society that we live in.

We at Howard K Hill believe that it really does not take much to initiate things and motivate people, especially when identifying issues that are common to daily life is concerned. It is very easy to get people to come to action.

To instigate things, you need to have some form of leadership attributes in you. A leader is a good motivator; even for most community services, it is a known fact that there is/are some people who drive the common interest.

There are a lot of things that you as a person can do if you feel there is a need to take up some form of leadership. In every walk of life, there are leaders who make it a point to assert themselves and focus on the importance of the cause at hand.

There are also a lot of things in the community that you can take up leadership responsibilities for, and the best part is that you will be able to do most of these things in your free time. We all feel the need sometimes to bring about changes in small elements of our lives, and we should not hesitate at times like these to be of service to the community.

As a member of society, there are so many ways in which you can start off at a smaller level. For instance, most neighborhood welfare associations need a leader who is capable of handling various tasks in the association. There are a lot of issues that need to be identified, and we as conscientious citizens can take on the responsibility for things that we like doing.

Perfect examples for this are the funeral services offered by Howard K Hill. We have always strived to establish to our customers the importance of community leadership during both good and trying times. We have evolved gradually and come very far from our own modest beginnings, and our business has expanded a great deal.

By aiding the community in our own way, we try and offer people the human touch that they need during troubled times. One of the most important things that we need to realize is that we can all do significant things for our community in our capacity. We can also offer our professional services for the good of the community.

For instance, a person who is a policeman can be easily a leader of a neighborhood watch program. Taking such initiatives is very important for us, and so, we should not hesitate when it comes to doing that little bit for our communities.

There have been many examples in history of teachers and social workers who have started out on a community level and gone on to become idols, and we’d do well to look up to them for inspiration.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Parents looking for an affordable summer activity for their children will appreciate the Kids Bowl Free program being sponsored by bowling centers, schools and community organizations. The program allows children to bowl free at participating bowling centers throughout the United States and Canada.

Bowling Centers and Leagues

The participating bowling centers vary by state and include a nationally recognized chain of bowling centers, as well as local and privately owned bowling centers. Traditional ten-pin bowling and duckpin bowling are offered. Many bowling centers also have video games, food and music. The bowling centers may offer discount days, to the summer program participants, during other times of the year, especially on holidays.

Some participating bowling centers offer affordable leagues for children who want to pursue bowling as a sport. Leagues are available for ten-pin and duckpin bowling. There are beginner leagues and specialty leagues. One bowling center offers a Transformers league where each participant is able to choose either a bowling ball or bowling pin designed with his or her favorite Transformers character.

Benefits of Summer Bowling Program

Bowling is a competitive, physical activity, which helps to teach children about sportsmanship and teamwork. Benefits of the summer program include:

• Two free games of bowling every day all summer.
• $2.99 Kids Meal for children participating in the program.
• $24.95 Family Pass.
• Register at multiple centers.

The hours, age limits and program dates vary by location. Therefore verify this information prior to selecting a center. Be advised that the program is not meant for daycare providers or day camps; it is strictly a family program

Kids Bowl Free Program Registration and Additional Costs

Getting started is easy. Visit the Kids Bowl Free website; select a neighborhood center from the list of participating centers and register directly on the selected bowling center’s page. A coupon must be presented for each child, so make sure to include all of your children, up to six, when you register. Once registered, log in to the online account to print the weekly coupons and purchase a family pass.

Some centers may charge for shoe rental, this can be verified on the center’s registration page. Parents and older children can bowl too! Family passes start at $24.95 and allows up to four adults to bowl two games per day all summer.

Participating in the Kids Bowl Free summer program is an affordable way to spend quality family time. To learn more about the program visit the Kids Bowl Free website. To find more affordable family fun activities visit the Affordable Family Fun section.

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

© 2010 Athena Thomas

Source: Suite101 Free Summer Bowling Program

Every child is a unique and special individual, but how he or she learns to react to life’s daily events is highly dependent on both what they observe in their environment and how they learn to understand and manage their own emotions. The following are suggestions to help promote positive developmental surroundings for your child:

Allow Your Child to Become Aware of Their Own Feelings

A good example is a child learning to take their first steps… They will inevitably take a few spills. If a parent panics and goes into a frenzy at every tumble, the child will learn to react to the fall like it’s a horrible thing, regardless of whether they got hurt or not. From here on out ANY fall is a bad fall. This learned behavior continues and creates a tearful outcome to every bump and bruise. A parent then faces a “Boy Who Cried Wolf” scenario… never really knowing if a child was hurt or not. A better parent reaction would be to allow the child to express whether or not they were hurt first and then respond accordingly. Now, the child has learned how they themselves felt about the fall and whether or not it merited a good cry.

As the child gets older and begins to have their own opinion, let them know that it’s perfectly fine to have tastes that are different than yours. For example, you can’t stand country music, but your five year old says they love it… you certainly don’t have to say you love it too, but you can tell them that it’s perfectly fine if they love it, and how great it is that they have their own opinion. Children seek endless approval from their parents. If approval’s only received when they agree with the parent’s opinion, they won’t be learning the valuable lesson of thinking for themselves later. Permitting a young child to express their personal tastes lays the foundation for teaching them to trust and acknowledge that their own opinion is just fine.

Be Aware of Your Own Issues and Don’t Pass Them On

Babies are born with a clean slate. We, on the other hand, have most likely developed personal "issues" about something or another. Issues can range from mild quirks to major difficulties, but an awareness of the “issue” can help keep things in check when we’re parenting.

Since, we’re a society inundated with food issues, we’ll pick that one for a common example to deal with… The golden starter rule for this one is, “Baby Knows Best.” Feed them when they’re hungry, let them stop when they’re full. This keeps the child in-touch with their needs and satisfactions and establishes eating habits they’ll carry with them to adulthood. (This is also the recommended feeding method by the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1997.)

On the other side of the spectrum… According to nutritionists from the Vancouver Island Health Authority, parents who are too controlling with their children’s food prevent children from taking natural cues for hunger, which can lead to “hoarding, stealing, and secretly eating food later”… a definite set-up for a life long weight problem.

This doesn’t mean that if your child has a pediatrician confirmed weight problem, you sit by and let them eat whatever they want whenever they want, as you would an infant. Quite the contrary, steps must be taken to establish more positive eating habits… less goodies, more fruits and vegetables, better sized portions etc. The key is making those changes without emotionally burdening the child. Changing what foods are available in the house removes much of the “oh no, you can’t have that” dialogue. Continual comments regarding food or appearance, can translate to the child as, “I’m not OK” and a poor self-image has never helped to improve anyone, child or adult.

Everyone’s personal issues are different… perhaps it’s fear of water, abandonment, or bad relationships… whatever the issue, just try to stay aware that your fears and hang-ups belong to you alone and make a conscience effort not to project them onto your children.

Your Reaction is Their Reaction

Children gauge their reactions accordingly. If you’re OK with something, they’ll be OK, on the other side of the coin, if you’re troubled, they’ll be troubled too. Now, we may be parents, but we’re still human, and yes, there are going to be times in life where we are legitimately troubled, but how you cope with those times is what makes the difference.

Also, it’s important to be aware that even if you are coping with adversity gracefully on the outside, children are naturally intuitive and will still sense something is wrong. If they ask about it and you answer, “nothing’s wrong,” children will not only feel confused, but begin to doubt their own instincts. Even more damaging, they may believe the parent is unhappy or upset because of them. So stay honest with your kids… let them know they’re right… you are having a tough time (no need to burden them with all the adult details - give them a kiddie version), then, assure them that the tough time will pass. Now, you’ve taught the lesson that there are ups and downs in life, that their feelings were right, and they are certainly not the cause of the “tough time.”

Reflections

When we see our children expressing kindness, gratitude, and compassion, nothing makes us more proud and quite honestly we’ve earned that pat on the back because children reflect our behavior. The other side of the coin is, hard as it may sometimes be to acknowledge, when we see our children behaving rudely, greedily, or obnoxiously, they very well may be reflecting our behavior too. This is the “Right Back At Ya” parenting lesson.

Remember the “little pitchers have big ears” saying? That about sums it up… kids see all, hear all. Nothing gets by them. If you’re seeing behavior you don’t like in your kids, it’s always good to take a look in the mirror and make sure you haven’t unintentionally set the example for it yourself.

Yes, the “Right Back At Ya” can either be the harshest or most rewarding parenting lesson of them all, so heed the warning signs early.

"Parenting is an ever-evolving art form… there is no “perfection,” only the ability to continually strive each day to be better at the job."

 

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

by: Lorelei McCollough
Source: familymatters.tv

During the summer, public libraries provide frugal fun for individuals and families. The uncertain economy and unemployment has limited the budgets of many, and the money available for entertainment is often the first to be eliminated. This can further increase tension within financially burdened families as children spend the summer feeling aimless and bored. Utilizing the free resources available at the public library can be a cheap and easy solution for families searching for ideas for summer fun.

Books at the Public Library Offer Fun and Education

Obviously, the public library offers the free use of books for all ages. For adults, summer reading is often a form of escape and relaxation. “Beach reads” and books especially written for women become quite popular as temperatures rise as they provide lazy reads while sitting at the pool or escaping the heat at home. Education is also the goal of many. They will turn to the public library for learning new skills and gaining understanding of a particular topic.

Of course, escape and education are also the goals of teens and children when choosing a book. Reading during the summer will too maintain and improve their reading skills during a time when many children lose much of what they have learned over the previous year.

Various Multimedia Offered by Public Libraries

Adults and children who prefer audio versions of their books will often find them at larger city libraries. Available in tape, compact disc, and other formats, audio books have grown in popularity as they allow readers to multitask, such as cleaning the house while listening to a book.

In addition to audio books, all ages will find other forms of electronic entertainment at the library. Many will be surprised to see movies and sometimes video games on library shelves. While services such as Netflix have become extremely prevalent in recent years, public libraries will often offer the use of their multimedia resources for free, making them a truly frugal choice for families.

Programs at Public Libraries Have Ideas for Summer Fun

Additionally, public libraries make programs and shows free for their patrons. The summer is naturally the time for the Summer Reading Club, a national program that provides incentives for children and teens to read.

Children’s librarians will also hold regular times for reading stories and playacting. This not only provides children with fun but also exposes them to reading at an early age. Adults are not left out during the summers, however. Book clubs and talks will continue, giving them a break from their routines for a short time.

During the summer, families may struggle to find ideas for appropriate and affordable entertainment. Public libraries, though, can provide a frugal solution for all ages. Libraries offer free resources and fun for all ages during a difficult economic time.

© 2010 Krista Schnee

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

Source: The Public Library Offers Frugal Ideas for Summer Fun

A tornado briefly touched down in Litchfield, Thomaston, the Terryville section of Plymouth and Bristol Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

The tornado touched down in East Litchfield around Litchfield Road, in Thomaston near D. Welter Way, in Terryville near North Street and in Bristol near Blakeslee and High streets.

As of 9:30 a.m. Friday Connecticut Light & Power was reporting 6,278 customers were still without power, including 3,985 customers in East Hampton.

Tree tops were twisted off and several trees were uprooted. Damage from straight line winds was also detected in the area by NWS weather experts.

In Bristol, the tornado’s path was one and a half miles long and about 25 yards wide. Wind gusts were about 90 mph. The paths in the other three towns were shorter.

But not all of the damage left by a powerful storm — with high winds, hail, rain and lightning — that tore through Connecticut late Wednesday was a result of a tornado.

The weather service determined that damage in southwestern Connecticut and eastern Long Island was not caused by a tornado but was consistent with "straight line winds."

That determination was made after reviewing radar images and talking to local officials in Westport and in eastern Suffolk County, New York.

The findings are preliminary and could change, the NWS said.

Bristol Mayor Art Ward said the town is cleaning up the fallen trees and wires in town. Numerous trees in Rockwell Park came down, were split open or were sheared off during the storm, he said.

A business in the North Main Street business district lost its entire roof, while other businesses had damaged roofs, he said. Blakeslee Street is covered in fallen trees and wires, he said.

"Blakeslee Street is totally devastated, totally impassable," Ward said.

"We lost a lot of trees, probably a good 20 or so were snapped off, uprooted or twisted in half. I’ve never seen so much tree damage there," Parks Superintendent Ed Swicklas said late Thursday afternoon. "But the storm missed our major buildings and equipment."

Rockwell had just undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation, but virtually none of the new paths or decorative lights and benches was damaged. Falling trees broke the outfield fence at Muzzy Field and ripped down the netting above the grandstand, but Swicklas predicts that city workers will have Muzzy in shape for a game today. (Friday)

Workers on Thursday put up tape to keep visitors away from a few areas with dangling tree limbs, but otherwise Rockwell was OK, Swicklas said.

"The park is open — the pool, the skate park are all open," Swicklas said.

Page Park and the park along Memorial Boulevard also sustained tree damage, and parks workers spent the day clearing debris. Swicklas predicted the cleanup will continue into next week or later.

Ward said 34,000 CL&P customers were without power Wednesday, but that the number was down to 8,000 by Thursday morning.

Lake Compounce lost power overnight but had it restored by 11:30 a.m. today, said Sara Webb, director of marketing. Most of the rides were functioning Thursday, but many were being tested for safety, she said.

Close to 55,000 Connecticut Light and Power customers were without power at the height of Wednesday’s storms, but the number of outages had dropped to 12,133 by 4 p.m.

In nearby Plainville, officials were forced to close Paderewski Park because of storm damage. Trees were toppled over, some were sheared off, other were left leaning precariously, said Town Manager Robert Lee.

"We just don’t think it’s safe for people to go there," he said.

Four homes in town were damaged by fallen trees, one of them is no longer habitable, he said. Clean up in Plainville will take between two and three weeks, Lee said.

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

Source: ctnow

When we look at people who are obese, we often assume we’re just seeing people with an eating disorder, but this can be both a superficial and inaccurate assumption. Many times the problems and difficulties that face those living with obesity are much deeper and more personal battles than just food.

As trainers that specialize in assisting the obese with exercise, weight loss, and better health, we know that in addition to diet and exercise, training the obese takes patience, care, gentle hands, and a good ear.

Patience, because of the various setbacks that can occur not only during exercise, but during the course of daily activities… injuries, such as muscle strain, sprains, or joint problems can happen more frequently with the obese. The quality of sleep is also a factor because it can affect physical and mental performance. Weather conditions i.e. wind, heat, cold can cause stiff joints, muscle tightness, trouble breathing, lack of energy, lowered stamina, and extra time for the body to warm up.

These conditions may vary from day to day… and then there are the good days.
Exercise for obese clients is done at a much slower pace. Therefore, there are no instant results. Each day, each week and each month is a valuable step towards their personal goal.

It’s important that we ask our client’s how they’re feeling often. Are you sore? Did you
sleep well? These questions may appear repetitious, but the answers must be known not only to structure the days program and minimize the possibility of injury, but also because as coaches we’re as concerned about how they’re feeling. Losing weight for the obese is a long-term life altering endeavor and compassion goes a long way.

A good ear, because there is a build up of issues, problems, and complaints that may affect the direction of an exercise session. Along with a exercise program, it’s important to give clients undivided attention and support regarding their concerns or insecurities about day to day life.

Gentle hands, because even though an obese person may appear strong, solid and
compact, one still requires care in handling them physically. They are not as flexible and mobile in their movement, therefore programs for obesity must be specially designed to fit specific physical abilities and individual needs.

When an obese person has made the choice to try and lose weight, it’s important that the people around them show understanding and choose their words carefully so as not to discourage. Respond to questions about their progress with encouragement and motivation, because the truth is, if they can keep up the good work, they will get there.

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

Source: Blitz Basic Training