That Hit And Run in Hartford

The outrageous hit-and-run story that has received national attention here in the U.S. has spread worldwide. The world is holding a mirror up to the people of Hartford, and what's looking back at them is not pretty.

The shocking surveillance video (see it on the Hartford Courant website below) shows 78-year-old Angel Arce Torres being struck by a vehicle that swerved over into the wrong lane and does not bother to stop to help him. Neither do the 10 -12 other vehicles who drive by as the man lies helpless in the street. Several bystanders appear to do nothing, and they do not approach Torres until a police car comes into view. It is known that there were at least four 911 calls from the scene.

Wherever those bystanders are today, no doubt they are looking inwards and asking themselves why they did not help. It's the question the world is asking them. And asking Hartford itself. Has it gotten so bad that we have no regard for life?

"At the end of the day we've got to look at ourselves and understand that our moral values have now changed." Police Chief Daryl Roberts said. "We have no regard for each other."

Torres is paralyzed from the neck down and remains in critical condition in Hartford Hospital.

Hartford Courant

Sydney Morning Herald

Get Your Green On, St Patrick's Day Parades in Connecticut

2008 Greater New Haven Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 9th, 2008 at 1:30 am
The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 9 starts its march at 1:00 pm. It will step off from Derby Avenue and Chapel Street, marching down Chapel Street to Church Street. It passes the reviewing stand in front of New Haven's City Hall and continues on Church Street to Grove Street, turning right and ending on Orange Street.
http://www.stpatricksdayparade.org/


2008 Greater Hartford Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 15, 2008 - Starting at 11:00 am
The parade starts on Capitol Avenue to Main Street to Asylum Street and ends at the Memorial Arch at Bushnell Park.
http://www.centralctceltic.com/


Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 15th at noon
With more than 80 marching units, including Greenwich Pipe Band, Connecticut Firefighters' Pipes and Drum, Governor's Horse Guard, Trinity College Pipes and Drums, school and youth groups, Irish dancers, military groups, and more. It runs up Bedford and down Summer streets. For more information, call 249-3270.


2008 Greenwich Saint Patrick's Parade
Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Greenwich Hibernian Association is sponsoring their 33rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade will form at the Greenwich, Connecticut Town Hall at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT and march down Greenwich Avenue.


The 26th annual Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day Parade
Monday, March 17, 2008 at noon
Beginning and ending at the Arena at Harbor Yard, 600 Main St. The parade goes up Broad Street, then right onto Fairfield Avenue, right onto Main toward the Barnum Museum, and back to Harbor Yard.


2008 Mystic Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 1pm
Mystic Connecticut will host a Saint Patrick Parade on March 30th starting at 1PM in the afternoon. Over 650 marchers scheduled to participate and for us it is a first for our corner of Connecticut. Everyone is cordially invited to attended. Please note arrive early as parking is anticipated to be a problem. The parade accessible off Interstate 95 at either exit 89 or 90. Just follow the signs for directions.



For more St. Patrick's Day Parades around the U.S.A. please visit:
http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/


And for more Irish-themed events check out:

Celtic Woman
The Irish ensemble has enriched popular music with their fusion of Folk, Pop, and Classical influences. In 2005, Celtic Woman released their self-titled debut album which reached #1 on Billboard’s World Music chart. The album held the #1 spot for an incredible 68 weeks breaking a previous long-standing record. Since the breakthrough success of their first album, Celtic Woman has released two additional albums, including Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration and Celtic Woman: A New Journey.
Friday, March 14, 2008, 8:00 PM
Tickets: $60.00, $45.00
Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT 06382
Phone: (888) 226-7711
www.mohegansun.com


Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance
This international Irish dancing phenomenon has performed to sold-out houses in more than 45 countries. Audiences have an opportunity to experience this extravaganza that has helped catapult Irish dancing into the global spotlight and created a new wave of Celtic dance mania.
Friday, March 14, 2008, 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 15, 2008, 8:00 pm
Tickets: $39.00, $45.00, $48.00
Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT
SCA Box Office: (203) 325-4466
www.scalive.org


The Irish Rovers
These international ambassadors of Irish music have charmed and entertained people around the world. They continue to delight audiences with their exciting stage shows, never losing their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer that will soon have everyone singing and clapping.
Thursday, March 20, 2008, 8:00 pm
Tickets: $21.00, $26.00, $31.00
Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT
SCA Box Office: (203) 325-4466
www.scalive.org

Icy Travel

Icy travel abounds this morning, and is apparent on this image from the W/B traffic camera at Exit 55 (Rte 2 on ramp). Ice hangs down obscuring a good portion of the camera image.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine says Mystic is one of America's Best Waterfront Towns to Visit

Anyone who has been there, already knows it's a gem. National Geographic Adventure Magazine has named Mystic, Connecticut one of the best places in America to visit. The magazine's September issue includes a list of the best towns nationwide, one in each state.

Mystic made the list in the Best waterfront towns category. Other great waterfront towns included on the list include: Waimea, Hawaii; Fond du Lac, Wis.; Newport, R.I.; Rockland, Maine; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Annapolis, Md; Beaufort, S.C., and Lewiston, Idaho.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine

http://www.mysticseaport.org/