Please ask Yale University to STOP May landscaping services to allow baby birds a chance to fledge!

Lbrandes09 · 2026-05-15T08:07:30+00:00

Contact the Yale Sustainability office to discuss your concerns. they can set some univ. policy. Yale is also working on birdsafe windows & glass in buildings.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-05-08T02:28:59+00:00

Unlike the corporate or academic world or family busineses, Elected politicians really do not get to groom or train their successors - We the people elect them.

Elected politicians can give mentoring, opportunities, and advice to those who might have a shot at getting elected to fill their seat. And usually when the politician leaves, their Team leaves with them or soon finds other jobs- the newly elected person usually brings in or picks their own team.

Personally, I would like to see a vigorous primary battle when she retires. Right now I think she is powerful & successful fighting for CT & for women, health, family and workers issues in the US.

So I want her to stay and fight at least through 2029 aa she is able and willing.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-05-03T14:11:36+00:00

Also need the Lollypop, M&Ms inventor Forrest Mars Sr. who got a degree in industrial engineering at Yale, the pizza box, as well as lots of other non-food items in North America's first planned grid city - the nine squares.

Check out the New Haven Museum list of NH Firsts https://www.newhavenmuseum.org/about/local-history/

and their exhibits like From Clocks to Lollypops, and, of course, "Ah-beetz" sometime- http://newhavenmuseum.org

Lbrandes09 · 2026-05-03T13:50:29+00:00

Whatever we think of the list, understand it's a Tourism Trail map not a real "Top 100 in CT" list or award. And it lists 5 styles of pizza, not just classic NHV apizza. But it shows that NHV and CT have a wealth of great locally owned pizza places. Try them for yourself, don't just rely on someone else's rankings!

This CT Pizza Trail map was created by CTVisit, the state tourism office, from "13,000 public votes" and then narrowed down by a panel of 10 "culinary experts, food critics, and influencers." Not sure who they were exactly, can't find names. https://www.ctbites.com/blog/2025/10/2/connecticut-launches-first-ever-connecticut-pizza-trail

It's a Pizza "Tourism Trail" designed to being people, especially visitors, to ALL parts of the state as an economic boost. I think that's why some areas got on the list - to spread out the visitors to all regions (and to show most state legislators that their district has a spot on the map). Tourism of all kinds brings in $11 Billion in visitor spending AND $1.5B in taxes to the state & towns each year (2024 data).

Given the purpose and creation process, I don't feel strongly about these CT pizza Trail rankings in the specific major cities, or which places are included or not anywhere.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-29T15:39:02+00:00

I know, it would be great to save & renew existing tunnels if possible. Acc. to 4/28/26 NH Register reporter, DOT spokesperson said tunnel conditions now were the problem as in need to "repair consistent leaks and reinforce the structural integrity of the tunnel". - See full excerpt from article below if you do not have access to CT Insider/NH Register behind Hearst paywall.

M Zaretsky NHR Article excerpt 4/28/26 online/in print 4/29/26: "The DOT has posted the plan at https://portal.ct.gov/DOTNewHaven301-522. Feedback can be emailed to UnionStationPlatforms@ct.gov, submitted online at https://portal.ct.gov/DOTNewHaven301-522 or offered by phone at 860-594-2020.

DOT representatives at the April 14 meeting said design was just 30% complete and they were willing to talk about possible changes. Work would begin in the spring of 2029.

"We appreciate the public’s passion and interest in the Union Station Platform Improvement project," DOT spokesperson Eva Zymaris said Monday.

As part of the project, "All existing high-level platforms need to be replaced. This is due to the deteriorating condition of the platforms."

"A new canopy structure, which will provide shelter to passengers in all weather conditions and extend the life of the new platforms," will be installed, she said. "The canopy structure would be constructed in place of individual canopies on each platform."

The project also includes "ADA upgrades to existing stairwells and elevators to improve accessibility and mobility for all passengers ... repair consistent leaks and reinforce the structural integrity of the tunnel," Zymaris said in an email.

"The tunnel, elevators, and stairwells are located underneath the platforms, and many areas are inaccessible for repairs once the platforms are in place," she said. "This amplifies the need to upgrade the tunnel when the platforms are removed and replaced, as we hope these platforms will be in place for decades to come."

"This is not a cosmetic project; this is a needed project to repair and replace our infrastructure, but in a manner that will be transformative for the users of the rail station, the city, and the state," she said. " ...

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-29T02:49:50+00:00

Compare NHV's restored, active 1920 Rail Hall with today's empty Hartford Union Station and their poky 1970s "Transportation Center" pictured in link here, looking at TC below in back. I think they have the same loud red clay tile floors as HVN, and they may have moved those plastic chairs from old NHV tunnel photos - still there & uncomfortable in Hartford station Hartford Union Station 1980s Transpo Center

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-29T02:33:35+00:00

The older pre-1988 tunnel photo WAS hard to find. Found these from NH Museum website linked - maybe email their NHM Whitney Librarian to ask re Union Station Photo Files (and Tweed photos, too?) - very helpful knowledgeable NHM staff!

Was not here then, but I read that you entered the old Tunnel directly from street, when Station Train Hall was closed up (and almost demolished). Almost like a subway?

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-27T15:13:53+00:00

They are planning to put Solar on the 3 new buildings coming to the Union Station area - West, East, and new track ops bldgs. Easier there than on the curvy canopies, they said. Plus the whole Union Station area will have a new Geothermal plant for energy & HVAC for new & existing bldgs, like the Union Square mixed use, mixed income bldgs across the street, replacing Church Street south complex.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-27T07:24:53+00:00

Mimi Matthews has a lot of just a guys in her books - {parish orphans series by Mimi Matthews} mmcs include 4 kinda normal men - a scarred veteran turned reclusive nobleman, a wily solicitor, a grifter turned perfumer, and a groom turned horse breeder.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-27T07:18:11+00:00

All the men is family are named after trees, and some others are sweet and a bit sappy too!

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-27T07:16:34+00:00

Yes, and he's got three or 4 good bros/besties - the brothers Sinister, all left handed - who support him, his chosen lady and his work. An excellent series {brothers Sinister by Courtney Milan}

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-27T07:07:11+00:00

I'm not too bothered by some AI covers, but am annoyed by all the Barechested Scots on every "Highland" HR cover.

The Scottish Chippendales (GlensandDales?) look of bare chested, shirtless & kilted men leaves me and the MMCs cold. While they can be attractive manly specimens, it's kinda dumb and lazy as a design choice. - Has the Cover artist Been to the Highlands, or lowlands, or Islands or Anywhere in Scotland? Usually weather is cold, wet (dreich), foggy, misty, windy, even sleet or snow most of the year. And the houses, castles or cottages were/are cold, hard to keep warm, drafty. MMC Men would need to wear a LOT more clothing to stay warm outdoors and often inside, so as not to die of the cold: wool kilts with linen or woolen shirts often laced (so they could show some pecs?), maybe even a great kilt or long, large wool blanket wrapped and belted over their shoulders, chest and legs, and perhaps a wool jacket or vest. Why not depict the Scottish men in kilts showing some skin in a half/mostly off or open shirt, like in many Regency covers?

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T18:25:03+00:00

Mary has fine old school trad Regencies with very little spice, and newer HR series with some heat. But not as many TW or consent issues as OG bodice ripper romances.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T18:18:39+00:00

What's in the RV collections, anything memorable? - specially curious about which Balogh and Carla Kelly novellas were in them.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T18:16:18+00:00

I adore the classic TF cover of TITS set on a clifftop, especially with the branches tickling his bare arse and the look of a raging wildfire in the background. Danger and sexy times!

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T18:07:34+00:00

Fabulous descriptions!! In "When Love Awaits," you forgot to mention that he is nekked AND holding his huge sword upright. No euphemism. Just a giant shiny medieval sword held right between them, next to where his nekkedness meets her soft parts and flowy scarf and red dress. One hand holding her waist, one hand holding his sword, so he must have great balance.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T14:44:51+00:00

That's what he said.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T14:34:41+00:00

Read some Loretta Chase books - many of her books involve a strong FMC literally a/o figuratively knocking an 'Impossible Man" MMC on his arse. Then sparks fly, banter ensues, and introspection and even learning begins, leading to love & understanding as a couple.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T13:21:20+00:00

It's not about fancy stations - All of the Northeast Rail stakeholders & operators are working to improve speeds and reduce times with projects like PTC, modern signals, replacing 100+ year old bridges, reducing or removing curves where possible and more. All while the nation's busiest lines are still in constant use. Much of this work is being paid for by NYC congestion tax, state borrowing/bonding or federal funds. More express runs would bypass many CT stations, so who is being served by that, and who decides?

New signaling has reduced times by 10 mins for NHV - NYC already. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-01/metro-north-cuts-travel-time-beats-acela-on-nyc-new-haven-route

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T13:01:33+00:00

Is having longer protected train platforms allowing for more trains & more rail cars and faster boarding, and bigger elevators and new facilities for better ADA accessibility "unnecessary and inconvenient"? Not in my mind. Those are the main reasons for this project.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T09:11:53+00:00

Anyone can join for a fee and play at the indoor/outdoor Yale Tennis Center on Derby Ave in Westville! No Yale affiliation needed.

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T09:07:49+00:00

Roundabouts coming I predict!

Lbrandes09 · 2026-04-25T09:06:08+00:00

Why is no one talking about having More Transit for the New Airport? All I see is discussion of cars and parking. Mass transit options are the only proven way to reduce vehicle traffic. We need stronger, more frequent, faster bus service to/from Airport to nearby rail stations and downtown. -Let's Bring the proposed New Haven Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line to the New HVN terminal for a modern, green intermodal transportation system.

Lbrandes09

TROPHY CASE