Taking a break
Folks, it’s not obvious yet but I’m on vacation. I’m still posting things but soon we’ll be shutting off... (Read more)
8 / 24 / 2021
Opinion archive
Letters to the Editor, Opinion columns, Editorials
Showing 8/24/2021 to 5/4/2021
no imageBiden made the right call
The images coming out of Afghanistan are heartbreaking, but the rapid takeover by the Taliban is not a reason... (Read more)
8 / 19 / 2021
no imageThe Taliban are megarich – here’s where they get the money they use to wage war in Afghanistan
This article was originally published on Dec. 8, 2020. The Taliban militants of Afghanistan have grown richer and more... (Read more)
8 / 17 / 2021
Time to combine Planning and Zoning Commissions
Following the recommendation of Norwalk’s new Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), the Ordinance Committee of the Common Council... (Read more)
8 / 17 / 2021
no imageAs Afghanistan falls, what does it mean for the Middle East?
In the 19th century, the phrase “The Great Game” was used to describe competition for power and influence... (Read more)
8 / 16 / 2021
no imageComplicity and silence around sexual harassment are common – Cuomo and his protectors were a textbook example
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation came after more than a week of bad news, starting with a damning... (Read more)
8 / 12 / 2021
no imageWhy refusing the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t just immoral – it’s ‘un-American’
Decades ago I helped organize a conference that brought together vaccine skeptics and public health officials. The debate... (Read more)
8 / 11 / 2021
no imageWhat are COVID-19 variants and how can you stay safe as they spread? A doctor answers 5 questions
With the delta variant making up over 93% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. at the end of July... (Read more)
8 / 11 / 2021
no imageShould fully immunized people wear masks indoors? An infectious disease physician weighs in
With the highly infectious delta coronavirus variant spreading at an alarming rate, the World Health Organization in late June... (Read more)
7 / 27 / 2021
We need to act now to make sure more people are vaccinated this fall
It has been more than two months since the State of Connecticut lifted virtually all mandates related to the... (Read more)
7 / 25 / 2021
no imageLawsuits over bans on teaching critical race theory are coming – here’s what won’t work, and what might
As states and school districts started threatening teachers with disciplinary action for teaching about systemic racism, the question naturally... (Read more)
7 / 25 / 2021
no imageHow effective is the first shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine? (Part II)
Maybe you’ve postponed your second COVID-19 vaccine appointment, whether because of scheduling hassles or general reluctance. But how safe... (Read more)
7 / 20 / 2021
Crime as political campaign fodder; misinformation, too.
From all appearances it seems that crime politics have returned to center stage in our state for the first... (Read more)
7 / 18 / 2021
no imageCritical race theory: What it is and what it isn’t
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana sent a letter to fellow Republicans on June 24, 2021, stating: “As Republicans,... (Read more)
7 / 16 / 2021
no imageExtend the Governor’s emergency powers to defeat the COVID pandemic
Alex Knopp served two terms as Mayor of Norwalk (2001-05) and eight terms as Norwalk State Representative (1987-2001). He... (Read more)
7 / 14 / 2021
no imageTrump can’t beat Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in court – but the fight might be worth more than a win
From condo salesman to reality TV host to leader of the free world, Donald Trump has occupied several lifetimes’... (Read more)
7 / 13 / 2021
no imageThe neuroscience behind why your brain may need time to adjust to ‘un-social distancing’
With COVID-19 vaccines working and restrictions lifting across the country, it’s finally time for those now vaccinated who’ve been... (Read more)
7 / 5 / 2021
no imageThe ethical questions raised by COVID-19 vaccines: 5 essential reads
The U.S. is edging closer by the day to seeing half of its population fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Although... (Read more)
7 / 3 / 2021
no imageMillions are rejecting one of humanity’s best weapons for saving lives: Vaccines
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by employees at a Houston hospital who did not want to... (Read more)
6 / 28 / 2021
no imageNurturing dads raise emotionally intelligent kids – helping make society more respectful and equitable
When my oldest son, now nearly 13, was born in July of 2008, I thought I could easily balance... (Read more)
6 / 19 / 2021
no imageTracey Cubs participate in service learning projects
The Norwalk Board of Education is proud to recognize Tracey Elementary School students for leaving their PRINT on the... (Read more)
6 / 19 / 2021
no imageHow to ‘build back better’ health habits after the pandemic year
The U.S. is in far different shape today than it was a year ago, and many Americans are, too.... (Read more)
6 / 6 / 2021
no imageThe next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it
As more and more people around the world are getting vaccinated, one can almost hear the collective sigh of... (Read more)
6 / 3 / 2021
no imageSome coastal areas are more prone to devastating hurricanes – a meteorologist explains why
Every coastline in the North Atlantic is vulnerable to tropical storms, but some areas are more susceptible to... (Read more)
5 / 30 / 2021
Six tips for socializing after you’ve been vaccinated
Now that I’m fully vaccinated against COVID-19, I’ve started socializing again. While from the outside I’m sure these interactions seem pleasant... (Read more)
5 / 28 / 2021
no imageDo you really need to drink 8 glasses of water a day? An exercise scientist explains why your kidneys say ‘no’
The warmer weather and longer days have inspired reminders to “stay hydrated” and drink eight glasses of water –... (Read more)
5 / 26 / 2021
no imageUS approves its first big offshore wind farm, near Martha’s Vineyard – it’s a breakthrough for the industry
The United States’ offshore wind industry is tiny, with just seven wind turbines operating off Rhode Island and Virginia.... (Read more)
5 / 22 / 2021
no imageThe Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the SolarWinds hack were all but inevitable – why national cyber defense is a ‘wicked’ problem
Takeaways: There are no easy solutions to shoring up U.S. national cyber defenses. Software supply chains and private... (Read more)
5 / 15 / 2021
no imageCan schools require COVID-19 vaccines for students now that Pfizer’s shot is authorized for kids 12 and up?
With the first COVID-19 vaccine now authorized for adolescents, ages 12 and up, a big question looms: Will students... (Read more)
5 / 12 / 2021
no imageIt’s Norwalk Restaurant Week
One of my favorite things about Norwalk is the many, diverse restaurants we have. Our city knows good food.... (Read more)
5 / 4 / 2021