David Pogue’s talk the other day about the potential and perils of artificial intelligence had everyone who saw it, well, talking.
Now the Westport Library — which hosted the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston event — has posted it online.
Whether you’re excited or ambivalent about the future of AI — or don’t know what to think — click below.
It may be one of the most important hours you’ll spend as a human being.
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Yesterday’s announcement of LymanAID — the July 9 event thanking Westporters for their support of our sister city in Ukraine, and kicking off the next phase of help — created plenty of excitement.
And it brought a great offer from Felicia Catale. She’s not even waiting until July.
Felicia — the owner of Salon Nash, on Post Road West — is offering free haircuts on any Monday in June, for anyone who donates at least $60 to Lyman.
Those cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for a lot more than that.
Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).
Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Be sure to bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!
Felicia Catale
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Speaking of LymanAID: Staples High School sophomore Sam Rossoni is doing his part to help too.
It’s a big one.
He’s joined with Connie Caruso and a few other volunteers to run “Change for Ukraine: Making a Difference, One Cent at a Time.”
They bought boxes of plastic jars, and are distributing them to businesses, organizations and locations throughout Westport and nearby towns.
They in turn will give jars to individuals or families. Staples students can pick up jars at school.
Between now and early July, participants will try to fill each jar with bills, change and checks (payable to “Ukraine Aid International”). Each holds about $65 worth of coins.
Anyone who fills up a jar will have their lid entered into a raffle. One lid will be selected at random, during the July 9 LymanAID event. The winner gets a $1,000 cash prize.
Want a jar? Or want to contribute? Call or text Sam Rossoni: 917-535-0327.
Collection jars for Lyman.
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One of the most dangerous intersections in town just got a bit safer.
Two new stop signs have been added to the north and south sides of West Parish and Hillandale Roads.
Previously, there were — confusingly — only 2 signs. Now drivers coming from all 4 directions must stop.
New north side stop sign on West Parish Road. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Speaking of accidents: There was a bad-looking one yesterday at the Long Lots Road/North Avenue intersection.
I’m surprised there aren’t more. Between the volume of traffic, the 3-way stop that includes a dip in the road, 2 options southbound from North Avenue and westbound on Long Lots, plus the tempting roll-through-the-stop-sign-and-take-a-right from Long Lots, it’s (as the saying goes) “an accident waiting to happen.”
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It’s more than a Teardown of the Day. Call this the Teardown of the Season.
Demolition has begun on the old Westport Inn. The 120-room Post Road East property — first built in 1960 as the New Englander Motel — is being developed by Delamar into an 85-unit boutique hotel.
Upgrades include less building and site coverage, and more green areas.
Delamar owns popular hotels in Southport, Greenwich, West Hartford and Traverse City, Michigan. A couple of miles from the old Westport Inn, they’re also redeveloping the Inn at Longshore.
The demolished front section of the Westport Inn. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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As Westport prepares for Memorial Day, our beloved Minute Man is ready.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
But those American flags didn’t fall out of the sky.
Kudos to Westport Hardware for their donation.
And to Andrew Colabella, who has placed them at the base every year since 2008.
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Another Memorial Day weekend tradition:
This morning, Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 placed American flags on veterans’ graves, at cemeteries around Westport.
This was the scene at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church Upper Burial Ground:
(Photo/MaryAnn Meyer)
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“Below Surface” — the 19-minute documentary short film highlighting Patty Kondub’s life-changing Westport Weston Family YMCA Aquafit class — has earned raves. And awards.
On June 9 (7 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special screening.
After the show, Patty joins the movie’s producers for a panel discussion. Tracey Knight Narang — a Tony Award-winning producer, and a playwright — moderates.
Admission is free. Click here to register.
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Just a few days after another “06880” report on another delay in the ongoing saga of the Bayberry Lane bridge …
… it’s open!
Andrew Colabella was there early yesterday morning, to see the finishing touches put on the long-running project — and to (happily and helpfully) move the “Road Closed” sign out of the way.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Sotheby’s auction of a vast collection of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s personal belongings — from chairs and rugs to a “White Stag Speedo Leisure Tennis Suit Worn by Newman” — has begun.
“A Life & Legacy: The Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman Collection” is live through June 12. Click here to bid.
Or just gawk. (Hat tip: Debbie O’Malley and Bill Kutik)
This photo of Paul Newman and fellow Westporter Michael Brockman at the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona race is valued at $800 to $1,200. Bidding starts at $200.
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Comp Beach lifeguards return on Monday (Memorial Day).
But at least one was in the guard shack yesterday. Among the duties: updating the popular informational/inspirational sign, for the 2023 season.
(Photo/Karen Como)
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The newest member of Westport’s deer community poses for its first “Westport … Naturally” photo:
(Photo/Scott Weiner)
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And finally … Ed Ames, whose long career stretched from lead singer of the Ames Brothers, to Fess Parker’s Native American companion on “Daniel Boone,” died last Sunday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.
Click here for a full obituary. And click not just on 2 of his most memorable songs, but on one of the most famous moments ever in Johnny Carson history. (Watch to the end!)
(Sure, it’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” is still at work, bringing you all the information you need about Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Lifeguards are at Compo this morning (Saturday)!!