Couch Potato Salad — the very cool word game created by 2001 Staples High School graduate (and returned-to-home Westporter) Zack Gross — is better than ever.
With the help of Joshua Jordan — the spectacularly talented 2024 Staples grad (and rising Georgetown University freshman) — the game is even more engaging, and easier to use.
The game is the same: Every day, users get an AI-generated image of a word puzzle. There are 2 common phrases, linked by a common word. For example:
This is the title: “Couch Potato Salad”
Or:
“Smart Cookie Monster.”
Now, the puzzles have been organized into levels. And users can play together, in groups, on the app.
Also new: a hint systems; speech-to-text; more chances to solve; better graphics, and a cleaner interface.
Check it out. But beware: It’s addictive.
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The Westport Country Playhouse has a 93-year tradition of presenting top-notch plays and musicals. This year, they’ve added concerts, cabarets, one-person shows, and much more.
This month, they’ll host tours — and a tag sale.
“From the Page to the Stage” guided tours are available by reservation on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Participants will visit backstage, the greenroom, dressing rooms, the scene shop and wardrobe room. They’ll see posters, photos, costume designs, set models, and (of course) the historic stage.
Tour guide Bruce Miller, Playhouse archivist, will also tell tales about the productions and artists, spanning nearly a century of shows.
There is no fee for the tour, but donations are encouraged. Click here for reservations.
The tag sale is Saturday, August 10 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). It features wardrobe items, including more than 100 shirts – tees, casual, business, tux shirts – for only $1; pants for $2; shoes for $5, plus a selection of show pieces at special prices. Also on sale: Playhouse memorabilia including posters, scripts, and props.
The August 10 tag sale will include memorabilia from the Westport Country Playhouse’s 93-year history. (Photo/Wells Studio)
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Speaking of the Playhouse: “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — very funny (and equally poignant) one-man show, written and performed by Westonite Chris Fuller — comes to the Playhouse Sheffer Barn August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.).
It center around Fuller’s dream to play on the PGA Tour — while living with bipolar disorder. He details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings, setting him on a path to self-destruction. He tells his tale with insights, clarity — and plenty of humor.
Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.
All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Speaking of entertainment: Westport’s own Drew Angus entertained a large, enthusiastic crowd last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.
The free shows continue tonight (7:30 p.m.). Blue Note supergroup Artemis takes the stage, en route to the Newport Jazz Festival. They’ve been named Downbeat Readers’ Poll Jazz Group of the Year, and Jazz Journalists Association Mid-Sized Ensemble of the Year.
Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. concert (Pink Talking Fish, with Telula) is a ticketed event ($25).
Sunday (7 p.m.) features the West Point Concert Band. That’s another free one.
Click here for tickets (free and paid), and more information.
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Speaking still of entertainment: The Westport Community Theatre has announced its 67th season.
Shows include “The Pavilion” (September 13-29), “The Other Place” November 15-December 1), “Pride and Prejudice” (January 31-February 16), “Agnes of God” (March 28-April 13), and “Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy” (June 6-22).
Click here for tickets — including discount prices, priority seating, bonus tickets to share with friends, and free admission to staged readings and special presentations.
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Looking for family- and ecologically friendly activities for August?
Here are some of the activities at Earthplace:
- Butterfly ID Walk (August 3, 10 a.m.; $10 members, $15 non-members)
- Winged Wonders: Meet Freckle (August 4, 1 p.m.; free with admission)
- Craft ‘n’ Sip: Butterfly Puddlers (August 8, 6 p.m.; $30 members, $40 non-members)
- Build a Bouquet (August 7, 10 a.m. members only, $20 per family; August 16 and 25, 3 p.m., open to all, $25 per family)
- Summer Blooms: Wildflower ID Walk (August 10, 1 p.m.; $8 members, $10 non-members)
- Organic Gardening (August 15, 3 p.m.; $5 members, $10 non-members)
- Invasive Plant Removal Day (August 21, 10 a.m.; free).
Click here for registration, and more information.
Butterflies are just one attraction at Earthplace. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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The Westport Farmers’ Market is a great place for fresh produce, herbs, meats, bread, baked goods, pet food, pizza and tacos.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot is also the spot every Thursday for live music, and a rotating series of informational booths for very worthy non-profits.
Yesterday, shoppers were reminded to vote.
The message was delivered — typically, for the Farmers’ Market — in a sustainable way.
A non-partisan project — backed by the office of Connecticut’s Secretary of the State — uses recycled wire lawn signs to spread the word that a primary election is August 13. The general election follows in November.
Shoppers were urged to make their own signs, to fit into those wire holders.
And when those reminders are over, maybe candidates will use those wire lawn signs a third time.
New use for old signs. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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What’s with the new construction at 254 Hillspoint Road?
After blasting into the hillside below Sherwood Drive, builders laid a foundation that’s a lot sturdier than you see in a normal home.
The newest addition: very strong steel beams.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
Passersby — and there are many, on the well-traveled road, wonder: Is it a home?
Or a bunker?
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Howard Edelstein spotted this sight at Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Howard Edelstein)
He writes: “I know that there are a million very good reasons to live in Westport. But this photo — taken at 6:30 a.m. — says it all.
“I’ve seen paddle boarding and yoga. But to do yoga and meditate on a paddle board while standing on your head is a first for me.”
Howard says the man — whose name is Gil — floated out toward Longshore, then back.
Very, very peacefully.
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Speaking of the water: The 37th annual Swim Across the Sound splashes off tomorrow (Saturday, August 3).
The open water event draws swimmers from across the country and raises thousands of dollars to support cancer patients and their families.
The event is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
Among the scores of swimmers: Westport resident and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lauren Fabian.
This is her second Swim Across the Sound. Last year, she swam with friends she met at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
This year, she’s part of the Orthopedic Specialty Group team, based in Fairfield.
“We always look for opportunities to get involved and give back to the community,” she says. “My partners are excited to get out of their comfort zones for a great cause.”
Dr. Lauren Fabian
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The early bird gets the worm.
And the craft beer.
“Early bird tickets” are on sale for Westoberfest. The 7th annual craft beer-and-fall festival is set for September 21 (2 to 5 p.m.), in downtown Westport. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
The price through August 31 is $45. Tickets go up to $50 on September 1, and are $55 at the event. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Jill Schary Robinson, an author and journalist who chronicled her life growing up in Hollywood — but spent several years in Westport too as an adult — died July 19 at her Beverly Hills home. She was 88.
Robinson was the daughter of playwright, screenwriter and MGM executive Dore Schary. She wrote her first novel, “Perdido,” while living here.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Jill Schary Robinson (Photo/Bernard Gotfryd, via Library of Congress)
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As July turned to August, only a few of these were left at Baron’s South.
Today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” feature comes courtesy of Molly Alger.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And finally … today is the first day of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The event – begun in 1938 in the Black Hills of South Dakota, originally for stunts and races — has grown into a 10-day event. It draws 500,000 people, and generates $800 million in revenue.
(Get your motor runnin’. Head out on the highway. Then click here to donate to “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thanks for your support!)
