New LA Fitness in Newington

I don't think the current economic recession was in full swing when they were planning and constructing the LA fitness center in Newington. As I drive by periodically it looks like a giant overindulgence. In my mind I was counting the months until it closed. I figured a membership to a fitness club would be one of the first cuts a budget conscious would make. And based on the size of LA fitness I'm sure they depend on quite a few memberships.

However a few members I know rave about the place. They also tell me LA fitness is grabbing a lot of business from the other area fitness centers.

Who knows if it will survive. Only time will tell.

The media should share the blame for the financial mess.

I pretty much blame the media for the loss of consumer confidence.

In the fall of 2008 when the financial markets started to crumble the media jumped all over the story. It was the lead in story for almost all the networks and local affiliates. As usual the media hyped the hell out of the story.

I sat in my living room and didn't quite understand the panic. Everyone I knew still had a job and it was business as usual. If I didn't watch the news I would have thought everything was normal.

However after relentless coverage and a constant reminder on how bad things were guess what happened? Consumer confidence plummeted. How could it not?

Don't get me wrong there are real problems with the economy. Businesses and consumers were living outside their means.

I have noticed that the Whitehouse and the media outlets have recently tried to perform damage control and restore consumer confidence. Letls hope it's not too late.

American Idol is now "news"?

I don't understand why the media is reporting events that happen on "Americal Idol" as news. A few weeks ago a contestant said to the judges after his audition "Take care and be careful." In addition to online I have also seen this mentioned on television shows like "Entertainment Tonight" and "Extra". I'm almost sure I saw this mentioned on local news broadcasts during the entertainment segments as well.

These tryouts segments were taped weeks ago. If American Idol was in the live portion of the program I could almost deal with breaking news from the show. "Paula is in tears after Simon lashes out"

What's next? "Jack Bauer uncovers an assassination plot!"

Drivers of SUVs are back to being smug.

The owners of 4WD vehicles act a little smug again. In their minds two inches of snow is all the justification they need for their overpriced gas guzzling vehicles. I have been driving for close to 30 years in New England. I can only remember ONE time when the only way to get around was with a four wheel drive vehicle. I have always done quite well in my front wheel drive sedans and mini-vans.

SUV owners were knocked down a few notches when gas rocketed to $4+ per gallon. At this time the owners of hybrids were all smug.

So to all you SUV and 4WD drivers who drive like assholes in the winter. Enjoy your moment believing you need that 4WD. And remember you may be able to take off faster than me but your brakes are as effective as any other 2WD car.

Teresa LaBarbera in a Tight Shirt Alert

Chaz and AJ of WPLR issued another tight shirt alert for Teresa LaBarbera. Their pics suck so here are some much better quality caps.

Teresa LaBarbera Tight Shirt Alert

I noticed a traffic spike to this site for people searching for Teresa LaBarbera. Turns out there was a tight shirt alert issued by Chaz and AJ from WPLR.

I happened to catch LaBarbera that morning and I have to concur with the alert, as sophomoric as it is.

I just crowned Sonia Baghdady as CT's hottest news personality. I have to admit that on certain mornings Terasa LaBarbara gives Sonia a run for her money.

Sonia Baghdady of WTNH is Connecticuts Hottest Newscaster

Overtime I have been somewhat smitten with various CT newscasters. Janet Peckinpaugh, Rachel Lutzker and Kara Sundlun have been favorites in the past.

However without question the hottest newscaster of the year is Sonia Baghdady. For anybody that stumbles onto this site and lives outside CT I have included some pictures of our pride and joy. Baghdady seems to get hotter every year.

Sonia Baghdady's blog
Photos by Steve DePino Photography