Category Archives: Writing

I would like the death penalty if it weren’t so wrong

The following editorial originally published in the Journal Inquirer January 10, 2013
By Kristen J. Tsetsi

nullThe author of a Dec. 19 letter to the editor wrote, “If the murderer committing the massacre in Newtown had not killed himself, I believe the vast majority of Connecticut residents would prefer that he be executed. … Perhaps (by eliminating the death penalty) our legislators and governor are not representing the people that elected them.”

State-sanctioned revenge killings would probably be satisfying, on some level. In fact, there are a number of reasons I could support them, myself: Continue reading

Singles don’t need the pity

Originally published in the Journal Inquirer January 8, 2013
By Kristen J. Tsetsi

Photo courtesy of Matt Haze

Photo courtesy of Matt Haze

When New York City comedian Matt Haze wrote on his Facebook page that it was strange to visit his hometown of Cleveland, OH because everyone his age seemed to be married with kids, the replies he received offered comforting assurances that he would not be alone forever, that he would find someone. Continue reading

Feeding birds in winter: consistency and real nutrition are key

Originally published in the Journal Inquirer Nov. 19, 2012
By Kristen J. Tsetsi

As with any animal humans decide to nurture, outdoor birds require a certain level of commitment. If the desire is to keep them well-fed and safe from predators, the responsibility is somewhat more complicated than buying any old bird feeder, hanging it from a tree branch or outdoor plant hanger, and filling it up now and then – you know, whenever you remember. Continue reading

There’s help for those who help others (home caregiving)

Originally published in the Journal Inquirer
By Kristen J. Tsetsi
Not self-identifying as a caregiver and becoming isolated are about the two worst things a home caregiver can do, says AARP family and caregiving expert Amy Goyer. And the less likely someone is to recognize he or she is a caregiver, the greater the chance the caregiver will experience isolation—not only from emotional resources, but from resources that can be financially helpful, as well.

“One-third of caregivers feel isolated, and almost two-thirds have never reached out for help,” Goyer says. “They think, ‘Oh, I’m just a daughter taking care of my parents.’ Continue reading

Organized Chaos: Artist Michael Justino Michaud

I discovered today that an artist I interviewed in May 2012, Michael Justino Michaud (MiJuMi), has made his art available for sale online. Because I’d been wanting to buy something of his since the day he gave me a tour through his two-stall garage studio, it was an exciting discovery. I never shared my piece on him (on my site) back when it first published, so I thought I’d share it now for those of you interested in new artists and new art. – Kristen

Originally published with the title “Organized Chaos”  in the Journal Inquirer May 28, 2012
by Kristen J. Tsetsi

Artist Michael Michaud lays out his work in the second stall of his garage workshop in Enfield. By year's end he will have created 365 pieces of art. Some will be donated and some will be used to provide $3,650 for a needy artist. Michaud, who goes by the name MiJuMi, says that like Bob Marley, he wants to use his art to contribute to others. (Jim Michaud/Journal Inquirer)

Artist Michael Michaud lays out his work in the second stall of his garage workshop in Enfield. By year’s end he will have created 365 pieces of art. Some will be donated and some will be used to provide $3,650 for a needy artist. Michaud, who goes by the name MiJuMi, says that like Bob Marley, he wants to use his art to contribute to others. (Jim Michaud/Journal Inquirer)

ENFIELD, Conn. — Artist Michael Justino Michaud, 33, is fairly soft-spoken and quick to smile. Watching him amble around his narrow studio in paint-stained jeans, his face framed by a wild mass of dark, thick curls, it’s almost impossible to imagine him sitting in a car on a typical morning commute to a regular day-job, even if that’s what he does every morning, making the 50-minute drive to and from Rokap Inc. in Wallingford, where he’s a full-time graphic designer. Continue reading

My husband is in the military; therefore, he probably cheated on me.

Diana Falzone, who calls herself the “Dear Abby” of the website Military.com, writes in her article Should military marriages include a ‘deployment sex pact’?, “Most civilian women would not defend their husband’s infidelity. But for the military wife, cheating practically comes with the territory.”

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Faux reporters: They’re not just on TV

When I was interviewed a few years ago by an NPR personality, I was “coached” on one of my answers. S/he asked me a question, I answered, and then s/he moved the microphone to the side.

“What I was trying to get you to say was [phrase]. I’m going to ask you again.”

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I hate Twinkies. Long live the Twinkie.

Many jokes are being made about the loss of the Twinkie now that Hostess Brands has decided it will cease operations (pending liquidation) after 82 years.

I can’t remember the last time I had a Twinkie. I vaguely remember reaching a point in my life when I decided, “Yuck. Gross. I hate Twinkies,” even if I couldn’t tell you exactly why.

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A military spouse’s “unsung and noble plight”?

Bethanne Patrick, in a recent editorial for The Daily Beast, asks that we take a moment to step away from the characters in the forefront of the General Petraeus cheating scandal (characters include Petraeus, his former sexual partner Paula Broadwell, socialite [I can't believe that's an actual title] Jill Kelley, and General John Allen) to remember Petraeus’ wife, Holly Petraeus.

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Marriage and traumatic brain injuries: It can work

Originally published in the Journal Inquirer October 30, 2012. This is the first in a two-part series about traumatic brain injuries. Part 2 is The nature of traumatic brain injuries.
By Kristen J. Tsetsi
Heather McGrath of New London, Conn. says she has “serious road rage” as a result of a car accident she was in five years ago, when an elderly woman looking for her ringing cell phone ran a red light at 50 miles per hour and plowed her SUV into McGrath’s Pontiac Grand Am.

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