Grapevine Pit bull Shays: “Woof! Woof, woof!”

Grapevine
Pit bull Shays: “Woof! Woof, woof!”

Even as he decried dog fighting following allegations against NFL quarterback Michael Vick, it seems the dog days of a Washington summer may be getting to Chris Shays, who revealed his own inner devil dog recently.

After unidentified Shays constituents were reportedly denied access through a U.S. Capitol side door during a rainstorm, the Fairfield County congressman snarled a barrage of profanities July 20 at a U.S. Capitol police officer.

Shays apologized in a statement, although as of last week that statement was not posted on his Web site.

As U.S. Capitol altercations go, Shays’ outburst will not be branded the legendary status of the assault 150 years ago on Sen. Charles Sumner. The Massachusetts anti-slavery firebrand was nearly beaten to death on the Senate floor by a South Carolina congressman inflamed over a Sumner speech, and took three years to recover.

Given that voters will get an opportunity to yank on Shays’ leash in less than half that time when he stands for re-election, he will have to hope his reputation enjoys a speedier recovery. More recently, U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Georgia, had a 2006 well-publicized dustup with Capitol police after she walked around metal detectors while not wearing her House identification pin on her lapel, as required.

Fifth most-interesting new business name:

Never a Dull Moment Tool Sharpening, Shelton

(High jinks and sharp objects, perfect together.)

Fourth most-interesting new business name:

Cosmic Delights, Bridgeport

(Grateful Dead brownie mix, dude.)

Il vice Governatore Fedele is golden in Minturno

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele returned to his native Minturno, Italy, to receive the city’s La Spiga D’Oro (“Golden Stalk of Grain”), an award Minturno leaders bestow on the city’s sons and daughters who distinguish themselves in their communities or professions.

Taking office this year as Connecticut’s lieutenant governor, Fedele is also CEO of Pinnacle Group in his adopted home of Stamford.

Early last century, Stamford received an influx of immigrants from Minturno and surrounding villages. The city’s Minturnese Social Club has 120 members today, and the Festa de la Regna (“Festival of Wheat”) is still marked annually with a procession.

Fedele was honored at a dinner at the ruins of the ancient city of Minturnae, which includes a Roman amphitheater among other sights.

Third most-interesting new business name:

Block Art of Iron, Bridgeport

(But tackle Joe of Aluminum.)

Second most-interesting new business name:

Lord & Cleaner, Danbury

(WWJD: Where would Jesus dust?)

The most-interesting new business name:

Bad Indian Promotion, Stamford

(Free saris to first 100 million customers.)

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