A Deep River police officer assigned to Troop F in Westbrook responded to a residence in Deep River around 7:10 p.m. after a caller reported that a resident, identified as 32-year-old Ryan T. Pulcini, was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle from a dealership in New Jersey, according to the Connecticut State Police.

Officers located a black 2022 Jeep Wagoneer in the driveway. Before attempting to speak with Pulcini, law enforcement officials learned that he was wanted on an active extraditable arrest warrant on felony burglary charges issued by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, state police said.

Backup units were dispatched to the scene, as dispatch confirmed the extradition status, according to state police.

Pulcini was located inside the residence, where he was taken into custody, state police said.

During the investigation, it was learned that Pulcini had “initially purchased the Jeep at a dealership in New Jersey. However, the financing fell through, and Pulcini subsequently failed to return the vehicle to the dealership as required,” state police said.

Pulcini was transported to Troop F for processing and charged with first-degree larceny and fugitive from justice, according to state police. He was being held on bonds totaling $350,000, which he was unable to post.

Pulcini was scheduled for arraignment at Middletown Superior Court on Thursday for both charges.

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Songs such as “Before the Old Man Comes Home,” “When You’re a Wimp,” “Sticky Situation” and “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” musicalize the childhood adventures of little Ralphie Parker, a wide-eyed boy balancing his childhood traumas with hopes of a merry Christmas.

“A Christmas Story” grew out of several comic semi-autobiographical short stories by midwestern writer and radio personality Jean Shepherd, originally published in the 1960s and ‘70s. The movie, directed by Bob Clark and narrated by Shepherd, was co-written by Shepherd, Clark and Leigh Brown. It was turned into a Broadway musical in 2012, with a book by Joseph Robinette and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

At the time, Pasek and Paul were best known for their 2010 musical version of “James and the Giant Peach” (which was workshopped at Goodspeed) and for several children’s musicals for TheatreWorks USA. Just a few years later, they were the toast of Broadway for “Dear Evan Hansen” and had written songs for “La La Land” and “The Great Showman.” They are among the less than 30 people who are deemed “EGOTs” for having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” has had real staying power, with a national tour continuing for years after the Broadway run and a live TV broadcast in 2017. The tours were brief, traveling only during the holiday weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Goodspeed, which has rarely done shows of such recent vintage, is giving the show one of the longest runs at any single theater outside of Broadway.

The musical has been seen in Connecticut multiple times. Hartford audiences have also seen “A Christmas Story” amusingly mocked every season in TheaterWorks’ “Christmas on the Rocks.” That holiday staple opens with a scene featuring a grown-up Ralphie who’s had his eye shot out by a BB gun and has a fetish for wearing bunny suits.

This new Goodspeed production is directed by Hunter Foster, whose previous Goodspeed projects include “The Circus in Winter” and “The Summer of ‘42” as writer and “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “A Connecticut Christmas Carol” as director. He seems an appropriate choice to helm “A Christmas Story” as his career, whether as a director or a performer, is studded with shows, mostly funny ones, set in the mid-20th century such as “Grease,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Producers” on Broadway, a concert version of “Hair” and many productions of “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Jenn Gambatese, who plays “Mother” in the Goodspeed’s “A Christmas Story,” has known Foster for years but has never worked on a show with him. She has her own resume of plays and musicals set in the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s.

This is Gambatese’s fourth show for Goodspeed, and her third at the Goodspeed Opera House. The other one, “All Shook Up,” which premiered at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre and moved to Broadway, will be getting a 20th anniversary revival at the Goodspeed Opera House next season.

“Goodspeed’s been a very important and special place in my life,” Gambatese said. “‘All Shook Up’ was my first job after becoming a mom.” She played Carrie in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” at the Opera House in 2012. She has also been seen at other Connecticut theaters, in the premiere of the musical based on Shirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” directed by Anne Kauffman at Yale Rep in 2010, and in Mark Lamos’ production of Terrence McNally’s “Lips Together, Teeth Apart” at Westport Country Playhouse in 2011. Her first Broadway production was “Footloose” in 2000, and she went on to appear in key roles in the Broadway productions of “Hairspray,” “Tarzan” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.”

When it’s suggested that “Mother” is one of “A Christmas Story”’s trickier roles — it’s one of only two female leads in the musical — Gambatese readily agrees. “Isn’t that emblematic of mothers? She’s an unsung hero. She’s an unnamed hero, known only as Mother,” she said. “The father’s called The Old Man but he’s also got a name, Frank.”

The Old Man is played by Jim Stanek, who appeared in two of Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre shows, “Passing Through” and Pasek and Paul’s “James and the Giant Peach.” John Scherer, whose previous Goodspeed shows range from “By Jeeves” to “The Drowsy Chaperone,” has the Shepherd narrator role.

“A Christmas Story, The Musical” is full of social stereotypes of 1940 middle America. “For the kids in the show and in the audience, there’s a glimpse of a history lesson,” Gambatese said. “Like they might say ‘Why is not putting all that used Christmas wrapping paper into a garbage bag?’ but the garbage bag was not invented until 1950.”

She hasn’t played Mother before, but grew up with the movie. “I’m from Cleveland, Ohio, where it was filmed,” she said. “When I first saw the musical at Madison Square Garden, I knew the movie so well. But the musical goes to deeper, heartfelt places. It kind of wrecked me emotionally. Audiences are going to see themselves in the show. It’s about the challenges of parenting, the joys of the holidays. There are dogs in the show, too (trained by Connecticut-based animal trainer Bill Berloni).”

A two-month run, including several weeks of preview performances, is a rare gift for a show that traditionally has gotten short tours with minimal rehearsal periods.

“That’s the gift of Goodspeed in general,” Gambatese said. “It’s not like stock theater where you get two weeks to put it up. It can’t be overstated: Goodspeed is a cornerstone of American musical theater.”

“A Christmas Story, The Musical” runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 29 at the Goodspeed Opera House, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m. with added Thursday matinees at 2 p.m. on Dec. 12, 19 and 26. There are no performances on Dec. 24 or 25. goodspeed.org.

“Over the last two months, Connecticut has experienced severely dry conditions and lack of rain, which has increased the threat of fire conditions and caused several fires to start throughout the state,” Lamont said in a release on Friday. “The filing of this declaration will help provide state and local emergency management officials with the necessary tools to monitor and limit the threat of potential fires, respond to active fires and respond to any additional fires that may start.

“We are strongly urging all Connecticut residents to avoid any type of outdoor burning as the current conditions pose a high risk of fire danger,” Lamont added.

According to the National Weather Service, no rain is forecasted for Connecticut for at least the next seven to 10 days.

The NWS has issued several advisories in the past week regarding the fire conditions in the state, most notably a Red Flag Warning indicating that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or expected.

Funeral arrangements set for fallen CT firefighter; Hartford PD preparing for large crowds

Lamont also announced Friday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved his request for Connecticut to receive a grant through its Fire Management Assistance Grant program to support the state and its municipalities in their emergency response to the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin.

While the response to the fire remains ongoing, initial estimates indicated that the state’s costs would exceed the grant program’s necessary $330,000 threshold. Under the grant program, Lamont’s office said FEMA would provide a 75% reimbursement of the eligible costs of its emergency response to this fire. Some of the state’s more significant costs include utilizing aircrew from the Connecticut National Guard and its UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters to conduct water drops at the site.

“This is one of the most significant brush fires Connecticut has experienced in recent memory, which is largely due to the very dry conditions and lack of rain we have experienced in recent weeks,” Lamont said in a statement. “I thank FEMA and the Biden-Harris administration for their rapid response to my request and their continuing partnership with Connecticut to ensure that we can support the resources we need to keep this area safe.

“I’m also grateful to the many firefighters from departments throughout the region, the aircrew from the Connecticut National Guard, and other first responders who have been working tirelessly day and night on this emergency situation,” Lamont continued.

According to Lamont’s office, this is the first time Connecticut has ever been approved for a grant under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant program.

Meanwhile, crews in Connecticut continued to battle wildfires scattered across the state on Friday, as firefighters raced to contain the rapidly spreading blazes exacerbated by dry weather conditions and fallen leaves.

“Connecticut is experiencing unseasonably warm and dry conditions that have significantly increased the risk of wildfires across the state,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement Thursday. “The dry weather coupled with the accumulation of fallen leaves, creates the perfect conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly. It’s critical for everyone to be aware of the heightened fire danger and to take precautions to prevent accidental fires during this vulnerable time.”

CT DEEP fire crews along with state and local firefighters were continuing to manage the Hawthorne Fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin for a fifth day. The Connecticut Air National Guard and Maine Forest Service provided air support, dumping water from Silver Lake on areas determined “too dangerous for firefighters.”

A no-fly zone also remained in effect to protect aerial firefighting operations.

Rugged terrain and forecasted winds have also created additional challenges in Berlin, making the use of specialized equipment, including 10 utility terrain vehicles and 30 fire engines, critical in battling the fire.

“The response to the Hawthorne Fire is a true example of teamwork with local, state, federal, and private sector partners working together to manage and respond to an emergency,” said Brenda Bergeron, deputy commissioner for the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, on Thursday. “Special shoutout to the CT towns and personnel from other states in New England providing essential mutual aid.”

On Thursday, DEEP fire crews also assisted with a blaze in Canaan estimated to be 2.8 acres in the area of Cobble Road and Route 63; a Vernon fire over nine acres in the area of 183 Reservoir Road; and monitored a fire at Weston Saugatuck Reservoir Island, which was estimated at 0.8 acres.

Fire crews in East Lyme responded to a brush fire off of Interstate 95 on Thursday night and received mutual aid from fire departments in Waterford, Old Lyme, Montville, Chesterfield and Old Saybrook, according to East Lyme Emergency Management. Crews spent nearly two hours at the scene before the fire was put out.

Fire officials returned on Friday morning and found that some ground was burning beneath the surface, Interim East Lyme Emergency Management Director Julie Wilson said. Wilson said 20 crew members from fire departments in East Lyme, Waterford, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme and Lyme responded to the scene along with crews from DEEP and worked to prevent another flareup. Firefighters from Montville provided station coverage.

The brush fire in East Lyme was under control by the early afternoon hours on Friday.

According to DEEP, most wildfires are caused by the “improper burning of debris, campfires, discarded wood ashes or equipment.”

Officials offered the following forest fire prevention tips:

• Avoid campfires or outdoor burning while fire danger remains high. Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires.
• Keep all flammable objects away from fires, and scrape away leaves, twigs, and grass within a 10-foot diameter circle from the fire.
• Have firefighting tools nearby and handy.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Drown all fires and carefully dispose of hot charcoal.
• Extinguish smoking materials carefully.

DEEP officials also said homeowners should create a “fire-safe zone” around their homes by clearing flammable vegetation and debris within 30 feet of the house. They also recommended:

• Pruning the lower limbs of evergreens, which burn quickly during dry periods.
• Removing limbs that are overhanging the roof or chimney and clearing leaves from gutters.
• Using fire-resistant roofing materials and ensuring that firefighters can access the home by clearly marking roads and maintaining driveways.

“If you spot a forest fire, dial 911 immediately and calmly provide the dispatcher with details about when and where you saw the fire. If you see any suspicious activity near the fire, report that as well,” DEEP officials said.

Hair loss can be a source of frustration and insecurity for many, affecting not just appearance but also confidence. Smile Hair Clinic, based in Istanbul, Turkey, has become a global leader in offering advanced hair transplant İstanbul price solutions. With a reputation for innovation, exceptional care and world-class results, Smile Hair Clinic has helped thousands of people around the world regain not just their hair, but also their self-confidence.

Advanced hair transplantation techniques

At Smile Hair Clinic, the focus is on delivering the latest and most effective hair transplant techniques to ensure natural-looking results. The clinic specializes in FUE (follicular unit extraction) and DHI (direct hair implantation) methods, two of the most widely recognized techniques for hair restoration.

FUE: This minimally invasive technique involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from the donor area (typically the back of the scalp) and their precise implantation into areas experiencing hair loss. FUE is popular for its natural results, faster recovery time, and lack of visible scarring.

DHI: The DHI method involves the direct implantation of hair follicles using a specialized implanter pen. This technique gives surgeons more control over the angle, depth, and direction of hair placement, resulting in a denser, more natural appearance. DHI is ideal for patients looking to achieve maximum precision and density.

Both methods ensure that the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with the patient’s existing hair, providing a natural, permanent solution to hair loss.

Personalized care for every patient

Smile Hair Clinic is committed to personalized care. Every patient receives a detailed consultation to understand their specific needs, hair type and desired outcome. The clinic takes a patient-centered approach to ensure that each treatment plan is customized for the best possible results.

• Tailored treatment plans: No two patients are the same, and Smile Hair Clinic recognizes this by offering fully customized treatment plans. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most suitable technique, hairline design, and number of grafts based on their unique hair loss pattern and facial structure.

• Expert surgeons: Smile Hair Clinic’s medical team consists of highly experienced surgeons who are specialists in hair transplantation. Their expertise allows them to handle a wide range of hair loss conditions, from early-stage thinning to more severe cases, ensuring successful outcomes for all patients.

• Comprehensive consultation: During the initial consultation, the clinic’s specialists conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s scalp and donor area. This helps in determining the right technique and approach to meet the patient’s expectations and ensure a natural look.

Top-tier facilities and advanced technology

Smile Hair Clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for patients. The clinic uses cutting-edge technology and tools, ensuring precise and effective treatments. With a focus on safety, hygiene and patient comfort, Smile Hair Clinic adheres to the highest medical standards to deliver optimal results.

Affordable and transparent pricing

Hair restoration can often be a costly procedure, but Smile Hair Clinic makes it accessible without compromising on quality. The clinic offers affordable pricing options for patients worldwide, making it a top destination for medical tourists seeking high-quality hair transplants at a fraction of the cost they would pay in other countries.

• All-inclusive packages: Smile Hair Clinic offers all-inclusive packages for international patients, covering everything from the procedure itself to accommodation, airport transfers, and aftercare. This makes the process convenient and stress-free for patients traveling from abroad.

• No hidden fees: Transparency is key at Smile Hair Clinic. Patients receive a clear and upfront breakdown of all costs, ensuring that there are no surprises along the way. This allows patients to plan their treatment with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect.

Support for international patients

Smile Hair Clinic has earned a reputation as a top destination for medical tourism, welcoming thousands of international patients each year. The clinic goes the extra mile to make the experience as seamless and comfortable as possible for those traveling from abroad.

• Multilingual support: Smile Hair Clinic’s staff speaks multiple languages, ensuring clear communication with patients from around the world. This helps patients feel more comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey.

• Travel assistance: The clinic arranges all necessary travel logistics, including airport transfers and hotel accommodations, so patients can focus solely on their procedure and recovery.

Long-lasting, natural Results

The goal at Smile Hair Clinic is to ensure that every patient achieves natural, undetectable results. The clinic’s expert surgeons meticulously design hairlines that suit the patient’s facial structure and age, while strategically placing grafts for maximum density and natural appearance. The transplanted hair grows naturally and permanently, offering patients long-lasting results that restore their confidence.

With thousands of successful procedures completed, Smile Hair Clinic has built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional results. The clinic’s combination of artistry, technical skill, and attention to detail ensures that each patient leaves with a natural-looking, full head of hair that enhances their overall appearance.

See if Smile Hair Clinic is right for you

Smile Hair Clinic stands as a leading provider of hair restoration, offering innovative solutions and personalized care to patients from all over the world. With a team of expert surgeons, state-of-the-art technology and a patient-first approach, the clinic delivers outstanding results that are both natural and long-lasting. For anyone considering hair transplantation, Smile Hair Clinic offers an affordable, high-quality, and comprehensive solution that restores not just hair but confidence.

The news and editorial staffs of the Hartford Courant had no role in this post’s preparation.

Turkey has become a global leader in the hair transplant industry, attracting thousands of patients each year due to its combination of advanced techniques, skilled surgeons and competitive pricing. Among the many hair transplant clinics in Turkey, the Aslı Tarcan Clinic has distinguished itself as a top destination.

A leader in hair transplantation

The Aslı Tarcan Clinic, located in Istanbul, takes a personalized approach to each patient, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. This focus on customization is one reason why the clinic has achieved such high levels of patient satisfaction.

Advanced techniques and technology

At the Aslı Tarcan Clinic, patients have access to the most advanced hair transplant techniques available today, including FUE (follicular unit extraction) and DHI (direct hair implantation). Both of these are minimally invasive procedures that offer natural-looking results with minimal downtime. These techniques involve the careful extraction and implantation of hair follicles, allowing for precise placement and a natural hairline.

The clinic’s use of the latest technology ensures that patients receive quality care. From the initial consultation to the final follow-up appointment, the Aslı Tarcan Clinic employs the latest tools and equipment to optimize the success of each procedure.

Experienced and dedicated team

The success of the Aslı Tarcan Clinic can be largely attributed to its team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons and medical professionals. Each member of the team is dedicated to providing the best possible care, from the initial consultation to the post-operative recovery process. The surgeons at the clinic have performed thousands of successful hair transplant procedures, making them some of the most experienced in the field.

This experience is complemented by the clinic’s commitment to ongoing education and training. The team regularly participates in international conferences and workshops, ensuring that they remain up to date with the latest advancements in hair transplantation. This continuous learning process allows the clinic to offer innovative solutions and maintain its reputation as a leader in the industry.

Comprehensive aftercare

One of the most important aspects of a successful hair transplant is the aftercare process. Aslı Tarcan Clinic provides detailed post-operative instructions and ongoing support to help patients achieve the best possible results. This includes follow-up appointments, regular check-ins, and access to the clinic’s medical team for any questions or concerns that may arise during the recovery process.

The clinic’s dedication to aftercare ensures that patients are well-supported throughout their hair restoration journey. This focus on long-term success is a testament to the clinic’s commitment to patient satisfaction and sets it apart as a top choice for those seeking hair transplantation in Turkey.

See if Aslı Tarcan Clinic is right for you

The Aslı Tarcan Clinic stands out as one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey, offering a combination of advanced techniques, cutting-edge technology, and a highly experienced team. The clinic’s personalized approach to treatment and comprehensive aftercare make it a top destination for patients seeking natural-looking and long-lasting results. For anyone considering a hair transplant in Turkey, the Aslı Tarcan Clinic is a leading option.

If you’re considering getting hair transplants, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before moving ahead.

The news and editorial staffs of the Hartford Courant had no role in this post’s preparation.

Hartford comes home to the XL Center to open its 28th season on Oct. 18 for the first of 10 meetings with the Springfield Thunderbirds, at 7 p.m.. The game will kick off a series of three games in three days with the Bridgeport Islanders coming to Hartford on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., before the team’s head to Bridgeport for a game on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m.

Other specialty games include the annual “School Day Game” on Nov. 19 at 11 a.m., when the Charlotte Checkers come to town. Thanksgiving Eve also returns to the XL Center for the second straight season when the Wolf Pack take on Lehigh Valley on Nov. 27. Hartford welcomes the Hershey Bears, the team that has eliminated them from the Calder Cup playoffs the last two seasons, for the first time on Dec. 11.

The regular season concludes on April 18 at home against the Islanders at 7 p.m. Hartford will look to return to the playoffs for the third consecutive season, this time under first-year coach Grant Potulny, who was named on June 27. Potulny, 44, spent seven seasons at Northern Michigan, guiding the Wildcats to a 128-113-17 record.

The complete schedule:

October: 12 – at Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.; 18 – Springfield, 7 p.m.; 19 – Bridgeport, 6 p.m.; 20 – Bridgeport, 3 p.m.; 25 – Lehigh Valley, 7 p.m.; 27 – Springfield, 4 p.m.; 30 – Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

November: 1 – at Syracuse, 7 p.m.; 2 – at Wilke-Barre Scranton, 6:05 p.m.; 6 – Syracuse, 7 p.m.; 8 – at Rochester, 7:05 p.m.; 10 – at Providence, 3:05 p.m.; 15 – Charlotte, 7 p.m.; 16 – Providence, 6 p.m.; 19 – Charlotte, 11 a.m.; 23 – Springfield, 6 p.m.; 24 – Bridgeport , 4 p.m.; 27 – Lehigh Valley, 7 p.m.; 30 – at Springfield, 4:05 p.m.

December: 4 – at Bridgeport, 7 p.m.; 6 – Rockford, 7 p.m.; 7 – Wilkes-Barre Scranton, 6 p.m.; 11 – Hershey, 7 p.m.; 14 – Laval, 6 p.m.; 15 – at Providence, 4:05 p.m.; 20 – Providence; 21 – at Providence, 7:05 p.m.; 27 – at Springfield, 7:05 p.m.; 28 – Providence, 6 p.m.; 31 – at Springfield, 3:05 p.m.

January: 4 – at Wilkes-Barre Scranton, 6:05 p.m.; 5 – at Bridgeport, 3 p.m.; 10 – at Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.; 11 – Lehigh Valley, 7 p.m.; 12 – Springfield, 5 p.m.; 15 – at Utica, 7 p.m.; 18 – at Charlotte, 4 p.m.; 19 – at Charlotte, 4 p.m.; 24 – Laval, 7 p.m.; 25 – Rochester, 6 p.m.; 26 – at Springfield, 3:05 p.m.; 29 – Belleville, 7 p.m.; 31 – at Laval, 7 p.m.

February: 1 at Laval, 3 p.m.; 7 – Charlotte, 7 p.m.; 8 – at Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.; 12 – Bridgeport, 7 p.m.; 15 – at Charlotte, 4 p.m.; 16 – at Charlotte, 4 p.m.; 19 – at Springfield, 7:05 p.m.; 21 – Wilkes-Barre Scranton, 7 p.m.; 22 – Providence, 6 p.m.; 28 – Springfield, 7 p.m.

March: 1 – Utica, 6 p.m.; 2 – at Providence; 5 – Bridgeport, 7 p.m.; 7 – Wilkes-Barre Scranton, 7 p.m.; 9 – Belleville, 5 p.m.; 12 – at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.; 14 – at Rockford, 8 p.m.; 15 – at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.; 21 – Hershey, 7 p.m.; 22 – Milwaukee, 7 p.m.; 26 – at Wilkes-Barre Scranton, 7:05 p.m.; 29 – at Providence, 7:05 p.m.

April: 5 – at Hershey, 7 p.m.; 6 – at Hershey, 5 p.m.; 9 – at Bridgeport, 7 p.m.; 11 – Providence, 7 p.m.; 12 – at Bridgeport, 7 p.m.; 16 – Charlotte, 7 p.m.; 18 – Bridgeport, 7 p.m.

The city of New Britain, CT, is known for its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. One particular success story from this town that stands out is InstaTubs.net, a company dedicated to improving the lives of the elderly and those with limited mobility through innovative bathroom solutions. InstaTubs.net was founded 15 years ago and has already made a significant impact by providing specialized installations of walk-in showers and tubs. In addition, they also offer one-day renovations of existing shower spaces.

Igor Borzenkov’s journey to InstaTubs.net began with an idea that dawned from his personal experience. Borzenkov realized there was a need for specialized bathroom solutions that would specifically cater to people with limited mobility. He witnessed some of his elderly relatives struggling to use traditional bathrooms safely, which became his motivation to start a company that would make a real difference in people’s lives. The idea eventually materialized as InstaTubs.net, a company helping elderly people maintain independence in their own homes.

Today InstaTubs.net stands out for specializing in the installation of walk-in showers and tubs designed specifically for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The company is also known for its promise of providing full renovation of any bathroom in just one day. With InstaTubs.net, the entire process of bathroom renovation has become more convenient and less disruptive for the community in Connecticut.

Borzenkov, spearheading the operations of the company, ensures that these solutions are not just focused on safety, but also facilitate accessibility and comfort of the homeowners.

One of the remarkable aspects of InstaTubs.net is its strong local presence. Based in New Britain, the company understands the local community well and can cater to their specific requirements. InstaTubs.net promptly responds to all client needs, whether it’s a warranty service or a post-warranty support call. The mobile showroom maintained by the company allows customers to touch and feel the products before making a decision. Such a hands-on approach aims to make customers completely comfortable with their choices.

InstaTubs’ mobile showroom is a van equipped with samples of the company’s innovative products such as walk-in tubs and showers. It can reach a customer’s home directly so they can make a decision right from the comfort of their own environment. The mobile showroom has added a personal touch to the company’s ethos and has been extremely well-received because it personalizes the buying experience.

Over the past decade, InstaTubs has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its customers. Helping countless individuals throughout Connecticut state, to regain confidence in their ability to care for themselves safely has been truly rewarding for the company. The range of products are designed to significantly reduce the risk of bathroom falls and injuries for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, enhancing their daily lives.

InstaTubs is setting an example in elderly care by transforming their bathrooms in one day. Each product has been designed to provide a relaxing shower experience with a keen focus on safety. With InstaTubs’ walk-in tubs and showers, it is not just about revamping an old bathroom but rediscovering the joy of taking a shower in your personal space. The installation service is just a call away and the details of the products are right at your fingertips on the company’s website: InstaTubs.net. Borzenkov and team not only welcome inquiries but are also eager to offer consultations to help tailor InstaTubs’ solutions to meet individual needs.

The news and editorial staffs of the Hartford Courant had no role in this post’s preparation.

HOUSTON (AP) — Alex Jones has pushed many conspiracy theories over the last three decades, including that the U.S. government was behind or failed to stop the Oklahoma City bombing and the 9/11 attacks.

As the outlandish nature of his false claims grew, so did his media empire, with annual revenues of up to $80 million, and a fanbase that listens to him on more than 100 radio stations across the United States as well as through his Infowars website and social media.

“I would say that he’s one of the more extreme actors operating in this overall environment of disinformation,” said Nathan Walter, an associate professor at the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

Now, the king of conspiracies could be dethroned for repeatedly lying on his Infowars programs by saying that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that killed 20 first graders and six teachers was a hoax. A judge in federal court in Houston is set to decide whether to convert Jones’ bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation to help pay off some of the $1.5 billion he owes from lawsuits filed by the families of the victims.

The bombastic Jones remained defiant ahead of Friday’s court hearing, saying on his Infowars show earlier this month that he’s been “an honorable, straightforward man.”

Born in 1974, Jones grew up in Dallas. His father was a dentist and his mother was a homemaker. As a teenager, his family moved to Austin.

It was there, in a city with the unofficial motto of “Keep Austin Weird,” that Jones, fresh out of high school, started broadcasting on a public-access television channel in the 1990s. He began promoting conspiracies about the U.S. government and false claims about a secret New World Order, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Jones was influenced in part by the 1971 book “None Dare Call It Conspiracy,” which claims shadowy forces control the government, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

In 1996, Jones began working for radio station KJFK in Austin. He was fired after three years because his viewpoints made it difficult to get sponsors for his show, according to the Austin Chronicle.

After his firing, Jones began broadcasting from home on his Infowars website, buying the domain name for $9.

Jones has been successful because he effectively adapted to the changing media landscape and benefited from social media and the rise of podcasting, Walter said.

“He is very appealing in how he talks to his listeners. It feels as if they’re part of a community, they’re part of a friend group,” Walter said.

In 2004, Jones had two employees and a tiny office in south Austin. In 2007, he formed Free Speech Systems, to run his growing media business, according to court records in his bankruptcy cases. By 2010, Jones had over 60 employees. Free Speech Systems also filed for bankruptcy reorganization after the Sandy Hook lawsuits.

Jones’ company has four studios in Austin that broadcast his shows as well as a warehouse for the products he sells, according to court records.

In 2013, Jones focused on selling dietary supplements with such names as Infowars Life Brain Force Plus and Infowars Life Super Male Vitality.

“Most of (Free Speech Systems’) revenue to this day (about 80%) comes from sales of dietary supplements,” according to court records.

After the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims sued Jones in 2018, various social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube banned Jones from their platforms. After Elon Musk bought Twitter and changed the name to X, he restored Jones’ account in December.

Walter said he didn’t think the social media bans had much negative impact on Jones. If a judge decides to liquidate his assets on Friday, that likely won’t stop Jones from spreading misinformation, Walter said.

“The biggest takeaway from the first moment when we were introduced to Alex Jones until (Friday’s) hearing happens: It tells us more about us as a society, our vulnerabilities, our susceptibilities than actually something unique about Alex Jones,” Walter said. “There are other people. Maybe not everyone is as gifted and talented in using his platform to spread these lies, but there are other people like Alex Jones.”

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Getting started as a crypto investor is difficult. There are so many conflicting opinions and news sources out there that you will not know what to think. Finding reliable sources to give you your crypto news and inform your trading decisions is an essential part of being a smart investor.  As with any investment, there are risks. That’s why it’s best to educate yourself and consult with a professional financial advisor about what investments are right for you. Once you know who to get your crypto tips from, you could be a “crypto VIP.”

The first places to go looking for valuable insight into cryptocurrency are authority sites. These tried and true favorites can be relied upon to report the facts. Trusted news sources have been reporting the financial news of the day long before crypto was even invented. Their reporting on the stock market is sound, and so is their reporting on decentralized finance. With well-informed journalists and high-level sources, these trusted news outlets will provide you with quotes from insiders and opinions based on historical facts. These sites report on stories that are backed by research and multiple sources, rather than rumors.

Social media is difficult to navigate when it comes to crypto, but one great thing about social media is that it will help you keep up to date on news from reliable sources. All news sites also have social media accounts, and following them or putting notifications on for when they post can keep you in the loop with crypto news 24/7. One of the reasons it is so hard to keep up with crypto market trends is that the blockchain experiences change all around the clock. Unlike the traditional stock market that opens and closes according to business hours, crypto is up and running at all hours. Keeping track of news on social media is an easy way to have the latest scoop at your fingertips at all times.

Sources that supply the facts are vital, but what if you want to stay ahead of the trends? This is where finding a reliable source of information gets tricky. You want to be well-informed and on the cutting edge of trends, but you do not want to get caught up in rumors. Looking at the people authority sites get their information from is one way to find people who are entrenched in the crypto world and may be unlikely to feed you false information. Crypto enthusiasts are not all reliable, but the experienced traders and investors that authority sites call on for opinions and quotes are at the top of their game. Following some of those people on social media, reading their columns or listening to their podcasts can help you understand trends before they hit the news cycle.

Crypto has long been a field shrouded in mystery and distrusted by authorities, but all of that may be starting to change. Bitcoin ETFs are pushing cryptocurrencies toward being SEC-approved, and certain countries have already approved Bitcoin as a currency. Some people are making real money by investing in the blockchain. Crypto is not just a game for tech developers and seasoned investors anymore. It is a chance for many more peopleto make money. Get your head in the game by doing your research and staying up to date with everything crypto by finding reliable sources.

If you’re considering any kind of investment, always consult a trusted professional financial advisor before getting started.

The news and editorial staffs of the Hartford Courant had no role in this post’s preparation.