'We've had a great run ... we really have' - Times Union

   His five terms (20 years) isn't as long as Mayor Erastus Corning's eleven terms, but Albany's Mayor Jerry Jennings has been a fixture in state politics and the capital.
    Mayor Jennings did not seek reelection last year.
'We've had a great run ... we really have' - Times Union

Two Druggies and a Teen Lover Get Pardons for New Year's.

   A 70 year old druggie....a man convicted of SEVENTH degree possession and a 22 year old who had sex with his 15 year old girlfriend in a relationship approved of by the parents.  Those were the three pardons granted at year's end by Governor Cuomo.
    If you are going to start getting caught up in feeling sorry for people ensnared in these type of situations, you'd empty the jails and put a lot of upstaters out of work.

NY State of Politics « The STATE of POLITICS blog is a running statewide conversation about NY politics – the debate and the drama, the victories and defeats. We invite you to be part of the discussion. Please share your comments on our posts or (please!) send us a news tip.

MSNBC Race Baiters Do It Again....Mocking Adopted Black Baby in Mitt's Family

   Another apology from MSNBC...This time Melissa Harris Perry for her weekend yukking it up over a rich white family with a black adopted baby. She had to apologize...The cowardly way, on Twitter.
  

Romney Family. See the One That Doesn't Belong ?

 

       There's a sickness at the Peacock Network these days. Huntley and Brinkley would not be pleased.

SNOWTOWN USA Event Schedule

      A celebration of winter weather begins this evening at 6PM with fireworks at the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds. Check out the schedule and enjoy the fun.
SNOWTOWN USA Event Schedule

Gov. Cuomo: For Years 'The North Country Felt Like a Stepchild to Albany'

    Outdoor recreation got a boost yesterday from Governor Andrew Cuomo who visited Lowville to do a little snowmobiling and announce a campaign to boost upstate tourism.

No Dukakis Moment for Andy as He Leaves the Helmet Off for the Photo

Gov. Cuomo: For Years 'The North Country Felt Like a Stepchild to Albany'

WDT: Northern New York, Fort Drum will be part of FAA drone test in civilian airspace

       The Silicon Valley of drones ?   Central and NNY are among the areas the FAA will do tests on the use of unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace.

        Senator Charles Schumer made the comparison and says the decision will result in jobs and a new industry.
         So look up. You might see a strange craft looking back at you.

Watertown Daily Times | Northern New York, Fort Drum will be part of FAA drone test in civilian airspace

Assemblyman Loses His Lulu

       Harass a staffer and lose your lulu....That's the message from Speaker Sheldon Silver as one of his flock has been sanctioned for sexual harassment.  Assemblyman Micah Kellner has been stripped....stripped I tell you....of his chairmanship of the Library Committee and is forbidden from holding any leadership post....That pegs his salary at the base of $79,500. The Assemblyman is also forbidden from employing interns and has to undergo some kind of therapy.

Assemblyman Micah Kellner

 

        No sooner had this slap on the wrist was handed out than a Buffalo area member is in hot water for much the same thing.
        Speaker Silver's moral cesspool continues as the flock stands by their man.
The Daily Politics | New York Daily News

Oswego County Couple Win Mug Shot of the Year Honors

     Wow, life is pretty harsh in Sandy Creek, At  least it was for this pair arrested on drug charges. Can you believe Christina Peach is 36 ?

 

 

     The dude is 42. Quite the pair I would say.

Governor Pitches NNY Life to Downstaters

   Governor Cuomo was spreading the love in NNY today giving millions to Clarkson University and stopping in Lewis County to announce increased promotion of snowmobiling in the state including an
ad campaign for the downstaters.

   The Governor got  a warm reception from local officials as he readies for almost certain reelection in 2014

Want to party all night on New Year's Eve? Like George Thorogood, You May Drink Alone | syracuse.com

    The number of all night New Year's parties are very low this year with only one in Jefferson County. Fact is the media myth about raucous New Year's parties in the bars is just not that true anymore. People are pretty mellow these days in ushering in the New Year, opting for private parties, nights at home or dinner out.
     After five weeks of holiday hype and a stressful spate of weather mixed in, most people I know are ready for season to end. It's back to work Thursday.
Want to party all night on New Year's Eve? Just a handful of local bars have extended permits | syracuse.com

Woman with 7ft wide backside hopes to inspire larger ladies | Mail Online

       Sir Mix-a-Lot's dream girl.

Woman with 7ft wide backside hopes to inspire larger ladies | Mail Online

Darrel Aubertine's Career Soared After Tough Campaign Loss | syracuse.com

     Republicans always made fun of Darrel and his brother Darrel...They like to say he is dumber than a box of rocks...I know, because I heard all the chiding as the former farmer won a county leg chairmanship, an Assembly seat, a Senate seat, a commissioner's job and now a cushy job in the Comptroller's office.

Patty Ritchie Got the Senate Seat but Darrel Got the Last Laugh

 

     Fact is, Darrel Aubertine has done well. That's not so dumb.

Darrel Aubertine's career, NY paycheck soar after tough campaign loss | syracuse.com

With No Muscle at Top of the Ballot, 2014 a Challenge for GOP

   With 2014 ready to dawn, any Republican running for a down ballot office has to be worried about the party's up ballot prospects.
    If Rob Astorino opts not to run, as observers expect, the GOP has no legitimate contender for Governor against Andrew Cuomo and the prospects are the same for AG and Comptroller, the other two major offices on the ballot.  No candidates and no money to run statewide.
    It was bad enough in 2012 when President Obama carried places like the NNY Congressional district by over six points making it tougher to swim against the tide down ballot. Add to that, trying to run away from the party's unpopular (except in Buffalo) gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino.
    In 2014 the top of the ballot races will produce way-into- double-digit leads for the top three races.
     Here in the North Country, the Assembly and Senate races will be largely unopposed and the Congressional candidate will have a challenge in such a blue sea of voters.
     
     

Rob Astorino Seeks To Tar Gov. Cuomo With NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver | New York Daily News

   Anyone running in a state race against a Democrat is welcome to bring up all of Sheldon Silver's scandals, sex and otherwise, but whether that tar sticks is yet to be seen.
     Touted GOP gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino flirts with a run to get publicity but insiders say he will not step in front of the bus and run for Governor. He is also chiding Governor Cuomo with what he says is a failed effort to clean up Albany.

Westchester County's Rob Astorino

 

     Republicans privately claim you could use the same tactic locally against a Democratic lawmaker like Addie Russell.  Well I think you could and a good Democrat has little choice but to stand behind their leadership and hope the questioner moves on.
      Does it cost that many votes ?  I don't think so as most of the few people who still vote are locked in by party loyalty or special interest considerations.
      Nobody votes against a Governor because an Assemblyman from Buffalo plays grab ass in the office.
       Rob Astorino Seeks To Tar Gov. Cuomo With NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver | New York Daily News

Call girl: Assistant DA forced me to keep hooking to nail madam | New York Post

      Sometimes you have to break the law to enforce the law, and mostly up here that involves getting a convenience store clerk to sell  a beer to an old looking 20 year old but in in Manhattan things operate on a larger scale with one assistant DA said to essentially pimping out a high priced hooker in a bid to arrest and embarrass others involved in sins of the flesh.
       Wonder who got all the cash from these $20K liasons ?
Call girl: Assistant DA forced me to keep hooking to nail madam | New York Post

Dog spends 628 days in Potsdam Animal Shelter despite being adopted twice; both owners got divorced | NorthCountryNow

   , I though the nearly three months Jet spend in the tank was a lot, but a Potsdam pooch has logged 628 days in the animal shelter and seems ready for a home.

      Not all dogs show well and that was the case with mine....but they can still be a great pet....

Dog spends 628 days in Potsdam Animal Shelter despite being adopted twice; both owners got divorced | NorthCountryNow

GMA host Robin Roberts outs herself as a lesbian in heartfelt thank you letter to fans | Mail Online

   I know the media likes these 'outing' stories, but really, is there a point when it's no big deal that Robin Roberts has a girlfriend ?. I mean, she has been through enough with all her cancer issues, and I don't think being gay is that much of a novelty or an issue these days.
   

     I am glad Robin is doing well with her health and signing a new contract with ABC.


GMA host Robin Roberts outs herself as a lesbian in heartfelt thank you letter to fans | Mail Online

WDT: Winter Weather on Tap for Snowtown

     After a weekend respite and a chance to get rid of some of that pesky ice,  Old Man Winter returns with a vengeance tonight as snow and bitter cold come our way.
     It's all good news for the revived Snowtown festival starting Tuesday.
     The other exciting revival is the Kite Day in the late spring and I hear a lot of enthusiasm over that, although its perhaps a bit too edgy for some.
      Please take time to enjoy Snowtown events.  I's a great diversion in the middle of winter.

Watertown Daily Times | Cold weather, snow to hit New Year’s week

Jets finish strong for Rex by eliminating Dolphins | New York Post

    A smooth and effective JET team evened their record at eight and eight, eliminated division rival Miami from playoff contention and likely saved the coaching job for Rex Ryan.  
    The impressive performance by Geno Smith in his hometown and with parents looking on at Sun Life Stadium carried the JETS to a 20-7 win.

Geno Smith Rushes for a TD

 

        The JETS season was very much an up and down affair with some terrible performances scattered amid the good games. An earlier game against Miami say the JETS look pitiful in a 23-3 loss. Today it was the just the opposite.

Jets finish strong for Rex by eliminating Dolphins | New York Post

Bill Clinton To Swear In Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio | New York Daily News

    It's Bill deBlasio's big day, but it's Bill Clinton who will be the center of attention as the former President administers the ceremonial oath of office to the new Mayor of NYC on New Year's Day.
      Usually the oath is administered by a judge. Doesn't have to be but that's the tradition.
I am sure Mr. Clinton would be glad to do the inaugural speech too. All you have to do is ask.
       Bill Clinton To Swear In Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio | New York Daily News

WDT: 2013's Greatest News Hits

   Retrospectives are always fun to read as you sometimes forget what happened in the past year.  This top ten list offers a good perspective with the series of downtown construction projects announced and started over the year topping the list.
    We used to do them back when I worked in TV as they are an easy way to fill the news hole on a holiday without leaving the building, plus people like to look back.
      Watertown Daily Times | Downtown Watertown renaissance tops list of best local stories of 2013

Call girl tell-all: Eliot Spitzer liked to choke me, was into ‘struggle’ | New York Post

       If Eliot Spitzer hadn't attempted a political comeback in 2013, he surely wouldn't be getting the treatment now being dished out by New York's tabloids. Another call girl tell-all tale is out, this one detailing the former Governor's alleged love of dominance-submissive role playing during sex, including choking.

        It's interesting when guys like this get into power and it blows up in their face. Remember John Edwards, who was an Ohio away from being a heartbeat away from the Oval Office.
Call girl tell-all: Eliot Spitzer liked to choke me, was into ‘struggle’ | New York Post

NRA praises Owens for gun control votes

    It's things like this that make it hard to believe Rep. Bill Owens can be defeated.  The NRA is backing the NNY Congressman.
    Mr. Owens did vote for Obamacare.....But also voted against Dodd-Frank and has a record he claims supports Speaker Boehner three-fifths of the time.
    That voting record...even if it is carefully calculated....makes it tough for a GOP challenger to seize the middle ground where elections are won or lost.
    There are four potential Republican challengers....Only two of them are viable, the Harvard grad and the soap opera pretty boy.
     Wednesday is 2014, so it's game on....but getting the NRA to gush over you doesn't hurt...Wonder if the Congressman got the free knife from the NRA ?

NRA praises Owens for gun control votes

I Paid an Extra $100 in County Taxes This Year

    Remember when those two county legislators came on the HOTLINE and said they wanted to donate money to the county dog pound to offset adoption fees before the holiday....Well, they each wrote checks for $150 and I wrote one for $100 in the spirit of the season.
    Turns out the well intentioned effort breached protocol as fees are set by law and any such arrangement would have to be approved by the Legislature. I get it. I am in government and thought the particulars had been arranged.  I understand the rule of law.  In fact, I agree with it.

      Shouldn't it have been returned ?  I would have gone to Petco and bought some chew toys for the dogs. I don't want it to go for gas for that oversized vehicle my good friend the Sheriff acquired.
     

Boy Scouts open ranks to gay youth on Jan. 1

       All the traditional political dogma about SSM is changing. No more defense of marriage...they're performing gay marriages in Utah and the Boy Scouts no longer ban openly gay youth.
        There are still those who think it's blasphemy but in the mainstream the pendulum has swung enough that pols don't feel obliged to trumpet their love of boy-girl marriages.  
        It's been an interesting change to watch.
Boy Scouts open ranks to gay youth on Jan. 1

Laborer Finds Win for Life Winner in Leaf Pile and Wins

      Well, this guy was honest and lucky and is rewarded with a half million dollars after taxes....I just hope he reconsiders what he told the press he intends to spend the money on...That's not a lot of money here...but especially on Long Island.

Leaf Raking Lottery Winner Marvin Rosales-Martinez

   
      At 27 that money goes quick, but managed carefully could make for a good life....I suspect his relatives will pick him clean, but it's all a reminder to check your tickets. Someone bought that ticket and discarded it...How dumb is that ?
Man fi

WDT: Vandalism against Muslim immigrant likely not a hate crime, police say

        Our culture here is not as accustomed to instant reaction and outrage, so the findings in this auto vandalism case bear out the virtue of silence until the facts are in.
         Watertown Daily Times | Vandalism against Muslim immigrant likely not a hate crime, police say

Only Two Local Gin Mills Apply for All Night New Years Party

   Only two area gin mills plan all night parties on New Year's Eve, according to the NYS Liquor Authority website.
    Clueless on Arsenal Street in Watertown and Maxfields in Potsdam are the only two listed in this area.

 

 

      Current law extends to 3AM the closing time in Jefferson County for all establishments on New Year's but an additional permit is need for the extra five hours till the normal 8AM opening time.

       I did it last year and while things went fine, I have to attend the swearing in on New Year's Day and need to be alert to hear the speeches.

        Frankly, New Year's is not the big bar holiday the media portrays it. Most people either celebrate quietly, go to a house party or realize it's really just another Tuesday night.

         But I am sure the revelry will be in full swing at Clueless if you are up late.



Keeping Up With Snow and Ice Part of Being a Good Citizen

       The past two weeks have been a challenge in dealing with driveways, parking lots and sidewalks and the challenge is greater for some than others. However there are businesses that adhere to the old school  belief that  you tend to your customers and show pride in your property.
        On the stroll to the diner this AM, I noticed three businesses who obviously care. First Round, Colesante's and Mo's Diner all had their sidewalks bare to the concrete. something not easy of late.

Factory Street

 

 

       Other businesses had hard packed snow, glare ice and piles of plowed snow obstructing the sidewalk. One nearby appeared not to have seen any effort this season with a path flattened by footprints.

The Takers Trample the Snow Left Unplowed by the Makers

 

      Often those with the means do the least to maintain their property, while the little guy or gal puts forth the effort.  

      

Spitzer gal pal in Twitter war with NY political pro | New York Post

    When in the glare of controversy the best advice is still to keep your head up and your mouth shut.....Not advice followed by Client #9's gal pal as she showed bad judgment getting into a Twitter war with veteran and outspoken political operative Roger Stone.

    Lis Smith's prospects for the top press job in the de Blasio administration decline with each passing article.
Spitzer gal pal in Twitter war with NY political pro | New York Post

WDT: An Editorial, But First A Few Questions

   I thought this editorial was interesting and well informed but before I read it on line, I was posed a series of questions about a car. I just punched answers without reading and after the series was done, I was told I had "earned" a full seven days without any of these surveys.
    Whether I am spared the surveys for seven days, I will wait and see.  I hope the answers I gave don't become part of my permanent record or form a behavior mosaic the NSA will find intriguing. I will take that chance.
Watertown Daily Times | Bad-tasting COLA

WDT: City business owners brace for minimum wage increase

       While New York's minimum wage is on the minds of small business people, they follow the debate at the federal level is looming as well. President Obama wants a ten dollar minimum wage which would trump the state's new eight dollar wage.
       The squeeze is any kind of competitive business is the buying public has no interest in higher prices even if the rationale is paying workers more in wages and benefits.
        And for those employers who try to pay above minimum out of decency or whatever reason, they now feel pressure to increase.
         In small business you learn quickly that either you control costs or you fail. The norms in some lives like COLA's, step increases, full medical, pensions that cost 30% or payroll, six weeks vacation, etc. just don't fit into a business model where people seek cheaper products and always want to know "what's on special ?".
        Small business will adapt. There are ways to cut overhead.       
    

Watertown Daily Times | City business owners brace for minimum wage increase

NY Safe Act provision, expanded gaming, tax-free zones among new laws taking effect in 2014 | syracuse.com

    The Animal Lemon Law is expanded....more casinos will be allowed.....tax free zones will be created on SUNY campuses, more aspects of the SAFE NY Act take effect and the minimum wage goes to $8....all on the first of the year..
     New laws will do this and more.

NY Safe Act provision, expanded gaming, tax-free zones among new laws taking effect in 2014 | syracuse.com

New York Today: Political Lowlights - NYTimes.com

    I can't recall any political highlights from 2013......but there are some lowlights..

 

 

       In fairness, Christine Quinn, while in this montage, did nothing wrong.....other than lose in spectacular fashion.

New York Today: Political Lowlights - NYTimes.com

Jefferson County broadcast engineer to run for Congress

    Everybody is running for Congress....A local broadcast engineer from Adams Center named Mike Ring says his hat is in , well, in the ring. There's the guy from "Dynasty" and the Tea Partier from the Big County...And there's Elise.
    People in some cases think you can walk out your front door and say you are running and its true. It's not, but I am going to announce tomorrow morning while walking the dog. We'll see if the media shows up.
Jefferson County broadcast engineer to run for Congress

WDT: Crazy Ray Knew What Happened

   Crazy Ray from FX in the Bay got it right....It was a faulty ball joint that disabled a city fire truck yesterday on Washington Street.  Ray made the call on yesterday's HOTLINE after seeing this photo on the Internet.

Watertown Daily Times | City firetruck’s ball joint gives way

Toronto ice storm: Ford made 'right decision' on state of emergency - Canada - CBC News

     I think States of Emergency are more linked to reimbursement than anything else. Some quickly jumped on Mayor Rob Ford for not declaring one in Toronto...Turns out experts now say he was right. That's a tough story for the media to run.

Toronto ice storm: Ford made 'right decision' on state of emergency - Canada - CBC News

New York Soon to Trail Florida in Population - NYTimes.com

       Once truly the Empire State, New York is to suffer another indignity soon, dropping to fourth place in population behind CA, TX and now FL.  
      The Sunshine State has been closing in for years and will pass NY very shortly if not already.
       New York was once the nation's most populous state with 45 Congressional Districts. Now we have 27.
New York Soon to Trail Florida in Population - NYTimes.com

Anthony Weiner's sexting partner Sydney Leathers wants to go to Bill de Blasio's New Year's Day inauguration - NY Daily News

   The woman who had her 15 minutes and now claims to have saved New York City from having Anthony Weiner as mayor wants to attend the de Blasio inauguration.
    Sydney Leathers doesn't have tickets, but is on Twitter trying to find someone to invite her.

      My guess is she finds no takers...Although she must have either reduced her load of tattoos or dressed strategically.

Anthony Weiner's sexting partner Sydney Leathers wants to go to Bill de Blasio's New Year's Day inauguration - NY Daily News

WDT: Proposed change in age of criminality could strain Lewis County

   When is a criminal a criminal ? In NY you can get married as young as 14, drive at 16 but can't go to criminal court until 18, the same age you can vote and have a cigarette.
    A new law takes 16 and 17 year olds out of criminal courts and into Family Court.
    That creates more expense for the system as the goal is to reduce stigma. Isn't stigma what keeps people in line ?
Watertown Daily Times | Proposed change in age of criminality could strain Lewis County

WDT: Judge Palermo takes on new role of full-time Watertown magistrate

     In April, Watertown will have two full time judges and that will mean some remodeling to the first floor at City Hall,  A smaller additional courtroom hopefully can be fit into existing wasted space where there was a downtown lockup. Most of the cells are gone except for the ladies section where there were two cells still in place. The whole area is used for storage now.

City Judges Catherine Palermo and Eugene Renzi in 2012 Wither Former Judge James Harbersion

 

      Local courts are run  by the NYS Office of Court Administration with all the staff under the supervision of the administrative judge at the judicial district where the court lies. In this case, its the Fifth District under the direction of Judge James Tormey, who is based in Syracuse.
       While the state assumed all personnel costs some years ago, local municipalities are responsible for providing a venue for the court to operate.
      

Watertown Daily Times | Judge Palermo takes on new role of full-time Watertown magistrate

De Blasio eyes replacement for Spitzer gal pal Lis Smith | New York Post

      Looks like Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio doesn't want the stench of Eliot Spitzer on his new administration and will seek someone other than PR maven Lis Smith to manage his message.
     The press secretary has to tell the story not be the story and days on the front page has likely sunk Ms. Smith.

De Blasio eyes replacement for Spitzer gal pal Lis Smith | New York Post

Could Francis be the greatest Pope ever? | Mail Online

   He has yet to complete a year as the Pontiff, but Pope Francis is winning friends for the Catholic Church by being hip and preaching the gospel to a new generation who communicate differently.
    Imagine a Holy Father posing for a "selfie" ?

 

 

 

        There's a lot of energy in the 77 year old Jesuit from South America who some say may visit the US this coming year. 

Could Francis be the greatest Pope ever? | Mail Online

Dallas Cowboys asks retired quarterback Jon Kitna to fill in for injured star | Mail Online

     A 41 year old retired quarterback who is now teaching high school math is putting the pads back on to try and save a playoff spot for the Dallas Cowboys who need a win against division rival Philadelphia.
     Jon Kitna used to play for the Cowboys and will show up for a $53,000 pay day he says he will donate to the school in Tacoma where he works.
     That's a weak bench, if you have to start picking from the ranks of the old and retired. Hope he is in shape.

Dallas Cowboys asks retired quarterback Jon Kitna to fill in for injured star | Mail Online

WDT: Gouverneur Police Officer suspended without pay

       In the Land of Life Savers, you can get suspended for stealing village gas, but not arrested. I assume the allegation of using municipal gas for personal use is not deemed a crime just a personnel issue. That's cool, as I consider giving away drinks to be stealing, but the most I would do is fire you for it.
         I don't know if Mayor McDougall has any cops left....seems they are all in trouble, to the point all those Troopers recently swooped in to write tickets.
         Wonder if Ron ever let anyone get fired back in his UAW days ?

Watertown Daily Times | Gouverneur Police Officer Young suspended without pay

Canada cops encounter bears surrounding marijuana fields during bust at Christina Lake - NY Daily News

    While in the state to the south, pot smoking is now legal, in British Columbia it's still bushwhacking time as cops search for plants on private property. This week they encountered 13 bears on the property where hundreds of plants were.
    

Cops With Bear in Background

 

 

         Let's home nobody down in the Town of Watson starts training bears to guard the stash...Goodness knows how many agencies would have to be involved then.

Canada cops encounter bears surrounding marijuana fields during bust at Christina Lake - NY Daily News

WDT: Rodman payphone a silent testimony to the loss of a once-frequent object

    There is still an outdoor payphone in, of all places, downtown Rodman. The once ubiquitous devices used to be everywhere...pre-cell phone.
     We used to have one in the Pearl Street Pub, but that was taken out long ago. Remember the row of phones in the Arcade and the special lines that went to he taxi companies.
      These stories about things that used to be common in our lives are an interesting read.
       Now if they can find a store that still has a TV tube tester, or 45rpm records or a photo booth...The number of feature stories about products gone by is endless.
Watertown Daily Times | Rodman payphone a silent testimony to the loss of a once-frequent object

White House Applauds Chiara De Blasio For Revealing Her Private Struggle | New York Daily News

  In a nation still conducting a "war on drugs", the White House was quick to applaud an underage drug user who comes from a progressive family. Chiara de Blasio is the 19 year old daughter of   NYC Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio.
    Why does  the White House have to comment on everything. ? Isn't it national policy that those who engage in the sale or use of drugs are criminals first and ill second ?

White House Applauds Chiara De Blasio For Revealing Her Private Struggle | New York Daily News

Gaming expands in state - Times Union

   If you like your health plan you can keep your health plan may have been some people's whopper of the year, but the wording of the casino ballot proposition that passed in November could rank up there as well.

    The touting of lower taxes and jobs was assailed by good government groups as a finger on the scale that worked as 57% of New Yorker said yes to more gambling.
     The fight is already on to see who gets the prized casino licenses in four upstate locations.
      Those concerned over gambling as a social pathology ? Quit worrying, that ship has sailed.
    

Gaming expands in state - Times Union

President Obama breaks from low key family Christmas to visit with military families with Michelle | Mail Online

     President Obama spent a part of Christmas with Marines stationed in Hawaii as he and the First Lady took time out from their secluded vacation to thank service members.

President Obama breaks from low key family Christmas to visit with military families with Michelle | Mail Online

WDT: Arcade Gains Distinction

      Watertown's Paddock Arcade may now be the nation's oldest continuously operating covered shopping mall as the one older one ceased retail activity in 2008 and now is used for micro lofts.  The Westminster Arcade in Rhode Island was built in 1828 in what were known at the time as covered streets. It is to reopen with some retail and bills itself as one of the nation's oldest covered malls.

Westminster Arcade in Providence

 

      Watertown's Arcade has seen a quiet revival since its nadir in the 1980s as many small business persons have renovated space and thriving businesses are now in there. The building still needs some work but it is better off for the owners who kept it going over the past thirty years. Current owner Donald Coon has made steady progress of late as steward of this piece of local and national history. Business owners like Robert Dalton and Dave Bartlett are among those making a difference as well.
      With the renovation of the adjacent Woolworth Building underway, the sky is the limit for the Paddock Arcade.

Watertown Daily Times | Looking ahead

WDT: DA -Elect Loses Bid to Stiff Bat Man

     Despite being the district attorney-elect, Mary Rain found a Hammond judge unimpressed as he ruled against her in a civil suit and ordered her to pay up for bat removal services from an exterminator. The man had been hired to remove bats from a Watertown property and convinced the court he had done the work based on a verbal agreement.
     What's interesting is that the suit was filed by Al's Critter Solution's owner Albert LaFrance on July 2 in Ogdensburg City Court and more than one judge scampered away from handling the case before it was assigned to the Hammond court.
       The proceedings were reported on in the WDT but apparently never became an issue to my recollection in the heated campaign Ms. Rain had with current DA Nicole Duve.
        A competent opposition campaign could have had some fun with an opponent being sued by Batman.

Watertown Daily Times | Judge rules in favor of exterminator over DA-elect

Jesse Jackson blasts Phil Robertson for being 'more offensive' than Rosa Parks bus driver as he demands to meet with A&E execs | Mail Online

       Today's world gets sillier all the time. Jesse Jackson comparing an old man he never met to the Montgomery bus driver who tried to make Rosa Parks sit in the back of the bus ?
        And Rev. Jackson demands to meet with A & E officials to discuss the fate of the show Duck Dynasty. So do people from an LGBT group.
        Jesse Jackson blasts Phil Robertson for being 'more offensive' than Rosa Parks bus driver as he demands to meet with A&E execs | Mail Online

'Duck Dynasty' fans given scripted apology by Cracker Barrel after abrupt reversal of pulled merchandise - NY Daily News

        We have a Cracker Barrel here so I guess this is sort of local news. The chain briefly pulled its Duck Dynasty swag from shelves in the corporate knee jerk to the kerfuffle over one cast member touching the third rails of modern political correctness.....gays and blacks.
         Now the merchandise is back after a push-back by show supporters and others tired of the culture of victimhood, entitlement and diversity that has consumed the nation. The outrage machine stalled on this one.

A & E Felt So Bad About the Controversy they Ran a Christmas Marathon of Duck Dynasty Reruns

         I don't watch the show and really don't care what the old guy said. I did hear a funny line about reality shows like Duck or Swamp People, which I guess appeal to the less affluent and less educated looked down on by the liberal elite.
         "Poor-nography"

'Duck Dynasty' fans given scripted apology by Cracker Barrel after abrupt reversal of pulled merchandise - NY Daily News

High school baseball star, 17, 'beat mother with bat then fatally slashed her throat and stabbed her in the eye after Christmas Eve argument' | Mail Online

         .That's a nice holiday story.  Most people didn't do that to their mother on Christmas, but that's not news.
High school baseball star, 17, 'beat mother with bat then fatally slashed her throat and stabbed her in the eye after Christmas Eve argument' | Mail Online

Four Republicans now weighing NY21 race

    Somebody might think there is blood in the water due to the rocky roll-out of Obamacare or it may just be egos on parade, but the list of possible GOP candidates to take on Rep.. Bill Owens has grown to four, according to the Glens Falls Post-Star.
     I never heard of the latest pair mentioned and Harvard educated businesswoman Elise Stefanik is till the presumptive front runner ahead of Tea Party hopeful Joe Gilbert of St. Lawrence County.
     As 2014 dawns, you have to look at who has ready cash and a knowledge of the issues and that would be Ms. Stefanik who is trying to travel the district and learn the lay of the land.
     All GOP challengers face a battle in trying to unseat Mr. Owens who has established himself in his three years and beat back an aggressive and well funded challenges in 2010 and 2012.

Four Republicans now weighing NY21 race

Spitzer and Leggy Friend Visit Her Parents for the Holiday

      With not much else to do during the holidays, the NY tabloids are having a ball with one of their favorite targets......disgraced, hooker-happy former Governor Eliot Spitzer and his raven-haired, leggy, hard charging communications maven.Lis Smith.

 

Heading to Mom's House

 



       With his marriage officially in shambles, Spitzer and his gal went to her parent's  Bronxville home for a holiday party.

Some celebrate dark, chilly Christmas Eve – but it’s not all bad | WRVO Public Media

   Smaller and smaller pockets of local residents are in the dark this Christmas afternoon. About a thousand homes were still out last night but that is down further. One person who lives near the Airport stopped in today and said his power came back Christmas morning.
    Those coping are well conditioned from the much harsher storm in 1998.

An Icy and Darkened Genesee County, Michigan

    Meanwhile in parts of Michigan and Canada, many also remain in the dark and cold.
Some celebrate dark, chilly Christmas Eve – but it’s not all bad | WRVO Public Media

Worker offered paid leave - Times Union

    A staffer for a Buffalo area Assemblyman is off on PAID leave while her charges of sexual harassment in the workplace are investigated by the Assembly Ethics Committee.
      Somehow Assembly Ethics Committee sounds very much the oxymoron.
Worker offered paid leave - Times Union

Working on Christmas Eve

    Some people have a job to do even on Christmas Eve, like the Space Shuttle astronauts who had to perform a seven hour plus space walk to repair a cooling pump...

News from The Associated Press

Disgraced former Governor Eliot Spitzer and wife Silda announced they are DIVORCED | Mail Online

       Not a very classy roll out for Eliot to announce his divorce from wife Silda but hardly surprising as it would be pretty difficult for Mrs. Spitzer to endure this latest spate of publicity as hubby was splashed in the tabloids for his new relationship with hard charging political operative Lis Smith, 23 years his junior.
        

    You can only be stoic for so long, I guess.  Imagine if he had won that Comptroller primary.
Disgraced former Governor Eliot Spitzer and wife Silda announced they are DIVORCED | Mail Online

Hey, It's Christmas !

   Christmas 2013 is here and on this crisp cold morning, the quiet and stillness outdoors is a relief compared to the last few days.
    Now its time to gather with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Christ and all the thoughts of peace on Earth that go with the holiday.
    

Subway Riders Get in the Christmas Eve Spirit

 

         The best part of Christmas is the friendliness, as every encounter ends with a heartfelt "Merry Christmas !".

           Enjoy the day and may you all be blessed with the joy of the season.

Bill de Blasio's 19 Year Old Daughter Chiara Admits to Drinking and Drugs, Isn't that Nice | Mail Online

     I am tired of reading about famous families and their underage drinking and pot smoking.....Arrest them and quit validating bad behavior and bad parenting. Society either wants a 21 year old drinking age and a war on drugs or it doesn't.
     Bill de Blasio's daughter Chiara admits to battle with depression and drugs | Mail Online

Spitzer’s gal pal known for tangling up with power pols | New York Post

    Some are arguing that Eliot Spitzer's new 31 year old gal pal is political climber of the first order who enjoys the company of powerful men and that her linkage to the former hooker-happy governor is something NYC's new mayor wants to avoid. Others cry foul and say its her personal business and only because she is a powerful woman is she being "slut-shamed", something that wouldn't happen to a man in this position.

54+31=Scandal

 

      I say she is smart enough to know what this would bring, as she is part of the media world.  But its great holiday reading in the tabloids.
Spitzer’s gal pal known for tangling up with power pols | New York Post

The Folks Still Like their Mayor in Toronto...or at Least Some of them Do

    One of your jobs as mayor....even a mayor the media has condemned....is to be on the scene in times of need. Visiting with constituents....encouraging repair crews...or visiting shelters, like Toronto's Rob Ford , who this week held a Christmas toy drive and visited utility workers after the storm.

And the best thing for the Mayor is that with most of his official duties stripped from him, he has even more time to be a mayor who's there.

     

Talking Heads Are Back

      What a Christmas gift I got today from Nic Darling. He gave me my cable back.
     Old St. Nic, they call him !   Thank you and Merry Christmas to all !

      On a broader note, on a visit to the fire station this AM, Chief Herman told me things are returning to normal quickly and the number of homes without power in the city is much smaller and dwindling..Good news and a job well done by all.

Cutting jobs, raising taxes by more than 40 percent, City of Oswego closes $4 million deficit | syracuse.com

   Sometimes you do what's you have to do....but saying you were caught off guard admits to a cognitive deficit. The trends in cities have been evident for some time.
   Some have managed better than others over the years and some are intrinsically in a better situation due to local factors.
    Every year there are required five year projections done and if read them you know....May not choose to do anything right away, but you know...or you should.

Cutting jobs, raising taxes by more than 40 percent, City of Oswego closes $4 million deficit | syracuse.com#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default

The Stench from Spitzer is Wafting Towards City Hall

    Power people like to have affairs with other type A people and a thirty something hard charger and a rich, powerful man two decades her senior is not uncommon in politics....Not the family values politics in the ads, but the real politics.
    Operative Lis Smith may have gotten more than she bargained for in hooking up with Eliot Spitzer:
" the randy Democratic operative who’s got a freaky fetish for the black knee socks and balding pate of married ex-Love Gov Eliot Spitzer."  That's how the Post's Andrea Peyser sums it up in asking Mayor-elect de Blasio to dump her from his own staff.
   

    
       Ms. Smith dalliance with the hooker-happy, married former governor may prove too much for the incoming occupant of Gracie Mansion. My guess is she is out the door soon, but these are Progressives who are able to compartmentalize, so you never know.



Give her the heave-ho, de

Christmas Eve

   Christmas Eve starts with Imus in the Morning on radio for me instead of Morning Joe, since I am still sans television. Actually Don's radio show is excellent entertainment and is heard on AM 1240-WATN, also home of the HOTLINE.....There is no HOTLINE show today due to the holiday, but I do have an 8:30 meeting at City Hall on matters unrelated to the storm.
     Then its back to Pearl Street to open up and begin holiday revelry.   Enjoy your holiday and thanks to all those who helped or endured our recent distraction . 
      Merry Christmas to all !

WDT: Pole Warriors Report Significant Progress in War on Ice

      When I want to know about the war in Afghanistan, I like to talk to the people who served there rather than swallow the media or government story. And when you are trying to assess the War on Ice, you talk to the people doing the job. Tonight, I saw a table of about 15 Grid linemen at Pete's so I went and introduced myself , thanked them for their efforts, and got their read on how things are going.
      They were pleased to tell me of the progress they have made and said the number of homes without service dropped significantly today. They told me where they were working and hoped to get as close to wrapping up tomorrow as possible.
      I talked to some people today on Stuart Street who were still without power but not at all bitter over it. Even me....Jonesing over missing my talking head shows was not too mad over another day without cable and the lady at the Eastern Blvd office was courteous in telling me the same thing the recorded phone message did....Keep waiting.
Hope I have TV to watch by Christmas, but if I don't...hey, there are people worse off.
     For the time being, I am listening to the radio while in bed.
      It's almost Christmas Eve.  The hoopla over the storm will be an afterthought for most, but there will be some still affected. I am sure they will find the joy of the season somehow.   People did so for centuries before there was electricity or cable.


   Watertown Daily Times | North country counties survey and begin to assess ice storm’s damage as recovery continues

Obama Signs Up For Health Care On DC Exchange - ABC News

   Stop Mr. President...you don't have to sign up for a bronze plan. You are an elite. A rich man. You are all set.
    Even your most ardent supporters can see through this.....Ted, Mike, Danny....no one really believes you are one of us, do they ?

Obama Signs Up For Health Care On DC Exchange - ABC News

National Grid: Crews from Ohio Valley, New York City Assisting with Power Restoration in North Country

     Go where you want, just use common sense...the latest guidance from 175 Arsenal Street. Crews continue to restore power with an emphasis on Clayton and Gouverneur where extensive outages are reported.
    National Grid has crews from downstate and Ohio here to help and work is getting done, hopefully in time for Christmas.
     Let's just enjoy the holiday. Everybody did a great job....I will stipulate to that here and now

National Grid: Crews from Ohio Valley, New York City Assisting with Power Restoration in North Country

Sheldon Silver Calls On Gabryszak To Resign If Sexual Harassment Allegations Are True | New York Daily News

   Guess the Bear Mountain Compact doesn't apply to upstaters. (Just after I posted this another aide came forward.....oh, the wages of sin.)

Sheldon Silver Calls On Gabryszak To Resign If Sexual Harassment Allegations Are True | New York Daily News

WDT: Albany Warns of Gouging.....Who Are They to Talk ?

        So, just what are we going to gouge people with ?   Really, think about it...it's an inconvenience and a danger to some....But what do you gouge people on ?....Rock salt ?  A generator you don't need beyond the weekend ?
       The state is always there to protect us.
        Retailers had a rough time of it this weekend and they hardly need to be vilified by Mr Schneiderman and the Albany crowd.
Watertown Daily Times | State AG warns of price gouging after ice storm

Restoration of Power Continues

   The number of households without power continues to dwindle as the recovery weekend ice storm continues.  Thank you for all your cooperation and neighborly attitudes.
    The weather is cooperating more today and more progress will be made.
Thank you to all who helped with such a quick response, especially our city crews who were on top of things from the get go.
   The same was true throughout the region. 

Pussy Riot freed, slam Russian amnesty as 'PR move'

     In a bid to look nice prior to the 2014 Winter Olympics, the Russian government is releasing dissidents from jail including two members of the brash punk rock band Pussy Riot.
      Clearly Vladimir Putin is in a holiday mood.
Pussy Riot freed, slam Russian amnesty as 'PR move'

No Rest for the Wicked.... Tabloids Unleash on the Hounds on Eliot's Latest Affair

       The term "shacking" up is kind of like "broad" or "dame"....It's from a bygone era....But the tabloids like to dust off those old morality standards for one of their favorite targets, the hooker-happy former Governor Eliot Spitzer.
      

      The 54 year old Spitzer is a lion in winter of sorts with his new 31 year old gal pal, Liz Smith, a media guru now working on the transition staff of Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio.
     

Eliot Spitzer ‘shacking up with de Blasio aide’ | Page Six

WDT: Snowtown Revival Lauded

   The last thing anyone wants to hear about now is more Winter.....but there is lots of it left and to make the most of it, please plan ahead a few days to the revived Snowtown Festival. 
    On New Year's Eve there are fireworks at the Fairgrounds and a host of other events. The response has been strong so far and when this latest challenge is behind us, let's get out an celebrate the season with the 2014 edition of Snowtown USA !
Watertown Daily Times | Cool times

Monday Morning

     Bad weather is always less ominous during daylight and this morning brings a temperature of 34 in the city and a check around my neck of the woods shows less ice as many trees shed their covering overnight...many others did not but there are fewer leaners among the trees I see every day.
     I am sure it varies greatly depending on location.  I listened to radio this AM and an informative interview with a NiMo....scratch that.....Grid spokesman. Remember the old days when Paul Forte was the reassuring voice of the monolithic utility. They have a new reassuring voice who did a good job.

This Morning in Black River

 

     Still no cable so I am getting used to life without television  but am thankful I have heat and light.
      I am confident today will be a day of progress as the weather event is over and many will see power restored.
      You can't change the weather but modern devices and the experience of previous storms has helped make this one a little easier to deal with.
       Of course losing the technologies we depend on makes us more victimized than we really may be.
       Like the folks who called 9-1-1 to say their cable is out.
       8:30...Time to head to the bank and city hall and start a new day. May the best be with you as the Christmas holiday nears.

NYS Conservative Party Chair: Rob Astorino Says He Won't Run A Gubernatorial 'Suicide Mission' | New York Daily News

   The man most thought to be a strong challenger to Andrew Cuomo says he doesn't want to go on a suicide mission and be Andy's sacrificial lamb.   That means Westchester County's Rob Astorino may not have the stomach and audacity to run. Seeking higher office is often a question of just saying I'm doing it now because the train may not stop here again.
    Case in point, Barack Obama in 2008. Or on a much smaller scale, when I first ran in 1991.
     The challenge of beating Mr. Cuomo is difficult because its a Democratic state and on many issues the incumbent has performed well.
      He is vulnerable on some issues for sure, but so far Mr. Astorino has shown little statewide to suggest he really is interested.
      Meeting with Crazy Carl doesn't exactly smack of a consensus.

NYS Conservative Party Chair: Rob Astorino Says He Won't Run A Gubernatorial 'Suicide Mission' | New York Daily News

Late Night Vignettes

    The weather just doesn't want to ease up...it was creepy tonight when I walked the dog out back....the streetlights, the ice,  the crack, snapple, pop from the woods behind me....The sense that the electricity I got back earlier in the evening wouldn't last.
     Without cable I had time to think about it and thankfully the internet is working.....DSL seems a better bargain today.
       Just got a text from a family anxious for power and concerned over pipes bursting tomorrow...They got the juice back after midnight so someone is out working on it. Earlier there were reports of a transformer explosion west of town and just now I could hear sirens around town.
      Make it to Wednesday.....Christmas forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 20.
    

Countdown to Christmas....Some Will Get Lights Just in Time

      While the number of meters in Watertown spinning increased all day repair crews still have a significant number of customers in the dark tonight. In the range of 3,000, according to the National Grid website which suggests the last of them will be on Tuesday night, Christmas Eve.
        The outages are scattered throughout town as well as across Jefferson County. Considerable progress was made today and I am sure many more accounts will be back on tonight and tomorrow.
        The Red Cross shelter in Watertown High School is available now for those needing such a heated and safe facility. The ice storm advisory expires tonight at 11PM, but there is a continued chance of rain or snow into tomorrow.
         Many are off work Monday due to the storm and Christmas preparations, so look for a busy Monday in retail.
         While roads are in decent shape, many parking lots and walkways are icy and will remain so through the bitter cold on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
          Other utilities like cable also are having outages in areas of town.       
    

Red Cross Opens Shelter at WHS

   Just in case there are those who need it a shelter opened tonight at Watertown High School for ice storm refugees.  Red Cross volunteers were on hand and we moved the cots into the smaller cafeteria on the first floor. One person had arrived to spend the night. It was not known how many would need the shelter.

     Red Cross officials say the need for shelter in ice storms is hard to predict, as once power is back on the crisis for most is over.
Red Cross to Open Watertown Shelter at 8 PM

Spitzer Dates Leggy Broad - NY Daily News

       Eliot Spitzer's new alleged girlfriend is Liz Smith, a PR flack for Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio. In his Daily News story veteran reporter and WDT alumni Ken Lovett describes  Ms. Smith as "leggy and sharply dressed".   That's kind of like objectifying women, isn't it Ken ?

 

 

     Question is, will the hooker-happy former governor settle for leggy and sharply dressed. Silda is well dressed too.

      The Daily News went on to report Mr  Spitzer was spotted without his wedding ring on Election Day. Who is out looking to spot such things ?

EXCLUSIVE: Eliot Spitzer dating Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio spokeswoman Lis Smith - NY Daily News

Wife rats out hubby’s illegal $600K Super Bowl pools | New York Post

         The old, familiar football squares are pretty much gone from the bar scene thanks to crackdowns like this one. They were once common but are now too risky for most places to run. Back in the day
hundred dollar a square pools were common...Some went for more, some as little as a dollar a square. They were a fun diversion...Mostly gone now.

Wife rats out hubby’s illegal $600K Super Bowl pools | New York Post

Storm Aftermath

   For me its a case of half on, half off....The power is on at the Pearl Street Pub but off at my house out back because it is fed off East Main Street, which is out. But cable is out so looks like a paucity of football today...Good day to have satellite.
   My tenant left to open her store at the Mall, so that's open...of course...and my plow guy is scraping outside...

The Pretty Side of an Ice Storm

 

   In touring the city this morning, it appeared the bad was scattered and no entire areas of damage as in previous storms.  Hopefully the five thousand or so customers will be back up soon.
    Observers say the situation was not as bad in Watertown as other areas, so we wish them a speedy recovery too, especially with cold weather and Christmas around the corner.

Thousands Without Power as Christmas Nears

   I was talking to Mom in NC this morning where its downright hot in the mid 70s...a far cry from here in NNY where temperatures are below freezing and a sheet of ice encases many communities, denying power and mobility a scant three days before Christmas.
   While the rain has stopped the dangers remain with falling limbs, downed lines and tens of thousands of county residents in darkness without heat.
   

Morning Briefing at the County Building

 

     By mid morning in the City about four in ten Grid customers were without power with a utility spokesman saying he cannot commit to a timetable for return of power, but hopes to have many back on today.

     This is a Sunday, but not a normal one as pre holiday activities and shopping mean roads will be busy, so its important to avoid side roads that may be blocked and use good judgment.

      There are no reported fatalities or serious injuries linked to the storm and the county emergency czar Joe Plummer says preparation ahead of time and new technologies like social media have helped with a better response than previous storms.

Scenes Like This on Cross Street Were Common Sites in City

 

      Mr. Plummer also said the situation was not as dire as 1998 when the electric grid was decimated. Today's damage is significant , but more localized.

      County Legislature Chair Carolyn Fitzpatrick said the county's motto has been "lean forward" in dealing with the storm's approach and impact.

      The Salvation Army on State Street called me to say they are open with power for those needing a place to go.  City fire and public works crews are busy blocking off problem streets, while in the towns, local fire halls are being manned for those in need.

      The weather forcast is mixed with more precipitation possible and colder temperatures on the way, meaning those in the dark will have an old fashioned Christmas for sure.. However, for most, the worst should be over by Monday morning, officials say.