All Over Albany

Great comments from this week

We get hundreds of comments here at AOA each week. Here are a few that made us think or laugh this week.

Thanks to everyone who posted a comment!

About the arrest of three teens for the murder of Richard Bailey

"The primary focus of this news shoud be that three animals are now off the street (actually two, since the shooter is already in prison for a gun offense), not how Metroland foreshadowed this kids ultimate fate. We're already hearing how King is a "straight A student" at Albany High. Sure. Everyone should say a prayer for Richard Bailey and his family, not lament on the social structure that created these young monsters."

... said pinehillsguy

"This story is terribly tragic. From the Bailey family who lost a son to kids younger than he was, to these kids who were failed by far too many adults in their lives. The story by King, however flawed, makes that much clear. It breaks my heart. I hope the accused get a fair trial, and if found guilty, get the appropriate punishment. But the question remains, what can we do to change this?"

... said biodiva

"... I give Corey Ellis credit for trying, but this kid needed tough love not a neighborhood playstation waystation."

... said boomer

"[I]f we don't take a long hard look at the socioeconomic influences of events like this, you're going to be saying a lot more prayers for a lot more Richard Baileys in the forseeable future."

... said B

About Colin Powell speaking at UAlbany

"It's high time that UAlbany attracted some high-caliber guest speakers and lecturers (they also scored some other big names to come to town this autumn through the NYS Writers Institute, including Paul Krugman, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mario Cuomo, and Henry Louis Gates). I'm sure there will be some grumbling about Powell's price tag, but on the whole this is a net positive for the school and the area -- finally bringing a new dimension of cultural and intellectual vibrancy."

... said Rob

About The Other Guys shoot

"Normally I'd be super excited about a movie shoot in albany. I went to the WoW shoot in hudson and had a blast.

This shoot - aggravating. I'm getting married downtown on October 3rd and the many of the streets around the ceremony, reception, and guest accomodations will be closed. 12 months of planning and big bills to pay and now this.

Want to make it up to me, Will Farrel? Wedding Crashers part II, for real."

... said daleyplanit

About Pittsburgh's comeback (and maybe hope for some upstate towns)

"Companies follow the employees now. If Albany wants to attract great compmanies, we need to make this city a place people want to LIVE. - not just WORK."

... said daleyplanit

"A place like Austin can get such good stuff, because there is nothing else around. People flock to the city from miles around. And that's just not the case with our fair city."

... said Daniel B

About Uncommon Grounds turning off its wi-fi at lunch

"I've personally seen behavior such as what John pointed out at other places - people helping themselves to spots at a cafe/coffee shop without purchasing anything. Even worse is when folks walk in with actual food they purchased somewhere else. Even if you are buying something else there, that's poor form.

It seems to be part of a larger and more disturbing trend of poor retail/eatery/business etiquette on the part of consumers. The sense of entitlement and lack of common sense when it comes to these things is truly baffling."

... said Kevin Marshall

"You know those radio ads for beer that make fun of people with annoying habits?

'Here's to you, annoying guy at the coffee shop sitting along at a table for four with all your stuff spread out all over. Thanks to you no one gets to use wireless at lunch. That's right, you wanted to send a message to hipster ladies 'look at me, I'm so smart with my charts and books on anatomy - i'm really smart.' But no, you look like a douche taking table space, and wireless away for people who need it.'

Journey-like song 'Mr. I take up the whole table and mooch off the free wireless wanna-be med student guy whose a big douce!'"

... said daleyplanit

"If you need a seat, then just SIT DOWN!

Let these social misfits know what is acceptable by acting in an acceptable way:

1. Identify your seat. (Looks like you folks don't have a problem with this.)

2. Sit down!

3. Smile graciously and murmur, "Is this seat taken?" and drink your damned coffee.

Did you see what I did there?

Don't "ask permission first" to claim what is your due."

... said Sandor

About coy-wolfs

"In related news, the ACME Corporation is reporting a sharp increase in sales for its northeast division."

... said Roon