All Over Albany

A quick recap of the week

Here are a few highlights from the past week on AOA:

+ Kalyn checked out the S&A West Indian Grocery in Albany.

+ Richard sent along photos from the Lark-ternative Hair Competition.

+ The new Miss New York's platform includes support for LGBT rights -- and she knows how to fix iPods.

+ Carl shared the story about how Menands got its name. (The short story: there was a guy who really good at gardening.)

+ Where to see fireworks this weekend. And Bianca asked about the best place to view the fireworks at ESP.

+ We talked with Ginny O'Neill about the gourmet marshmallows she makes (and some of the crazy flavors -- bacon!).

+ The bill allowing Albany to set up a residential parking permit program near the ESP passed in the legislature -- it's now moves on to David Paterson.

+ We got the scoop on the story behind that old, seemingly out of place building on Central Ave in Colonie -- the one that sort of looks like a theater. The backstory (and present story) was even better than we expected. And here's a photo tour of the inside.

+ What was up in the Neighborhood this week: Hollywood accounting, a great horse, police, a Victorian picnic, being car-free, breakfast, a foodventure, Sperry's, the new Shalimar, soft serve, lemonade, trout, secret gardens and Bish Bash.

+ Steve asked about a local place to learn parkour -- and we extended the question to include all sorts of odd or unusual sports.

+ Union and RPI were near the top of rankings for college "return on investment" (investment being tuition paid).

+ Kaitlin went shopping for "summer's essential basic items for guys that are somehow more than just the usual." (Don Draper provided some inspiration.)

+ A few of the items found on Craigslist this week: TMI, a dork, the girl in the red shoes, guy junk left behind and Ferret Bueller.

+ Kalyn talked with a few people who have ridden the new $10 bus to New York City.

+ The state released a negative report about Albany High School.

+ New York presidents are tops.

+ The two Lunch Week pic winners were Jackers and Rob Madeo.

+ And AOA is summering, with the help of a bunch of people. Emily Armstrong and Daniel Nester were first up to share how they're spending the summer.

If you'd just like the whole week unfiltered, check our listing of the last seven days of AOA.

Thanks to everyone who posted a comment or sent along an idea or photo this week!

marshmallow photo courtesy of Ginny O'Neill
Miss New York photo: Miss New York Organization