All Over Albany

A quick recap of the week

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

+ Soapbox: Martin argued the case for a walkable (and bikeable) Livingston Ave Bridge across the Hudson.

+ Julia shared a good video recap of LarkFest.

+ We gave away tickets to 69°S at EMPAC by asking: What place in the Capital Region would you like to explore?

+ For only the fifth time in its 111 year history, the house at Yaddo was open to the public -- we got a tour.

+ A pawn shop in Troy took a different approach to marketing.

+ Danielle talked with Dain Brammage from the new Nitty Gritty Poetry Slam.

+ Eat this: Old Chatham Sheepherding Company's Kinderhook Creek cheese

+ The schedule for the Palace's 2011-2012 movie series is out. We have one word: Khaaaan!

+ Miriam asked about a finding a good exterminator.

+ Siobhan told us about plans for a new skatepark (with a bowl!) -- and a concrete vision for the future of skateparks.

+ What was up in the Neighborhood this week: Living Walls, heights, beautiful detail, the Tour de Habitat, whiskey'd pears, meh dim sum, restaurant week, a new diner in Troy, where to eat while your manly heir is being borned, excellent service, the neighborhood fox, cow fascination, Burden Lake, faces in high places, and ZOINKS!

+ A new homeownership program in the city of Albany prompted a discussion about the city, taxes, schools, and choices.

+ Something to look for: William Kennedy's Prohibition Story on WMHT

+ Wednesday was bubbles and hugs day in Schenectady. We were surprised, too.

+ A few of the items found on Craigslist this week: a head scratcher, parents with wandering eyes, models paid by the year, a pink princess costume (for a dog).

+ It's Concord grape season. And they're very grape.

+ The new Capital City Gastropub opened in Albany, so we stopped in a few times -- here's what we ate.

+ And National Grid is providing some of its customers with new ways to measure themselves against their neighbors.

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 shared a photo or idea this week!