April 10, 2012
Reports: Canestrari not running for re-election, another gruesome find in cat hoarding case, sections of state parks going smoke-free, man allegedly recorded people in CVS bathroom
Ron Canestrari told colleagues at the Capitol yesterday that he will not be running for re-election -- and he's expected to make an official announcement this morning. That means three of the Assemblymen from the Capital Region's core -- Jack McEneny, Bob Reilly, and now Canestrari -- are not running. [State of Politics] [TU CapCon]
Suspended Albany police officer Robert Schunk was fired Monday after a ruling by an arbitrator, the APD announced. Schunk had been involved in a string of incidents, most recently a domestic incident in Halfmoon in which he was found guilty of harassment and criminal mischief. Said Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy following the announcement
A state Supreme Court has ruled that the Colonie's landfill privatization deal didn't require an opportunity for the deal to go up for a public referendum. An attorney for Albany County comptroller Mike Conners, who challenged the deal, says an appeal is expected. [TU] [Troy Record]
State Police say 44 dead cats found in Rensselaer County are linked to the recent animal hoarding cases in Halfmoon and Schaghticoke. The Mohawk Hudson River Humane Society says it found 42 ziplock bags containing the decayed bodies of kittens, as well as two adult cat bodies wrapped in towels. Said Mohawk Hudson executive director Brad Shear: "The entire situation is extremely disturbing. We've never really run into a hoarding case like this." [Troy Record] [Mohawk Hudson Humane press release, below] [TU]
Wilco at Ommegang, Wilco at MASS MoCA
Wilco at MASS MoCA in 2010.
There's no Solid Sound Festival this year, but Wilco will be playing two shows in the region this summer:
Brewery Ommegang
Wilco is playing outside at the Belgian-style brewery in Cooperstown July 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday (April 13) at 11 am. The Lee Ranaldo Band opens.
Tickets are $42 ahead, $50 day of (kids under 12 free). Camping is another $15. It's a rain or shine event.
MASS MoCA
Wilco is playing a benefit show for the museum July 31. It will be indoors, in the museum's Hunter Center, with a capacity limited to 1000 people.
MASS MoCA members get first crack at the tickets this Wednesday and Thursday (April 11 and 12) -- a limited allotment will be made available at the price of $113 (limit 2 per member) -- by calling the museum's box office (413.662-2111 x1) between 11am and 5pm . After that, the tickets will go up for a public auction/lottery that starts Friday. Details for that are after the jump.
And, if you're planning way ahead, the next Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA is June 21-23, 2013.
Be prepared
The Post-Star's Dave Canfield recently visited the Emergency Prepared Outlet (url: y-die.com) in northern Saratoga County, which specializes in selling supplies for when things go very bad -- "weather disasters, an economic collapse, solar flares and electromagnetic weapons."
Croissants at Mrs. London's
The forbidden fruit is twice as sweet.
Some of you may know that currently we are in the midst of Passover. And that means for those who are observing the holiday, the classic croissant at Mrs. London's is entirely off limits.
But it sure is gorgeous isn't it.
Regardless of if you can wait until the holiday is over or not, this amazing amalgamation of flour and butter can be found at what some have postulated is the "most fabulous bakeshop" in America. Their ability to achieve such stunning results on this classic French pastry is just one reason why Mrs. London's gets my vote for the best bakery in the Capital Region.
Still, I'm amazed at how many people stare blankly at me when I tell them about a place up in Saratoga Springs called Mrs. London's. Many have never heard of it, and others have just never been. Unless you suffer from Celiac disease or have severe gluten intolerance, this is totally inexcusable.
It's sad what passes for a croissant these days, and it's great to find one bakery that is holding the line.
Tulip Fest 2012 lineup and schedule
Fountains of Wayne. Let's hope they don't need the scarves in May.
The lineup for this year's Tulip Festival was announced today -- Fountains of Wayne is the headliner. And some tribute bands.
Tulip Fest is May 12 and 13 this year (Mother's Day weekend, as always).
The full lineup -- with a schedule of events -- is after the jump.
Out of control
Albany police say they arrested a 12-year-old after he was allegedly caught fleeing from a stolen car on Central Ave early this morning (apparently five kids jumped out of the car and an officer had to jump into the car because it was rolling down the street). Hmm... 12-year-old... stolen car... it couldn't be... yep: A "police official familiar with the investigation" tells the Times Union the 12-year-old is the same kid who was arrested for allegedly stealing a car and driving it to East Greenbush in February, and allegedly pulling an inside job at a Lark Street shop in January. [APD, press release after jump] [TU [TU] [AOA]
A good real estate agent?
In the market for a house, Kelly emails:
My husband and I are hoping to buy a house in Albany this summer. We are looking for recommendations for a good real estate agent, particularly one who specializes in working with first-time home buyers. I'm hoping AOA's readers can help us out. Thanks for your consideration.
There are a lot of real estate agents out there. And from our experience, some are definitely better than others.
So, know of a good agent? Please share! And if you do, please include why you like that agent.
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?