January 29, 2018
Mudslide traps man in Schenectady, the business of local hospitals, teaching mental health in schools, trying out for the team
Schenectady mudslide
+ A mudslide early Sunday morning in the area of Barney Street/Nott Terrace in Schenectady (map) trapped a man in his home and prompted the evacuation of 11 people in nearby homes. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
+ The 19-year-old man who was trapped was taken to Albany Med and is "doing OK," his mother told WNYT. [WNYT]
+ Schenectady city officials say two homes and a garage will be demolished. [TU]
+ A similar Schenectady mudslide in 1996 killed a man. [Daily Gazette]
Complaints about Mechanicville mayor
Mechanicville's human resource officer says the city council is hiring an outside attorney to investigate allegations of boorish and harassing behavior by mayor Dennis Baker. [TU]
Percoco trial
Among the sharp directives issued by judge Valerie Caproni to attorneys in the Joe Percoco trial: "You're entitled to a vigorous defense. What you're not entitled to is a tedious defense." [TU]
Kevin Hart at SPAC
Comedian Kevin Hart is set for a stand-up show at SPAC May 25. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, January 31 -- they're $45 (lawn) and up.
Hart is one of the most famous and successful comedians in the game right now -- regularly ranking among the top-10 highest earning comedians -- based on his stand-up act and frequents appearances in movies and other media.
Hart's last two stops here have been at the TU Center, in 2015 and 2012. (We were just trying to think about the last stand-up act to play a show at SPAC... and drawing a blank. Maybe you know.)
photo via Kevin Hart Facebook
IKEA Rochester?
The last few months there's been a rumor circulating that IKEA has been scouting locations just south of Rochester near the Thruway. And now the supervisor of the town of Henrietta confirms reps from the company have been there. We were surprised to hear this, because IKEA told us a few years back that a store upstate was unlikely. (The Paramus and New Haven IKEA would still be closer than a Rochester/Henrietta store.) [Democrat & Chronicle] [WROC] [via @rachbarnhart]
A look around the new Vintage House in Albany
The new Vintage House tapas bar/gastropub on Broadway next to Wolff's in Albany's Warehouse District had its grand opening this past weekend. The project -- in the works for more than two years -- is a remarkable transformation of what had been had been a rough, old warehouse and garage space.
Here's a little bit about what's up, and a photo tour....
Chris Stapleton at SPAC
Country star Chris Stapleton is set to play a show at SPAC August 23. Tickets go on sale February 9 -- they're $34.75 (lawn) and up.
Stapleton's been on quite roll. He's sold millions of records over the last few years. This past weekend he won three Grammys and was the musical guest on SNL. And he's been collaborating with Justin Timberlake.
Also on the bill for the SPAC show: Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb.
Other SPAC pop shows announced so far...
Welcome back, big cat?
The eastern mountain lion is now (officially) extinct (probably), but there are some wildlife/environmental groups that are pushing for the big cats to be re-introduced here. [USA Today] Earlier: But if there were mountain lions here...
Repair options for an old slate roof?
Allison emails:
My early 19th century slate roof needs repairing. I know that you posted this question in the past but it was 7 years ago and some of the suggested contractors have retired or are out of business. This has proven to be a difficult search considering the amount of slate roofs around the city. Thanks!
Bonus points to Allison for checking if someone has already asked this question. And we're happy to post it again given the time that's passed and, it sounds like, how things have changed.
Good a contractor or suggestion for Allison? Please share! And sentence or two about why you're suggesting a contractor can be a big help.
photo: Flickr user Chilanga Cement (CC BY 2.0)
Today's moment of winter
Ice is almost endlessly fascinating in the way it freezes, cracks, thaws, re-freezes, and changes throughout the winter.
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?