Christmas Music

Many, myself included, gripe about the way too early start to the Christmas holiday shopping season. It seems as though the moment Linus wakes up in pumpkin patch on November 1^st (with the Great Pumpkin once again stiffing him) the holiday advertisements begin.

What also starts just as early now-a-days is the 24 hour non-stop holiday music on some radio stations. For whatever reason, as much as I hate the November start to the shopping season, I enjoy the music aspect. Others must as well, because the stations wouldn't be playing it this soon unless their research showed dopes like me are listening to it.

Time was there was one radio station here in the 518 switching to the all holiday format, then another followed. I would program both of them into the car radio dial. And, thanks to the wonders of XM radio, I have even more choices.

XM has seven, count 'em seven, different stations in the all-holiday format, ranging from pops, holiday traditions, current pop, soul, Latin and Hanukkah. As for this blogger, I have the two local stations programmed, along with XM's traditions and pop. I could do more, but as it is now, going back an forth between the four may cause a traffic accident.

As for the non driving periods, I have 26 Christmas CD's, and another holiday 325 songs on my iPod. Some are as old as Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby, and some as recent as this week's iTunes purchase of Kelly Clarkson's new release.

With this background, I though it would be a good time to take a look at the list of Top Ten best holiday songs ever, which I first put together in my newspaper column last year. There have been some revisions, corrections, etc.

Let me start off by saying there will be no barking dogs, braying Italian donkeys or annoying singing chipmunks here. Nor any lisping kids with missing choppers.

Ditto for “White Christmas” (although we will see Bing later on) and “The Christmas Song” (chestnuts roasting on an open fire). To me, they are the holiday equivalent of “Free Bird” and “Stairway to Heaven”, that is to say, they have been way too overplayed.

With that bit of blasphemy out of the way, let's get to the list.

I will start with an honorable mention. Anything Brian Setzer has done on his many Christmas CD's is worthy of this or any other list. Two of the best are his versions of "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "O Holy Night." Both have been recorded scores of times of course, but these stand out. In "Baby," Ann-Margaret duets with him, and sounds just bad-girlish enough for the song. As for "O Holy Night", well, for a man known for his guitar playing, just listen to this vocal. 

Now, on to the Top 10:

10) “The Hanukkah Song”, Adam Sandler. Any song which can include The Fonz, The Three Stooges, and Mr. Spock, while taking a shot at O.J. Simpson has to be included. Plus, Sandler plays a nifty guitar while managing to come up with an amazing number of words to rhyme with “Hanukkah.”

9) “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, Bruce Springsteen. The Boss' live take on this classic borrows from the Phil Spector/Crystal's arrangement, but gets the nod here because of the blistering Clarence Clemons saxophone solo. And, like the Hanukkah Song, it is a live recording.

8) “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, Judy Garland. Garland introduced this sad Christmas tune in 1944's MGM flick Meet Me In St. Louis. Her expressive voice is perfect for the song's melancholy subject matter. The song has been recorded countless times (I have ten versions on my iPod), and had some lyric changes (Frank Sinatra found the “until then we'll have to muddle through somehow” line depressing, and asked lyricist Hugh Martin to change it, hence the “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.”) Plus, it was played in The Godfather, which is reason enough to include it here.

7) “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”, Darlene Love. Love quite simply lays down one of the most powerful vocals ever recorded here, backed with Spector's Wall Of Sound arrangement. First released in 1963, Love still performs the song on David Letterman's show every year, and has lost nothing off her fastball.

6) “Santa Baby”, Eartha Kitt. This ode to selfish Christmas materiality is given a wonderfully naughty take by Kitt. I always imagined her in her Catwoman costume waiting for the big guy in red come down the chimney. This version blows away the dopey Madonna cover which was needlessly recorded years later.

5) “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy”, Bing Crosby & David Bowie. Told you I'd get Der Bingle on the list. I have always loved this medley, which makes the seemingly mismatched pairing of two icons from completely different eras work. I remember watching when they performed this on Bing's 1977 TV special, which was aired a few weeks after his death.

4) “Little Saint Nick”, Beach Boys. Released during the height of the 'Boys' 1964 popularity, this is really nothing but one of their car songs given a holiday slant with sleigh bells. Which means a tasty Brian Wilson arrangement, nasally Mike Love vocal, and flawless harmonies. Why should Santa settle for a sleigh, when he can get the job done much faster with a little bobsled we call the ol' Saint Nick?

3) “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”, Elvis Presley. When the King released his first Christmas LP in 1957, all the controversy centered on his version of “White Christmas.” Which makes it quite ironic no one seemed to have issue with this song with a winking obvious double meaning about what looks to quite a special visit between Santa and his hostess.

2) “Christmas Time Is Here”, Schroeder. OK, not actually Schroeder, but his stand in, Vince Guaraldi. No list of holiday classics is complete without something from the A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guaraldi's sparse jazz arrangements perfectly fit the mood of the anti-commercial holiday spin Good Ol' Chuck displays during the show. If you think I should have included “Linus and Lucy”, “Christmas Time Is Here” or “What Child Is This” from the same album instead, well, I have no argument.

1) “Sleigh Ride”. Leroy Anderson's composition about a snowy trip is the greatest holiday song ever written. Only problem is figuring whose version is best. The original recording from the Boston Pops is classic, as is the composer's own version, but are they better than Johnny Mathis' jazzy reading? Or the Ronette's ring-a-ling-a-ling ding-dong-ding take? And was Ella Fitzgerald's vocal better than Karen Carpenter's? Plus, especially in the wake of his recent death, how can we forget Andy Williams? Actually, when it comes to this great tune, there are no losers. It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier & Ives.

Drue gets sentenced, NYRA gets richer, Underwood gets panned

Item: Dennis Drue Sentenced

23 year old Dennis Drue was sentenced last week, and will spend his next 5 to 15 years in prison for his role in the horrific accident which killed Shenendehowa High School students Chris Stewart and Deanna Rivers last year.

Drue, had previously admitted his guilt to all 58 counts with which he was charged, which I found surprising considering he had uber-lawyer Steve Coffey as his attorney. Then I started to read about some of the evidence Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy had ready to use had it gone to trial. Such as a blood alcohol level in excess of .08, along with with witnesses ready to testify they saw Drue getting hammered that night, prior to getting into the car. Plus his speed of 81 mph at impact. Plus evidence of Drue being allegedly stoned that night. Plus evidence of text messages from Drue while he was driving, which would indicate he was on his way to score some more pot when he took the lives of these two teens.

All this from a man who had manged to have 22 (22!) prior traffic offenses, and have his driver's license suspended 5 (5!) previous times. So, considering Drue is 23 years of age, it means he has done all this in about seven years. Why the hell was he even allowed to drive before the tragedy last December? Why?

The victims' survivors, along with Murphy appear to be quite pissed at the term of Drue's sentence, feeling it should be greater. I can't pretend to know how the survivors feel; hopefully this gives them a bit of closure since at least the man is now in jail. I will say the fact Drue will not be behind the wheel for awhile makes me feel safer.

Item: Furor Over Sound of Music

One never knows what will cause twitter to explode. Not sure what it says about our current culture, but this week the inspiration of such an explosion came courtesy of NBC's live broadcast of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Sound of Music.

Actually the backlash started long before the broadcast itself. Several, including descendants of the Von Trapp family expressed outrage over the casting of Carrie Underwood as Maria. With that bit of advanced panning, there is no way Underwood would come out ahead.

Why for so many was it just short of blasphemy to have anyone else but Julie Andrews as Maria? True, Andrews' performance in the 1965 film version is one of the all-time greats, but she didn't even originate the role. That distinction goes to Mary Martin, who was in the original cast when the stage version premiered in 1959.

Which leads to another thing people were bitching about during Thursday night's airing, namely how it did not synchronize exactly with the movie. Memo to you turked-off tweeters, who want to know the reason why "My Favorite Things" was sung in the abbey, and not in the Von Trapp house during the storm. It's because that's how it is in the stage version, that's why. And, this was a stage show.

Final thoughts. Was Underwood's performance the best Maria ever? No; Julie Andrews does not have to worry about her place in history. But I don't think Mary Martin rolled over in her grave, either. This young lady can sing, and has the guts to give it a go live. Which compared to what happened in another live NBC event a few years ago, namely Ashlee Simpson's pathetic lip synching to the wrong damn song on Saturday Night Live (and even more pathetic excuse for it at the end of the show), well...

Item: Race Track Fees To Rise

The New York Racing Association continues to make news, and alas, once again they don't look very good in the process. Firstly, they decided to raise the prices of everything at the Saratoga Race Course, such as grandstand admission, clubhouse admission, box seats,and parking. They will probably charge me a fee to rent the air into which I blow my cigar smoke in the picnic area, too.

Now, NYRA told us the reason for the fee hike, is to make them more financially sound. Sounds good on the surface, I guess. But, what they didn't tell us is they are also giving some pretty hefty salary hikes to its top executives as well. Oops, that was the part they left out of the press release.

NYRA has been an embarrassment for some time now, what with mishandled finances, etc. But, more locally, they continue to have no idea as to how to run their best asset, namely the 150 year old track at the Spa. There has been an ever so gradual decline there over the past few years, and this is without the threat of casino gambling providing competition in the near future. No matter, because right now, NYRA is providing plenty of competition all by their lonesome.

'Til next time, keep smiling.

Giving Thanks?

Thanksgiving Day means many things to many people. My first memories are of sitting in the back seat of my parents' station wagon (in the very, very back, in those funky pop up seats, well out of reach from my parents) and driving across Ohio on our way to my grandparents' house in Detroit. Not exactly over the river and through the woods, although given the condition of the Ohio Turnpike back then, it was probably preferable.

Detroit has a couple of neat traditions of which I remember fondly. One is the Hudson's Department Store Parade. It has actually been around for as long as the Macy's Parade (1924) in New York. And, in those days, the networks televised a bunch of parades on television, including Hudson's and those in Philadelphia and Hawaii.

Then, of course there is the matter of the Detroit Lions hosting an NFL game on Thanksgiving, something it first started doing in 1934. Other teams, most notably Dallas, have done so, but when you think of football on Turkey Day, you think of the Lions.

It's because of fond memories such as these, Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. It has that Norman Rockwell feel to it, doesn't it?

And, like most holidays, its origins are not set in concrete. While that certain Puritan/Pilgrim harvest fest held in Plymouth, Massachusetts does seem to have occurred, there are many who don't think it is a simple as that. Even the date is a bit murky; some say 1621, others a few years later, and there is even a school of thought it was 10 years later in Boston. Hell, some even place the holiday's origins back to England. Considering that's where the Pilgrims were running from to begin with, well, there is a bit of irony there now isn't there?

There is likewise some debate over which American president to give credit for the traditional Thursday observance. In 1789 George Washington issued a proclamation for a day of public Thanksgiving. A proclamation, by the way which is top heavy with religious references.

Then, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln, opined it should be the final Thursday of November. Quite a while later, in 1941, Franklin Roosevelt, always looking for a way to make a name for himself, changed it to the fourth Thursday, and there we are.

My ample research on this topic showed no one was willing to take credit for being the first business to think being open on Thanksgiving Day would be a good idea. However those clever folks at the first turkey dinner in Massachusetts must have known something; the Bay State has Blue Laws which prohibit many stores from being open on legal holidays. Found within the papers of the pilgrims was a statement from 1621 saying, "There is no way in Hell any of us would be caught dead in Walmart on Thanksgiving Day; or any other day for that matter." Well put, eh?

Although many people agree with me about Thanksgiving being their favorite holiday, it, alas does not get the same respect in popular culture as Christmas, or even Halloween for that matter.

I mentioned above the ol' “Over the River” song. And, well, that's about it, except for Adam Sandler, bless his heart, with his “Thanksgiving Song.” This, though is compared to about 100,000 Christmas songs, which now start to receive airplay right after Halloween, totally bypassing Thanksgiving. Not fair.

About the only other tune associated with my favorite holiday is "Alice's Restaurant," and that is really a protest song against Viet Nam and some inept Berkshire County cops and judges. Again, unfair.

Further, there are countless Christmas television specials each year; not so much for Thanksgiving. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a modern classic, but does anyone really talk about “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”? Not only is it behind “It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, but I would argue even “It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” is more popular.

Shows such as “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer” and “Frosty The Snowman” are rerun each year, as is “The Grinch.” Can you think of any such Thanksgiving special? I seem to remember in the 1970's one from “The Walton's” ran for a few years, but even in that the most memorable scene was John-Boy getting beaned by a plank flying off his father's table saw. What's so Thanksgiving about that?!

But, from a television standpoint, what Thanksgiving does have is quite possibly the funniest half hour ever broadcast. In 1978, “WKRP In Cincinnati” aired its “Turkey's Away” episode, in which radio station owner Mr. Carlson decided to do a turkey giveaway. From a helicopter hovering above the Queen City. When I watched it upon its initial broadcast, I doubled over in laughter at its brilliance, as the fowls were hitting the pavement, with stellar play-by-play from Les Nessman. Whenever I have viewed it since then, I have laughed more.

So, there. We Thanksgiving lovers at least have that. Because, to quote Mr. Carlson, “as God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

'Til next time, keep on smiling.

Of politics, printing & disgrace

It is a cold, rainy Friday, 50 years to the day since JFK's motorcade made its way through Dallas on a campaign swing. Since everyone else is covering that one, I thought I'd address politics and news a little closer to home, and a little more recent.

Item: Sausville wins...for now

One of my political idols, Tip O'Neil was quoted as saying, “All politics is local.” This has certainly been the case for anyone following the vote for Supervisor in the Town of Malta. This one was closely watched for a couple of reasons. One, is given Malta's explosive growth, the choice of leadership will have much more emphasis than perhaps some of the other towns in Saratoga County. And, if incumbent Paul Sausville once again could turn back the challenge of Democrat Cynthia Young, he would be in position to lead the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors come January.

Despite the latter item, it is not necessarily a given such candidates will prevail. Milton Supervisor Frank Thompson was in a similar position two years ago and he lost a primary to Dan Lewza, so nothing is for certain.

And, as of today, anyways, 2 ½ weeks after the election, Sausville won. By one vote. And only after two write-in votes were declared invalid by Saratoga County Supreme Court Justice Robert Chauvin.

Elections decided in a courtroom are never a good thing, and Sausville can hardly claim a mandate here (not even within his own party, as 3^rd party candidate Peter Klotz, whom Sausville defeated in a primary last month, received over 400 votes in the general election.) Young may even file an appeal. Plenty of uncertainty, and I can't help but wonder how many in Malta are kicking themselves for not voting (or worse, saying their vote doesn't matter) on Election Day.

UPDATE: On Monday, November 25th, Young did indeed file a notice to appeal Judge Chauvin's ruling. The Ballston Journal's Faith Gimzek has been all over this story since Election Day, and provides some great detail here. This race may be far from over. Cue the hanging chads.

Item: Wormuth finally steps aside

While there as been uncertainty coming out of Malta, there has been an absolute stench emanating from Halfmoon. But, starting today much of the odor may be gone as Supervisor Mindy Wormuth has finally stepped aside.

Wormuth's political career has been consistent in regards to accusations of conflicts of interest in her decisions. Maybe it was a questionable property sale last year to a developer (Scott Earl) looking to do business with county.

Or perhaps it was when she formally recommended a candidate (Christine Abele) earlier this year to head up the Saratoga County animal shelter. Abele had listed Wormuth as a reference on her resume. Didn't seem to matter a bit that the businesses of Chris Abele, Christine’s father, had also donated more than a few bucks politically to Wormuth.

Or, quite possibly it was the bribery charge brought on by the Feds against her in support of mixed martial arts. This one caused the good folks of Halfmoon to have to see a picture of their Supervisor being led into court in handcuffs. Can't imagine many of them will miss her. Or will be listing her as a resume reference again, either.

Item: All the news fit to print?

Regular readers of my column from my newspaper days know my love of that medium. And, while I follow many local and national publications on-line, I still subscribe to print editions of the Times-Union and Saratogian. Both publications have been delivered to my doorstep for years. In recent years, the Saratogian has used the TU's circulation staff; my newspapers are delivered by the same person, at the same time.

This is not a big deal. However, recently the Saratogian decided to have their printing handled by the TU as well. Now, the paper had not been printed in Saratoga for years. I can still remember back in the day waking out of the Parting Glass in the wee hours of the morning, and passing by the Saratogian building and watching the presses roll. That was until they outsourced the job to the Record in Troy, but the difference was negligible.

The move to the TU, alas, has been a disaster. While it has generated a crisper looking copy, the print is now much smaller, and for many, difficult to read,

Plus, it's what is inside, more accurately not inside the copy that has been the story. The Saratogian now has a ridiculously early deadline. Which means if it didn't happen before say 7:00 pm, you won't read about it in print for at least 48 hours, if at all.

And, they have been getting grilled over it. The reader's forum comments (which, to their credit they have been publishing) have blistered them on this on a regular basis since the change. Many of these have been for lack of local sports scores from the night before. Ditto for town or school board meetings held after dinner.

To make matters worse, in print the newspaper consistently directs their readers to check the Saratogian website for such stories. A website which any fool with internet access can get for free. So, why exactly would anyone pay for the print edition?

In the category of pissing of their customers with a change, this one is in the New Coke echelon. Not to mention a serious misjudgment in regards to as whether or not print editions are still important.

UPDATE: Merely a day after this blog was first posted, the Saratogian printed a column by publisher Michael O'Sullivan in which he announced an upcoming paywall for portions of the on-line edition his newspaper. I don't believe this will improve the print edition timeliness at all, but maybe it will throw us paid subscribers a bone. 

Until next time, keep smilin'.

Veterans Day

Note: I have been more than a little bit lazy in posting blogs lately, so until creativity finds me again, I thought I would share this one, published a year ago, which would seem to be more than appropriate on this special holiday.

Towards the end of World War II, somewhere in the Pacific Theater of the war, a young member of the United States Navy, William Samuel Hamilton was serving his country. Both of his brothers were also seeing active duty. The brothers both returned home safely. William, tragically did not, as he was killed in action in 1945.

The Hamilton brothers were just three of the approximately 11 million Americans who served during that war, and William was one of the more than 450,000 who perished. As a tribute to her uncle, my mother, seventeen years later named me after him.

My grandmother used to proudly tell me about how all three of her brothers served. A tough woman, she was nonetheless often brought to tears when talking about her little brother who was killed. A picture of William, in his Navy blue in a classic looking gold oval frame hung in her living room until the day she died in 1985. Since then, it has proudly been displayed on the walls of his namesake.

There was a time when honoring our veterans such as this was a common occurrence. Enlisting in the service after Pearl Harbor was not only an honor, but to many, their duty. If a war could be described as popular, it was this one. As such, the returning veterans were given the respect they deserved.

Then, disturbingly in the early 1970's, such homage fell out of favor. The reason was the soldiers were now returning from an unpopular war, the one fought in Vietnam. The one Walter Cronkite (quite correctly) declared we could not win. The one for which its participants did not want to enlist. The one which generated protests, and caused battles between generations.

No, these veterans were not embraced upon their return. Our country, not in its finest moment, shunned the Vietnam vets, seemingly blaming them for the problems the war caused.

This was certainly not in the spirit in which Veterans Day was first conceived. When on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918 that other World War ended, a holiday soon sprung up to commemorate it. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the holiday, then called Armistice Day, “for those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory.”

In 1945, the holiday's meaning was loosened a bit to honor all those who had served. In 1954, with World War II, and Korea (the Forgotten War) in the rear view mirror, Armistice Day became Veterans Day. But, given its “11th” roots, it remains the rare holiday which is not recognized on the closest Monday. As such, November 11^th is almost a recognized as July 4^th.

But, again, the years immediately following the Fall Of Saigon were not kind to our veterans. Thankfully, things began to change. While many disagreed with the wars fought in the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan, their displeasure was now directed at the government, not with those who served. And, as those men and women returned from battle with much more appropriate gratitude from their country, the mood also changed about those who served in Korea and Vietnam.

This even includes once again naming structures for the vets. While there are “Veterans Memorial” highways and stadiums all over the country, most of these were named a half century ago. It would not have been popular in the mid 1970's, however to name anything in honor of those who served. This has now thankfully changed.

Locally, we saw this just a few weeks ago with the Route 9P bridge over Saratoga Lake. Gene Corsale, a Korean War vet, had tried a few times to have bridges named in honor of veterans, but had been unsuccessful. His efforts this time hit the jackpot, though. Those now driving over the lake will do so via the Saratoga County Veterans Memorial Bridge. A seemingly small gesture to honor a large group. To whom we owe an even larger debt.

And, since Gene, being a veteran himself, could speak with much more authority than I on the subject, I will close this column with his own words, first published just about a year ago:

“God bless our veterans. God bless them and watch over our service women and men.”

Primary Choices

Tuesday is Primary Day. And, in these parts it's typically a pretty big day because so many local municipalities are essentially dominated by one party. Thus, those winning this week will likely face little, if ay opposition in November.

Within the 518, two prominent positions, Albany Mayor and Saratoga County Sheriff, are up for grabs. For all intents and purposes, it's the first time in decades either one has been really contested, as incumbents Jerry Jennings and Jim Bowen are both stepping down. Jennings has been at the helm of New York's capital city since 1993, and only its third mayor since World War II. Bowen has been the chief law officer for Saratoga County even longer, since Governor Nelson Rockefeller (!) appointed him in 1972. Which means it's now been over 30 years in which he has not uttered not a single word to the news media about any action, arrest, etc his department has had a hand in.

So much has changed since I last lived in Albany. Primaries were not needed then, as the Democratic machine told you who to vote for. And, if by chance (gasp!) you were not a registered Democrat, your home assessment would be raised until you were. In the unlikely event the party's choice was perhaps a little short of the winning margin (even after many had voted 3 or 4 times) in November, there were several residents of Albany Rural Cemetery whose votes would make the difference for him.

Now Albany will trade in the orange tan of Jennings for either City Treasurer Kathy Sheehan or former Councilman Corey Ellis. If Jennings, then considered a maverick when upsetting party choice Harold Joyce in 1993, didn't spell the end of the Albany Democratic Machine, the end is certainly here now. Neither Sheehan or Ellis have ties to the old ways of the city.

While Sheehan has a comfortable lead in the polls, she is in no way a shoo-in. She and Ellis have run a spirited contest, largely based on issues. So much so, it is barely even mentioned anymore that Albany's next mayor will be either be a man of color, or a woman. Either would have been unimaginable 20 years ago, which speaks volumes on how far Albany has progressed.

Then there is the race for Sheriff in Saratoga County. It was suppose to be a slam dunk, with the Republican's endorsed candidate, Michael Zurlo, a longtime employee in the Sheriff's Department, cruising to victory.

Instead, Jeff Gildersleeve, formerly of the New York State Police, has run a hard campaign. And, those who have dealt with the current regime would have to like the fact he has pledged to modernize the department, which is long overdue. And, the fact (according to the Saratogian) there will be no debates is disappointing.

However the issue which has come to define this battle is the New York SAFE Act, the gun-control law which came down a little while ago. Like many (including this blogger, and I don't even own any guns), the candidates don't like it. Unlike many, candidate Gildersleeve is on record of not supporting it if he becomes sheriff.

On his official website he states, “I have said that I will not actively enforce the SAFE Act while it makes its way through the judicial process.”

This is from the person who wants to be top cop? What would he then do if he arrests someone and is told by the offender they considered the law to be unconstitutional (which is one of the reasons Gildersleeve gives for his pledge not to enforce the SAFE Act) and as such chose not to adhere to it?

Sets a pretty bad precedent, eh?

For a candidate who pledges modernization, to “bring the 21^st Century into the Sheriff's Department in Saratoga County," this instead hearkens back to the 19^th Century, when sheriffs made their own laws. Perhaps a run for the NYS legislature, where laws are made would be a better fit for Gildersleeve.

Primary Day is Tuesday, September 10; polls are open from noon until 9:00pm.

'Til next time, keep on smiling.

What's in a name?

What's in a name? And, what makes something offensive?

I thought about the answers to these two questions over the past month or so as the situation/controversy arose over the Schenectady-based food truck which is known for their tasty pulled pork. Unfortunately for them (at least lately) they are also known for their quirky name, The Wandering Dago.

The business, in two recent occasions, has lost prominent gigs (around the Capital in Albany and at the Saratoga Race Course) because their name has been deemed offensive. To some. 

Anyone taking a peek at my last name can see I am from Italian descent. As such, I have heard it all. Enemies (and even friends) over the years have called me dago, guinea, guido, and for good measure, wop bastard.

While there are ethnic slurs for the Irish, Polish, Japanese and French, we Italians seem to be blessed with several different ones from which to choose. While I was growing up during the 1970's, usage of the names mentioned above was much more prevalent. And, accepted. I never really thought much about it. As such, I wasn't offended when I heard them used, even when I was the target. Well, I could have done without wop bastard.

Dago? Never bothered me a bit. I know some Italians who consider it almost as an ethnic term of endearment.

So, when I first heard of the Wandering Dago name, prior to the controversy, I just smiled. When later heard the business was booted from Albany and Saratoga, I shook my head. Political correctness run amok. And I hate political correctness.

Then came the news Wandering Dago owners Brandon Snooks and Andrea Loguidice were going the legal route, filing suit against NYS Office of General Services (who denied them in Albany) and New York Racing Association (ditto in Saratoga). Given the current financial situation in the state, along with NYRA's announcement last week they lost $10.3 million for the first half of the year, I am sure the defendants are thrilled.

I am not a lawyer, so I won't debate the merits of the suit here. I am generally against frivolous lawsuits, and I guess this can be considered to fit into this category. Snooks and Loguidice are seeking about $343,000, which is what they estimate they lost by not being at the two locations. This does appear to be reasonable.

But, is it also reasonable to ban someone because of their name? Some people will be offended by anything. Years ago when the first Hooters came to the area, there was an uproar. I, along with many, snickered when the manager of the local spot (in Crossgates Mall) said he didn't see the problem, as he considered it an homage to owls. If that was the case, there must have been a boatload of owl lovers, because every male who walked by the place slowed his pace and took a long look inside.

Similar issues have arisen lately with a new beer joint called Jugs and Mugs in Albany. Given a look at their logo, it appears the name is not about ceramics. Offensive? Depends on who you ask. Some are already trying to keep them from opening their doors.

Which brings me back to the Wandering Dago. As I said, as a paisan, it doesn't bother me a bit. The owners seem like hard workers, and from what I have been told, put out a pretty good product. But, who am I to say what will or will not offend someone?

To these eyes, what is equally important, is what is the intent of those who named the place. I see nothing from Snooks and Loguidice which would indicate they have any malicious intent here. But again, it doesn't mean their business name won't honk you off. Your choice, I suppose.

But, it also doesn't mean they should have been prevented from selling their goods. I don't see any Sno-Kone Joe vs. Mr. Ding-a-Ling type nonsense here. What I see is a business which was, after originally being given the OK, having the plug pulled on them because of the knee-jerk reaction on the part of public officials.

Wonder how they feel about owls?

'Til next time, keep on smiling.

And, we're off

Since I announced I was leaving the Ballston Journal a few months ago, many of you have asked if I would still do any writing. Well, be careful of what you wish for, because this is the first of what may become many future blog posts.

While I absolutely loved writing the column for the Journal, the pressures of the deadlines were there every week, and at times it showed in the quality (or lack thereof) of some of my columns. And, while my writing clearly showed my love of the 12020 (that's the Ballston Spa ZIP code for the uninformed) there were limits there as well. While I somehow managed to opine on happenings going on there 52 times a year, at times it was a stretch.

This blog will hopefully ease both of these issues. There will be no deadlines, and I can write about anything I want. As for the title, it looks back at my days as a columnist while at Providence College, and had a column by the same name for the school's newspaper, The Cowl. Back then I was young, immature, opinionated and didn't quite know how to write. All of which is of course still true today, except for the young part.

So, here we go. I would love to hear from you; without question the two things I miss the most about my previous column is seeing a news item and banging out a column on it, and discussing contents of said column with my readers.

Item: Tough week for two at the Spa

There are two kinds of celebrities at the Saratoga Race Course.  Those who are famous because of the Saratoga Scene, and those who are already famous, but love spending time at the track in August. For the former, Sam Grossman, more commonly known as Sam The Bugler, is a classic example. The man in the red blazer, who blasts the Call To Post before each race, is so beloved at Saratoga NYRA actually had a bobblehead made of him a few years ago.

Of the latter celeb-type at the Track, David Cassidy certainly qualifies. The former teen heartthrob is a frequent patron in Saratoga.

Cassidy and Grossman would appear to having nothing else in common, except they both got popped for DWI this week by local cops. And during Travers week no less.

Speaking of the Travers, Arnold Palmer, he of the Type Two Celebrity Status, was present for the race yesterday. And, yes, he is the man who is credited for inventing perhaps the most famous non-alcoholic beverage around these days. Insert ironic comment here.

Item: Augies to reopen in "Manna's"

Ever since the tragic fire which wiped out Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant a few weeks ago, fans of the place (which definitely include this blogger) have been wondering to know when and how they will return. Well, last night they announced a daily double of good news.

Not only will they be moving very soon (temporary or permanent remains to be seen apparently) but they will also be at 17 Low Street in Ballston Spa. Readers of my column know my thoughts on this location, namely as the most prime business spot in town. It is big, and has parking for 50. Since Manna's closed down, the place has been vastly underused, or misused, to put it mildly.

It was stunning to many of us to see the potential of Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council almost move there (although, alas they are at least for now nearby in Hayner House), and along the way there have been a few businesses in there which did not reflect well on themselves, much less B/Spa.

With Augies coming in, well it solves this problem, doesn't it? My Sunday nights have not been the same without Mama's Gravy. Now, the checkered table cloths (and I hope the baseball memorabilia on the walls as well) will be back for all of us. And, of course, the leftovers, which are typically large enough to feed a small army.

Item: B/Spa CVS robbed

Friday night I stopped into the CVS on Ballston Avenue to pick up a script, and then headed over to JJ's for some ice cream. I apparently just missed all the action. Within minutes, a man dressed in black, wearing a ski mask and carrying a satchel entered the pharmacy. He was also packing, and robbed the place at gun point.

He stole some cash of course, but not surprisingly grabbed a bunch of meds as well. Allegedly this included a bunch of Ritalin. Prescription drug abuse is becoming quite prevalent all over, and its presence in the 12020 is very real, not to mention vastly non-publicized. I have seen first hand the consequences it generates to those addicted, and it is not pretty. Not even a little.

'Til next time, keep on smiling.