John Lammers / The Post-Standard

Let me take that one. Post-Standard readers know that the senator put in a good word for the airstrip project because Dave's written that at least three times. Glad you're reading the paper so closely.

john

We'll be there. Can't wait.

Great pictures, Warren. Thanks!

Tom,
It's a welcome holiday treat to see your list. Agree especially on Dave Alvin, Deer Tick and John Hiatt.

I'd add the 2011 disks from Frank Turner, Fountains of Wayne and Willie Nile.

LookBehindYou,

Thanks for passing that along. It steals your heart.

Thank you, Sgt. You said it better than I could.

Guy, you and I know all these arguments. We see both sides yelling at each other all the time. I'm hoping just this once that people could show the restraint that the supporters of this bill showed.

john

Readers,

This may be too much to hope for, but can we not turn the comments on this story into some free-for-all about abortion?

The supporters of this bill and the subject of this story worked very hard to separate this change in the law from that contentious issue. It'd be nice if we could honor that spirit and do likewise here.

Trust me, if you want to battle it out, your chance will come soon on this website. But these parents have a story to tell and it's compelling. Just once, could we play nice here?

John

I'm reluctant to climb into these discussions, and not endorsing any opinions in this corner. But let's just be clear. Mr. Fitzpatrick does not - by any stretch of the imagination - counter "several, if not most, of the points presented in the PS' article." His letter is a welcome addition to the discussion, but he makes four contentions about the editorial that followed. His letter doesn't address the story, which was substantially based on the court records of the case and not interviews with Gristwood.

The Court of Claims case was decided this June.

Kevin,

Make sure to listen to the new disk from Needtobreathe, out today.

It's all over. Amy wins by a knockout. The rest of you can go home now.

Great stuff, Mike. Keep it coming.

MikeH,

You're right. Why we'd do a story is beyond you.

Speaking only for myself, I'm looking to do stories that open your mind. You seem a little tense and it's not good for you.

Stick with us. We'll get you to loosen up yet.

Stay thirsty, my friend.

Hugs,

John

Thanks, Kevin. It hard to imagine a world without Clarence.

Your readers may like this story about that classic photo you're showing:

www.syracuse.com/kirst/index.ssf/2011/06/post_173.html

Great story, Donnie. What an impressive response by everyone involved.

Pestrodel,

You've posted the same comment four times this month. The newspaper doesn't have a PILOT. You've been told that.

By the way, when are you going to show us your birth certificate?

All the best,

John

I don't think it's desperate at all. It's a beautiful 2,000-person venue in the summer time. Why play some cornfield or ski slope or indoor club? Besides, it's a payday between stops in New England and the Midwest.
Bright Eyes is actually on a big tour that's doing well.

All credit to a smart promoter trying new places for great music.

Lpool575,

I'll post with my real name.

Melinda writes a lot about the best of local arts, the overwhelming bulk of it positive. You tell me how to write a positive story about an orchestra that shut down its season, kept the money for shows not performed and can't predict its future.

And:

1. If she didn't clap last night, it's because she's working. Our basketball writers don't clap at games they're covering, and our City Hall guy doesn't clap at council meetings. They're working.

2. Last night, she posted early a story with the background and some early observations. She stayed to the end and posted a fuller story later.

If you don't like the story, make some point about it. If you want to get personal, have the courage to identify yourself.

If nothing else, you can call me at the newspaper, 470-2200, and tell me all your upbeat story ideas about an orchestra that isn't playing.

John Lammers

Folks,

Don't you expect your legislators to "bring home" grants like these? Aren't these kinds of grants something that gets a legislator re-elected?

John

Peace,

Dave doesn't write the headlines. We'll add "Air." Thanks.

SUfan83,

"Stirring up crap" is the job description. Thanks for noticing!

John Lammers

Breathtaking. You've made me feel better about the world.

We couldn't agree with you more. That's why we've put coverage of Sgt. Bolen's death on the front page several times. In Friday's paper, the coverage took up most of the front page. I'm doing this from memory, but on probably 3 other days we had some coverage on the front page. You're right - it's important that we honor his service and sacrifice.

Great job, folks.

What a treat.

Readers,

An early version of this story - and the one in print - said Sen. Valesky voted for Sen. Espada's appointment as majority leader, leaving the impression that it took a vote of the Senate. The Senate didn't vote on the appointment. It's a political appointment.

Here's some coverage from that move:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/07/09/2009-07-09_end_in_sight_for_senate_deadlock_rogue_democrat_pedro_espada.html

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/stalemate_ends_with_deal_that.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/nyregion/10albany.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion