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We recently went to a zoo that began like most other zoos, but didn't end up that way.
I'll get to that.
The Wild Animal Park in upstate Chittenango starts out with a walk through the various habitats, where animals can observe the odd behavior...
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By Rick Melén
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10/31/25
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I was already in a melancholy mood when I learned of the Oct. 16 passing of Ace Frehley—best known as the original and iconic Spaceman lead guitarist of KISS. Like a lot of guitarists from my generation, the album KISS Alive!—especially Frehley’s...
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BY EMILE MENASCHÉ
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10/31/25
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“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken"
–Oscar Wilde
We’ve been going to the Blazer Pub for decades and always enjoyed their terrific fare, hospitality and libations. However, I always sensed there was more to the Blazer. A recent visit...
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By John Bart
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10/31/25
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As voters head to the polls in our area on Nov. 4th, many will be surprised to learn that most, if not all, of their local races are uncontested.
In Bedford, five local offices will have only one candidate on the ballot. With concerns on the rise...
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By Don Scott
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10/31/25
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One of the issues that commonly arises when engaging in estate planning for a client is whether it is better to utilize a joint Revocable Living Trust or two separate Revocable Living Trusts for a married couple.
The answer is relatively easy if...
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By Anthony J. Enea
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10/31/25
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Are You Able to Change Your Mind?
Especially when it comes to politics and religion, almost everyone remains intractably glued to their positions or beliefs. Even in the...
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By James Martorano
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10/31/25
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A congregation of celebration
Two weeks ago Gidget (The Cutest Dog in the Land) and I showed our civic appreciation by attending "Celebrate Somers" day at the Towne Center. We met some nice people, browsed the local businesses, saw some adorable...
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By Rick Melén
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10/31/25
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Before addressing 529 Plans and/or trusts for education and related savings, let me begin by saying I am reluctant to recommend a UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) account as a means for saving for the education of a child and/or grandchild,...
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10/30/25
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Estate planning today must include a plan for your digital footprint — the never-ending trail of online accounts, files, photos and information you leave behind.
If you are anything like me, your digital footprint is dilapidated at best and...
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BY LAUREN ENEA
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10/30/25
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"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness."
-Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson nailed it.
Farming is not just about food on the table. It contributes more than 5...
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BY JOHN BART
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10/30/25
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I enjoy walking outdoors in October.
I notice the changing colors of the leaves on the trees, the faint scent of wood smoke in the air, and the abundance of wildlife. I don’t see any pigeons on my walks.
Pigeons get a bad rap. Flocks of pigeons...
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BY KIM KOVACH
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10/30/25
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I had no intention of attending last month's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Long Island.
None.
This year was the 45th meeting of the European stars against the stars of the American Tour. Past golf tournaments at Bethpage have been a...
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BY DON SCOTT
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10/30/25
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Walking around my neighborhood one afternoon, I noticed a large white swan sitting in the grass near the road.
The swan was alone and not near the pond where it can typically be spotted silently floating along with the Canada Geese and...
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By Kim Kovach
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9/27/25
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Love, Sex and Friendship: A Philosophical Examination Part I
Human life is fundamentally intertwined with relationships-love, sex, and friendship-elements that shape our identities and reflect our deepest values. Throughout history, philosophers...
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By James Martorano
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9/23/25
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Playing to type
I've played in bands for longer than I can remember, but that's only a guess since I can barely remember the last 48 hours or so. If it happens to come up in the course of conversation (in other words me shamelessly plugging...
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Rick Melén
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9/23/25
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It is not unusual for a New Yorker who is faced with the prospect that their spouse will need long-term care in a nursing home (or at home for the rest of their life) to seriously contemplate the possibility of divorce.
While divorce has been...
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Anthony J. Enea
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9/23/25
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The recently signed monumental Rescissions Act of 2025 has been the center of intense interest and controversy.
Narrow margins in both the House of Representatives and the Senate approved it. Presumably, each elected official weighed the pros and...
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By James Martorano
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8/13/25
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There are few situations where five simple words can instantly silence an entire ship of people.
“This is your captain speaking…”
Any experienced traveler knows that missed connections, canceled flights, and other mishaps are part of the journey....
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By Tom Walogorsky
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8/13/25
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My mom planned summer vacations for our family each year when I was growing up.
I recall a really fun beach vacation on the island of Jamaica where I met a new friend, Susan, who lived in Illinois. My dad was the driver on long car trips to...
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By Kim Kovach
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8/13/25
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When was the last time you walked a factory floor? Dined at a Denny's or an IHOP?
If you're like most of us, the answer is never - or it's been a very long time. Those are just a couple of questions posed in a film produced by Michael Smerconish...
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By Don Scott
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8/13/25
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