When Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney, 43, won her post in 2007, it was despite her own party's best efforts.
After announcing her candidacy in the GOP primary, Onondaga County Republican committee chairman John DeSpirito called her to ask her not to challenge party-backed candidate Dale Sweetland.
According to Mahoney, DeSpirito was concerned with her family life as well as the party.
"He asked me who would take care of my kids," said the County Executive.
With only a stint on the Syracuse Common Council and an unsuccessful campaign for mayor to her name, Mahoney soon found herself on the wrong side of the local GOP's "good ol' boys network."
Mahoney said in an interview that Onondaga Republican leadership felt it was Sweetland's turn to run the county. Despite their opposition, Mahoney won the nomination by just 21 votes before a landslide victory over Democratic candidate Bill Magnarelli in the general election.
These days, she runs Onondaga County with no help from the GOP committee leadership.
"I have nothing to do with the local party," Mahoney said. "They have nothing to do with me, and it doesn't affect me at all."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Oncenter Hotel: priority for the county
The 365-room hotel for the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center is the number one priority in shovel-ready projects for Onondaga County officials, Deputy County Executive Edward Kochian said. The development company, Wilmorite, is their first choice in building a four-star hotel that the Westin hotel chain would run.
Since the global credit crisis the company has not been able to secure the approximately $50 million dollar construction loan they need for the project.
If Wilmorite “can’t make it work” county officials would have to consider other proposals, which would delay the construction another couple of years, Kochian said.
County Executive Joanie Mahoney said county officials are trying to convince New York state that the hotel is as crucial as water to the functioning of the convention center. “Without it, the center is not being used to its capacity,” she said.
Officials have told the state administration that they will use the amount of stimulus money they receive for the construction of the hotel rather than for other shovel-ready projects like road and bridge work, Kochian said.
According to Kochian, the hotel would have a potential economic impact for the community by creating jobs and increasing the business of the convention center.
Photo courtesy of www.syracuse .com The Post Standard
New Age Swat
The State of New York is offering competitive grants for federal stimulus money and Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney is doing everything in her power to acquire as many funds as possible. In order to ensure that the county will receive as much money as possible, Mahoney has created a team of experienced grant writers to acquire the money.
Mahoney has dubbed them as the “Stimulus Swat Team”.
Mahoney has put Jean Smiley, the Deputy Public Health Commissioner of Onondaga County as the head of the team. Smiley will be managing the team of top county staff members to make sure the county can make the best of stimulus opportunities.
The team hopes to acquire money to begin many of the projects that are shovel ready, or projects that ready to go, but currently lack the necessary funding.
Mahoney has dubbed them as the “Stimulus Swat Team”.
Mahoney has put Jean Smiley, the Deputy Public Health Commissioner of Onondaga County as the head of the team. Smiley will be managing the team of top county staff members to make sure the county can make the best of stimulus opportunities.
The team hopes to acquire money to begin many of the projects that are shovel ready, or projects that ready to go, but currently lack the necessary funding.
Saving the Environment, One Rain Barrel at a Time
In Onondaga County, rain is inevitable.
For the average puddle duck, this may be perfection, but for Onondaga Lake, the rain has its downfalls.
Every time rain falls in Onondaga County, the excess water pours into the interconnected sewer and drainpipes. The water from both locations then combines and overflows, gushing into Onondaga River, which empties into Onondaga Lake.
The issue of contaminated water is a problem, and one that County Executive Joanne Mahoney is working to fix with the “Save the Rain” project.
“Save the Rain” encourages homeowners to use rain barrels and position their drain pipes so that the water does not drop directly onto pavement.
Mahoney says these efforts will save 17% of the water from flowing into the County's drain gutters.
Other green solutions the County is working on include green roofs, porous pavement, and rain gardens.
“Save the Rain” is one of the many shovel-ready projects Onondaga County has prepared in response to potential stimulus money that may be coming its way.
Photo courtesy of New York State Museum
Staying Afloat
In tough economic times, Onondaga County has been able to balance its budget when many others are sinking deep into the red.
Onondaga County executive Joanne Mahoney didn’t even need to raise property taxes when she proposed a 1.7% increase for next years budget. With over 500,000 residents to look after, Onondaga County’s budget is $1.2 billion.
Unlike most states, New York requires its counties to pay 52% of the Medicaid expenses for their residents. In order to create more revenue to pay for Medicaid expenses Onondaga County could either raise property or sales taxes.
Onondaga County chose to lift a tax on gas instead of raising property taxes.
“The last resort is property taxes.” Mahoney said.
Mahoney stated that she chose to lift the gas cap because most people buying gas could afford the tax increase. She could not say the same about raising property taxes.
“There is a real balance” Mahoney later adding when talking about raising taxes.
Onondaga County executive Joanne Mahoney didn’t even need to raise property taxes when she proposed a 1.7% increase for next years budget. With over 500,000 residents to look after, Onondaga County’s budget is $1.2 billion.
Unlike most states, New York requires its counties to pay 52% of the Medicaid expenses for their residents. In order to create more revenue to pay for Medicaid expenses Onondaga County could either raise property or sales taxes.
Onondaga County chose to lift a tax on gas instead of raising property taxes.
“The last resort is property taxes.” Mahoney said.
Mahoney stated that she chose to lift the gas cap because most people buying gas could afford the tax increase. She could not say the same about raising property taxes.
“There is a real balance” Mahoney later adding when talking about raising taxes.
Green is the New Gray
Stimulus “Swat Team” to help County
Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney has created what she calls a stimulus “Swat team” to help Onondaga County get as much money as possible from the recently passed federal stimulus package.
Mahoney first introduced her stimulus “Swat team” made up of top county executives at her State of the County address on March 3rd.
At her address Mahoney showed a sense of optimism for the county even though the recession and state budget cuts have forced programs to be cut.
"There are a lot of things on our wish list that we want to do, but 2009 is not the year. And I think the community wanted to hear that we have our heads above water, which we do," Mahoney said.
She hopes the stimulus "SWAT team will find money for the rebuilding of roads, green infrastructure products, and ways to fix the sewage problems effecting Onondaga Lake and Onondaga Creek.
Mahoney first introduced her stimulus “Swat team” made up of top county executives at her State of the County address on March 3rd.
At her address Mahoney showed a sense of optimism for the county even though the recession and state budget cuts have forced programs to be cut.
"There are a lot of things on our wish list that we want to do, but 2009 is not the year. And I think the community wanted to hear that we have our heads above water, which we do," Mahoney said.
She hopes the stimulus "SWAT team will find money for the rebuilding of roads, green infrastructure products, and ways to fix the sewage problems effecting Onondaga Lake and Onondaga Creek.
Onondaga's Clean Up Effort
While many enjoy a snowfall or two, no one would think that a snowfall could cause pollution.
Onondaga Lake, which is northwest of Syracuse, NY, is one of the most polluted lakes in the United States.
As a result, Onondaga County is under court order to clean up the polluted lake.
Although a variety of activities contribute to the pollution of the lake, the biggest problem is processing sewage.
Normally, wastewater and surface runoff flows through the combined sewer system to the Metro plant where it is filtered.
But during periods of heavy rain or melting snow, the sewers overflow and as a result the sewage pollutes Onondaga Lake.
Several projects, such as upgrading treatment and fixing the collection system, have been started to prevent the overflow of sewage in Onondaga Lake.
Although the projects are one way to help decrease pollution, residents can also lend a hand.
Onondaga county executive Joanne M. Mahoney has asked individuals to install downspouts to help reduce surface turnoff.
Installing the downspouts could reduce pollution by 17%.
"If Onondaga can do this, it can inspire other counties, maybe even the nation, instead of building sewer plants", Mahoney said.
Current water treatment going "down the drain"
The Onondaga lake, once considered the center of culture and geography for Syracuse, is the most polluted lake in the United States. But, not for long.
County Executive Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County, plans on using money issued by Federal Stimulus to clean up pollution in the Lake with state grants.
Mahoney discussed Tuesday her plans to end the current sewage treatments the city of Syracuse currently has in place.
"We are leading the way," Mahoney stated in hopes of other New York counties following the same geopolitical route.
Mahoney wants to end the overflow of sewage combined with rainwater into the Onondaga Lake through a variety of options. The "Save the Rain" campaign encourages a variety of improvements from shifting positions of downspouts, to creating rain gardens, to developing new technologies by county staff.
The "Save the Rain" campaign is expected to save approximately 17% of the rainwater drainage, says Mahoney.
The funds issued by the state are some of the first to stride towards environmental change.
It is the County Executive's hope that the community's reliance on sewage treatment facilities, such as the controversial Midland Ave. facility, disappears with changes in the water pollution of Onondaga County.
Proposed OnCenter Hotel Hopes to Increase Popularity
The OnCenter Complex, located in the middle of downtown Syracuse, is a major source of income for Onondaga County. However, it lacks one element that is found in almost any other complex center: a hotel.“Having no OnCenter hotel diminishes its popularity”, Onondaga County Executive, Joanne Mahoney said.
The idea for the hotel was proposed at a New York State Development Corporation public hearing by former Onondaga County Executive, Nicholas Pirro, in 2006.
The hotel was a planned $100 million, 365 room, four-star hotel, set to be run by the Westin hotel chain and built by Rochester-based developer, Thomas Wilmot.
Two and a half years later, the hotel has not been built.
The most recent problem is the current economic situation; no one wants to provide the $56 million construction loan that is needed to start the project.
Mahoney has the hotel slated as a “shovel-ready” project, meaning the county would be ready to start work, should they get the necessary funding.
Though Mahoney is being patient with the hotel, she has to stay open to other ideas.
“I think we have to have some Plan B started”, Mahoney said. “I’ve asked people to go back and turn a concept into a proposal and we’ll consider it”.
Picture from: http://www.hb2009.org/assets/uploads/G-oncenter.jpg
Green Infrastructure to Minimize Contamination
As stimulus money begins to trickle into the economy, counties throughout the United States have “shovel ready” projects planned and ready to go.Onondaga County is no exception. With projects ranging from road construction to environmentally green projects, Onondaga County is looking forward to putting the federal stimulus money to use.
“Save the Rain”, an environmental project, which will reduce contamination in Onondaga Lake, is a top priority for Onondaga County.
Onondaga County uses an antiquated combined sewer system. This system combines run-off water with sanitary waste.
During periods of melting snow or heavy rains, sewers are unable to maintain run-off water and waste. The excess flows into Onondaga Creek, polluting it with raw sewage.
Onondaga County Executive, Joanne Mahoney, is taking initiative and starting a “green revolution”.
Mahoney is encouraging residents to use rain buckets to control the amount of run-off that will directly enter the sewer system.
By redirecting run-off patterns, the County could reduce 17% of water that would enter the sewer system, Mahoney said.
This green infrastructure will eliminate the need for another sewage treatment plant in the county.
(Image from http://www.ongov.net/)
Onondaga County uses an antiquated combined sewer system. This system combines run-off water with sanitary waste.
During periods of melting snow or heavy rains, sewers are unable to maintain run-off water and waste. The excess flows into Onondaga Creek, polluting it with raw sewage.
Onondaga County Executive, Joanne Mahoney, is taking initiative and starting a “green revolution”.
Mahoney is encouraging residents to use rain buckets to control the amount of run-off that will directly enter the sewer system.
By redirecting run-off patterns, the County could reduce 17% of water that would enter the sewer system, Mahoney said.
This green infrastructure will eliminate the need for another sewage treatment plant in the county.
(Image from http://www.ongov.net/)
A Hotel's Worth of Stimulus
Need an economic stimulus project? How about building a hotel?
Onondaga County is investing much of the money it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package in numerous construction projects throughout Syracuse and the county
One of these project that County Executive Joanie Mahoney and other county officials have proposed is to build an attaching hotel to the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, which contains the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
Mahoney tells us that it's about time that Syracuse had a hotel next to the only convention center in the area, as there are very few convention centers anywhere that do not have hotels attached to them.
Because of this lack of convenient accomodations, Mahoney says that the convention center has not been used to its full capacity over the years and believes that adding an attached hotel could stir up more frequent use of the facility, thus improving the poor economy.
This project, among others, is ready to get started as soon as the county receives money from the stimulus package, according to Mahoney.
Onondaga County is investing much of the money it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package in numerous construction projects throughout Syracuse and the county
One of these project that County Executive Joanie Mahoney and other county officials have proposed is to build an attaching hotel to the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, which contains the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
Mahoney tells us that it's about time that Syracuse had a hotel next to the only convention center in the area, as there are very few convention centers anywhere that do not have hotels attached to them.
Because of this lack of convenient accomodations, Mahoney says that the convention center has not been used to its full capacity over the years and believes that adding an attached hotel could stir up more frequent use of the facility, thus improving the poor economy.
This project, among others, is ready to get started as soon as the county receives money from the stimulus package, according to Mahoney.
A Hotel's Worth of Stimulus
Need an economic stimulus project? How about building a hotel?
Onondaga County is investing much of the money it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package in numerous constuction projects thoughout Syracuse and the county.
One of these projects that Mahoney and other county officials have proposed is to build a hotel near the OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, which contains the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
Mahoney tells us that it’s about time that Syracuse had a hotel next to the only convention center in the area, as there are very few convention centers anywhere that do not have hotels attached to them.
Because of this lack of convenient accomodations, Mahoney says that the convention center has not been used to its full capacity over the years and believes that adding an attached hotel could stir up more frequent use of the facility, thus improving the poor economy.
This project, among others, are ready to get started as soon as the county receives money from the stimulus package, according to Mahoney.
Onondaga County is investing much of the money it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package in numerous constuction projects thoughout Syracuse and the county.
One of these projects that Mahoney and other county officials have proposed is to build a hotel near the OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, which contains the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
Mahoney tells us that it’s about time that Syracuse had a hotel next to the only convention center in the area, as there are very few convention centers anywhere that do not have hotels attached to them.
Because of this lack of convenient accomodations, Mahoney says that the convention center has not been used to its full capacity over the years and believes that adding an attached hotel could stir up more frequent use of the facility, thus improving the poor economy.
This project, among others, are ready to get started as soon as the county receives money from the stimulus package, according to Mahoney.
A Hotel's Worth of Stimulus
Need an economic stimulus project? How about building a hotel?
Onondaga County is investing much of the money it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package in numerous constuction projects thoughout Syracuse and the county.
One of these projects that Mahoney and other county officials have proposed is to build a hotel near the OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, which contains the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
Mahoney tells us that it’s about time that Syracuse had a hotel next to the only convention center in the area, as there are very few convention centers anywhere that do not have hotels attached to them.
Because of this lack of convenient accomodations, Mahoney says that the convention center has not been used to its full capacity over the years and believes that adding an attached hotel could stir up more frequent use of the facility, thus improving the poor economy.
This project, among others, are ready to get started as soon as the county receives money from the stimulus package, according to Mahoney.
Onondaga County is investing much of the money it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package in numerous constuction projects thoughout Syracuse and the county.
One of these projects that Mahoney and other county officials have proposed is to build a hotel near the OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, which contains the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
Mahoney tells us that it’s about time that Syracuse had a hotel next to the only convention center in the area, as there are very few convention centers anywhere that do not have hotels attached to them.
Because of this lack of convenient accomodations, Mahoney says that the convention center has not been used to its full capacity over the years and believes that adding an attached hotel could stir up more frequent use of the facility, thus improving the poor economy.
This project, among others, are ready to get started as soon as the county receives money from the stimulus package, according to Mahoney.
Deserving the Title
Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney, 43, fought hard for her position in 2007.
Mahoney closely lost the mayoral race against Mayor Matt Driscoll in 2005, but that did not stop her. In 2007, the Onondaga County Executive left the position, and Mahoney decided to get her name on the ballot.
It was an uphill battle from the start. Mohoney, a registered Republican, first tried to get on the republican ballot. The Republican office was already supporting another candidate, she said, telling the mother of four that she needed to take care of her children instead.
However, Mahoney said "I'm running because of my kids."
In a state where many residents are leaving, Mahoney is hoping to create reasons for people, and her children, to stay.
Mahoney had to petition to earn a spot on the Republican primary ballot, though the county republican party still worked against her in many ways.
With 21 votes, Mahoney beat the party candidate and followed by defeating the democratic candidate, becoming the third Onondaga County Executive.
Since her election, Mahoney has chosen the best and the brightest to be on her team, many of whom happen to be women as well.
Her past defeat in the Mayoral election and her disagreements with the county republican party have not stopped her from doing her job.
Also the first female County Executive, Mahoney proves over and over again that she deserves the position that she worked so hard to attain.
Saving Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake is one of America’s most polluted lakes.
The Clean Water Act of the 1970’s prompted New York State to start restoring the condition of the lake by putting bands on harmful detergents, creating laws against mercury dumping, and instilling sewage treatment.
Progress has been made in the Onondaga Lake clean up over the years.
Yet to this day, sewer pipes and storm drains that combine underground create a water overflow that carries bacteria to the lake.
County Executive Joanne Mahoney says partnering with a program called Save the Rain can inevitably help save Onondaga Lake from pollutants.
Save the Rain teaches community residents how to catch, store, clean, and use rain as healthy water supply.
Mahoney says slowing down rainwater can help prevent sewage overflows.
Save the Rain uses barrels to catch rain, eliminating excess water from reaching sewage drains and storm pipes. The organization also uses gutters and downspouts in redirecting run-off water toward grass instead of driveways, preventing sewage overflows.
“This is an opportunity for Onondaga County to lead the way across New York State and the Country,” Mahoney said with optimism.
Photo courtesy of Waterontheweb.org
Monday, March 30, 2009
Common Council Crunch Time
Today, I went to the "study session" that the Common Council of the City of Syracuse holds before a regular meeting. Although I later discovered that I was supposed to go to the meeting itself, I still learned about local government. I grew up in the city of Rochester and visited Syracuse City Hall two weeks ago, yet I've never really understood how a local government is organized.
It turns out that they are quite meticulous! During the "study session," the councilors go through each meeting point numerically, according to the councilor in charge. For example, Councilor Robinson was in charge of points 10-20 in the agenda. The topics range from contracts to amendments to zone changes.
Each item is designated as "ready" or "on hold." Only 5 out of 40 points were on hold today.
If an item needs further clarification before the councilors, a community member involved will attend the study session to update the council on the progress. Today, a developer from Morningview LLC attended to address a new walkway that the city requested so that kids will be safe walking to school. The project is not done.
Items are held if more information is needed or if committee meeting is in the near future.
President Bea González didn't attend the study session. The councilors want to do the housekeeping before the official meeting begins!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Marrone Searching for Starting QB
As spring practices start up, Syracuse’s new head coach Dough Marrone has already begun evaluating who will start at quarterback next season.
Marrone has 5 QB’s to choose from, Sr. Cameron Dantley, who started the majority of the games last season, Sr. Andrew Robinson, So. David Legree, redshirted freshman Ryan Nessib, and high school recruit Charley Loeb.
Marrone wants to give each quarterback as many looks a possible before he makes the crucial of decision of picking who will lead the Orange offense next year.
"I think right now, what we're trying to do is we're trying to define and make sure we get enough looks with the different receivers, the different plays, making sure that they can do everything before we get a full evaluation," said Marrone.
Currently Dantley and Nessib have been receiving the majority of snaps with the first team offense
So far Marrone has been working the QB’s and the rest of the offense on situations he felt the team needs work on from last season.
“The numbers are out of what we've done in the past year before and then what we need to improve on to be the best in the Big East." Marrone said.
Marrone has 5 QB’s to choose from, Sr. Cameron Dantley, who started the majority of the games last season, Sr. Andrew Robinson, So. David Legree, redshirted freshman Ryan Nessib, and high school recruit Charley Loeb.
Marrone wants to give each quarterback as many looks a possible before he makes the crucial of decision of picking who will lead the Orange offense next year.
"I think right now, what we're trying to do is we're trying to define and make sure we get enough looks with the different receivers, the different plays, making sure that they can do everything before we get a full evaluation," said Marrone.
Currently Dantley and Nessib have been receiving the majority of snaps with the first team offense
So far Marrone has been working the QB’s and the rest of the offense on situations he felt the team needs work on from last season.
“The numbers are out of what we've done in the past year before and then what we need to improve on to be the best in the Big East." Marrone said.
Magna rejects the Final Attempt
After countless attempts to keep Magna International in Syracuse, the final one has failed and Magna is officially leaving Syracuse.
Magna is a Canadian auto-parts factory, and in the past months, Magna Union workers rejected the contracts that would have kept the factory from closing.
After workers rejected the second contract, Magna announced it would soon begin the process of relocating. In the weeks following the announcement, Union workers attempted to make contracts with the company, but none of them were successful.
The final attempt to keep the company in Syracuse involved the U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. Schumer offered the plant $5 billion of federal loans that are meant for the domestic auto parts industry.
The company declined the offer, claiming that money was not the only problem. The company is still planning to close and relocate because it would like to see major changes in the work rules as well as a restructuring of operations.
When the company closes, it will leave 1,400 in the area without a job.
Drug Deal Killing
A Syracuse man was sentenced to 15 years to life for killing a man during a marijuana sale.
Courtney Saunders, 23, pleaded guilty of shooting DuUwezo Ross, 28, during an attempted robbery.
Ross and his stepbrother were in a car outside a Syracuse market, where they were to carry out the drug deal. Saunders got in and tried to rob them at gunpoint.
After unsuccessfully trying to wrestle the gun out of Saunders’s hands, Ross tried to get out of the car and escape but Saunders shot him in the back, said Senior Assistant District Attorney Robert Duncanson.
During the sentencing, Onondaga County Judge Anthony Aloi, complained that his previous sentencings had not helped decrease the violence in the community.
Wanda Ross, Ross’s mother, said in court she could never forgive Saunders for the murder of her son and showed him a picture telling him to look at the person he shot.
Courtney Saunders, 23, pleaded guilty of shooting DuUwezo Ross, 28, during an attempted robbery.
Ross and his stepbrother were in a car outside a Syracuse market, where they were to carry out the drug deal. Saunders got in and tried to rob them at gunpoint.
After unsuccessfully trying to wrestle the gun out of Saunders’s hands, Ross tried to get out of the car and escape but Saunders shot him in the back, said Senior Assistant District Attorney Robert Duncanson.
During the sentencing, Onondaga County Judge Anthony Aloi, complained that his previous sentencings had not helped decrease the violence in the community.
Wanda Ross, Ross’s mother, said in court she could never forgive Saunders for the murder of her son and showed him a picture telling him to look at the person he shot.
Sending Mixed Messages
Police charged a Central New York teen after sending a sexually explicit videotext to a 13-year-old girl, Thursday.
Joseph Girodano, 17, Cicero-North High School, faces charges for indecent material and endangering the welfare of a child.
The pair met on the social networking site, MySpace.com, and exchanged communication for several months. The relationship was over texting and networking, meaning the two had never met in person.
But, once the girl's parents saw the sexual video, the networking and texting came to an end. The parents called the authorities and launched an investigation.
"Sexting" has become a more common crime nationally. Naked pictures circulating cell phones in a community have most recently initiated child pornography cases.
Although this particular case will not deal with child pornography, Girodano will still be facing charges at his arraignment scheduled for April 7.
Rare Zoo Newborn
The unexpected birth of a white-crested laughing thrush came as a surprise to zookeepers this March.
Syracuse’s Rosamond Gifford Zoo keepers named the rare bird “Zephyr”.
It’s one of only three white-crested laughing thrushes that survived nesting in the United States in the past year.
These birds are commonly found in Southern Asia, East India, and South China, and are born with limited flying ability, attributing to their non-migratory status.
Importation of these birds stopped when officials feared the spread of avian influenza, a disease in birds that could potentially be spread to humans.
The Syracuse Zoo has owned two of these birds for 11 years and a third for nine years, never before experiencing a successful birth.
Question is, which two birds are the newborn’s parents? Zookeepers find it nearly impossible to distinguish the males from the females.
Increasing the mystery, these birds are cooperative breeders, meaning more than just the parents help in fostering the young.
Image by BirdFinders
Sooner or Later
The Syracuse Orange will have plenty of work to do if they plan on making the Elite 8 this year. Because when the Orange take the court tonight, they will be matching up against one of the best college basketball players in the country, Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin.
The Sooner sensation stands at 6-foot-10 and has been dominant all season long by scoring points and grabbing rebounds. Over the season, Griffin led all of college basketball in by recording 14.4 rebounds per game and was in the top 20 in scoring at 22.5 points per game.
Although unlikely, the orange may be able to limit Griffin’s minutes by getting him into early foul trouble. Griffin has fouled out of 3 games in his college career and when Oklahoma has played without him, they struggle.
In addition, the Orange zone will need to clamp down on the inside and force the other Sooners to beat them. The Orange will need to reduce Griffin’s impact if they hope to make it to the next round.
A win over the Sooners could lead to another national title as Oklahoma was just another stepping stone for the Orange in their 2003 championship run.
The Sooner sensation stands at 6-foot-10 and has been dominant all season long by scoring points and grabbing rebounds. Over the season, Griffin led all of college basketball in by recording 14.4 rebounds per game and was in the top 20 in scoring at 22.5 points per game.
Although unlikely, the orange may be able to limit Griffin’s minutes by getting him into early foul trouble. Griffin has fouled out of 3 games in his college career and when Oklahoma has played without him, they struggle.
In addition, the Orange zone will need to clamp down on the inside and force the other Sooners to beat them. The Orange will need to reduce Griffin’s impact if they hope to make it to the next round.
A win over the Sooners could lead to another national title as Oklahoma was just another stepping stone for the Orange in their 2003 championship run.
A Dangerous Neighborhood Grill
Over 100 Camillus residents left Applebee's with more than full stomachs this month.
The Onondaga County Health Department received over 100 reports of food-related sicknesses, officials said Wednesday.
The department confirmed seven cases of Shigellosis, says Onondaga Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow. An additional 52 people with similar symptoms are waiting for test results.
Fecal matter is typically the carrier of the bacteria.
Shigellosis causes bloody diarrhea, fevers, and stomach cramps about a day after exposure, says Morrow. The symptoms usually last five to seven days.
The seven Applebee's guests with confirmed Shigellosis dined wither Saturday, March 7 or Sunday, March 8.
Yet health officials are investigating the period of Sunday, March 1 to Friday, March 20. Up to 9,o00 guests could have been exposed.
"There's nothing more important than the well-being of our guests," says Applebee's director of marketing Stephanie Griffin.
Possible food culprits are lemons and limes.
Body Identified as Missing Mother
Dental records confirmed the body found last Monday as that of a missing mother of two.
Annette Vazquez, 33, of Watertown was reported missing early last December. Her remains were found in the town of Antwerp on Monday.
Vazquez was strangled to death, said Dr. Samuel Livingstone, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner. The results of the autopsy were released Thursday morning.
Ramon Robles-Ruiz, Vazquez’s ex-boyfriend, is a suspect in the murder. Robles-Ruiz is in custody in Puerto Rico.
Robles-Ruiz was arrested in Puerto Rico in late January on fraud charges. Robles-Ruiz’s criminal record includes domestic violence, said Marshal Rafael Escobar, of the Puerto Rican police force.
Robles-Ruiz will be extradited to Jefferson County where he will face a second-degree murder charge.
Watertown city police will hand the case over to the District Attorney’s office who will be responsible for extraditing Robles-Ruiz.
Vazquez’s family has been notified about the investigation. Carlos Vazquez, the victim’s brother, will return from Iraq where he is serving in the military to be present during investigations.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Human Error Thought to be Plane Crash Cause
2009 has not begun as a good year for flying. Only three months into the year and there have already been several plane crashes, including one that hit home for many New Yorkers.
On the evening of February 12, news broke of Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashing into a house in Clarence Center, a Buffalo suburb.
At the time of the crash, in which 50 people died, ice was thought to be the cause of the accident.
However, new information surfaced Thursday suggesting that the accident may have been due to human error rather than mechanical error.
The plane's flight data reporter indicated that its stall warming system had activated before the accident and although there was some ice accumulation, no mechanical problems were found with the plane, Federal Safety investigators said.
"The ice in the Buffalo crash wasn't anything the plane shouldn't have been able to handle." Greg Phillips, a former National Transportation Safety Board accident investigator said.
Investigators are still continuing to examine the plane's de-icing system, as well as the flight's data recorder.
The NTSB Board has scheduled a three-day public hearing for May 12-14 that will cover a range of safety issues involving the plane and its performance.
(photo courtesy of cnn.com)
Oklahoma Prepares for Syracuse Sweet Sixteen Match-up
If Jim Boeheim is successful for just one reason, it's for patenting his famed 2-3 zone defense with all of his teams over his 799 career wins.
But Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, the top rebounder in the nation, isn't phased at all, believing that the Orange zone defense won't pose any more of a challenge than a generic man-to-man defense.
"As long as you pick and choose your spots well and find open areas, and your guards get you the ball in the right spot, it might be easier," said Griffin.
Of course, it helps knowing that Oklahoma coach Jim Capel actually took some notes from Boeheim himself - or, rather, videotapes he had made.
"We actually took a couple of things that he talked about [that] hurt their zones and we added that in our zone offense," Capel said. "You're going against the architect of it, so I don't know how much it will help us now."
The No. 2 Sooners (29-5) and the No. 3 Orange (28-9) will go head-to-head in a South Regional semifinal on Friday night in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Madness
This weekend’s NCAA Tournament games in Memphis will be a little sweeter for a few elite fans.
Additional tickets for both South Region semifinals and the title game went on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. They are available online and through the FedexForum box office. Prices start at $88.
The first semifinal, between No. 2 seed Oklahoma and No. 3 seed Syracuse, will tip off at 7:27 p.m. Friday, followed by top-seeded North Carolina against No. 4 seed Gonzaga at 9:57. The two winners will square off Sunday for a trip to the Final Four in Detroit.
Friday’s Sweet 16 match-ups showcase a region whose top four teams all made it past the tournament’s arduous first weekend. As a result, fans in Memphis can see any one of three anticipated Sweet 16 and Elite Eight match-ups between highly-ranked programs.
Additional tickets for both South Region semifinals and the title game went on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. They are available online and through the FedexForum box office. Prices start at $88.
The first semifinal, between No. 2 seed Oklahoma and No. 3 seed Syracuse, will tip off at 7:27 p.m. Friday, followed by top-seeded North Carolina against No. 4 seed Gonzaga at 9:57. The two winners will square off Sunday for a trip to the Final Four in Detroit.
Friday’s Sweet 16 match-ups showcase a region whose top four teams all made it past the tournament’s arduous first weekend. As a result, fans in Memphis can see any one of three anticipated Sweet 16 and Elite Eight match-ups between highly-ranked programs.
Marcellus Residents Reject Project
Local residents in Marcellus, New York voted against a referendum that would help fund the renovation of their city hall.
This decision forces the town board to come up with a new renovation plan.
The referendum would let the city borrow up to $3.2 million to renovate and expand the 90-year-old building.
Many of the residents questioned whether a town of 6,300 people needed to spend that amount on its town hall.
Town supervisor Dan Ross said if the town had bonded for $3.2 million at the current interest rates, the project would have a steep price for property owners.
The renovation project would have cost roughly $50 a year per $100,000 of assessed property over the next 30 years.
"We have to find a plan because something still needs to be done," Ross said. "If this plan is not acceptable, we'll work on something else."
Ross and the town board had a work session on Thursday in order to create a new plan.
Obama Connects with America on a Virtual Level
President Obama proved his technology savvy yet again by hosting the first live, online town hall meeting given by a president on Thursday.
Using the Internet as his lane of communication, Obama answered six of the over 104,000 written and video questions submitted by nearly 93,000 people.
Those who visited WhiteHouse.gov could submit questions as well as vote on those entered by others. The questions with the most votes were the ones President Obama answered.
Many of the questions and video inquiries were about the economy.
“One of the things that my budget is designed to do is by fixing our education system, by reducing cost of health care, by going after the clean energy jobs of the future trying to put our economy on a more solid footing,” Obama said.
On a humorous note, the proposal of legalizing marijuana as a way to boost the economy was another popular topic on the website, but Obama was quick to reject this idea.
“No, I don’t think that is a good strategy to grow our economy,” Obama said, chuckling along with the audience.
The administration hopes this tactic of visible governing will help to increase public approval.
SU Lax Players Honored
Syracuse Lacrosse is (6-1) and on a four game winning streak. They are also ranked second in the nation in every lacrosse poll. Now the team has something else to cheer about.
SU had four players named to Inside Lacrosse's Midseason All American team.
The four named are all seniors with Kenny Nims, Dan Hardy and Sid Smith named to the first team and Matt Abbott getting second team honors.
Nims leads the team in scoring and with 15 goals and 16 assists. Smith is the anchor of the defense, which allows only 6.89 goals a game. Hardy and Abbott are both major parts of the talent Syracuse midfield lines.
The Orange have all the tools to be able to make it back to the final four. Their only loss of the season came to undefeated and top ranked Virginia in a close 13-12 contest at the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse travels to Baltimore this Saturday to face #15 Loyola. The Orange will try to extend their four game winning streak and build on the recent success.
SU had four players named to Inside Lacrosse's Midseason All American team.
The four named are all seniors with Kenny Nims, Dan Hardy and Sid Smith named to the first team and Matt Abbott getting second team honors.
Nims leads the team in scoring and with 15 goals and 16 assists. Smith is the anchor of the defense, which allows only 6.89 goals a game. Hardy and Abbott are both major parts of the talent Syracuse midfield lines.
The Orange have all the tools to be able to make it back to the final four. Their only loss of the season came to undefeated and top ranked Virginia in a close 13-12 contest at the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse travels to Baltimore this Saturday to face #15 Loyola. The Orange will try to extend their four game winning streak and build on the recent success.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Jumpsuits Making a Comeback
For the fashion savvy woman the latest spring trend is not sundresses, gladiator sandals, or bold headbands.
Fashion gurus have unanimously agreed that the new must have item for spring 2009 is jumpsuits.
While many think that jumpsuits should be left in the seventies, fashion designer Elie Tahari says otherwise.
“It looks fresh and new,” Tahari says. “It's something that hasn't been around.”
Tahari added that the modern day jumpsuit is “less vulgar and a little more relaxed,” unlike the seventies jumpsuits.
Fashion markets director at Saks Fifth Avenue Colleen Sherin noticed the comeback of jumpsuits on the spring runways in fashion capitals such as New York.
“There were so many of them, we couldn’t ignore them.” Sherin said. Sherin also sees the jumpsuit as the evolution of the dress.
She also said that other spring trends, such as bright shoes or bold costume jewelry will help give the jumpsuits a new look for the working woman.
Fashion gurus have unanimously agreed that the new must have item for spring 2009 is jumpsuits.
While many think that jumpsuits should be left in the seventies, fashion designer Elie Tahari says otherwise.
“It looks fresh and new,” Tahari says. “It's something that hasn't been around.”
Tahari added that the modern day jumpsuit is “less vulgar and a little more relaxed,” unlike the seventies jumpsuits.
Fashion markets director at Saks Fifth Avenue Colleen Sherin noticed the comeback of jumpsuits on the spring runways in fashion capitals such as New York.
“There were so many of them, we couldn’t ignore them.” Sherin said. Sherin also sees the jumpsuit as the evolution of the dress.
She also said that other spring trends, such as bright shoes or bold costume jewelry will help give the jumpsuits a new look for the working woman.
Fritz Trial
An Austrian man faces a life sentence after keeping his daughter captive and raping her for 24 years.
"I regret it with all my heart ... I can't make it right anymore," said Josef Fritzl.
While in captivity, his daughter, Elisabeth, gave birth to seven children, all of whom Fritzl is the father. He is also charged with homicide for letting one of the children die as a newborn.
Three of the children had been kept in the dungeon their whole lives until the trial started. The other three were raised upstairs by Fritzl and his wife. He told her Elisabeth abandoned the children when she ran away at the age of 18. They now range between the ages of 6 and 20.
Fritzl decided to plead guilty when he saw his daughter’s video testimony.
During the closing statement, his lawyer admitted that Fritzl had raped his daughter 3,000 times, some of which were in front of the children.
Fritzl will receive psychiatric treatment while in prison and will not be eligible for parole for at least 15 years.
"I regret it with all my heart ... I can't make it right anymore," said Josef Fritzl.
While in captivity, his daughter, Elisabeth, gave birth to seven children, all of whom Fritzl is the father. He is also charged with homicide for letting one of the children die as a newborn.
Three of the children had been kept in the dungeon their whole lives until the trial started. The other three were raised upstairs by Fritzl and his wife. He told her Elisabeth abandoned the children when she ran away at the age of 18. They now range between the ages of 6 and 20.
Fritzl decided to plead guilty when he saw his daughter’s video testimony.
During the closing statement, his lawyer admitted that Fritzl had raped his daughter 3,000 times, some of which were in front of the children.
Fritzl will receive psychiatric treatment while in prison and will not be eligible for parole for at least 15 years.
Mexican Drug Lord Arrested
United States authorities fighting the war on drugs can rest easier knowing that the son of notorious drug lord, Ismael Zambada, was arrested Wednesday by Mexican authorities.
Vincente Zambada, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico was arrested at a home in Mexico City. Zambada was detained after authorities received tips about suspicious activity, the Mexican attorney general’s office said in a news conference.
Zambada was believed to be serving as the head of operations and security for the Sinaloa cartel. It is believed to be one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels.
The Sinaloa cartel is responsible for smuggling cocaine and methamphetamines into the United States through the Mexico City airport.
The United States, in conjunction with Mexico, launched a cross-border crackdown on drug trafficking, forcing drug cartels to be on high alert.
Zambada, along with five body guards, are among the 755 Sinaloa cartel members taken into Mexican custody as suspects. Zambada’s brother is among those previously held for drug trafficking.
Vincente Zambada, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico was arrested at a home in Mexico City. Zambada was detained after authorities received tips about suspicious activity, the Mexican attorney general’s office said in a news conference.
Zambada was believed to be serving as the head of operations and security for the Sinaloa cartel. It is believed to be one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels.
The Sinaloa cartel is responsible for smuggling cocaine and methamphetamines into the United States through the Mexico City airport.
The United States, in conjunction with Mexico, launched a cross-border crackdown on drug trafficking, forcing drug cartels to be on high alert.
Zambada, along with five body guards, are among the 755 Sinaloa cartel members taken into Mexican custody as suspects. Zambada’s brother is among those previously held for drug trafficking.
Avian Energy Crisis
As the United States attempts to solve the problems of dwindling natural resources, they now have to consider the consequences of creating alternative energy sources. A new government report is now saying that the implementation of new energy sources is contributing to the sharp drops in bird populations across the United States.
"Energy development has significant negative effects on birds in North America," the report states.
Birds have to deal with their habitats being encroached by manmade energy structures. These structures are frequently flown into by birds and some others refuse to nest near them. This has caused many of the bird populations to dwindle.
In the past 40 years, population of birds living on the sea, prairie and deserts have dwindled by over 30 percent. In addition many of the bird groups with the most rapid declines inhabit areas with the greatest potential for energy development.
The report has received support from environmentalist and scientist and many believe it will call for a change in the way the energy crisis is handled.
"Energy development has significant negative effects on birds in North America," the report states.
Birds have to deal with their habitats being encroached by manmade energy structures. These structures are frequently flown into by birds and some others refuse to nest near them. This has caused many of the bird populations to dwindle.
In the past 40 years, population of birds living on the sea, prairie and deserts have dwindled by over 30 percent. In addition many of the bird groups with the most rapid declines inhabit areas with the greatest potential for energy development.
The report has received support from environmentalist and scientist and many believe it will call for a change in the way the energy crisis is handled.
Ohio twin killing
An Ohio man accused of murdering his identical twin will await a new trial after his first one ended in a mistrial. Upon the death of her sister-in-law, one of the trial's twelve jurors excused herself from the proceedings, leaving Judge Guy Reece of Franklin County Common Pleas Court with only 11 people to decide the verdict. Proceedings will continue within the next two to three months.
Derris Lewis, 19, pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the January killing of his brother, Dennis at their mother’s house.
While Lewis’ mother claims that between three and five masked men held her at gunpoint as they beat and shot her son, police believe Derris acted alone on the January 2008 night in question.
Community members familiar with the family say that the Lewis twins were extremely close before Dennis’ death. The brothers were high school seniors at the time of the murder.
Derris Lewis, 19, pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the January killing of his brother, Dennis at their mother’s house.
While Lewis’ mother claims that between three and five masked men held her at gunpoint as they beat and shot her son, police believe Derris acted alone on the January 2008 night in question.
Community members familiar with the family say that the Lewis twins were extremely close before Dennis’ death. The brothers were high school seniors at the time of the murder.
SKI HELMET MANDATE
3-19-09
The death of well-known actress Natasha Richardson on Wednesday has reminded many that skiing can be a dangerous sport.
Richardson fell and hit her head during a beginner’s ski lesson in Montreal.
She is the second skier to die in the past month as a result of an accident on the slopes.
A 13-year-old South Korean exchange student died last month after losing control and hitting a tree. Neither of the skiers was wearing a helmet.
Since last month’s death, doctors have been pushing to mandate helmet use for all skiers and the very public death of Richardson has pushed the issue to the front.
Though Ski resort operators favor and encourage the use of helmets, they are not in support of a law. Alexis Boyer of the Quebec Ski Areas Association fears having to police their guests if helmets are mandated.
Sports Minister Michelle Courchesne met with doctors to discuss the reasons for the law and will meet with Quebec ski resort owners and operators before any decisions are made.
The death of well-known actress Natasha Richardson on Wednesday has reminded many that skiing can be a dangerous sport.
Richardson fell and hit her head during a beginner’s ski lesson in Montreal.
She is the second skier to die in the past month as a result of an accident on the slopes.
A 13-year-old South Korean exchange student died last month after losing control and hitting a tree. Neither of the skiers was wearing a helmet.
Since last month’s death, doctors have been pushing to mandate helmet use for all skiers and the very public death of Richardson has pushed the issue to the front.
Though Ski resort operators favor and encourage the use of helmets, they are not in support of a law. Alexis Boyer of the Quebec Ski Areas Association fears having to police their guests if helmets are mandated.
Sports Minister Michelle Courchesne met with doctors to discuss the reasons for the law and will meet with Quebec ski resort owners and operators before any decisions are made.
Tourney Kickoff
It’s that time of year again and March Madness is officially underway. The NCAA tourney is top heavy with seven BIG EAST teams while receiving three one seeds in Louisville, Pittsburg and Connecticut. The ACC also received seven bids along with the Big Ten while the Pac Ten got six and the Big Twelve also had six. UNC is the other one seed led by Tyler Hansborough, who became the ACC’s leading scorer against sixteen seeded Radford today. UNC’s starting point guard Ty Lawson missed the Radford game with a toe injury. Fellow one seed Connecticut also was without a major factor with Coach Jim Calhoun out with an illness. Butler and LSU kicked off the opening round of the tourney in a classic eight versus nine matchup with LSU coming out on top 75-71. Two seeded Memphis avoid a classic upset by coming from behind to defeat fifteen seeded Cal St. Northridge 81-70. In another eight nine matchup Texas A&M easily defeated BYU 79-66.
Boy Scout Trick Gone Wrong
The Boy Scouts is an activity that many boys in America partake in, so the news about a fatal accident at a summer Boy Scout Camp shocked many people.
Last July at a Boy Scout Camp in New Jersey, Eagle Scout Brian Lenz, 18, was showing the other campers a trick called the “circle of fire,” in which Lenz squirted rubbing alcohol in a pattern and then lit it on fire.
As Lenz was demonstrating the trick he tried to relight what he believed was a dying flame, when the flame jumped from the table across the liquid stream and ignited the rubbing alcohol. Lenz flung the bottle, spraying flaming alcohol onto the Scouts surrounding him.
Sean Whitley, 17, was burned on his legs and abdomen and died four days later, and two other scouts were burned and released from the hospital.
“Even one incident like this is one too many.” said Scout executive for the Jersey Shore Council, Craig Shelley. “We have redoubled our efforts to ensure the safety of every child in our care.”
On Thursday, Lenz pleaded not guilty to the charge of aggravated assault. Lenz is being admitted to a pretrial intervention program that will help him avoid jail and a criminal record.
Cheese Champions - Kollock
The “Cheesehead State” took the win at the United States Championship Cheese Contest on Thursday. A Wisconsin company beat out 32 other states at the gathering of America’s cheese and butter makers with a parmesan cheese. Sartori Food Corp. won the gold with its SarVecchio parmesan at the contest which was held in Green Bay, WI.
The national competition started in 1981, and has expanded throughout the years. This year a group of 1,340 cheeses and butters were judged by 22 taste specialists over the course of three days. Those entered competed in 64 categories, hoping for a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
The judges tasted the cheeses, judging on overall flavor, texture, appearance, and body. Each cheese started with a score of 100, with golds usually going to cheeses with a score of 98-99.
Second place went to a hard goats’ milk cheese from Ore. and third place was won by a medium cheddar from NY. It is clear in this competition; the cheese does not stand alone.
The national competition started in 1981, and has expanded throughout the years. This year a group of 1,340 cheeses and butters were judged by 22 taste specialists over the course of three days. Those entered competed in 64 categories, hoping for a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
The judges tasted the cheeses, judging on overall flavor, texture, appearance, and body. Each cheese started with a score of 100, with golds usually going to cheeses with a score of 98-99.
Second place went to a hard goats’ milk cheese from Ore. and third place was won by a medium cheddar from NY. It is clear in this competition; the cheese does not stand alone.
Energy and the Economy
President Barack Obama announced his ideas for an energy plan on Thursday afternoon, hoping to create jobs through new projects and technologies. The new energy plan is expected to provide hundreds of new jobs in the energy field which President Obama predicts could save the struggling economy.
Employees at an electric-car plant in Pomona, Calif. listened as the President left them with some hope of recovery for their tough market.
New energy development is a large part of President Obama's economic recovery plan. The United States' past reliance on foreign fossil fuels is something that the President plans to move away from. Furthermore, the development of national energy dependency has the potential to provide hundreds of jobs.
"Sometimes great discoveries don't happen in a flash of brilliance, but rather as the result of a deliberate effort over time," Obama said in his address to the electric-car plant workers.
President Obama is heavily invested in energy research and is hoping progress will continue in energy development.
Employees at an electric-car plant in Pomona, Calif. listened as the President left them with some hope of recovery for their tough market.
New energy development is a large part of President Obama's economic recovery plan. The United States' past reliance on foreign fossil fuels is something that the President plans to move away from. Furthermore, the development of national energy dependency has the potential to provide hundreds of jobs.
"Sometimes great discoveries don't happen in a flash of brilliance, but rather as the result of a deliberate effort over time," Obama said in his address to the electric-car plant workers.
President Obama is heavily invested in energy research and is hoping progress will continue in energy development.
All About Me: Alison Kurtzman
Hi. This is Alison Kurtzman. I’m a first year Broadcast Journalism student at Syracuse University at the Newhouse School of Public Communications. I came to Syracuse from Guilderland, NY, a suburb outside of Albany where my mom and my two Australian Shepherds, Logan and Jordan, still live. I hope to one day be an anchor on one of the big morning news shows in New York City.
Emily Maher
I am a first year student at Syracuse University. I am originally from Pawtucket, Rhode Island where I spend my time flipping omlettes at a local cafe. My name is Emily Maher, and this is the news according to me.
Brazilian Wax Ban
New Jersey women may not be sporting teeny, weeny yellow polka dot bikinis during this upcoming summer season because of a state law in the making.
The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is considering a ban on Brazilian waxes.
Genital waxing has never been allowed, yet Brazilian waxes have never been specifically banned.
The hot wax can injure sensitive skin and result in infections and rashes, experts say.
Two New Jersey women recently reported injuries after Brazilian waxes. Both were hospitalized for infections.
Yet millions of American men and women believe they can handle the heat. Most salons in New Jersey profit about $50 to $60 per customer.
On April 14, the state Board of Cosmetology will decide whether or not to fight against the Brazilian waxes.
"It's just not right," says spa owner Linda Orsuto. Her business performs almost 1,800 Brazilian waxes annually.
The ban could be enforced in May if the Board decides to support the ban.
The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is considering a ban on Brazilian waxes.
Genital waxing has never been allowed, yet Brazilian waxes have never been specifically banned.
The hot wax can injure sensitive skin and result in infections and rashes, experts say.
Two New Jersey women recently reported injuries after Brazilian waxes. Both were hospitalized for infections.
Yet millions of American men and women believe they can handle the heat. Most salons in New Jersey profit about $50 to $60 per customer.
On April 14, the state Board of Cosmetology will decide whether or not to fight against the Brazilian waxes.
"It's just not right," says spa owner Linda Orsuto. Her business performs almost 1,800 Brazilian waxes annually.
The ban could be enforced in May if the Board decides to support the ban.
Reptile Poaching
Reptile trafficking violations pose a threat to diverse habitats in the New York region. State and federal regulations on wildlife trafficking serve the purpose of protecting endangered species. Yet, Regulations are often watered down because state agencies don't have the necessary funds for undercover investigations needed to catch poachers. A 2006 trafficking investigation exposed the degree of commercial trafficking of reptiles in New York state. The Internet contributes to the ease of legal and illegal reptile trade. In reaction to the investigation, the Department of Environmental Conservation began "Operation Shellshock" in 2007, in which two undercover investigators pretended to be reptile vendors online to catch illegal traders of reptiles. The investigation led to violations, misdemeanors, and felonies against 18 New York residents. "One of the strongest reasons behind Operation Shellshock is the modern knowledge that these animals are ecologically significant," said Lt. Richard Thomas, the leader of the investigation. Some poachers of endangered and non-endangered animals harm habitats by drenching the area with gasoline in order to force reptiles out of their homes.
U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship Underway
Extreme athletes are flying high at the Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont where the U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship is taking place. The competition kicked off this morning with Session One, a best-of-two pre-qualification round in the 22" superpipe.
Snowboarding superstars Shaun White and Kelly Clark will both participate and likely perform to their sky-high statuses, impressing many and building highlight reels throughout the competiton.
However, Hannah Teter, a crowd favorite, will be grounded for the weekend. The 22-year-old Vermont native suffered a dislocated shoulder in a fall at the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix last weekend, and will sit out for this time around.
40 thousand fans are expected to turn out over the four-day affair, and will not have to pay a cent in order to do so. Admission for all spectators is free.
Snowboarding superstars Shaun White and Kelly Clark will both participate and likely perform to their sky-high statuses, impressing many and building highlight reels throughout the competiton.
However, Hannah Teter, a crowd favorite, will be grounded for the weekend. The 22-year-old Vermont native suffered a dislocated shoulder in a fall at the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix last weekend, and will sit out for this time around.
40 thousand fans are expected to turn out over the four-day affair, and will not have to pay a cent in order to do so. Admission for all spectators is free.
About Me
Hello! I am thrilled to introduce myself to the news blogging world! My name is Chelsea Damberg and I am a Broadcast Journalism/Political Science major at Syracuse University. I am interested in political broadcasting and love reading exciting news stories:) When I am separated from my amazing university, I am back in my hometown of Downingtown, PA. Enjoy!
Lindsay Kukla
As a native of Rochester, NY, I'm not a fan of cold weather, yet I plan on bearing the cold and becoming the next major bilingual anchor on Good Morning, America in NYC who makes a difference in third-world nations! I would also love to work for International Justice Mission during my career life, prosecuting injustice in impoverished nations. I am a vegan, although I'm not an insane PETA activist who throws paint onto fur jackets.
Buckhalter Denies Drug Allegations
Denver Broncos Running Back Correll Buckhalter is denying having any involvment with an alledged drug dealer who is currently on trial in Pennsylvania.
The drug dealer told a prosecutor in a suburban Philadelphia town that he had sold drugs to Buckhalter and other athletes.
The allegations made by the drug dealer caught both Buckhalter and his agent J.R. Rickert off guard.
“First of all, this news caught both Correll and me by surprise this morning,” Rickert said to the Assosciated Press.
Rickert said when he talked to Buckhalter he told him “there is absolutely no validity to the allegation that was made. He did not purchase drugs from this indiviual or speak to him on the phone.”
Buckhalter signed a 4-year, $ 10 million dollar contract with the Broncos this offseason after playing with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2001.
Buckhalter was arrested but not charged his rookie season with the Eagles for possesion of Marijuana.
The drug dealer told a prosecutor in a suburban Philadelphia town that he had sold drugs to Buckhalter and other athletes.
The allegations made by the drug dealer caught both Buckhalter and his agent J.R. Rickert off guard.
“First of all, this news caught both Correll and me by surprise this morning,” Rickert said to the Assosciated Press.
Rickert said when he talked to Buckhalter he told him “there is absolutely no validity to the allegation that was made. He did not purchase drugs from this indiviual or speak to him on the phone.”
Buckhalter signed a 4-year, $ 10 million dollar contract with the Broncos this offseason after playing with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2001.
Buckhalter was arrested but not charged his rookie season with the Eagles for possesion of Marijuana.
All About HK
Hola! I'm Hannah Kollock, a freshman Broadcast Journalism student from Minnesota. I enjoy crazy news, being sassy, and cheese. I would love to live in NYC someday, anchoring, traveling the world, and walking my future pugs Odette and Finnegan down the street.
Me, Myself, and I: Alexandra Gwynn
I'm a 19-year-old New Yorker with a love for southern beaches. I came to Newhouse in order to strengthen my writing skills. I yearn to write about different lifestyles.
Dave Clarke
Hello fellow readers, my name is Dave Clarke and I am a freshman at Syracuse University. I grew up in Arlington Massachusetts and there I played Basketball and Volleyball on the Varsity teams. I am listed as a broadcast journalism student at Newhouse and have absolutely no clue what I want to do with my life. That is why you should all love my posts.
About Me: Emily Knox
I'm 19 years old and from Smithtown, New York on Long Island. In short, I love music and sports, and hope to one day be a sports broadcaster. My dream is to be the play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees.
About CJ
Hi my name is CJ Baker I am from South Jersey and am a huge sports fan. I also rap on my spare time under the name Barbosa. I hope to be a journalist overseas doing documenataries in the future.
Danny Fersh
I'm from Bethesda, MD and have lived there my whole life. I'm the youngest of four children and growing up I lived and breathed sports. These days, however, I'm even more interested in writing, something I hope to do for the rest of my life.
Russ Thompson
I've lived in Maine for my whole life. I have followed sports since I was five like it was my job. I hope to be able to cover sports for the rest of my life.
About Bianca..
Hey, I'm Bianca Graulau. I'm a freshman student at Syracuse University. I came all the way from Puerto Rico to study Broadcast Journalism because I wish to become a news reporter. I love it here so far and feel lucky to be a Newhouse student.
All About Amy
Hey! My name is Amy Hayden, I am a Freshman from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a huge Bengals fan...WHODEY! I miss my family a lot, my brothers Michael and Taylor live in L.A. and Houston, my cat Spats and my dog Zoey live in Cincinnati with my mom and dad. I am soo happy at Syracuse U. I still am not quite sure what I want to do when I graduate though, that is why I'm here!
About Ivory Sh.
Hello all fellow news lovers! My name is Ivory Sherman and I am from Washington DC. I am a freshman at Syracuse University and I hope to have my own talk show on either television or radio (my dream is to be bigger & better than Oprah Winfrey).
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