Slip, Slide & Skate

Watertown Municipal Ice Arena offers a Slip Slide and Skate program. The video was taken by my wife, who was also a former professional skating pro at this arena and others in the North Country and is now retired. Today, she is helping her god-child learn to skate. Isn't it amazing how quickly the little ones learn?
Click here to learn more about the Slip, Slide & Skate Program in Watertown.

Name This Street?

Lime In The CocoNUT

Yesterday I went to the Clayton Taste Of The Town event.  I shot a whole bunch of video of the vendors and of course the musicians.  Here is a short clip with an odd angle.  By the way, that is the Tongue & Groove mascot "Lenny".

Clayton "Taste Of The Town"

Today, 4pm to 8pm

I have gone to this event for the past couple of years.  The venue is exquisite, The Historic Clayton Opera House!  Local vendors and purveyors of fine foods, and wines will be offering samples.  This event is sponsored by the Clayton Rotary and the proceeds will go the Rotary International to help eradicate Polio worldwide.

Another reason to go?  This year the entertainment will be Tongue and Groove, one of the favorite local bands.

Tongue and Groove Sample


Tast Of The Town Sample

Newtons Laws Of Snow Plowing

Someone actually suggested that a snow plows speed does not play a role in how far snow is thrown ..... boggles the mind

Sir Issac Newtons Second Law of Motion says....The acceleration produced by a particular force acting on a body is directly proportional to the magnitude of the force and inversely proportional to the mass of the body. Or the equation:

Any Questions? I did not get it at first either.....

The faster the plow travels the further the snow is thrown.  The opposite is also true.  Think of a boat going slow, it produces a small wake.  The faster it goes the bigger the wake.  The size of the boat or ship also will determine the size of the wake.  Also think of a car driving down a flooded road.  If the car accelerates while going through a puddle, the water is displaced higher, farther, and with more force than if the car crept through the puddle. Do we all agree?

So the following comment in the TI Sun .... "that whether a wing truck travels at 30 mph or 10 mph it would have the same effect" [ of moving the snow the same distance with the same force] is simply physics from some other freaky universe.... not ours.

If you watch the video below, it is easy to visualize that speed has an effect at how far the snow is thrown and with what force..... Class dismissed




 

Capt.'s Inn and Suites

Alexandria Bay:

Most remember this motel as being called The Alex Bay Lodge, but before that it was the North Star Motel.  Recently the property was purchased by Ron Thomson and the name was changed to Capt.'s Inn and Suites. Major renovations are underway both on the interior and the exterior.  Certainly an improvement to the neighborhood and a plus for the tourist community.

The Circus Is Still ALIVE

Alexandria Bay:

For whatever reason, the people over at abay.com have deleted the link to my site The Circus. Because of the missing link,  I have received emails and phone calls from people assuming that my blog was closed or deleted.  I assure you that is not the case.  I know we all get into a routine when surfing. But please change your routine just a little bit. While you are here, please take a moment to bookmark my blog. 

Thank You! 

ABAYCIRCUS.BLOGSPOT.COM

You can always find a link to my blog by going to NewzJunky and click on the Blogs Link

Can You Name That Spy?

I had nothing better to do yesterday, so I searched through some of my unedited raw videos.  Found one that I could do something, all in an attempt to keep my mind off this past week.

The THEME of the video is spies from movies and TV shows.  The Shadows performed this cover of the Johnny Rivers tune Secret Agent Man.  Can you name all the spy movies or series represented in this video? Betcha can't....

Watch Your Step

The sidewalks have all been cleared from the last snow storm.  However, snow has melted a little bit, leaving small pools of water on the sidewalks which started to freeze last night.  And to make matters worse, there is a dusting of snow on top, hiding the slippery surfaces.  It is a beautiful day for a walk, if you choose to walk on the sides of the road, be careful, as they are slippery too. 

Fast and Convenient Care At River Hospital

Several Months ago I used this service provided by the River Hospital.  I felt awful and the thought of waiting to see my regular Doctor, possibly days later was out of the question.  I was also dreading a long wait in a crowded waiting room with other sick people.  Early in the morning, my wife made an appointment for me and I was surprised it was for that afternoon.  I arrived at my appointment, and before I knew it, I was examined, accurately diagnosed, and was on my way home lickety split.  I was also given a prescription that shortened my illness by several days. I hope that I am never that sick again..... but if I am, I will definitely go back to the R.H. Convenient Care

Our Dog Glory

Our Dog Glory who was born on 1.17.02 passed away this morning. She died in "her" yard, her kingdom. She was doing what she did every morning, enjoying barking at the passers by. She barked a couple of times and then collapsed. She died instantly. I remember the day we went looking for a puppy and out of a litter of 8 she waddled over and chose us.....

Glory lived with us for 11 years and even though some viewed her as a dog, she became entwined in our lives and was a part of our family.....  Glory was raised by Sienna who passed away several years ago.  Glory in turn raised Latte who today mourns the loss of her big sister.

At this time I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Rob Graveline who carried Glory from the yard and placed her in the car.  Mr. Graveline stayed while my wife called me at work.  Thank you Mr Graveline for your kindness in words and actions.

A video In memory of Glory

Facts, Opinions, or Lies

fact  

/fakt/

Noun A thing that is indisputably the case. Information used as evidence or as part of a report or news article.

Synonyms reality - deed - actuality - truth - case - circumstance o·pin·ion   /əˈpinyən/ Noun A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. The beliefs or views of a large number or majority of people about a particular thing. Synonyms view - judgement - judgment - mind - notion - idea lie   /lī/ Verb (of a person or animal) Be in or assume a horizontal or resting position. Tell a lie or lies. Noun The way, direction, or position in which something lies. An intentionally false statement. Synonyms verb.   fib - rest - lie down - repose - be - tell a lie noun.   falsehood - untruth - situation - fib - story - mendacity Any Questions?

Please Clear Your Sidewalks

I was asked to remind everyone to remove snow from your sidewalks.  I was also told that compliance with this ordinance is much better than it ever has been and it is much appreciated.

With that being said...... take a moment to read this section from the Alexandria Bay Code Chapter 130 Streets and Sidewalks. Nowhere in this chapter does it mention that residents are responsible for clearing crosswalks that are adjacent to their properties.  But it does clearly mention that the VILLAGE is responsible for clearing crosswalks of all obstructions.....

Video Pond Hockey In The Bay

Alexandria Bay:

After many hours of shoveling and snow-blowing  volunteers cleared all four rinks for the 2nd annual Labatt's 1000 Island Pond Hockey Tournament.  Yesterday turned out to be a beautiful day on the St. Lawrence River to play some hockey on Otter Creek.  Check out the video of some of the teams......

Gunn and Mason LIVE!

Coyote Moon Wine and Craft Beer Lounge presents Tommy "Gunn" O'Riley and Mark Mason Tonight from 7 Till 9.  Mother Nature...... Behave yourself!

sNOw Angel

Whether you think they are taking a snow bath, or making a sNOw Angel......Dogs love to play in the snow.... here is mine..... she really is an Angel

sNOw Angel from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

Howl At The "Moon" With Crush & Gunn

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER

Tonight at the Coyote Moon Vineyards Store located at Riverside Dr, Clayton NY.   The musical talents of Tommy "Gunn" O'Riley and Phil "Crush" DuMond performing Live.  Great Wine + Great Music.

Alexandria Town Board Vacancy Choice "Dead In The Water"

Town Of Alexandria:

At a 2.1.13 Town Board Meeting, Republicans Councilman B. Sweet and Supervisor D. Hunneyman committed the equivalent to a political Faux Pas by ignoring the local Republican Party recommendation of Sampie Sutton as the nominee to fill a position as Councilman that was vacated in January  by J. Durand [R].  The term of this position expires this November.

Councilman D. Williams [R] read the Republican Committee's letter of nomination and made the motion to accept Sampie Sutton to fill the vacated councilman's seat.  Councilman A, Beaudin [D] seconded the motion.  This was a sign of bipartisan support of the importance of the role of "the party" in politics.  Watch the Video!  A debate followed, that at times became somewhat "heated".

A political party backs a candidate when running for a seat on a town or village board.  The "party" should also have some say who replaces that candidate when that seat is vacated before the term is up.  It is a very simple concept that keeps political parties "alive" in the community.

Ron Thomson, a registered Republican and an interested person in this vacancy, who also submitted his name to the Republican Party,   made this statement during the meeting.  I know how it works [the local political process of filling a vacancy] a lot of people don't know how it works...... As a Democrat and the chairman of my party, I found myself nodding in agreement with Mr. Thomson.  That in itself should tell you something, as most know, he and I rarely agree....

I am not suggesting that anyone blindly follow any group not even your political party.  All I am suggesting is that you entertain their suggestions and try to be just moderately politically correct.  If you are looking to get re-elected, it will certainly improve your odds at winning instead of being politically  "dead in the water".

The Video below is a clip of the first few minutes of the meeting. It sets the "stage" so to speak


Filling The Councilman Vacancy [Teaser] from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.


The Next, is the audio clip of the entire portion of that meeting

No School Today! Let's Play Pond Hockey!

Alexandria Bay:

Alexandria Central was closed today because of a heating malfunction.  Local children and adults took advantage of the beautiful day to skate on the St. Lawrence River.  The ice was cleared of snow on Otter Creek for this weekends 2nd annual  Labatt's 1000 Island Pond Hockey Tournament.

The schedule of events for this weekends tournament can be found by clicking HERE.  You can become a fan of this event on FaceBook.

Location Directions

Sweet Hip Checks Sutton?

After last Friday night's Town Board meeting, I described on Facebook that Councilman B. Sweet hip checked Sampie Sutton.  At the time that seemed to be the best way to describe what I saw.  Forgetting that I live in a hockey community, my hip check comment was interpreted by some as more like a body slam.  So I am going to recant my description.  It was more like a hip bump followed by a shoulder bump, threatening glares, choice words, hip bump shoulder bump.... sorry for the confusion..... see the video below for an example of what I saw.

River Hockey Classic Beats Mother Nature

Clayton NY:

Event organizers started preparing the ice on January 26th, getting a head start for the February 2nd tournament.  By midweek the weather had turned very warm and windy ruining what they had accomplished.  By Thursday, mother nature started cooperating with temperatures in the teens and single digits.  Working around the clock, workers repaired the damage and the ice was ready for the Pond Hockey Tournament.

I loaded up my camera gear and arrived at noon on Saturday.  Lots of people rooting for their teams, warming themselves next to the fire pits eating burgers and sipping on beverages.  I watched as Bobby Cantwell and another guy operated industrial sweepers trying to keep the ice clear of snow.  As the afternoon went by, the snowfall became heavier and they just could not keep up with the accumulating snow.  Organizers made a decision to finish up the tournament at the Clayton Arena.

Most people would have quit when the rain and wind hit.  Not these guys..... they pulled it off.... with class and style!

Check out the video below, it chronicles everything I just described......



River Hockey Classic 2013 from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

Rink Management Followup

Rink Management Services Corporation made a presentation at the 1.9.13 Town Board Meeting.  Located in Mechanicsville Virginia, they claim to be the largest operator of ice facilities in the U.S..  Their presentation  was a hard sell to some locals but it seemed to be a viable solution to a few board members.

At the 2.1.13 Town Board meeting, the board unanimously agreed not to have Rink Management do a follow up site visit.  The company wanted $1250.00 to inspect the ice arena.  

Related Links: Outsourcing Management For Town Rink?

Groundhog Day The Video

Not to be confused with the comedy movie starring Bill Murray, who plays a weatherman trapped living in the same day over and over again.

My video is a compilation of short "outtake" clips from a recent recording session for a promotional video of the band Tongue & Groove.  False starts, nervous mistakes, and technically difficulties caused us to do multiple retakes to get each song "just right".

By the end of the day, the musicians Dan Hammond and Jess Pierce,  sound engineer Phil DuMond and myself, were getting really punchy.  I think, we all felt trapped in a moment in time  and it kept repeating......

MARK!
MARK!