Fall Cruise Through The Rift

St. Lawrence River:

I recently went for a cruise on the St. Lawrence River.  One of the prettiest spots on the river is along the International Rift.  The Rift is narrow in spots and this time of year extremely shallow [see inset].  Enjoy the video and special thanks to my friends Peter and Michele for having me along.

"LIKE" Ferguson Taylor & Rogers

If you have a Facebook account, you can click on this link and click "Like" to become a Fan..  The group has also just launched their new web site FergusonTaylorRogers.com.  I shot the video below at the recent Rockin' The Bay event.  These guys always bring a little something extra special into their version..... Moon Dance by Van Morrison.....

Are You Saving $ On Your Electric Bill?

No doubt in the past couple of years a friend has approached you and asked; do you want to save money on your National Grid electric bill?  Over 30 alternate electric suppliers are available since the deregulation of the NYS energy market.  These suppliers are called ESCO's or Energy Service Companies.  They all claim to save you money on your electric bill.

National Grid has released a preliminary analysis that shows that most upstate residential customers who have changed to an ESCO have not saved money.  I found this story on NewzJunky and can be seen on Syracuse.Com.  As a matter of fact the analysis says that 84% that switched to an ESCO spent more on their electric bill than if they had stayed with Nat. Grid.  An average of $20.79 per month more over a 2 year period.

The Good News!  The other 15.7% saved a whopping $2.09 per month over the same 2 year period.  I am sure that the $15% of all the upstate residential customers that saved money all live in Alexandria Bay.....  But don't worry the good people that sold you that bill of goods are sitting in a financial nirvana.

You are not alone....last December the Village of Alexandria Bay converted to an ESCO.  The change was made without board approval  as the new mayor was taking office.  The Town of Alexandria changed to the same ESCO at the 9.12.12 meeting.  As a taxpayer I am not to happy about our local governments gambling with our money.  But keep in mind that Nat. Grid has not yet released an analysis on municipalities, but I would think that it would be similar to the residential analysis.

Bloggers Note:  Nobody wants to say that they paid to much for anything.  Some People will tell little white lies so that friends and family will view them as a shrewd shopper in today's shaky economy.  Be honest with yourself.... it is contagious. Me?  I contacted NYSERDA and was advised to stay with Nat. Grid.... which I did.

Hey Joe...

Since I have not made a video lately..... Here is one of my favorite Hendrix tunes.....

Hey Joe,
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Hey Joe, I said
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go.......

D.A.N.C. Report: Waste Water Treatment Plant

Alexandria Bay:

Development Authority of the North Country presented its first monthly operations report.  D.A.N.C. took over operations of the facility on August 1st. Already they have headed off some potential violations with a few different agencies.  I found their report kind of interesting, and you may too!  It will make you wonder how the village operated this facility for so long and did not get caught......

Audio Clip is from the 9.11.12 Village Board Meeting: