Courtesy of Joy Schuyler

Capital Rep is one of our great treasures in the Albany area. The 31st season brought the Capital Region of New York some great theater with ‘Black Pearl Sings’ ‘The Sisters of Rosenweig’ and ‘Superior Donuts.’ The intimate downtown Albany theater is ending the season with a great comedy titled ‘God Of Carnage.’

We’ve all been there, we’ve all seen it! Nice neighbors, naughty neighbors and pretentious neighbors all trying to out do each other, yet in a friendly manner. Reminiscent of a classic sitcom like ‘All In The Family’ or ‘Three’s Company’- and yet as funny and contemporary as ‘Modern Family’- this is an entertaining look inside the typical American neighborhood.

More impressive, there are only four actors in the production- Ken Krugman, Michael McKenzie, Brenny Rabine, and Brigitte Viellieu-Davis. Despite the small cast, the show captures your attention and ignites quite a bit of laughter from the audience. It’s an absolute riot to watch perfectly polite people turn into monsters while trying to resolve a playground altercation between their children.

‘God of Carnage’ is playing through May 27 at Capital Repertory Theater.  If you’ve seen it, please feel free to leave your thoughts and reviews in the comment section below.

Courtesy of Joy Schuyler

Lou Roberts

Maybe you know someone that worked there, or still does. Albany International Corp. also had a location in East Greenbush, just off exit 9 of Interstate 90, but that building was sold to FedEx.

According to a story from the Times Union, the person that converted some of the Harmony Mills Lofts complex in Cohoes into luxury apartments is working on doing the same thing to the Albany International building in Menands. Uri Kaufman will get this project going sometime this summer, if all goes as planned. If that does happen, it will take about a year and a half to complete. The Menands project will include converting 250 apartments in the building, which was built in 1902.

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Albany International still has about 100 people working in Menands, but many will be moving to the new headquarters in New Hampshire. A small number of people from the accounting and finance departments will remain in the area, but be moved to another location.

That building will be be an elaborate looking apartment complex.

Here is what we are looking for, someone who has gone above and beyond over the last year, either in small ways all year or even in one large way to put the community before themselves. Someone who has given back.

If you have someone in mind, jot down the reasons why you want to nominate that person and send it to: seanandrichie@wgna.com.

Remember we will be there this Friday morning at “The Apple Barrel” so this is something we need you to do as soon as possible. Listen to The Sean and Richie show all week for more details.

This seems to be a trend today.  First our Daily Dilemma focused on an age issue , then I found a video of Larry King doing a type of dance reserved for much younger folks, and now this!

from lattices.com website

From LA Times.com

I guess this gentleman survived, begin only the 4th person ever to do so.  He sustained multiple injuries, yes, but made the history books in the process.

So here we go with the question again.  Was it worth it for a 40 year old to do this?  Doesn’t he have responsibilities to his family?  Yes, but he’s famous now!  Book tour.  Movie possibilities. Interviews on “Good Morning America”,  the “Today Show”.  Oh the heck with them.  How about the “Sean and Richie Show?.”

Anyway, what’s your thought?  Should he have done this in the first place?

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At first my reaction was the same as I think anyone would feel, “Why isn’t there a license for parenting!” Shouldn’t we be forced to take some basic classes or something, or at least pass a “road test” every once in a while. There are just so many innocent children out there giving unconditional love to parents who don’t deserve or cherish it.

That was my first reaction, then I just felt sympathy for these people. I know maybe I’m crazy but I feel like this was a “joke” the Father was playing. Maybe the kids was climbing up on the machines or yelling “I wanna ride the washer.”  Maybe he was playing “hide and seek” and was then going to mess with his wife by asking where the kid went. I don;t know. What is clear to me is that the father clearly did not realize that the washer would start, let alone lock.

Then at the end, when they get the door open they grab the kid and run, well then I think at first I thought they were too stupid to realize the danger of what they did but no, clearly they are smart enough to know how wrong it was because they did not want to stick around for the authorities to arrive. Shameful.

The good news is the kid only suffered minor injuries and is OK. So with that said, here is the video, tell my how you react to it.

Did you hear today’s Daily Dilemma? We covered the same subject in a way.  There was a 40 year old guy who loved to skateboard.  Is he too old over the hill to do this?  Many listeners said “hell no”.

Now the question is:  Should former CNN talker Larry King take up Dub Stepping?  We report -and we’ll let you decide (whoops–wrong network).

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The new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, “Skyfall” is set to be released on November 9th. Which means we need to get ready for British accents, explosions and Bond Girls(Berenice Marlohe and Naomie Harris)!!! Here’s the first trailer for “Skyfall”!

Here is today’s daily dilemma:

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My husband is 40 years old, and he’s notorious for trying to act younger than he really is.

A couple months ago, he wanted to learn how to snowboard. Now his new thing is learning to skateboard.

Last weekend he fell, fractured his elbow, and had to wear a sling on his arm for a week.And he STILL wants to keep skateboarding. I just don’t get it.

Honestly, I am fine with him living his own life, but we do have children and I think when you have kids you have to be more responsible with your own safety. Does anyone else have a husband or boyfriend who tried things that they were way too old to do? Can I do anything to make my husband stop?

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In a story from News 10 ABC, it happened around at the intersection of New Karner Road (Route 155) and Central Avenue. 9:00 p.m. on Monday night. The vehicle that struck the victim left the scene. The victim was pronounced dead.

The car is believed to be a four door green sedan driven by a male. If you have information, please contact the Colonie Police Department at 518-782-2744.

As of this time, this is all the information that we have.

Special thanks to Jeff Levack for the news tip.

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In a story that I read in the Times Union, a friend of Richie Phillips, myself and a few of us at WGNA, Richard Thayer had his grand opening this past Friday. As a matter of fact, Richie sings the jingle for the website, which plays when you click on the link for the website. ‘Canvenience’ will make it more convenient especially for the elderly, disabled and moms with infants, by having someone come out and pick up the empties from their vehicles. He’s also planning to have a pick-up service for nonprofit organizations and their fund drives.

‘For Your Canvenience’ is in Latham, at 462 Troy Schenectady Road, just east of exit 6 of the Northway and the Latham Circle. I’d like to wish my friend Rich the best with his new business endeavor.

Yesterday, “Mini Hulk” got some TV exposure as he made an appearance at Yankee Stadium yesterday for the Yankees game against the Cincinnati Reds.

From Flickr user New Brunswick Tourism

It’s that time of the year again for the 13th annual Sean and Richie Golf Tournament to benefit “Pennies From Heaven” our local charity campaign the benefits a dozen local children’s charities right here at home. June 18th is the day this year.The day will begin at 6am with a continental breakfast at Stadium Golf Club, 333 Jackson Avenue in Schenectady. The golf format is a 2 person scramble and it all starts with a 7am shotgun start.

For Golfers it is $107 as always per golfer and here’s what you get:

• 18 holes with cart at Stadium 7am shotgun start
• Continental breakfast at 6am
• 2 award holes for closest to the pin and longest drive
• A goodie bag

• A buffet lunch ceremony after golf with live performances from Broken Bow Recording artist James Wesley and Capitol Records Recording artist Jon Pardi

There is also a limited number of seats available for lunch and show only for $40 per person.

We want to sell this one out so join now and have a great day on the links at Stadium Golf Club with 1077 ‘GNA and The Sean and Richie Show sponsored by Michelob Ultra. The kids appreciate it and all proceeds will benefit WGNA “Pennies From Heaven”. Here’s the link so you can download and print the appropriate forms and get those check in the the mail. We can’t wait to see you at Stadium on June 18th.

Here’s James Wesley with his big hits “Real” and “Didn’t I”

Jon Pardi is a red hot country newcomer with his debut hit “Missin’ You Crazy” and he is “special”. Check out this video as Jon challenges his band to eat a tablespoon full of cinnamon. It’s not easy! This is funny stuff and he is going to play his butt of for you at the Sean and Richie golf tournament.

From Flickr user Images Of Money

Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York knows that those making minimum wage would love to get a raise, but according to him if it is going to happen this year then it will be up their employers to actually give them a raise. It won’t be by passing a law this year. Governor Cuomo said at this stage of the game it would be hard to get the legislation through on time in the legislature. Minimum wage in New York is currently $7.25 and lawmakers were trying to push through a jump to $8.50. More than likely it will come back next year but for now, if you make minimum and want a raise you’ll just have to ask your boss for it and cross your fingers.

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Thanks to “Men’s Health” magazine we now have four helpful tips to getting a raise and hopefully getting a even bigger raise at that.

1: Wait until you’ve done something good.

2: Find out how much you could make elsewhere.

3: Know when to be quiet.

4: Be persistent.

Listen to Levack and Richie explain the four tips.

#5 Stewarts Pond Campsites

Hadley, NY

Stewarts Pond Campsites

Located just outside Lake Luzerne and not too far from Lake George, you can relax at Stewarts Pond Campsites. If you like camping on the water, there’s plenty of that. The campgrounds do have a recreation hall incase the kids get bored, free hot showers, and some watercraft for rent.

#4 Savoy Mountain State Forest

Savoy, MA

Loimere, flickr

Savoy mountain is a Massachusetts State Park located near North Adams, MA and on top of the Hoosac Mountain range. This campground is a great place to escape – it’s very tranquil. There are nature trails, fishing in the ponds, and apple trees to help you relax. The campground sits on what was once an abandoned mountaintop farm.

#3 Deer Run Campground

Schaghticoke, NY

Adventure Bound Camping Resorts

Very close to home and also giving a little bit of everything for everyone, Deer Run Campground is just outside of Mechanicville. If you want to “rough it” you certainly can, or you could bring the RV, or rent a cabin. Deer Run is more of a “camping resort” with activities including a swimming pool, volleyball, and hayrides. We like it because it’s close, family friendly, and everyone can find something they enjoy.

#2 Camping on The Battenkill

Arlington, VT

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The Battenkill is awesome – and camping on it is even better. We love heading into Vermont and setting up a tent right on the river. Camping on The Battenkill, a very simple yet accurate name, has a large field in the middle of the campgrounds for recreational use, and also recently added a dog run. It goes without saying that the site is pet friendly. They have hookups for RVs but are just as accommodating for those who prefer a tent. They have a small store with supplies on site as well.

#1 Mohawk Trail State Forest

Charlemont, MA

NatalieMaynor, flickr

You may have never heard of this gem but you definitely should go check it out. Situated on the Mohawk Trail, this is a Massachusetts State Park (second one on our list) and it is a very relaxing, serene, and well maintained campground. Our favorite things about Mohawk Trail State Forest include the fact it’s DEEP in a valley and thus there is little to no cell phone reception. That means work, your Aunt Martha, and your annoying friend can’t bother you. Also, the campsites are situation on a babbling river which helps you get a great sleep. The site is pet friendly, and has plenty of hiking trails connected to it. The hot showers are nice in the morning too. Two not-so-great things: you can’t bring alcohol, and there are bears. No worries  - the bears dislike noise so just hit your car alarm and they’ll run. So much for the restful sleep.

Here’s where we played this weekend.  Schenectady Municipal Golf Course.

photo by Richie Phillips

Now let me first introduce the  three “scratch” golfers who left me in the dust

( L to R ) My son Ben Phillips, Greg Ducharme, Dan Bradke

My phenomenal son, Ben, is home from the summer from Plattsburgh University.  He’s majoring in business, marketing and has the uncanny ability to excel in literally any  sport involving a round thing.  Golf ball, baseball,  hockey puck – you name it.

Greg Ducharme attends Coastal Carolina University, and is a business major and AMAZING golfer.  I think he had a GPS implanted in his head at birth.  He just looks out there, sets his eye on the pin, and “wham-o” -there it goes.

I picked Dan Bradke to play with, because he said he was a relative newcomer to the sport.  I’ll never talk to him again.  He has a very natural swing, and showed me up right from the first hole.  Dan attends medical school in Grenada.  A future doctor who plays golf – go figure!

And then there’s yours truly.  I’ve now been playing for over 10 years.  The first time I really ever played was at our first Sean and Richie Golf Tournment (which is so ironic having a tourney named after you when you don’t play!).

I have a total love-hate relationship with the game.  It’s gotten to the point that I bring things to humor myself just to “lighten up”.  This time I brought this:

photo by Dan Bradke

It is a Sponge Bob Square Pants golf ball given to me on my birthday by our good friends, Dr. Debbie Snyder and Bruce Nelson.  I thought it would break the tension to see that pair of eyes staring up at me when I was ready to take a swing.  And although I still suck compared to these three guys, it did relax me to the point where I hit the ball just a little farther than normal – like 153 yards.

I’m not sure it made a big hit with the cool college dudes, but what the heck.  It was an awesome time, and I wanted to feature them in my article, because they are so damn skilled at the game but never mocked me (at least out loud)

Best of luck to all these amazingly talented college students.  (And when they start making huge  money on the national golf circuit -let them not forget the guy with the SpongeBob ball who paid for their golf carts.  LOL.

Courtesy of Ed Lewi Associates

We are lucky to live in the Albany area with so many great attractions for every season. As people prepare to make their plans for Summer 2012, we’d like to suggest taking an Adirondack train ride.

The Saratoga & North Creek Railway announced that it will return to the rails with an expanded daily schedule for summer and fall 2012. For the first time in its history, the railway will offer service seven days a week to its seven flag stops throughout the First Wilderness Corridor when the new season begins on Saturday, May 26.

From Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28, all active duty military and veterans will receive free round-trip and one-way rides. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to bring an item to donate to Operation Adopt-a-Soldier. Collection bins will be stationed at railway stops in Saratoga Springs and North Creek. Suggested donation items include toiletries, socks, rechargeable batteries, powdered drink mix and non-perishable snacks such as energy bars.

The Saratoga & North Creek Railway’s summer and fall season will operate daily passenger service between Saratoga Springs and North Creek beginning Saturday, May 26 through Wednesday, October 31. The railway offers three routes that run between the two stations:

• The New York Express departs North Creek Fridays through Mondays at 7 a.m. for a southbound trip to Saratoga Springs arriving at 9:12 a.m. The train departs daily at 10 a.m. from Saratoga Springs arriving in North Creek at 12:09 p.m. Passengers have the opportunity to stay aboard and ride the Adirondack Limited back to Saratoga Springs or enjoy North Creek before departing at 3:45 p.m. on the Hudson Explorer.
• The Hudson Explorer conducts daily service from North Creek at 3:45 p.m. arriving in Saratoga Springs at 5:47 p.m. Fridays through Mondays the route makes a return trip to North Creek leaving at 7 p.m. and arriving at 9:09 p.m.
• The Adirondack Limited has two departure options on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The first train departs Saratoga Springs at 12:25 p.m. and arrives at North Creek at 2:34 p.m. which allows passengers with a one-hour layover option in North Creek before riding the Hudson Explorer service back to Saratoga Springs. The second option is a North Creek departure at 1 p.m. arriving at Saratoga Springs at 3:12 p.m. This is a convenient connection to the southbound Adirondack Daily service on Amtrak departing at 3:53 p.m.

The train offers a choice of either vintage coach car or dome car seating. The coach cars are roomy and comfortable, ideal for family traveling, while the dome cars offer uninterrupted views of the Adirondacks landscape through large dome windows that wrap overhead.

Round-trip tickets for adults start at $27 for coach cars and $50 for dome seating. Round-trip tickets for children ages 12 and under start at $23 for coach cars and $45 for dome seating. One-way tickets for adults start at $15 for coach cars and $28 for dome seating. One-way tickets for children ages 12 and under start at $10 for coach cars and $15 for dome seating.

First the story, and then the inappropriate commentary.  According to a story at mashable.com :

Deanna Jump, a kindergarten teacher from Georgia, has made $700,000 selling her lesson plans on Teachers Pay Teachers, an ecommerce startup where teachers offer their lesson plans to fellow educators.

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Inappropriate Comment Time

Now there’s two ways of look at this.  Yes, this allows teachers to share what they themselves have learned, and it does save a lot of extra work on their part.  So what we’re saying here is that you’re getting someone else to do your work for you.  Ok – time for my rant.  ISN’T THAT JUST LIKE KIDS SHARING THEIR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS ONLINE?

I’m friends with a teacher who couldn’t go to the movies with us because she had to go home and prepare her lesson plans.  I’m sure she’d love this service, but knowing how devoted she is to her career, I’m pretty sure she would think it’s sidestepping her responsibilities.   (Wow, I’m gonna get in trouble for this, I know.)

If you’re a teacher, chime in here.  I can take it.

Just what is a Grill Daddy?  Let’s find out, shall we?

I give the Grill Daddy two burnt thumbs UP!  Again, it is available at the Home Depot. If you really want to order it online, you can at their website.