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When I can sit down and just veg out and relax, you bet your fancy I'm going to be watching one of my favorite movies. (Okay, the other option is binge watching 7 episodes of a new television show, but you know what I mean.)

I'll be honest, I expected more. I expected better. Maybe I think too highly of our area and our local schools? I'm not sure, but when this list of Top 25 high schools of upstate new york came out on newyorkupstate.com I was left scratching my head.

Our iPods are never jus strictly one genre, right? We love all types of music. Even my iPod goes from The Jackson 5 to Keith Urban to Justin Bieber to Eminem. If you're a music lover, you embrace true talent especially when it comes through the Capital Region. And boy, do we have a number of shows coming in 2017!

As I was skimming through some articles, one made me stop: "Here's the Best State for Older Americans - And the Worst." I knew New York wouldn't be listed as the best. But, listen I'm not one to put us down, by any means! I'm just aware of the troubles that could be considered living here. I also didn't think we'd be the worst either, which we're not. But, where did we fall?

Sadly, it was announced yesterday that actor Bill Paxton had passed away at age 61 after complications from surgery. Of course, when I heard the news I was shocked but had to think about what Paxton had actually been in.

We're a land of beer drinkers. We love to celebrate so when we party, it's in red solo cups. When we're at concerts swaying to the music, it's in a bottle. When we're at Saratoga Beer Week trying out all the types we haven't had before, we have a little souvenir glass. When we're at home we may not choose to be fancy and it's just hanging in a can. Beer is

I'm sure if I said to you, "What do you think of when I said 'Upstate New York,'" you'd have something that pops right in your head. We all have something that we think of when we think of our hometown, but it seems like it's different for everyone.

It seems ridiculous to think it's illegal in New York state to do something like warming up your car in your own drive way on a cold day, but it is. After we posted about that a couple of weeks ago, it got me thinking, "hmmm, what other dumb laws do we have in New York?" Turns out, there are a bunch!

Kicking off the new year with a bang! Of all the towns and cities and villages within our lovely New York state

My name is Marissa and I've admitted prior that I am a binge-aholic. This is not a joking matter and is completely serious. I'm not saying it's a problem. In fact, while it may deter my personal growth in social settings, it has allowed me to expand in my knowledge of pop culture so when I am in social setting, I'm great at pop culture trivia.

I couldn't believe it when I saw it. He was just here over the summer and killed it at SPAC. The ladies really seemed to enjoy him.

Finally, the list you've all been waiting for!  The most popular dog names for this year!  One thing we've noticed... they're very, very similar to the most popular ones last year. In fact, when you read it, you might ask yourself if anything ever changes...