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News, Sports, Opinions, Rumors and Everyday Life in Syracuse and CNY

Thruway traffic drops off

by Trish LaMonte

Thursday August 28, 2008, 9:13 AM

APTraffic travels on the New York State Thruway in Selkirk on May 2, 2008.

The New York State Thruway is facing its worst drop off in traffic since it first opened in the 1950s.

Almost two million fewer vehicles used the Thruway in June and July compared to the same time last year. The Thruway Authority recently raised tolls, but state officials blame the sagging economy and high prices at the gas pump for the drop off in traffic.

The decline leaves a $25 to $30 million gap in the Thruway Authority's budget.

Thruway officials tell CBS 5 they have implemented "significant operating cost containment measures."

State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli says taxpayers should not have to shoulder the burden.

Video: Hear what drivers have to say about the decline in Thruway traffic.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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Obama makes history with nomination

by syracuse.com

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 9:49 PM

Ron Edmonds / APBarack Obama makes a surprise appearance at the Democratic convention after his running mate, Joe Biden's acceptance speech.

In a move designed to unite the party, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton asked her delegates to make it unanimous decision, halting the traditional roll call vote. Clinton had officially released her delegates earlier in the day.

In motioning to stop the roll call, Clinton said, "With eyes firmly fixed on the future, and in the spirit of unity with the goal of victory, with faith in our party and our country, let's declare together with one voice right here, right now that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California asked if anyone seconded the motion and the crowd roared its approval.

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Madonna vs. McCain

by Trish LaMonte

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 4:30 PM

AP

Madonna is taking some heat for a video shown during her 'Get Stupid' concert tour. The video juxtaposes images of Adolf Hitler with Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds said: "The comparisons are outrageous, unacceptable and crudely divisive all at the same time."

Barack Obama confidant and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine called Madonna's video montage "stupid" during a radio show interview on Tuesday.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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Barack Obama picks Joe Biden as running mate

by syracuse.com

Saturday August 23, 2008, 9:00 AM

AP photo

Early Saturday morning, Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate. He did so first on his website, then via text message to his supporters. Analysts say the move helps balance the ticket, with Biden bringing experience in defense and foreign policy. Both are areas in which Obama fared poorly at the polls among voters. Biden also has local ties, graduating from Syracuse University's School of Law. Now the attention shifts to republican candidate John McCain, who is considering a long list of possible running mates , including former opponent Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Rep. Rob Portman from Ohio.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

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Johnstown Chiefs Join Forces with Columbus, Syracuse

by syracuse.com

Friday August 22, 2008, 9:37 PM

The Johnstown Chiefs announced Friday that they have signed an agreement with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2008-09 season. The Chiefs will be the Blue Jackets' secondary minor league affiliate. The Syracuse Crunch will remain the Blue Jackets' primary partner.

"We are extremely happy to be working with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Syracuse Crunch because, as an organization, they believe in developing their prospects the right way, and that's what we strive for here," said Chiefs coach Ian Herbers in a statement.

The Colorado Avalanche and Lake Erie Monsters are also affiliates of the Chiefs.

"We are very excited to be partnering with the Chiefs this year. Developing players is crucial to the long term success of any team and we feel Johnstown will be a positive place for our young players to learn the game and gain professional experience," Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement.

Last season the Crunch and Blue Jackets were affiliated with the Elmira Jackals.

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Did Carmelo overreact during game against Argentina?

by Donna Reynolds

Friday August 22, 2008, 8:15 PM

Freeman writes: "Nothing justified Anthony's anger. Other Redeemers were walking away and then had to grab Anthony and calm him down."

Freeman's contention is that Carmelo's outburst somewhat tarnished the team's "good guy" image and that he needs anger management classes.

Of course, there are two sides to every story. It was a physical game and Carmelo appeared to take the brunt of Argentina's aggressive fouling and unnecessary shoving. Melo was having a great game, ultimately leading the team with 21 points and going 13 for 13 at the free throw line, and he's made no secret about his desire to come home with the gold medal.

For his part, Carmelo brushes off the confrontation. "They were down there trying to be physical, I was trying to be physical back with them," Anthony is quoted in an article in the Salt Lake City Tribune. "It got a little bit chirpy out there, but nothing personal, nothing major. They were trying to win, we were trying to win."

So what do you think? Was Carmelo overreacting or was his behavior justified?

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Could Mark Spitz have beaten Michael Phelps?

by Trish LaMonte

Thursday August 21, 2008, 3:53 PM

APAmerican swimmer Michael Phelps, left, beat the record set by Mark Spitz, right, of seven gold medals at a single Olympics, with eight golds in Beijing.

Last week, American swimmer Michael Phelps, 23, shattered Mark Spitz's Olympic record when he won his eighth gold medal in Beijing.

On Wednesday, Spitz, 58, told the New York Daily News if he and Phelps raced each other in their primes, it would be a draw.

"I'd know everything about how to beat Michael. He'd also know everything to beat me. We'd have to tie," Spitz said.

Who do you think would win? Leave a comment below.

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Fazeshift talk about their big summer

by Josh Shear

Thursday August 21, 2008, 8:58 AM

Fazeshift band members (from left) Alec Gilfillan, John Paul McLaughlin, Joey Bolognone and Josh Salvage, discuss their new record deal and their new EP.

The summer of 2008 is turning out to be a big season for local pop quartet Fazeshift (bio).

The four young men comprising the band – Joey Bolognone, Josh Salvage, John Paul McLaughlin and Alec Gilfillan – started playing together in February of 2005. This month, they signed with local label Aux Records, and will release a 6-song EP in the coming weeks (songs are already available for individual purchase on their MySpace page).

The group performs Monday, August 25, at 7 p.m. on the Emerging Artists Showcase stage at the New York State Fair (full schedule), before heading out for several weekend mini-tours.

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