Daily Archives: January 19, 2012

Just a Thought by Richard Risley

So much information out there waiting to be rounded up

The Town of Webb Board has considered publishing semi-regular informational articles for years, but nixed the idea for one reason or another.

Some thought it might occasionally appear like a ploy to help or hurt someone politically.

My intention here is to share the thoughts of someone who, as a former board member, might have an inside scoop on things that interest some of you.

Those that assume I will never run for office again after last fall’s elections are right—however I have learned to never say never. Specifically, two scenarios would have to happen before I would even consider it and, without divulging them, the devil would be more likely to show up for a weekend of ice fishing.

The point is, my comments won’t be political, just honest.

This is about our communities and what interests you, the residents, visitors and readers. It is my hope to be able to involve anyone and everyone that has an interest in bettering our communities.

Continue reading →

Share Button

Growing up Adirondack by Mitch Lee

Taking precautions to protect house from unseen intruder

It was a typically cold January night on Limekiln Lake and I was preparing my eight-year old self to slip between the bed sheets.

The sheets were chilly and it took a long time for my body heat to warm them enough to make it comfortable for sleeping.

The trees surrounding our property were popping like gun shots from the dropping temperatures.

The house made eerie cracking sounds too which kicked my imagination into gear.

I became gripped in fear with the thought that it was not the cold, but rather a monster seeking shelter from the bitter wind, that was creating the ruckus.

I listened closely as he went from window to window in search of a way in.

I gave a hard stare out one window and imagined that something was peering back at me through the frost-covered glass. I was paralyzed with fear. Continue reading →

Share Button

Are you frozen this winter? Hopefully not literally…

by Dr. Adam Seigers, Medical Health Contributor

Frostbite is a medical condition which results in damage to the skin and surrounding tissues as a consequence of exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees. It is most likely to occur in exposed areas, like ears and fingers.

As a rule, frostbite usually begins as frostnip, a cooling of superficial tissues without actual destruction.

This occurs because the body preferentially constricts blood vessels in the hands, and feet to preserve a normal core body temperature.

In the short term this protective strategy is helpful, though in the long term can be detrimental to tissues far from the heart.

Frostbite is classified into four stages or degrees.

These range from itching and pain to deep freezing involving the muscles, tendons, blood vessels and nerves. Continue reading →

Share Button

Ad’K Current by Colin Criss

Self-interest, fine; but corruption’s another story

Government of the people, by the people, and for the people”… the phrase originated by Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg address still inspires many elected representatives as they guide our government business today.

However, too many politicians seem to be crafting policy and enacting laws to serve their own interests rather than those they represent.

This is proof to many Americans that ours is a dysfunctional government—though self-servitude has motivated behavior throughout human history.

Self-preservation is wired into our DNA, according to behavioral experts.

Rarely is there a generous act not accompanied by an angle of self benefit.

If we look to the 19th century, we can see that our richest industrialists engaged in philanthropy, endowing such institutions as Carnegie Hall, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Vanderbilt University, and improving our country.

Yet, it is hard not to see these men benefiting as well by their own considerable generosity. Continue reading →

Share Button

Just Call me Mrs. Lucky by Jan from Woodgate

Now I lay me down to sleep: ‘Lucky, fire up the earth digger’

I’d like to die peacefully in my sleep like my Grampa, not kicking and screaming like the passengers in his car.”

One of my favorite e-mails ever, this just cracked me up and I think of it often. After all, who DOESN’T want to die peacefully in their sleep? More importantly, WHO LET GRAMPA DRIVE!?!

Legitimate questions for sure, but it does bring up the issue of if, and how, one can make their own choices when it comes time to face the end of one’s life.

Seems to me that the medical gurus of today are faced with some tough choices. Who to “allow” to live, and who to let go spiraling towards the light of eternity.

Follow the money, folks. For the uninsured, chances are you’re gonna be checking out a lot sooner than your adequately insured neighbor. Continue reading →

Share Button

Gary Lee’s Daybreak to Twilight

Bald Eagle and three ravens on the pond

Despite sub-zero Temps, be cautious when heading out on ice.

A little winter has crept into our backyard. Not much snow, but the temperature sure went way down below zero with –22 degrees on January 15 and –20 degrees the next day.

When Karen has the window open to collect some of the cold inside the bedroom at night, that’s more than a three dog night. It’s a one-cat Inky night, who snuggles up between us.

This weather sure pushed the many birds to the feeder that had been foraging out in the woods. I think many believed they were going to have an open winter, but that didn’t happen.

Al Birchenough with our catch

Now they have to get some spare food from the feeders.

New visitors to the feeder this week were several Pine Siskins, Goldfinch (numbers doubled) and Purple Finch. Just this morning a few Tree Sparrows arrived. When I was out in the woods in the fall I didn’t see any of them, but they must have been out there somewhere.

I thought the visiting Red-bellied Woodpecker was the one I had here last year, but it isn’t so as it not wearing a band. Most don’t leave here without a bracelet on their leg.

I have seen a couple of band wearing Goldfinch at the feeder but I haven’t put up a net yet, so I don’t know if they were some of my birds or if they were banded somewhere else. Continue reading →

Share Button

Tax Time Questions by Deborah Ritz, Independent Tax Preparer

How do I determine if I have to file tax return

As an individual taxpayer the requirement to file depends in part on your filing status, age, and gross income.

If you are single, you must file a tax return if your gross income was at least $9,500 ($19,000 if married and filing jointly).

If you are over 65 the gross income requirement raises to $10,950 (if married and filing jointly $20,150 one spouse 65+, $21,300 both spouses 65+).

There are also income requirements for Head of Household and Qualifying widow(er). Continue reading →

Share Button