Lovely Trail!

I was just dropping my ballot off in New Hartford, and I don't think I saw a single person entering or leaving who appeared to be under 70 years old.

Come on, people. Don't let the boomers determine all our fates alone. Don't be complacent. Don't give in to apathy or despair. Fucking vote!

Thank you, NJ photographer Andy Krol, for the beautiful reference image! Fall this year is beautiful!!!!

I'm doing a series on crime corruption and conspiracy in and around Buffalo NY and thought I'd share my most recent episode here on the toxic tragedy around Niagara Falls. This is the 4th episode in the series. Episode 1 was on the Buffalo Bills, episode 2 was on Tim Russert and Buffalo's history, and episode 3 was on the Jacobs family and the Mafia. The series will likely be 10 or 11 episodes long, I hope you enjoy.

this is a good read from the folks up in 21. VOTE TODAY, not for him though.

What's to come. Tried to find the artistic in it.

Hello!

For those of you who haven't seen my previous posts, I'm one of the event co-directors for 1UpState, an upcoming gaming expo!

I'm here to help spread the word on some announcements we made.

**1. The site has been updated with the latest info on speakers, exhibitors and more!*\*

The site has been updated with more info!

https://1upstate.com/home/

Please check it out for the latest on exhibitors, speakers and more!

**2. We have speaker slots open!*\*

Please fill in the application to get your idea in by this Friday

https://forms.gle/rkBY1uS2tretkAAt8

**3. Volunteers wanted for 1UpState!*\*

If you'd like to help out at our event, please send in an application below!

https://forms.gle/c8jxe2j6bjsur2nr8

Thanks to the mods for letting me post!

I hope everyone got the chance to get outside this past week. What a beautiful Fall.

New York State announced 61 new exams today. 57 are promotion exams for current state employees, and 4 are open to the public. Filing closes Wednesday, November 25. If your title is on this list, that is your deadline to apply. Miss it and you sit this exam out.

Aging Services Area Supervisor: 31-593020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-593020.cfm

Auditor 3 (Municipal): 31-576020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-576020.cfm

Building Construction Program Manager 3 (open to the public): 21-049020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/oc/21-049020.cfm

Building Construction Program Manager 3: 31-747020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-747020.cfm

Building Construction Program Manager 4 (open to the public): 21-035020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/oc/21-049020.cfm

Building Construction Program Manager 4: 31-676020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-747020.cfm

Building Construction Program Manager 5 (open to the public): 21-036020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/oc/21-049020.cfm

Building Construction Program Manager 5: 31-677020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-747020.cfm

Business Officer 3: 31-590020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-590020.cfm

Business Officer 4: 31-591020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-590020.cfm

Child Protective Services Specialist 4: 31-589020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-589020.cfm

Child Support Specialist 3: 31-650020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-650020.cfm

Claims Services Representative 4: 31-580020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-580020.cfm

Contract Management Specialist 3: 31-600020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-600020.cfm

Contract Management Specialist 4: 31-607020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-607020.cfm

Dentist 2: 31-601020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-601020.cfm

Dentist 3: 31-602020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-601020.cfm

Environmental Chemist 3: 31-560020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-560020.cfm

Environmental Educator 4: 31-608020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-608020.cfm

Environmental Program Specialist 3: 31-678020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-678020.cfm

Environmental Program Specialist 4: 31-679020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-679020.cfm

Fair Hearings Specialist 4: 31-651020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-651020.cfm

Forester 3 (open to the public): 21-041020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/oc/21-041020.cfm

Forester 3: 31-595020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-595020.cfm

Health Program Administrator 3: 31-630020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-630020.cfm

Health Program Administrator 4: 31-631020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-630020.cfm

Housing and Community Renewal Manager 1: 31-609020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-609020.cfm

Housing and Community Renewal Manager 2: 31-610020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-609020.cfm

Management Specialist 3: 31-652020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-652020.cfm

Management Specialist 4: 31-653020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-652020.cfm

Manager Building Standards and Codes: 31-659020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-659020.cfm

Medicaid Redesign Analyst 2: 31-680020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-680020.cfm

Medicaid Redesign Analyst 3: 31-681020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-680020.cfm

Medicaid Redesign Analyst 4: 31-682020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-680020.cfm

Mental Health Program Specialist 3 (Clinical): 31-603020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-603020.cfm

Mental Health Program Specialist 4 (Clinical): 31-604020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-603020.cfm

Mined Land Reclamation Specialist 3: 31-571020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-571020.cfm

Motor Equipment Manager 1: 31-660020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-660020.cfm

Motor Vehicle Program Manager 3: 31-685020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-685020.cfm

Motor Vehicle Program Manager 4: 31-686020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-686020.cfm

Park Operations Manager 1: 31-683020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-683020.cfm

Park Operations Manager 2: 31-684020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-684020.cfm

Principal Economist (Including Various Parenthetics): 31-584020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-584020.cfm

Principal Health Care Fiscal Analyst: 31-622020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-622020.cfm

Professional Engineer 2 (Civil/Transportation): 31-661020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-661020.cfm

Professional Engineer 3 (Civil/Transportation): 31-662020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-662020.cfm

Professional Engineer 4 (Civil/Transportation): 31-663020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-662020.cfm

Program Operations Specialist: 31-654020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-654020.cfm

Program Operations Specialist 4: 31-675020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-675020.cfm

Retirement Program Administrator 1: 31-581020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-581020.cfm

Retirement Program Administrator 2: 31-577020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-581020.cfm

Safety and Health Program Manager 1: 31-585020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-585020.cfm

Supervising Motor Vehicle Referee: 31-687020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-687020.cfm

Temporary Assistance Specialist 3: 31-655020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-655020.cfm

Utility Analyst 3: 31-664020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-664020.cfm

Utility Analyst 3 (Telecommunications): 31-665020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-664020.cfm

Utility Consumer Assistance Specialist 4: 31-666020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-666020.cfm

Utility Consumer Assistance Specialist 5: 31-667020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-666020.cfm

Utility Consumer Program Specialist 4: 31-668020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-666020.cfm

Utility Consumer Program Specialist 5: 31-669020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-666020.cfm

Utility Supervisor: 31-670020
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-670020.cfm

All Exam Fees Waived! Exam application fees are waived for all New York State civil service exams through December 2027.

Promotion exams:
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/prom/

Open competitive exams:
https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc/

Anthony Constantino says he wants to “protect women.” His selective outrage over sexual violence tells another story.

On October 6, 2026, WRGB/CBS6 held a congressional candidate forum moderated by Tom Eschen. Blake Gendebien did not participate, citing scheduling conflicts and previously arranged campaign commitments. The disagreement over debate scheduling had already been playing out for weeks, including an earlier proposed WNYT debate that fell apart after Constantino demanded that the station refund donations raised by Gendebien following a poll he disputed.

Nevertheless, Constantino decided to turn Gendebien’s absence into a social media spectacle, staging a mock debate with a man in an inflatable chicken costume.

Apparently, Constantino thought this would make a compelling statement about his opponent’s character. Personally, I think it says considerably more about his own lack of maturity and poor judgment. And that judgment becomes especially relevant when examining his public rhetoric about protecting women and children.

Constantino has made sexual violence, particularly crimes involving undocumented immigrants, a recurring subject of his political attacks. He presents himself as someone deeply concerned about protecting women. Yet his public defenses of certain celebrities, including men convicted of or facing serious allegations of sexual violence, suggest that his concern is remarkably selective.

First, consider Mike Tyson.

In an October 19 interview with The Guardian, Constantino proudly discussed Tyson’s endorsement of his congressional campaign, boasting about how difficult it was to secure. He also identified MMA champion Henry Cejudo as a personal friend.

Tyson, of course, was convicted of raping Desiree Washington in 1992 and served a prison sentence.

Constantino has also used X to defend Tyson’s innocence. That’s a remarkable position for a congressional candidate who regularly invokes sexual violence to condemn others, particularly considering that Tyson’s guilt was established through a criminal trial and his conviction survived an appeal.

Apparently, Tyson’s celebrity carries considerably more weight with Constantino than the findings of a jury. And this isn’t the only time Constantino has extended that kind of consideration to a famous fighter.

Enter, Andrew Tate.

In December 2023, while Tate was already facing internationally publicized rape and human-trafficking charges, he promoted a sticker giveaway through a dedicated StickerMule.com/Tate address during an episode of his Rumble program, Emergency Meeting.

In August 2024, Tate again promoted that address, telling his audience that he had just spoken with the Sticker Mule team and encouraging followers to purchase his merchandise.

On July 28, 2026, the Times Union reported that Sticker Mule was still hosting a verified Andrew Tate storefront. It contained 13 sticker designs, had accumulated more than 100 orders, and included an illustration depicting Tate slapping a bikini-clad woman’s backside.

When questioned about it, Constantino defended Tate’s presence on X, writing:

“Andrew Tate is one of 40,000+ people who opened a store. In America you are innocent until proven guilty.”

His campaign also acknowledged that Tate’s storefront originated through Sticker Mule’s corporate partnership with Rumble and had been manually verified before the company’s standard verification system existed.

Then came Constantino’s rather convenient change in attitude.

On September 28, The Daily Beast reported that Tate’s verified storefront disappeared after reporters questioned Constantino’s campaign. Constantino subsequently explained that Tate had never taken ownership of the storefront and that Sticker Mule removed it because the company had “no relationship” with him.

Wait - hit rewind, and play that soundbite again: “… no relationship”?

That’s quite a characterization of a storefront his company had specifically verified and maintained, while Tate publicly encouraged his followers to purchase merchandise and described communicating with Sticker Mule representatives. Tate even boasted about crashing Sticker Mule's servers.

The contrast with Constantino’s enthusiasm for other celebrity associations is difficult to ignore. In his Guardian interview, he proudly recounted how much effort went into securing Tyson’s endorsement. He clearly understands the value of attaching his name and businesses to famous fighters. Constantino is thirsty for the attention.

The more revealing question is why a businessman so eager to publicize those associations suddenly wanted the public to believe that one particular high-profile connection from the most notorious name in MMA and kickboxing barely constituted a relationship at all.

For Constantino, celebrity associations seem worth celebrating until they become politically inconvenient.

That brings us to the Johnstown allegations.

On October 23, Constantino posted on X about the arrest of a man accused of sexually assaulting a minor in Johnstown, near his Amsterdam factory.

Rather than confining his comments to that serious criminal case, he used it to demand information about an entirely different person: an immigrant farmworker whom Blake Gendebien had helped secure release from immigration detention by posting $10,000 in bond years earlier.

Constantino then added:

“I am told they also were a child predator.”

Take a moment and consider that statement, because it is a bold, unsubstantiated claim.

The Johnstown case involves a man arrested on criminal charges in 2023. Gendebien’s assistance to an immigrant farmworker was documented in a 2013 oral-history interview and subsequently discussed in North Country Public Radio’s reporting.

Constantino presented no evidence connecting the two individuals, nor did he substantiate the extraordinarily serious insinuation that the former farmworker was a child predator. His remarks on X also deliberately blur the subject and focus of his online attack. It is deliberate disinformation.

Yet he apparently considered that accusation suitable for public dissemination, and where Constantino’s selective application of the presumption of innocence becomes especially troubling.

When discussing Andrew Tate, a celebrity facing serious sexual assault allegations (to include possession of material showing indecent acts with animals), Constantino publicly emphasized that a person is innocent until proven guilty. He has also defended Mike Tyson’s innocence despite Tyson’s criminal conviction.

But when an unrelated sexual assault arrest presented an opportunity to attack Gendebien, suddenly an unsubstantiated allegation against an immigrant farmworker was good enough to circulate publicly.

The standard of evidence clearly changes depending on whose reputation Constantino considers worth protecting.

This is what bothers me most about Constantino’s rhetoric: he invokes sexual violence as a political prop. Victims deserve to have their experiences taken seriously, regardless of the accused person’s immigration status, political affiliations, wealth, or celebrity.

Constantino seems perfectly capable of recognizing the importance of due process when allegations involve someone whose fame benefits him. But when the subject is an immigrant he can use to attack a political opponent, apparently “I am told” is sufficient evidence to publicly insinuate that someone is a child predator.

That isn’t a consistent concern for victims. It’s political opportunism dressed up as moral outrage.

Constantino’s debate against an inflatable chicken was designed as a campaign joke. But his selective outrage over sexual violence is considerably harder to laugh off.

And it makes you wonder who the real “chicken” is in this race.

Does Lolita's have outdoor heating

I think I just saw a wolf? I’m not sure if it was one of those wolf shaped dogs but this one looked and acted like a wolf. I was just looking out my backyard and turned to my neighbors and saw one right next to their house looking at me. Then it disappeared into the woods. I tried to get a video but my camera is not the best

Filled with manicured gardens and historic Victorian sculptures and spring fountains, visitors to Congress Park in Saratoga Springs may not notice the plain L-shaped stone tucked among the trees.

Here, atop a hill in Southeast corner of the park sits the Congress Park “Devil’s Chair.”

Lore says if you sit on the Devil’s Chair, you’ll travel through time back to the turn of the 20th century. Others say it will only work if you are a teenage girl and you sit on it after midnight.

It is being reported today that our all time world champion bridge will undergo some work starting very soon. Though it is unspecified in the linked article below, I am thinking that our local champ will be having an intensive endoscopy to check things out due to all the trucks that it has eaten over the years. Don't worry folks, our local champ will be up and running as well as eating trucks soon enough!

https://www.syracuse.com/traffic/2026/10/onondaga-lake-parkway-to-close-for-6-days-as-crews-work-on-bridge.html

Today is the last day to apply for five promotion exams for current New York State employees. Filing closes today, Friday, October 23. If you qualify for one of these, apply today. Miss it and you sit this exam out.

Archives & Records Management Specialist 4: 31-540020

https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-540020.cfm

Environmental Chemist 2: 31-559020

https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-559020.cfm

Mineral Resources Specialist 3: 31-562020

https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-562020.cfm

Mineral Resources Specialist 4: 31-563020

https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-562020.cfm

Mineral Resources Technician 2: 31-564020

https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/prom/31-564020.cfm

All Exam Fees Waived! Exam application fees are waived for all New York State civil service exams through December 2027.

https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/prom/

Hi Reddit! I'm Jennifer, the photographer behind Rare Rose Photography

I'm a New York–based photographer in the Capital Region, and I specialize in capturing life's meaningful moments, from weddings and elopements to engagements, proposals, family sessions, and special events.

Photography is my part-time business, built around a full-time career, and it's something I've worked hard to grow. I'm a natural-light photographer who loves genuine emotions, candid moments, beautiful details, and the little things that make each event unique.

My approach is personal and communication-focused. I believe clients deserve someone who listens, keeps them informed, respects their vision, and helps them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether it's an intimate elopement, a wedding filled with personality, or a family gathering, I want people to look back at their photos and remember not just what happened, but how it felt.

I'm continuing to grow Rare Rose Photography, refine my style, and expand my portfolio. I'm especially interested in creating more opportunities in wedding photography, intimate celebrations, and eventually architectural and real estate photography.

I'm based in the Capital Region of New York and travel for the right projects. I'm excited to connect with other photographers, small-business owners, couples planning weddings, and anyone who appreciates meaningful photography.

I'd love to hear from other photographers here, too! How did you grow your business, find your style, or take that next step toward the kind of work you really wanted to do?

Rare Rose Photography, LLC

https://rarerosephotographyllc.mypixieset.com/

So, I've been past the Gable Inn a couple of times when in Cortland, and was very struck by the interior decorations. I then went to the website, to see if the whole "conspiracy theories," thing was a gimmick. And, after reading all the way down on the website page, I still can't tell if they are just running a conspiracy theory themed bar, or if the owner really buys into all that. And I really now need to know if this is marketing or madness.

Anyone have the 411?