Blogorama! (Links & Highlights of the Week)

Remembering Jay Gallagher

Unfortunately, we started off the week on a sad note. The Times Union blogs lost one of its own, a man of an integrity, conviction, and intelligence that every staff member at the Times Union and elsewhere should strive to possess.

Jay began his blog shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2009. He was brought into the Times Union fold, and shared his strength and hope with readers and writers alike.

Some of us knew and/or worked with Jay. Most of us, myself included, did not have that luxury. We knew of him only as a longtime Capitol reporter and published author. But perhaps his greatest reporting was done at the end, when a local man was given a year to die, and instead lived.

I’m thankful to Jay for bringing us in on the story.

Good Bye, Boys Jay’s final blog post.

Jay’s Obituary

Times Union Blog Reactions: Libby Post | Chuck Miller | My Thoughts

From Michael Huber: “A memorial service will be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State St. in Albany. Doors open at 7 p.m.”

==================

This week: Chuck got ripped off, Rob saved a turtle, Amanda continued an important discussion, and I ran into a fellow blogger in Albany and made a total dork of myself. This was…the week that was.

TU BLOG HIGHLIGHTS

Why Immigrant Families Should Love Facebook (Lori Cullen) I’m a latecomer to her blog, but I’m glad I took the time this week to catch up on everything she’s written thus far. I suggest y’all do the same.

History Day: Before Farmlife, Arbor Hill (FarmLife) Teri Conroy takes a departure to share her experience as a homeowner in the historic Millionaire’s Row neighborhood.

Rocky Mountain Film Lab Just Made a Big Mistake (Chuck Miller) I honestly think his blog should be called “Don’t F*** with Chuck.” C’mon, that’d be awesome.

Creative Recycling Opportunity (SimplerLiving) Naomi shares information on a creative way to help turn your trash into someone else’s treasure.

Hocus Pocus (J. Eric Smith) Eric shares info about the band whose music is playing in the great, oft-linked Nike World Cup 2010 commercial.

You Can Rip Up a Mean Letter (Amanda Talar) Amanda sparks an interesting and frank discussion about the appropriateness of writing about the personal failings of others, even if you feel they might deserve it. The discussion also involves fellow TU Bloggers such as J. Eric Smith and yours truly.

Succeeding at Karaoke (This Is College?!) Charlie Vella lays down his rules for karaoke.

The Trouble with Turtles (Man of a Certain Age) Tony the Turtle Hates Rob Madeo

Capitalize on Pride Libby Post on the upcoming Pride Month, and a little history behind the Capital District Gay & Lesbian Community Council.

TRUE STORY: I was having dinner at Van’s on Sunday after we closed the run of The Importance of Being Earnest.  As I was walking by a table, I caught a glance of someone who looked strikingly familiar. It was none other than Libby Post. I was going to say hello, but chickened out and continued walking. I then stopped myself, turned around, and said “no…no. I’m Kevin Marshall, goddamnit.” I went back to the table and asked if she was who I thought she was. I then introduced myself, shook her hand, and said I was a big fan of what she did both on and off the blog. I was a total dork about it, but she was super kind and very friendly.

ALSO TRUE STORY: Van’s service was off to a rocky start because of the high volume, but they pulled it together quickly and delivered an incredible meal. I had the Vietnamese chicken curry and it was fantastic. Somewhat pricier than you traditionally see at Pan-Asian establishments in the area, but worth every penny. Highly recommended.

Anyway, more things that might be of interest to you (but are much more interesting to me) after the jump.

—————————–

ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERNET

Happy Birthday, Empire (Todd Alcott) On the anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” Hollywood screenwriter & film analyst Todd Alcott asks: what is up with Bobba Fett and Darth Vader, anyway?

Friday Puppy & All Over Albany on News Channel 13 (Friday Puppy) Video of the news segment about how awesome local blogs are. I was not contacted for the piece. Cowards!

Troy Food Co-Op Now Aiming to Open in the Fall (All Over Albany) I’ve been saying it for a year: I will believe this is happening the moment I walk into that place, go to the register, and have a successful transaction.

FOR HEAVENS SAKE STOP IT (Letters of Note) A telegram from a soldier with an urgent plea to his superiors.

Culinary Sophistication (Fussy Little Blog) Daniel B. asks: does Albany lack sophistication?

Glens Falls: City of _____ (Chin Musik) Glens Falls gets a dubious distinction.

Orson Welles on Disappearing Audiences, Canned Laughs, and Johnny Carson (We Who Are About to Die) A fascinating video from one of the greatest creative minds of the 20th Century. Orson Welles, I mean, not Dan Nester.

Edison Speaks! (GE Reports) Early radio recordings featuring interviews with Thomas Edison are unearthed in Schenectady.

Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood” is a Subversive Act (When We Were Marks) Mike Ryan has a different take from other critics on the most recent adaptation of “Robin Hood.” Fascinating review that has renewed my interest in seeing this film.

How “Lost” Should Have Ended (The Daily What)

An Offense That Comes From Misrepresentation is Vulnerable (Letters of Note) Cartoonist Bill Walters sends a note to a college student who posted a controversial comic, and has some sage advice regarding satire.

The CDTA iPhone App (All Over Albany) The CDTA leaps into the 21st Century with an interactive iPhone app. Great, great idea.

More Pac-Man/Mayweather Ridiculousness (Bloody Elbow) Manny Pacquiao has agreed to a blood test, but now Mayweather has even more concessions. If it looks like a duck, talks like a duck, and walks like a duck, then it probably is scared of fighting Manny Pacquiao.

==================

This Week on Mixed Marshall Arts (MarshallMMA.com):

UFC 114 Main Event Brings Racial Gap to the Forefront Exploring Rashad Evans’ accusation of Quinton Jackson playing into stereotypes, why it’s more than just trash talk, and how it relates to the struggle of Mixed Martial Arts, and specifically the UFC, to find a non-white audience.

MarshallMMA.com’s (highly speculative and unscientific) Rankings! My controversial Top 10 Rankings for all Weight Classes 155 and up. Fedor at #5? Believe it.

The Most Troubled Card in MMA History Steroids, promotional downfalls, manic depression, sudden withdrawals, and violent acts to name a few…these are the guys an MMA promotion in Australia is hoping won’t provide a complete disaster. Good luck with that, boys.

—————————

Got any interesting links? Share ‘em!