Beacon Dispatch

Next Dean Meetup

What a ride it's been for Howard Dean supporters. In two months he's gone from insurgent to favorite to survivor. One thing's for sure, the nomination is his to win or lose. His supporters have done an amazing job making the case that Bush can be beat, and the press has hardly been unbiased in their coverage of his campaign. But at the end of the day, voters are taking a hard look at the man at the podium, and deciding whether or not this candidate can withstand the Bush/Rove political combine. Come hear the latest plans for keeping the Dean dream alive next Wednesday, February 4, at 7pm at the cThonic Clash Coffeehouse, 418 Main St.

Spotting the Bald Eagle

On this morning's train into Manhattan I saw two bald eagles, one standing on the ice on the Hudson River, the other flying low over the icy water, searching for prey just south of Bear Mountain bridge. These birds are unmistakable -- much larger than any of their peers, with the white heads and tails and black body. Apparently these sorts of sightings are not uncommon. According to Half Moon Press,

"Wintering eagles can find fish in the sections of the river that are opened up by discharges from power plants. Also, eagles are scavengers and the railroad tracks that run along the river provide an ample supply of dead animals."

Their site also includes tips on how to spot a bald eagle and a list of viewing areas along the Hudson:

* Norrie Point State Park, Hyde Park
* Constitution Island from North Dock, West Point
* Route 6/202 overlook above Iona Island
* Riverfront Park, Peekskill
* Charles Point/China Pier, Peekskill
* Verplanck waterfront
* Georges' Island Park, Montrose
* Metro-North and Amtrak passengers from the river side of the train between Croton-on-Hudson and Albany

Precious Bodily Fluids

According to the Center for Disease Control, "Fluoridation of the public water supply is the most equitable, cost-effective, and cost-saving method of delivering fluoride to the community, and prevent tooth decay." So I was surprised to hear that our local water supply here in Beacon is not fluoridated. In fact, New York is among the least fluoridated states in the union, with only 67.8% of public water supplies receiving the treatment. If you have kids, this means they need the same kind of unpleasant fluoride treatments I used to get at the dentists years ago.

O, Christmas Tree (how do I get rid of thee?)

If you're like me, you've waited until this weekend to take down your Christmas tree. In case you're wondering how to get rid of that 8 ft Douglas Fir, here's some info from the City of Beacon Web site: "Christmas Trees are picked up at curbside after the holiday (note: my tree was removed on Tuesday morning during regular trash pick-up.) The City offers to chip brush left at curbside by appointment." So if you want to mulch your tree instead of leaving it out on your sidewalk, call 838-5000.

(Second) Saturday Night Fever

Lots going on tonight for Second Saturday. The Howland Center (one of the best performance spaces around) is featuring a free belly dancing performance at 7:00. While the chThonic Clash Coffee House will have singer/songwriter Rik Ekstrom at 8:00. Bundle up and head out on the town to support the local scene...

Howland Center, 477 Main Street

Cold Enough to Shrink Air

According to my lovely wife, Anouk, it was 7 degrees in Beacon today. It was so cold (how cold was it?), the air in our tires shrank, tripping the air pressure gauge. Do we fill the tires and risk exploding rubber when the air expands in Spring? Or just enjoy the soft ride?

Another Chance to See Development Plans

This just in: Plans for the development of the anodizing factory on Main & E. Main as well as the subdivision of a lot on N. Walnut behind the Beacon Tavern will be presented at the public planning board meeting Tuesday January 13.

Before that:

"We are inviting you to continue a dialogue with us about the development of One East Main Street. We will be having our second informal discussion on Friday, January 9th from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Bulldog Studios located in the former Beacon High School.

We look forward to speaking with you.

Alan D. Marks and William S. Ehrlich
East Main Mills LLC"

Times"Borrows" Rockville Story

Today's New York Times includes a piece by Edmund Andrews on the economic impact of globalization in Rockville, Illinois, the same subject (and, in many cases, the same people) examined by Ron Perlstein for the Village Voice, and featured here in a previous post.

When I asked Perlstein if he was consulted on the story, he told me that not only was he unaware of the article, but it's not the first time his work has been appropriated by the Times. In the wake of the Jayson Blair scandal, I'm surprised Perlstein's work wasn't credited in some way.

Last Dean Meetup Before Primaries

This Wednesday, January 7, at 7pm at the cThonic Clash Coffeehouse, 418 Main St. Since the last Meetup, Howard Dean has gone from insurgent candidate to favorite. And he's the only candidate who could challenge Bush's fundraising in any meaningful way. If he gets the nomination, and asks 2 million Americans to donate $100 to his campaign to match Bush's warchest, don't be surprised if he gets it. This is going to be a fun race to watch...

Sprout Creek Hootenanny

Grammy nominated fiddler and Beacon resident Bruce Molsky will be playing the Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie next Sunday, January 11 at 7pm. This is a rare local performance for Molsky, so it's worth checking out. Admission is $7 for adults and kids over 12.