Contact: Vic Christopher, 917-693-7430 vicchristopher@me.com
Heather LaVine, 301-466-0309 lavineheather@gmail.com

Troy Wine Bar Serves Up “Yappy Hour” for Social Canines

Weekly cocktail party for pooches & their people

TROY, N.Y. (06/03/13) — This summer, a Troy wine bar is introducing a weekly dog-friendly happy hour for four-legged patrons and their two-legged companions.

On Monday, June 10, from 4 p.m. till 8 p.m., the Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar, located at 12 Second Street in downtown Troy, will host its first ever “Yappy Hour,” a canine friendly cocktail party in the newly constructed rear garden patio.

“Yappy Hour” will be hosted by Groucho, a 15 lbs. rescue terrier who was returned to the shelter three times, before becoming a member of the Confectionery family.

“It’s hard work taking care of our humans and sometimes we dogs need a break,” said Groucho, through a translator. “Finally, there’s an event in the Capital Region for the cosmopolitan canine to relax and unwind with fine water and gourmet treats for the sophisticated palate.”

At “Yappy Hour,” pooches, hounds and pups will enjoy a complimentary canine “charcuterie” and liver-infused water. Doggie dates will enjoy wine and beer specials.

Dog owners and their sociable furry pals can enter the garden patio through the Franklin Street Alley entrance (off Broadway). Each “Yappy Hour” party is asked to donate $10 to support local animal rescue organizations.

SCHEDULE

After the inaugural Monday, June 10 launch, Yappy Hour will be every Sunday this summer from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (* weather permitting)

What: “Yappy Hour” for social dogs and their human friends

Where: The Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar
Rear patio, access from Franklin Alley (207 Broadway, Troy)

When: Monday, June 10, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.*
Sunday, June 16, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.*
Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.*
Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.*
(* weather permitting)

Cost: $10 donation per party to support local animal rescue organizations (includes complimentary doggie treats).

ABOUT THE CHARLES F. LUCAS CONFECTIONERY & WINE BAR

The Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar is a community gathering space featuring 30 wines by the glass and more than 100 bottle choices; along with craft beer, artisan coffee, cheeses, small plates, confections and desserts. Located at 12 Broadway, just off of downtown Troy’s magnificent Monument Square, the Confectionery is open Monday through Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. till midnight, Saturday from noon till midnight, and Sunday, from noon till 9 p.m.

In 2012, Vic Christopher and Heather LaVine purchased and rehabbed 12 Second St. in Troy, where they opened the Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar in November. In the spring of 2013, the husband-and-wife team purchased and stabilized 207 Broadway, “The Clark House,” which was at the time one of the most endangered buildings in downtown Troy. By summer, they transformed the adjoining property and connecting outbuilding into a party space and outdoor patio. Work is already underway to open a micro grocery store on the first-floor of The Clark House.

For information, visit: http://lucasconfectionery.wordpress.com or https://www.facebook.com/Lucas.Confectionery

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For Yappy Hour publicity images, http://www.duncancrary.com/clients/troywinebar.html

For information, contact:

Vic Christopher, 917-693-7430 vicchristopher@me.com
Heather LaVine, 301-466-0309 lavineheather@gmail.com

###

Contact: Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

Fundamentalist Loses Christian Faith While Writing Book on Evolution

“Evolving out of Eden” Refutes All Attempts to Reconcile “Theistic Evolution” with Science

VALLEY, Wash. (05/29/13) — A new book by two ex-Christians argues that Christian theology and evolutionary science cannot be reconciled, no matter how sincere the attempt.

“Evolving out of Eden: Christian Responses to Evolution” (Tellectual Press, March 2013) is co-authored by biblical scholar Robert M. Price and Edwin A. Suominen.

“When we first started on this book, I was a struggling Christian,” Suominen said. “I had accepted the reality of evolution, but could not see a way to resolve the conflict between science and my inherited faith. And now that the last page is written, I know that there isn’t one.”

The book began as a collaboration between Robert M. Price, a biblical scholar and atheist, and Suominen, who was a believing Christian at the start. Both accepted the reality of evolution, and agreed to research its theological implications and the various ways that Christian writers have tried to smooth over the conflict between science and faith.

“There are a lot of books and web sites that try to reassure the faithful that they can safely disregard or reinterpret scientific findings,” Suominen said. “But it just doesn’t work. Genetics is real, and Genesis isn’t. It pained me to finally acknowledge this, but there is no deliberate design of humans or any other forms of life.”

While the authors themselves no longer consider themselves religious, they are not anti-religious and both hold a great deal of respect and affection for religion, Christianity, the Bible and Christian theology.

“After 40 years in fundamentalist Christianity, I’m not ready to call myself an atheist,” Suominen said. “But after co-authoring this book, I can’t see where there’s any room for a god.”

“Evolving out of Eden” begins by providing a crash course in evolutionary theory, as understood and explained by leading scientists in the field. Next, the book delves into the vast history of biblical creation stories and explains how they came to be and what they meant to their writers. The authors, Price and Suominen, explain how Christians through the centuries have interpreted and re-interpreted these stories in order to make them fit with an ever-expanding scientific knowledge. Religion originally provided the explanations, they note, but now it is what requires so much explaining. And they illustrate how these attempts to combine science with Creationism have always failed.

“Evolving out of Eden” is available in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon.com. It is also available in Nook. For information, visit: http://evolvingoutofeden.com

PRAISE FOR EVOLVING OUT OF EDEN

Tom Flynn, editor of Free Inquiry magazine, calls “Evolving out of Eden” an “unprecedented … joint effort by a theologian and a highly accomplished engineer, both former Christian believers,” to analyze and develop “the theology and the science behind more than a century of Christian responses to the challenge posed by Darwinian evolution.”

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Robert M. Price holds a PhD in systematic theology from Drew University (1981) and a PhD in New Testament from Drew (1993). He is the author of over a dozen books and his own New Testament translation. He occasionally attends Episcopalian services where he sings, enjoys the stained glass, and keeps his mouth shut.

Edwin Suominen holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (1995), where his senior project wound up being the subject of fourteen U.S. patents, among several others he holds. He has retired from practice as a registered patent agent to write books rather than patents. Before writing this book, he devoted a year of personal study about evolutionary science and its intersection with theology.

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For high resolution images of the book cover and author photos, visit: http://DuncanCrary.com/clients/evolvingoutofeden

REVIEW COPIES

To request an interview with the authors or a review copy of “Evolving out of Eden” in paperback or ebook format, contact: Duncan Crary at 518-274-2723 or DCC@DuncanCrary.com

###

Contact: Contact: Jeff Buell 518-944-8674, jeffbuell@yahoo.com

Jeff Buell Tackles Blighted Downtown Troy Building

Long-vacant 9 First St. to become lofts and retail as “The Bindery”

TROY, N.Y. (05/20/13) — Another large dilapidated building in downtown Troy will be undergoing rehabilitation this summer.

On May 10, Troy natives Jeff Buell, 33, and Chris Colwell, 29, were approved to purchase and rehab 9 First Street for $10,000 from the Troy Local Development Corporation.

The four-story, 8,100 square-foot brownstone and iron front building is located immediately adjacent to the Rice Building. It has been vacant since 1996.

“Troy is growing organically,” said Buell, a former United Group of Companies executive. “Big development and new construction are refilling the gaps in our city blocks, while independent entrepreneurs are giving everything they’ve got to rehab our historic buildings. That’s what gives the place its unique heart that we all love — personal blood, sweat and tears. I want to build a development company constantly in search of being amazing. This is a great jumping off point.”

The building at 9 First Street is currently under the stewardship of Troy Local Development Corporation (TLDC), a community improvement nonprofit that provides financial assistance for construction, acquisition and rehabilitation projects in the city.

In the next couple of weeks, Buell and Colwell will finalize their development agreement with TLDC. Once all terms are accepted, the partners will enter a two-year development agreement.

“This is another great example of saving our history while developing a fresh and unique future,” said Mayor Lou Rosamilia. “The energy we have in our area and the motivation to develop right here in Troy is something I couldn’t be happier about. Troy is something to celebrate and more and more people are reminded of that when they realize projects like this are going on.”

Buell and his newly formed GSD Contracting are looking to raise $500,000 from investors to rehabilitate the building into street-level retail/restaurant space and single-floor 1,800 square-foot lofts. The building will be called “The Bindery,” in honor of its original use as a bookbindery and store owned by William H. Young.

The team will begin clean out and gut rehabilitation in the next month. The building is structurally sound, though the staircases and upper floors need to be rebuilt.

GSD has been working with Vic Christopher and Heather LaVine on the rehabilitation of “The Clark House,” one block over at 207 Broadway in Troy.

STEMMING THE BRAIN DRAIN

“So many talented college students leave this city in search of jobs — the ‘brain drain’,” said Colwell, a recent MBA graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. “I think they should stay here and be the ones creating jobs themselves. That’s what we went to school here to learn to do, and that’s what we’re doing with The Bindery.”

PUBLICITY PHOTOS

For a history of the building by Don Rittner, information and photographs of 9 First Street and of Buell and Colwell, visit: http://9FirstStreet.com

For information about the Troy Local Development Corporation, visit:

http://troyny.gov/Departments/EconomicDevelopment/TroyTLDC.aspx

###

Contact: Vic Christopher, 917-693-7430 vicchristopher@me.com
Heather LaVine, 301-466-0309 lavineheather@gmail.com

Troy Couple Saving Downtown’s “Most Endangered” Building

Historic Clark House at 207 Broadway to be Preserved

TROY, N.Y. (03/25/13) — One of the most endangered buildings in downtown Troy has been spared from the wrecking ball.

On Friday, Heather LaVine and Vic Christopher purchased 207 Broadway with plans to stabilize the building and return street-level retail. The upper floors will be mothballed while the couple meets with residential developers.

“Right now it’s an eyesore. But this is a beautiful building in the heart of downtown,” said Christopher. “And it would have been knocked down for a parking lot if someone didn’t step in to save it.”

Last year, the husband-and-wife team purchased and rehabbed 12 Second St. in Troy, where they opened the Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar in November. The rear corners of 12 Second St. and 207 Broadway are adjacent, and plans include connecting the wine bar to the new property via a shared garden walkway.

“People say we’re crazy for doing this, but we know this is hard work. And it make sense for us,” LaVine said. “Right now we’re turning away business because we don’t have the space. 207 allows us to create event space and open up additional retail opportunities in our neighborhood. We’d be crazy not to do this.”

THE CLARK HOUSE

The four-story, 10,900 square-foot building at 207 Broadway was constructed in 1876. It was once home to a boarding house and hotel, known as “The Clark House,” which featured many industrial, manufacturing and retail tenants through the years. From 1934 until 1979 the building was home to “The Tavern,” a popular Troy restaurant. The building’s sole remaining tenant is Broadway News, which has operated continuously since 1934.

While the property has a rich history and historical significance, deterioration and neglect have resulted in serious structural issues. In recent months, the veneer wall located on the south side of the property collapsed, exposing the building to the elements and igniting the talk of demolition.

LaVine and Christopher plan to stabilize the structure and rehabilitate the street-level commercial storefronts along Broadway, while securing the top three floors for future redevelopment. A small block building that is currently part of the parcel will serve as an expansion area for the adjacent Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar.

“The Clark House was one of Troy’s most prominent select family hotels during the Victorian era,” said Troy historian Don Rittner. “It is exciting to see this great architectural treasure brought back to life by a couple I know will put the same kind of thought and conviction in its restoration as shown with their recent wine bar project.”

LaVine and Christopher purchased the property from SCC Development LLC for $80,000. There were no banks or realtors involved in the transaction.

“We’re sending a message with this project,” Christopher said. “We hope to inspire others with this investment. We have hope for this building, hope for this city. And we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty.”

PROPERTY SPECS

Acquisition: $80,000
Stabilization & beautification: $90,000
Retail fit-up: $100,000

Total Investment: $270,000

For information on this historic building, see Don Rittner’s essay on Troy’s top 10 endangered buildings of Troy, at: http://www.donrittner.com/his186.html

For high-resolution photos, logos, architectural renderings and plans for the site, visit: http://www.duncancrary.com/clients/clarkhouse.html

For information, contact:

Vic Christopher, 917-693-7430 vicchristopher@me.com
Heather LaVine, 301-466-0309 lavineheather@gmail.com
Don Rittner (for building history), drittner@aol.com

Contact: Victoria Harris, (518) 213-1009
vharris@firstcolumbia.com

Major Developer Drawing New Business to Troy After State Pull-out

New First Columbia Tenants Fill 106,000 sq. ft. After State Frees 136,000 sq. ft.

TROY, NY (03/19/13) — Two major properties along the city’s riverfront are rapidly refilling after the state began vacating more than 130,000 square feet of rental space in 2012.

Latham-based developer First Columbia is making big gains in a strategy to draw out-of-town tenants to its historic Hedley Park Place and Flanigan Square properties on the Troy riverfront. The effort includes a $10 million investment to convert the space in both buildings into New York City-style, high-tech offices.

“We’re bouncing back,” said Victoria Harris, marketing director of First Columbia. “The whole point of bringing state workers here to Troy back in the ’90s was to help revitalize the downtown Troy economy. Now, First Columbia is in a position to do that again, with fresh companies and a new workforce.”

To date, new tenants have re-filled 106,000 square feet out of the 136,000 square feet vacated by the state.

NEW TENANTS AT HEDLEY PARK PLACE:

The following tenants are already or will soon be leasing space at First Columbia’s Hedley Park Place:

• The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center in Troy. There will be a ground-breaking ceremony on April 12. For more information, visit: https://www.hvcc.edu/news_events/newsstory.php?id=8034
• City of Troy (City Hall)
• KW Mission Critical Engineering. http://www.kwmce.com
• Stockton Barker Mead Law Firm. http://www.sbmfirm.com
• Workforce Development Institute. http://www.wdiny.org
• Mac Source Communications, scheduled to move in April 1. http://www.onlinemeridian.com/MacSource

STRATEGY DRAWS NEW BUSINESS TO TROY

Although City Hall and EOC were already located in other parts of Troy, the remaining new tenants at Hedley Park Place have re-located from outside the city.

“It wouldn’t be true growth if we were simply attracting tenants from one space in the city to another,” Harris said. “First Columbia is committed to bringing a fresh new workforce to downtown Troy.”

About 86,000 square feet of space is still available at Hedley Park Place, which is currently 74 percent occupied. About 87,476 square feet remain open at Flanigan Square, which is about 20 percent occupied.

“Hedley Park Place is really the best of both worlds,” Harris said. “It has that urban/ downtown/professional feeling — you can walk to restaurants and festivals. But it also has all the suburban office park amenities, like easy access from the highway, parking and modern fixtures.”

Prospective tenants can learn more about the properties and space available for lease by calling listing broker Deborah Mikhitarian-Russell at (518) 213-1088.

“HEDLEY DISTRICT” PLANS STILL ON

In 2006, First Columbia commissioned a master plan to redevelop roughly 25 city blocks surrounding its Hedley Park Place and Flanigan Square properties. Plans for “The Hedley District” include dozens of new office and condominium buildings, a seven-story hotel and a riverside promenade.

“Our goal is to help make Troy a place where you can truly live, work and play,” Harris said.

ABOUT FIRST COLUMBIA

First Columbia is a diversified real estate/investment organization committed to planning, developing, and operating high quality facilities. Its projects include corporate buildings, office campuses, medical complexes, senior housing, retail, and high-tech facilities.

For high-resolution photography, architectural renderings and design plans, visit: http://DuncanCrary.com/clients/FirstColumbia

For information, contact: Victoria Harris, marketing director First Columbia at (518) 213-1009 or vharris@firstcolumbia.com

###

Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

Silent Auction Features Works by Peter “The Carpenter of Troy”

End Date Jan 25, During Troy Night Out

TROY N.Y. (Jan. 14, 2013) — Peter Albrecht, 59, is known in Troy as Peter The Carpenter. This is partially because people in town have the anachronistic tendency to call folks by their first name and their trade. It’s also because there are a lot of city denizens with the same first name (esp. Peter, Nick, Tom and Dave).

But mostly it’s because Albrecht is the carpenter who built many of the “third places” in Troy, where residents and visitors relax and come alive when they are not at work and not at home.

Bacchus Wood Fired Pizza, Ryan’s Wake Public House, Daisy Baker’s, Jose Malones, Bootlegger’s on Broadway and Brown’s Brewing Co. are all places enhanced by Albrecht’s artistry.

“If you’re a Trojan, then chances are you’ve met Peter,” said Troy-based author Duncan Crary. “He’s a charismatic character, a philosopher, dreamer and storyteller who enlivens the room — whether he’s in it, or whether he built it. He enriches our lives here in town.”

Last week, Albrecht shared a taste of his charisma and rich worldview on the second episode of Crary’s new podcast series, “A Small American City.”

Now Capital Region art patrons can own some of Albrecht’s made-in-Troy personality by purchasing his one-of-a-kind works of art.

From now until Jan. 25, the featured Works of Peter Albrecht will be on silent auction at Artcentric Gallery, at 266 River Street, in downtown Troy, NY (across from the Arts Center for the Capital Region). Phone: 518-272-4278 | Web: http://artcentricgallery.com

The items include:

HOPE CHEST
Tiger maple and figured mahogany
Ideal for storing blankets.
Starting bid $500 *

PIRATE CHEST I
Tiger maple and figured mahogany
Starting bid $400 *

PIRATE CHEST II
Black walnut and Australian lacewood
Starting bid $400 *

TABLE
Butternut and cherry
Starting bid $400 *

*$25 minimum bid increment

Top bid amounts will be posted nightly online at http://asmallamericancity.com/Auction

Those who are interested can also make a contribution in any amount to help kickstart Peter’s latest artistic endeavor, “The Caduceus Project.” Contributions are accepted at the curator’s desk.

PUBLICITY PHOTOS

For professional, high resolution photos of Peter Albrecht’s chests and table for auction, visit:

http://duncancrary.com/clients/SilentAuction.html

MEDIA CONTACT:

Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

###

Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

League of Extraordinary Red Heads Forms in Troy, NY, Jan 30

Group orchestrating social “ginger” flash mobs.

TROY, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2013) — The League of Extraordinary Red Heads is hosting its first biannual meeting in a Troy bar on the last Wednesday of this month.

“Carrot tops, orangies, strawberry blondes, auburn-types, distinguished white heads … all gingers are welcome in the League of Extraordinary Red Heads,” said founder Duncan Crary, 34.

On Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Crary will host a gathering of the fair-haired at Bootlegger’s on Broadway in downtown Troy (200 Broadway). The evening will feature drink specials and free pub snacks for red heads, and a brief discussion of “official” League business. Kenneth “Kenny Red” DuBois, of Bootleggers, will be tending bar. The event is for ages 21 and over. There is no admission fee.

“Our formal agenda is concise: 1) Us. 2) Them,” said Crary, who jokingly refers to the non-red-haired population as The 98 Percent. “Basically it’s just going to be a bunch of red heads in the same place, all drinking and yawping at happy hour.”

Though the League is one of the most exclusive – only one to two percent of the world has red hair – the meeting will be held in the main barroom, where all shades of hair color are welcome to join in the fun and observe the spectacle of the “Red Tide.”

“But these gingers kick back,” Crary warned, in tongue-in-cheek reference to the recent South Park-inspired school bully practice of kicking red-haired children (and also in reference to stereotypes, which may or may not be true, about the propensity of the red-haired types to imbibe). “So keep your feet on the floor.”

Though Crary expects the League will quickly sprout chapters around the world, the Troy-based author believes his hometown is the right place for the movement to be headquartered.

“We’re crawling with gingers here in the Collar City,” he said. “And contrary to urban legend and pseudo science, we are definitely not going extinct. Though I don’t say that to discourage those who wish to further propagate our species.”

In addition to bi-annual meetings of the League, Crary plans to orchestrate semi-surprise congregations of red heads at various locations throughout the year. He calls these gatherings “Red Tides,” and likens them to flash mobs without the choreographed dancing.

“Not since age of the Vikings have roving bands of red heads posed more of a threat to world order,” Crary joked. “But we’ll gladly forgo sacking cities for drink specials and free pub grub.”

The true purpose of the League, Crary says, is just for people to have a little fun with being a little different from the norm. Not everyone will get the joke, he said, but it’s all in good fun.

“Because we always stand out, red heads can never hide in a crowd or at the back of the classroom,” Crary said. “So we learn to have fun under scrutiny. Some people call that being ‘fiery,’ and we do tend to be an excitable bunch. But that’s also the reason why so many prominent figures in history have had crimson locks.”

Crary also notes that the League of Extraordinary Red Heads is not to be confused with the Red-Headed League of Sherlock Holmes fame. “We’re far more extraordinary than those gingers.”

ON FACEBOOK

Find the League at https://www.facebook.com/LeagueOfExtraordinaryRedheads

PUBLICITY IMAGES/PHOTO OP

High resolution publicity images can be downloaded at http://duncancrary.com/RedHeads/

Photo ops with red heads for preview media coverage can be arranged.

CONTACT:

Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

###

Contact Duncan Crary 518-274-2723

New Podcast Brings Troy to the World

“A Small American City” by author Duncan Crary

TROY, N.Y. (Jan. 8, 2013)– A new podcast series is bringing the voices, stories, history and urban fabric of Troy, New York to a global audience. “A Small American City,” hosted and produced by author Duncan Crary, 34, aims to re-acquaint listeners with the joys, benefits and daily rhythms of small city living.

“A lot of Americans only think of giant metropolitan areas like New York as ‘The City.’ But our smaller cities were once very vibrant urban centers, built at a rewarding human scale, and I believe they will be that way again as events unfold,” Crary said. “It’s not just the number of people or the concentration of buildings that make a city. It’s also the quality of characters that enliven the place.”

In recent years, Troy has been gradually coming back to life as new business owners and residents “re-discover” and “re-colonize” the former industrial city on the Hudson River, Crary says. Rising fuel prices and a faltering economy are contributing to a new shift toward urban living, but Crary also notes that many younger Americans are rejecting the suburban values of previous generations in favor of small city life. In many ways, he sees his adopted city of Troy as a universal stand-in for all small American cities. But Troy also has qualities that make it uniquely poised for success according to Crary, and he intends to explore that theme through his show.

“A Small American City,” is the third podcast series Crary has launched in eight years. His previous two series — featuring his face-to-face interviews with Sir Salman Rushdie, E.O. Wilson, Christopher Hitchens and other notable thinkers — attracted more than 10,000 regular weekly listeners around the world. Already with more than 3,000 Nielson-verified listens in its first 10 days, Crary expects the same reach for his latest offering.

This August, after four years and more than 200 episodes, Crary stepped back from producing and hosting a popular weekly podcast series “The KunstlerCast,” featuring his conversations with social critic James Howard Kunstler, author of “The Geography of Nowhere” and “The Long Emergency.” Crary and Kunstler often used the urban fabric of Troy to observe and comment on the urban design topics of their podcast discussions. In Nov. 2011, Crary authored a book based on that series, “The KunstlerCast: Conversations with James Howard Kunstler…the tragic comedy of suburban sprawl,” (New Society Publishers).

“Although we would benefit from more people relocating to Troy, the purpose of the podcast is not necessarily to entice listeners to move here,” Crary said. “We’ve got a pretty charming scene going on in our small city, in spite of our struggles, and I want other people in other small cities to be inspired to foster a similar sprit where they are.”

Already, Crary has heard from fans across the country and from as far away as New Zealand, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates and Sweden.

“A Small American City” features spoken-word essays and conversations with a cast of characters who bring Troy to life. The first three episodes feature guests James Howard Kunstler, novelist/attorney Jack Casey and Peter Albrecht, a carpenter who built many of the barrooms of Troy where people come to life after work and before heading home. Future episodes will feature the tug boat sailors of Troy, a family raising children downtown, and the creators of the “Enjoy Troy!” meme.

“The conversations on this show have an intimate feel to them because I know the guests, intimately,” Crary said. “That’s intentional. I want listeners to feel like welcome eavesdroppers, which is how I felt when I first arrived in Troy ten years ago.”

As with The KunstlerCast, Crary plans to sell advertisements and underwriting spots once the audience reaches a critical mass. Listeners may also donate to support the program. In the future, he also plans to host on-stage live audience events featuring interviews with new and previous guests.

HOW TO LISTEN

To listen to “A Small American City,” visit: http://asmallamericancity.com or use the listen app on http://facebook.com/asmallamericancity. Subscribe to the program for free in the iTunes store.

PRAISE FOR CRARY’S PREVIOUS PODCASTS

“Duncan Crary wrangles these free-wheeling conversations masterfully,” — Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of “Freakonomics” and “SuperFreakonomics.”

“…some of the smartest, most honest urban commentary around — online or off.” — Michele Wilson, “Columbia Journalism Review.”

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For high resolution publicity images, visit: http://DuncanCrary.com/SAC

CONTACT:

Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

###

Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

Former NYS Parliamentarian Cries Fowl on Senate Coalition

Author Jack Casey Says State Politicians Putting Personal Power Before Public Good

TROY, NY (Dec. 12, 2012) — When Troy attorney Jack Casey published his satirical political novel “A Parliament of Fowls” (StoneGate Ink, Sept. 2012), he hoped that statehouse shenanigans described in the book would never repeat themselves.

“It’s déjà vu all over again,” Casey said of the recent formation of a “bipartisan governing coalition” in the New York State Senate. Under the power-sharing plan, a block of five swing vote Democrat senators will prevent their own party from taking control in spite of the Democrats appearing to have won the majority during the recent election.

“This is nearly the same thing that happened during the 2009 New York State Senate ‘coup’, except it’s not done secretly and it’s happening at the beginning at the session,” Casey said. “Looks like budget negotiations will now be conducted by ‘Four Men In A Room.’”

As a real-life participant, Casey knows first-hand about the 2009 senate “coup,” which was the inspiration for his latest novel. The former senate parliamentarian (1996-2008, 2011-2012), was tapped in June ’09 to write the parliamentary script to return majority control to the Republican party as two Democrat senators switched party allegiance.

Eventually, the “coup,” as it was called, effectively shut down state government with an unbreakable 31-31 tie between Democrats and Republican senators after one of the swing Democrats returned to his party.

The correction — creating a 63rd seat so there never will be a tie — apparently hasn’t worked, Casey noted, because party affiliates will still switch sides. While today’s “bipartisan” coalition might not paralyze state government, it does subvert the political process by placing an undue power into the hands of very few, Casey observed.

Customarily, there are two parties in the legislative bodies of New York, and whichever party is in the majority controls the house. But under the newly formed senate coalition, five maverick Dems have agreed to align with the GOP in exchange for a hefty share of power. Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos, (R-Long Island), has agreed to share authority over the chamber with Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx), leader of the five maverick Dems. Klein, who represents 5 senators, will have co-equal status with Senator Skelos (who represents 31, or possibly 32, senators) because he holds sway with the swing votes of four other members.

“Here you have five minor characters with a tremendous amount of influence on the destiny of New York, simply because they’re willing to broker their votes for power,” Casey said. “Legislative politics is all about compromise, but these five disgruntled Democrats who can’t get along with their own party will wield disproportionate power by siding with the ‘enemy.’”

Because of the breakdown of votes by party line, this block of five swing voters will determine which legislation gets reported to the chamber and passed by the body, Casey explained. If the coalition votes with the Democrats, then the Democrats will pass their legislation. If they go with Republicans, then the Republicans pass their bills, he said.

Ultimately, Casey says the maverick Dems will be accountable to the people who voted them into office. But they’re in office now, and he wonders how solid their commitment to Republican values will be — especially on contentious issues like minimum wage, abortion, tuition payments to illegal immigrants and women’s rights. If their commitment to Republican values is total, Casey wonders why they don’t just switch their enrollment and become Republicans.

“In my novel, I used the term ‘Wildcard.’ These five Dems want to be the wildcard in the poker hand,” Casey said. “They’re neither fish nor fowl. They want to be all things to all people.”

“When public officials concentrate more on their own power and aggrandizement than on the public good, they’re not fulfilling their oaths of office,” Casey said. “And that’s how the august New York State Senate, long known for its decorum and debate, degenerated into a parliament of squawking fowls in ’09 and it looks like we’re in for Round 2.”

“A Parliament of Fowls” is available in paperback through independent booksellers and online at Amazon. It is also available as an ebook on Kindle, Nook and other e-readers.

For information, visit: http://JackCasey.com

To request a review copy of “Parliament” or schedule an interview with Jack Casey, contact Duncan Crary at 518-274-2723

Publicity images: http://DuncanCrary.com/clients/JackCasey

###

Contact: Caitlin Casey, 518-573-9058 (media only)

“Date Auction” Puts Albany Rugby Players On the Block – Dec. 20

Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club Raising Funds to Support D1 Classification

TROY, NY (11/27/12) — This December, the Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club will be auctioning dates with 30 of their hottest players. The auction will raise funds to help with the added expenses of competing in their club, including their recently achieved Women’s Division I status.

“D1 teams are usually only in bigger cities like New York or Boston,” said Director of Club Fundraising Caitlin Casey, 28, of Troy. “We’re putting Albany on the map because we’re doing so well.”

But success comes with a price. Casey says her club’s new level of professionalism requires them to travel farther afield to compete. “Before, our women used to travel to New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine to compete,” she said. “Now we’re going to places like Atlanta. Everything is more expensive — the travel, the union dues and equipment. A lot of our players are young professionals and college students, but they’re all dedicated athletes.”

Established in 1973, “The Knicks” are governed by the New England Rugby Union and USA Rugby. Currently, the club is comprised of a Men’s Division II (ages 18- 34), an active Old Boys’ side (ages 35 and up) and a Women’s Division I side (age 18 and up). In 2010, the women won the Division II National Championship Title and have since moved up to play competitively in Division I.

THE AUCTION

What: Date Auction with Albany Rugby Players (men and women)
Where: Brown’s Revolution Hall, Troy
When: Dec. 20, 2012, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $5 Entry, Cash Bar
Ages: 21 and up

The Auction is just one of many ways the club will be reaching out to the community for support. But while their goal may be serious, Ruggers are notorious for having a good time and this auction promises to be a wild night of fun.

Dates with 10 women’s players, 15 men, and 5 “Old Boys” will be on the auction block. Each player comes with a gift certificate-for-two from a local business, including dining, pottery classes and kayak rentals — all great to use for a date, Casey pointed out.

Some high bidders may just be interested in the gift certificate, said Auction Master of Ceremonies Erin Putnam, 28, of Troy. But they may find the rugger of their dreams.

“It’s better than finding dates of Craigslist,” Putnam said of the date auction, noting that Pure Elements of Western Ave. in Albany is donating makeovers for all female players and Men’s Wearhouse will be donating the evening’s attire for the men. “You’re gonna like they way they look.”

Sponsors include: Brown’s Brewing Co.; Men’s Wearhouse; Pure Elements; and DJ Jared Kingsley, who will be spinning the best beats of the 1980s, 90s and today during the evening. The auction costs $5 to enter for ages 21 and up. There will be a cash bar.

RUGBY MANIA COMING TO U.S.

Now that Rugby has been approved as an Olympic Sport for 2016 Casey expects a lot more enthusiasm for the game in the U.S.

“Everybody is going to want to play,” she said. “We’re one of the most successful rugby clubs in the Northeast. We are the Albany area club. And we need the community’s support to keep it up.”

PUBLICITY IMAGES

To download a high resolution publicity poster and images of select players, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/AlbanyKnicks.html

For information, visit: http://www.albanyknicks.org

Contact: Caitlin Casey, 518-573-9058 (media only)

###