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Jul
27

Downtown Saturday night


Posted by dreynolds | 07/27/08

Sometimes it seems like "the thing to do" to complain about living in Syracuse. You've heard the negative cracks - the city is dying, there's nothing to do, and on and on the naysayers go. But all too often, when you ask these people what exactly it is they're looking for, they can't really come up with much in the way of improvement.

Sure, we'd all like to see a stronger economy, more jobs, and a retention of younger people in the area. But I'm still a fan of this city and try to take advantage of the abundance of special events available, especially in the summer.

Case in point. This weekend I went down to Jazz in the Square to catch the live music Saturday night...


CATEGORY: Culture

TAGS: downtown syracuse, jazz in the square, music, entertainment



Jul
04

How about a four-day work week?


Posted by dreynolds | 07/04/08

The state of Utah has just implemented a four-day work week for its employees. The order was issued by Governor Jon Huntsman and will affect 17,000 of the state’s 24,000 workers. This move will close non-essential government offices on Fridays, saving not only employees’ gas money, but also on utilities for the buildings. Employees will work ten hours Monday through Thursday.

Other states and municipalities are also considering this move in light of increasing gas prices and other escalating energy costs. It’s only a matter of time before local companies begin offering this option to cash-strapped employees, especially those with long commutes...


CATEGORY: News & Media

TAGS: gas prices, driving, four-day work week



May
18

Rethinking my driving habits


Posted by dreynolds | 05/18/08

In May 2005, I traded in my 1999 New Beetle for a brand new Ford Escape. I loved the VW, but had been having problems with it – specifically, the Check Engine light was on constantly and after spending hundreds of dollars to diagnose the root of the problem, it could not be resolved. New York State had just passed a law that would require licensed inspection shops to fail any vehicle that presented with the Check Engine light on, and my car was way overdue. I didn’t feel that I had any other choice, and reluctantly traded up to a larger vehicle.

I love the Escape. It’s big enough to serve as a work horse but isn’t too cumbersome in terms of handling. I noticed the difference in gas mileage right away, but with prices around $2.00 a gallon, it didn’t have a huge impact...


CATEGORY: General Society

TAGS: gas prices, driving



Apr
28

Welcome to my world!


Posted by dreynolds | 04/28/08

I'm tired of people bashing Syracuse! There, I've said it. And no, I'm not some Pollyanna who doesn't see the problems in our city. You've got to be blind not to notice the increase in crime, vacant houses, exodus of jobs, etc. But Syracuse has so much potential and I'm convinced that, with a little help from our friends in Albany and some innovative thinking from city government, this area can come back strong.



Here's what I love about living in Syracuse:



  • I can get to work in ten minutes or less, pretty much year round! My "commute" isn't stressful and I'm able to run home at lunchtime to check to mail, let the dogs out, or whatever

  • Great shopping...


CATEGORY: General Society

TAGS: syracuse, city life




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Notes from the North Side

Donna Reynolds is a freelance writer based in Syracuse. She has been covering the CNY entertainment scene for the past six years and has also become somewhat of an authority on all things "Idol!" She is a contributing writer to Empire Monthly magazine, focusing on business in the Southern Tier and Western New York, and has written articles for numerous print publications and Web sites. Donna is currently employed as a technical writer for a large CNY firm. Born and raised in New England, Donna has lived in Syracuse most of her adult life. She's convinced that this is a great place to live and hopes to share her positive experiences in this blog.

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