State of the State

Heading to the state capitol on State of the State address day is fun. I have been going there to represent Time Warner Cable and YNN for several years now. This appearance is an opportunity to introduce myself to all the new and returning lawmakers and a chance to represent the company on this important day where everyone is all in one building.

Right when you walk in- the first thing you see is a long line of tables with farmers displaying and selling their products. There are so many people in one place and at some tables the sales can be brisk. The bigger goal of this- is for farmers to let lawmakers know their concerns and to have their voices heard. It doesn't hurt that they get to sell all their delicious, fresh foods!

Time Warner sets up a set and allows freshman legislators and some longstanding lawmakers who come back year after year- the opportunity to come in and be interviewed. This year we had Brian Unger from the A&E show "How the States Got Their Shape" do the interviews. He was asking the lawmakers all kinds of questions.

When he wasn't chatting up lawmakers we had a chance to chat. I asked him if he's been to all of our states and he said no. It's expensive to travel to the only two states he hasn't been to- Alaska and Hawaii. It was fun to share with him my knowledge of those two states. I have vacationed in Hawaii and lived in Alaska for 9 years.

It's always inspiring to me to see democracy in action. Protesters always make their way out to the capitol to send their message about the topic they are passionate about. The last two years have proven to be exciting to watch the hydrofracking protesters.

For those of you who don't know Hydraulic Fracturing is the process of drilling deep down into the earth and releasing petroleum or natural gas. Some say it will bring millions of dollars in revenue to the cash strapped state (it has for others that do it) others say that it is a health concern (which people have claimed in those other states that do it).

It is controversial and opponents are very vocal. They wear costumes, gas masks, hold posters and chant chants. As fate would have it my phone died right after I got this one picture of the protesters.

Do they make a difference? I'm not so sure. They are in a very visible place- cordoned off right in the walkway- but the people walking by walk briskly and a lot of them avoid eye contact. No matter where you fall along the lines of the debate- you have to hope at least they are being heard.

This year the governor outlined his priorities- casino gambling, gun control and women's equality are among them. Today on the station in Albany we asked viewers if they were satisfied with the governor's address and a whopping 75% of people said yes, 25% said no. Will he be as successful this year? Time will tell.

Bowling Against Bullies- Video Montage

Remember when I told you about participating in the Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars event? Well, Anthony's dad sent me a link to the video montage he created to celebrate the event and I thought I would share it with you. It  was truly a heart warming event to participate in and I was honored to be there and help make a difference. Watching this video warmed my heart all over again!

"Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars"

Bullies stink. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. They can be child bullies, and yes, trust me, there are adult bullies too- I've seen them.  They prey on people they perceive to be weak. But what if they aren't weak? What if they just haven't found their voice? What if they choose to not say anything because the bully isn't worth it? What if they are weak- and just need a little help standing up for themselves?

Well, today 13-year-old  Anthony Gargiula stood up for those people and himself.  You see- he's been bullied. Instead of me telling you why- listen to him tell his story:

Anthony created "Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars" and hopes to bring events like this to many more locations. The money raised will help him spread the message of tolerance and acceptance. Spare Time on Route 9 in Clifton Park was the place to be. It was filled with local Singers, News Anchors, Radio DJs, Basketball players and even Former Albany County Executive Mike Breslin Came out.

People paid $15 to bowl, eat pizza and soda and enjoy a concert by Anthony and the AG dance crew. Everyone who attended said it was a huge success and they enjoyed the positive atmosphere.

I first saw Anthony perform a couple years ago at the state's MLK Celebration in which I co-emcee. He sang a Stevie Wonder song. As soon as he began to sing I thought WOW- this guy has a bright future. After meeting him at this event I know he has a bright future. Not only is he talented. He also has a wonderful personality and a true heart of gold. If you'd like to learn more about Bowling Against Bullies you can see the Facebook Page. Donations can be made to "Bowling Against Bullies" at the Glenmont Pioneer Bank. You can learn more about Anthony by going to his Facebook Page or Twitter.

I was honored to take part in this event and told Anthony to count on my support in the future. Below is a small video clip of him singing at his concert at the event. He had the crowd going!