Why Democrats’ New York gerrymander won’t be as aggressive as the GOP’s efforts – POLITICO
Camping, kayaking and finding fortunate at Good Luck Lake
Head north on NY Route 10 from Caroga Lake (about 10.6 miles) or south from the junction of NY 8 in Piseco (about 11.6 miles). Keep a sharp eye out for a marked pull-off on the east side of the road; the trailhead itself is directly across on the west side. The sign for the Dexter Lake Trail is often the primary marker—once you cross the road, follow the register and look for the spur leading toward Good Luck Lake.
Paddling the West Branch Sacandaga
For those bringing a boat, the West Branch Sacandaga River provides a winding, scenic approach to the lake. Launching from the bridge on Route 10 allows you to paddle upstream through gentle, snaking waters.
- The Wildcard: Depending on recent rainfall and beaver activity, you’re likely to encounter beaver dams and other “strainers” (fallen logs) along the way.
- Preparation: Be ready for occasional short portages. The reward is a tranquil entry into the shallow, calm waters of Good Luck Lake, which rarely sees heavy wave action even on windy days.
Camping & Hiking: From the Shore to the Cliffs
The lake features approximately 12 primitive, first-come, first-served campsites scattered along its northern and eastern shores. These designated sites are accessible via a short hike (about 0.4 to 0.5 miles) from the road.
If you’re staying at the lake, the Good Luck Cliffs are a mandatory side trip. The trail begins with a gentle walk along the lake before transitioning into a steep, 650-foot ascent over boulders and glacial erratics. From the top, you’ll find an expansive ledge with stunning views of Spectacle Lake and the rolling southern Adirondack hills—the perfect spot to see if your luck holds for a clear sunset.
Nickled and Dimed 🪙
The expenses that I dread and absolutely hate paying the most are the little things. Like paying the full $2 to ride the Bus Plus downtown because my cellphone wasn’t working on the day I dropped the SuperDuty off to get the bedliner put in.
Another 70¢ isn’t going to put me in the poorhouse forever, I make good money, but I was still pretty upset about it on the day that I spent $621 to have them spray my truck bed with some plastic, covering the gooseneck bolts, for a better camping experience. But I didn’t complain about that.
Or today, I was annoyed how much the price of cookies went up when I purchased them for the team. $10 fucking bucks for two boxes of bakery cookies, each box only had 6 admitly delicious and well liked cookies in it. Made me team happy but I cringed about the expense, even though I make that amount more then 10,000 times each year.
Then the quick link broke off my bike, leaving me stranded, and having to take the Bus Plus to work form Rail Trail, and then take it back downtown and then local bus home. There goes another $3.90. Assuming I can’t build a chain out of parts I have – or another old quicklink I have around – I’ll go to bike store and get one for $5 or $10. Another expense. As I look my $60,000 SuperDuty truck, which I don’t regret buying that much despite the high cost of gas.
I was thinking how I am thinking of scaling back my summer vacation and doing future trips, with the high gas prices after buying a SuperDuty. But then I realize the SuperDuty gets about the same gas milage as my lifted truck, but with many more creature comforts. And it rides so nicely on the rural highways and has great features like hill descent and dual alternators and remote start for a ton of camp power. But gas so is expensive, don’t you know. Yet, in context $4.50 a gallon gas is only a $1.50 more then $3 gas, so when I burn through 10 gallons on a 150 mile trip, it’s only going to cost me $15 more. Rather then $30 dollars, it will be $45 dollars. And aren’t I still getting a lot of joy out of the trip? It’s not about commuting. Still the nickel and dims chew at my mind.
These little things annoy me as I feel like Is shouldn’t have to pay them if life only went a little smoother, inflation not so high. The thing I hate about nickles and dimes is they can grow so ordinary, become background noise and add up quickly. Everybody thinks about buying a $60,000 SuperDuty, but not so much about that extra bus fare or that $5 quick link. Yet, it’s so frustrating, to see my future being chewed away bit by bit over little expenses, even if I do make good money and can afford these bull shit expenses.
So having a bad day with the bike! 🚴
Got a flat tire when I stopped at Hannaford had to swap out the rear tire. Not just a puncture hole, the valve stem was damaged. So I put a fresh new tube I had spare in the bike tire. Then when I got to the bottom of the rail trail, passing the Center for Disabilities Services, the chain snapped – the quick link broke apart. Ended up pushing the bike back to the Blue Line Express bus, and was in the office by 9:45 AM, which ain’t bad figuring I was running late already.
Tonight I’ll push the bike up to Broadway, catch the local bus downtown, and then transfer to the local bus out to Delmar. I still should be able to get the 5:45 home, and be home by 6:15. Not much later then if I rode or took the shuttle home. Bummer, hopefully I can just connect another chain link together, still had some slack in the chain using the chain breaker. Only had the chain on for a week, so I must not have gotten the chain link perfect, or maybe the derailleur is off. Might have gotten bent at Partridge Run, and that’s why I’ve been having chain issues.
Worse comes to worse, I’ll get another quick link or possibly a chain on Saturday or Sunday, and hopefully should be back on the road come Sunday or Monday. Wally World has quick links for sale with a chain breaker. Or I could local bike store. Also get two more bike tubes – a new spare to carry on my for emergencies, and one at home as a backup. At least now I have the SuperDuty truck, so I can run to Walmart or if neccessary Steiner Sports, I have options besides Mad Dog Bikes.
Another Good Day on the Markets
The S&P 500 has risen to a new all-time intraday record high, driven by a stronger-than-expected April jobs report and optimism regarding potential peace developments in the Middle East.
The U.S. labor market showed unexpected resilience today, as Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data revealed the addition of 115,000 jobs in April. This figure doubled economist expectations of roughly 55,000 to 65,000, even as the economy navigates the severe energy shocks and geopolitical instability caused by the 2026 Iran war.
Jobs Report Highlights
- Surprise Growth: While hiring slowed from March’s revised 185,000, April’s gains suggest the “hiring recession” of 2025 may be ending.
- Unemployment: The national unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%.
- Sector Gains: Hiring was led by healthcare (+37,000), transportation and warehousing (+30,000), and retail (+22,000).
- Wage Growth: Average hourly earnings grew by 3.6% over the past year. However, with inflation expected to reach 4% due to energy costs, these gains are largely being offset.
Storm clouds overhead … Gas prices and the Iran War
The robust hiring comes despite a massive spike in energy costs. Since the war with Iran began in late February, U.S. gas prices have surged by over 50%.
- At the Pump: The national average for gasoline hit $4.55 per gallon this week, up 25 cents in the last week alone.
- Energy Crisis: Crude oil remains high, priced near $104 per barrel, driven by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This chokepoint, normally responsible for 20% of global oil, has seen commercial traffic collapse from 138 daily transits to just a handful.
- Economic Squeeze: Lower-income households are being hit hardest, now spending roughly 4.2% of their income on gas.
… and the global situation remains uncertain.
The broader geopolitical landscape remains volatile, though there are signs of a tactical pause in hostilities.
- Ceasefire Efforts: President Trump recently paused Project Freedom—the U.S. military operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz—citing “great progress” toward a final agreement with Iran.
- Ongoing Tensions: Despite the pause, Iran has reportedly launched missile and drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the last 48 hours, while Israel has resumed airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.
- Federal Reserve: The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates steady at 3.5%–3.75%, focusing on these mounting inflation risks rather than cutting rates to spur growth.
Why I Call Him “Old Smokey”
In the world of modern trucking, where sleek lines and touchscreens often overshadow utility, my new Super Duty stands out by leaning in. While my previous truck, “Big Red,” wore its identity on its sleeve, this rig carries a more nuanced title: “Old Smokey.” It’s a name rooted in a triple-layered pun—a nod to the forest rangers, a tribute to “old-fashioned” engineering, and a promise of campfire smoke in the wilderness.
The first layer of the name is a play on the truck’s aesthetic. Clad in a utilitarian gray, the rig mirrors the fleet vehicles currently favored by forest rangers. By opting for this color over a custom forest green, I’ve inadvertently adopted the “Smokey Bear” persona. This wasn’t just a stylistic choice; I spec’d this truck to handle the same grueling truck trails those rangers patrol. It is built for the dirt, designed with the capacity and ruggedness required for serious backcountry camping, and intentionally devoid of the chrome and clutter that usually defines a 2026 showroom floor.
Beyond the color, the “Old” in “Old Smokey” refers to a mechanical philosophy that many manufacturers have left behind. In an era of push-button starts and complex software, my truck relies on a physical key—a tactile insurance policy against the frustration of a lost fob in a deep pocket. Under the hood lies the heart of the machine: a reliable, old-fashioned pushrod engine. By eschewing modern complexities like start-stop systems, turbocharging, and cylinder deactivation, I’ve chosen a powertrain that prioritizes longevity and simplicity over digital bells and whistles. It is “old” in spirit, favoring proven grit over bleeding-edge tech.
Finally, the name captures the essence of why I bought a truck in the first place. The smoky gray paint is a prelude to the real smoke I intend to chase. To me, this truck isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a mobile basecamp. “Old Smokey” is where I’ll spend my evenings, perched on the tailgate with a campfire crackling nearby, breathing in the mountain air and the scent of woodsmoke.
While “The Super Duty” has a certain professional ring to it, “Old Smokey” captures the true character of the vehicle. It is a reliable partner for the wilderness—a gray ghost on the trails that values the mechanical honesty of the past while carrying me toward the quiet solitude of the futu