Free Filing

Onondaga County libraries and AARP have partnered to provide free tax help for those who have yet to file for tonight's midnight deadline. The libraries have served as a host site where volunteers, trained by AARP, can assist people with their taxes and help them file online. The library is in charge of organizing the appointments for those who wish to take advantage of the service.

However, with the deadline quickly approaching, many of the sites have already filled their appointments. While their is usually an increase in calls during the last few days of the tax season, this year has seen an even greater increase due to the income tax stimulus program. The program requires that people file their taxes in order to be eligible to receive money provided by the program.

If you have not yet filed your taxes you can apply for an extension through the IRS, however, if you owe money, you will still have to pay. Those that are filing only for the stimulus program still have some time to file, so the libraries will be continuing their program through the end of the month. For more information you can visit their website by clicking here.

More Green For State Parks

People were out enjoying the sunshine at Fayetteville's Green Lakes State park today, and there could be more to enjoy at all New York State Parks. Governor Patterson said this year's state budget will include a record $95 million for state parks.

Many Central New Yorkers have their own ideas of how they would liked to see the money used at Green Lakes. From using the money to keep the pathways clean to putting more fish in the lake it seemed that there was no consensus among those who visited the park today.

Green Lakes is part of the Central region of State Parks, but Regional Coordinator Jean Egenhofer was unavailable to comment on what plans for the money might already be in the works. Central New York will also benefit from money that will be designated to improving the State Fairgrounds.

For more information about State Parks click here.

Rights on Flights

If you ever find yourself stuck in an airplane on the runway for more than 3 hours you might be able to stand up for your rights: literally.  Sen. Chuck Schumer is attempting to push for legislation that would provide the nation's first passenger bill of rights.  If passed, airlines would have to provide food, water, and bathroom access for passengers stranded on the runway for up to 3 hours.  After 3 hours passengers would be allowed to de-plane.

At Syracuse Hancock International Airport such an event is not very common.  Syracuse Dept. of Aviation Spokesperson Christina Reale says she can only remember one time when an airline was forced to deplane passengers due to a mechanical problem.

The Syracuse Dept. of Aviation says the 3 most common causes of delays are weather and congestion at other airports, required rest periods for the flight crew, and mechanical repairs.  Airlines could soon be held responsible for the comfort of the passengers no matter what the cause of the delay and air travelers say it is only fair.

"It can get very hot and make you feel trapped if you are stuck on the runway for a long time" says air passenger Xavier Aguirre.

The bill could be especially helpful in New York City where they are currently experiencing the countries worst flight delays. 

(Pod)Casting A New Light On Education

iTunes has partnered with universities and colleges throughout the country to make higher learning accessible to everyone.  People can download lectures from schools throughout the country and view them on their computer or iPod.  There are currently more than 40 schools participating in the program, with one school in Central New York.  Broome Community College currently offers downloadable lectures in science, math, and english.  

While Syracuse University is not one of the schools currently participating in the program, both professors and students think there are benefits to using the iPod and iTunes as an educational tool.

Bill Gibbons, Professor of Information Studies, says podcasting lectures could help professors draw on more resources for teaching.  "I think the professors could use it to supplement their classroom material and take advantage of on-site lecturing through video" says Gibbons.

And SU student Mark Geyer thinks the online classes could help him satisfy his intellectual curiosity.  "If they're offering free lectures online I can get a taste of what I am interested in" says Geyer.

The ability to pursue individual interests could spark the interest of adults at home, which might bring them back to the universities.

To find out more about iTunes U click here and visit the website.

Economic Decline Hits Home in Central New York

While the value of the dollar reached an all time low and the stock market began the day down 200 points Central New Yorkers found it tough to pay for their necessities.  According to consumer reports, a gallon of milk averaged around $2.33 and gas prices rose as high as $3.49, causing residents to find their wallets a little lighter.  

 

Some experts, however, believe it is still too early to panic.  According to Don Dutkowsky, Professor of Economics at the Maxwell School, the dip in the market is part of a pattern that should be expected.  Dutkowsky says he would not be surprised if the market still came out ahead at the end of the year.  Right now, it seems that other countries are wasting no time in taking advantage of the shrinking US dollar as many tourists from Europe and Canada are spending their money across the nation.

 

In the meantime, Central New Yorkers are being advised to avoid overextending themselves and, for those that do invest in the market, make sure they have a diverse portfolio.

 

Today's low stock market opening can be attributed to JPMorgan's buyout of investment bank Bear Stearn, which added to concerns about the state of credit in the US.  The dollar continued its decline due to low interest rates that make the dollar less appealing as an investment for the future.

Click here for information about what other economic influences might have an impact on the dollar in the near future.  

Syracuse Club Hockey Looks Forward To D-I Team

Syracuse University will welcome a Division-I hockey team beginning in October. In the mean time, the women's club team calls the rink at Tennity Pavilion home. Before their final game of the season, many of the athletes made it clear just how much they are looking forward to welcoming the D-I team to Syracuse. Current club team member Alison Lee looks forward to the competition the D-I team will bring to the club team.

"I believe that it will bring higher quality players to the club team" said Lee before the teams last game of the season.

And other members, like Sophie Pitt, cannot wait for the opportunity to play Division I hockey.

"D-I [...] we'll give them a run for their money" said Pitt.

Syracuse University hosted the Northeast Women's Hockey Association Spring Tournament which included teams from Rochester, Potsdam, Brockport, and Niagara. The University made room for the Division I team by cutting the swimming and diving programs. University Athletic Director Daryl Gross plans to name a coach after the Frozen Four at the end of the month.

For more information on Syracuse University's Club team you can visit their website @ www.suhockey.com/women For more information on the Division I team you can visit the team website @ carrierdome.syr.edu/index.asp?path=wice

Goalie Alison Lee (left) keeps her eyes on the action.