Notes from around town

 Don't be surprised here in the 518 if Scott Adams' Dilbert suddenly stops appearing in local newspapers like the Albany Times-Union. Seems Adams went on his podcast the other day, and declared that he wanted nothing further to do with African-Americans.

I'm also finding out for the first time that Adams is even more of an idiot for supporting former president Donald Trump.

Realistically, his strip has recycled the same gags over and over the last several years. A TV adaptation lasted one season on UPN (1999). 

All this says is that casting your lot with America's Oldest Baby kills your reputation. 

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You might've noticed that as WROW has adopted "Good times, great oldies" as its new slogan (previously used at WTRY), they waved good-bye to traffic reporter Monica Velez, whose last day was February 1. Monica had developed a good rapport and chemistry with morning host Ben Patten after being elevated to co-host following the retirement of Jay Scott in 2020.

However, Velez's departure has been kept quiet in the press. Albany Street host Brian Cady filled in on traffic reports from February 2-6 until ALT 104.9's Flounder returned from hiatus to handle traffic both in morning and afternoon drive. Monica had held down a 2nd job in a different line of work, which would explain the lack of press coverage.

WROW has also scaled back news segments from CBS Radio, and discontinued CBS Rewind in an effort to pack more music per hour, with only 2 commercial blocks per hour. Have to believe ratings are a big reason.

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Apparently, there's been a rash of shopliftings at CVS' downtown Troy location of late, such that they began hiring security guards for the first time since the 80's. This began in December, as the store was undergoing extensive renovations, which finally ended earlier this month. CVS had previously closed off the entrance inside the Uncle Sam Atrium at the behest of mall owner David Bryce, so this is the other shoe dropping. Selected items, such as razor blades and laundry detergent, are being kept under lock and key. The blades have been kept locked up for a long while now, anyway, but it seems that the detergents were targeted because of their being priced at $10 or better, and certain people can't afford those prices when they need the detergent.

Similarly, Walmart on Hoosick Road also locks up certain brands of razor blades and shaving cream, as well as baby formula, and this has been a thing since the pandemic. Walmart began locking up the blades & shaving cream last year.