If you ever wondered why “A Christmas Carol” has endured for almost two centuries you should visit an almost secret alleyway in downtown Troy. At The Waiting Room there is a very special presentation of the Charles Dickens’ classic story taking place.

The Grassi Lakes stand about 5,000 feet above the town of Canmore in the Canadian Rockies. Though the region is a popular recreation area for tourists from all over the world, indigenous peoples have lived there for centuries.

Notre Dame is one of those schools that people either love or hate. At least when it comes to sports.

The economy is developing into something called a K-shape, which means, in effect, people at the top, no surprise, have their wages increasing while those at the bottom are showing at least a 1% decrease.

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments about whether the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment means what it says, that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

Albany County is making plans for the former College of Saint Rose campus. Citizens are seeking transparency as the redevelopment project advances.

Now that leaf blowers are being stored for the season, snow blowers are getting cranked up. Though windows will be closed and most of us will be sheltering inside, the pollution caused by gas powered landscaping equipment of all kinds – including snow blowers – was the subject of debate last week.

In theater, the equivalent of the Holy Grail is a Christmas show that can be performed on an annual or near-annual basis. Of course, “ A Christmas Carol” heads the list.

A couple of messages land in my email every morning that are intended to teach me a new word.

Anyone in need of cheer this holiday season will find it at Capital Repertory Theatre. They are offering the charming and clever “Murder for Two: the Holiday Edition,” through December 28th. It’s a guaranteed smile inducer.