The opening of the 2010 New York State Fair last Thursday was highlighted by several major structural improvements, talented animals, changes along Restaurant Row, increased availability of New York wines and the last visit as governor of David Paterson.

Two years after being hauled off the State Fairgrounds for trespass during a political protest, Syracuse activist Ed Kinane is back, this time as part of a tableau depicting his opposition to the military’s predator drone aircraft. The seven-person scene, organized and staffed by members of the Syracuse Peace Council, sets up each evening outside the main gate of the fair at about 5:30 p.m., in an area designated by fair officials for protest activities.

Walking to the main gate from the media parking lot on Thursday, Aug. 26, the opening day of the New York State Fair, this reporter asked 10 random people: “Do you know what New York state politician will be touring the fairgrounds today?” Nine times, the answer was no. Why, it was only David Paterson, the governor of New York state, who showed up about a half-hour late for his scheduled 10 a.m. speech in front of the New York State Marketplace.

We’ve all had exorbitant get-rich-quick ideas come to mind, but they usually pass just as quickly when common sense takes over. Not in the case of Brigid Corcoran, that is, a 31-year-old cancer “survivor.” The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department arrested Corcoran on Aug. 20.

The Syracuse City Board of Zoning Appeals rejected a request for a zoning variance for 2220 E. Genesee St. sought on behalf of the Syracuse Real Food Cooperative—which was interested in buying the property—on Aug. 19. But administrators for the organization said they are undeterred in their efforts to find a new home for the co-op grocery, and remain hopeful that their ambitious plans for expansion will eventually move forward.

The case of an infamous rapist in DeWitt is the subject of a new book by the lawyer who represented John T. Jamelske’s last victim. According to author Charles A. Bonner, The Bracelet (Verily Publishing Company, Sausalito, Calif.; 261 pages; $9.99/softcover) is his effort to bring about a “paradigm shift” in the way society treats women and children.