Here are a couple news items from the past week or so:

• There's an interesting guest editorial in the Troy Record about the New York State Liquor Authority and how long delays in licensing approvals are hurting new businesses. I know several people who are playing this waiting game right now, and it's beyond frustrating. Some of them have lost a lot of money as they wait and wait. Apparently, it's much easier to get through the Federal licensing process.
• Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, up in the Niagara Escarpment, just received an 86-point score from the Wine Spectator (actually James Molesworth) for it's 2006 Chardonnay. Personally, I thought it was over-oaked, but owner/winemaker Duncan Ross is someone worth watching in that region.