*Gov. David Paterson's show of strength the last couple of months is a great advertisement for term limits. Paterson isn't a candidate for election to a full term (not because of term limits, which don't exist here, but a poor performance early in his tenure, which led to horrible poll numbers and his decision not to run). As a result, the governor has been holding the Legislature's feet to the fire during the protracted and contentious budget talks. And he's been doing what most legislators who face re-election are afraid to do: alienate special interests who don't want their sacred cows trimmed.

*The U.S. is out of the World Cup, which means interest in soccer in this country will diminish until the next World Cup, just as interest falls in between Olympic games in what Americans consider to be other minor sports - like skiing, figure skating, to name a couple. Big TV ratings and widespread water cooler talk about soccer have less to do with the game and more to do with waving the flag.

*Finally caught up to the docoumentary film "Smash His Camera" by Woodstock's Academy Award-winning director Leon Gast. It's a wonderful look at the king of the paparazzi Ron Galella. Check it out on HBO (next airing on July 14).

*Sorry to learn of the passing of one of Kingston's true characters, John Mazzuca. I best knew John - at least prior to his sandwich-making days at the old "Mr. Broadway" - as the color man for Kingston High School and Ulster County Community College basketball games on WKNY radio in the 1970s. John drove referees wild, criticizing them in ways print reporters wouldn't even attempt. He was less an announcer as he was a fan. I could be wrong, but I believe it was John who coined the name "U-Tri-C". He was an original. My condolences to his family and friends.