Hits & Misses

HIT: To the relative strength of the holiday season so far as reported by retailers in the area.

Operators of stores - both locally and nationally based - have said despite some sour forecasts, they've seen strong traffic since Black Friday. Perhaps the strong showing so far is a reflection of people staying closer to home to do their holiday shopping this year.

Whatever the case, it's good news for the local economy, not to mention the local sales tax base.

MISS: To the death of a 4-year-old boy Sunday afternoon after an accidental fall at his home in the town of Elbridge.

State police said it appears that this is one of those cases in which no one is at fault - it was a tragic accident that could happen to just about anyone. In the end, there's just no way to make sense out of the tragic loss of this young life.

HIT: To the start of the winter high school sports season.

After a great year of fall athletics, the indoor athletes are now in the full swing of their schedules. We wish all of them good luck, and congratulate them already for their hard work.

Community residents should make an effort to get to their local schools and catch a few games this year to show their support.

MISS: To the bad weather and the treacherous driving conditions that come with it.

The weekend mess was certainly no fun to navigate, but the storm that rolled into the region on Monday night let us all know that despite what the calendar says, winter has clearly arrived.

Please be careful on the roads. Take your time, and give snow plows the space and time to do their jobs.

HIT: To a promising development Saturday night at the Carrier Dome.

Yes, that was the Syracuse men's basketball team putting together a solid defensive game. If this young squad can come together at that end of the floor, look out.