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SCHENECTADY
Strange liquid draws response
Bottles left at Gazette, Times Union prove harmless, may be part of stunt
BY STEVEN COOK Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Steven Cook at 395-3122 or scook@dailygazette.com.

    A murder mystery filmed in Schenectady may have inadvertently spawned its own mystery and police are now investigating.
    Five bottles of blue liquid were left Monday morning at the offi ces of The Daily Gazette on Maxon Road Extension.
    On Sunday, two similar bottles were left at the Times Union in Colonie, that paper reported.
    On each of the bottles was hand written “Winter of Frozen Dreams,” an apparent reference to the movie filmed here and premiering next month.
    A local official tied to the production denied any involvement.
    The discovery at The Daily Gazette prompted a call to authorities. A hazardous materials team from the Schenectady Fire Department, wearing protective gear, examined the liquid and found it to be a harmless dye, possibly used in paving. But the incident shut down the building’s front entrance for almost two hours. The building was not evacuated. Authorities were called to ensure safety, Daily Gazette General Manager Dan Beck said. “You just wonder, you’re not quite sure what it is related to,” Beck said.
    A woman in a head scarf was seen placing the bottles and leaving before anyone could speak with her.
    The Times Union reported on its Web site that two similar bottles were discovered there. Times Union representatives did not return a call for comment.
    Security personnel found the bottles at the Times Union. Their story did say whether authorities were contacted.
    The movie, staring Thora Birch, was filmed in Schenectady in February and March 2007. It is based ..............................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....amp;EntityId=Ar00804