Went to the Times New Viking and Super Furry Animals concert at The Tralf on Main St in Buffalo Monday. Some comedian/acoustic guitar dude from NYC opened for them with Gay Bot and someone else. It was kind of weird and not really entertaining but whatever.
The highlight of the night was not the $18 to get in or the $5 Times New Viking shirts but the band Times New Viking themselves. True, they only played about 7 songs cause a guitar string broke and the sound according to lead singer Adam Elliot "sucked". Whatever, they were pretty sweet and he promised they'd play more songs the next time they're in Buffalo.
The lead singer who is also the dummer, played a solid 7ish songs with a lot of feedback, neat-o guitars, no base, and a pretty good lookin' keyboard player. They were entertaining and played adimarably, plus the songs raucked.
The worst part of the night, besides $3 draft Blue was the excruciating length of Super Furry Animals set list. After every song and every break down I swore it was their last song. Unfortunately it never was the case. Not really knowing the band that well, and being kinda tired I, for the first time ever, left a concert before it was over. Sure they had a few good songs, but it was just going on too long.
I mean, when the lead singer came out in a full sized Might Morphin Power Rangers mask I figured, alright this band is alright, they shouldn't bore me to death or force me to stand for 2 hours... Well I was wrong. Apparently they thought they were Pearl Jam and decided to play their entire back catalog. Even the audience, which at the beginning was very into it, towards the end was cooling off and clearing out, I decided to follow suit. So really, who knows what I missed, but I was sure of one thing, I missed out on Times New Viking playing a full set. SHIT
Although I did notice Main street shops being renovated and ready for new business, sans new business.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Pond hockey Buffalo style
Went down to Erie Basin Marina for the pond hockey tourney Saturday. True, this is a little late but it was only two days ago. I went with someone that didn't even know what the Erie Basin Marina was or how to get there and he has lived in Buffalo his whole life. Sorry state of affairs the 'waterfront' is in when people that live here don't even know how to get there. But yea lets sue and cry and whine and bitch until we save every old piece of shit building and structure and we get our way..
Um, but I digress. So Labatt decided to hold a pond hockey tournament in Buffalo. Great idea, all of a sudden we have their headquarters here and everyone is obsessed with hockey, and of course we are all obsessed with beer so it is a perfect marriage.
The tourney moved 3 times from Hoyt park to the parking lot to EBM parking lot to finally the actual lake/marina. It was four on four small nets no goalies and a lot of fun. It was sweet having the whole city in the back drop and if you have a chance to look at any pictures you can see how cool it looked down there.
What was cooler was 16 ounce 'warm' cool cans of Blue and Blue light were only $2! Slices of pizza were $2 and hot dogs were $2, so if you were lookin for something to do cheaply and still drink with or with out the family you missed out.
Of course, the event wasn't perfect. No music, kind of far away from the action, no one knew any of the teams and you were outside. But considering the conditions, it was sunny and not too windy, it was a solid day.
Reports from the organizers seem to be all positive and according to this article and Labatt's head honchos the event is only going to get bigger. Obviously bigger is better and of course the all to positive Mayor Byron Brown jumped in and said, “It’s just absolutely wonderful the commitment this company is showing to their new home in Buffalo,” Brown said of Labatt. “I see this being one of the largest events in the City of Buffalo over the next few years.”
So hopefully it is better organized next year and this thing gets bigger as more people discover it. Some other problems include only 25+ year olds allowed to play, the tourney being contingent on the weather and well I guess thats it.. See you there next year fo sho.
Um, but I digress. So Labatt decided to hold a pond hockey tournament in Buffalo. Great idea, all of a sudden we have their headquarters here and everyone is obsessed with hockey, and of course we are all obsessed with beer so it is a perfect marriage.
The tourney moved 3 times from Hoyt park to the parking lot to EBM parking lot to finally the actual lake/marina. It was four on four small nets no goalies and a lot of fun. It was sweet having the whole city in the back drop and if you have a chance to look at any pictures you can see how cool it looked down there.
What was cooler was 16 ounce 'warm' cool cans of Blue and Blue light were only $2! Slices of pizza were $2 and hot dogs were $2, so if you were lookin for something to do cheaply and still drink with or with out the family you missed out.
Of course, the event wasn't perfect. No music, kind of far away from the action, no one knew any of the teams and you were outside. But considering the conditions, it was sunny and not too windy, it was a solid day.
Reports from the organizers seem to be all positive and according to this article and Labatt's head honchos the event is only going to get bigger. Obviously bigger is better and of course the all to positive Mayor Byron Brown jumped in and said, “It’s just absolutely wonderful the commitment this company is showing to their new home in Buffalo,” Brown said of Labatt. “I see this being one of the largest events in the City of Buffalo over the next few years.”
So hopefully it is better organized next year and this thing gets bigger as more people discover it. Some other problems include only 25+ year olds allowed to play, the tourney being contingent on the weather and well I guess thats it.. See you there next year fo sho.
Friday, February 15, 2008
A few things that are pissing me off
First things first, the giant old dilapidated A&MA's building is, yup, for sale again this time on Craig's list. God damn it, can't someone just buy this building and start developing it already? I mean it has been sitting around for over a decade, is in the heart of downtown, a downtown currently seeing more construction than at any time during my life time. I guess this will be the final yet elusive piece to the downtown puzzle.
This massive 11 story building could have a myriad of different uses. With a perfect location, literally anything could go here, from retail to apartments to offices, even a hotel. The possibilities are endless, and if this thorn in Buffalo's side is only being sold on Craig's List that can't be a good thing. Well, what ever, we'll continue to sit and wait, probably for another decade.
Alright, how about these two gems of editorials found in the Buffalo News Friday. First, this asshole Complaining that the Buffalo Niagara's jump in customers is actually a BAD THING! "
Here is the second idiotic editorial published Friday. This person is complaining about people criticizing people that are against the expansion of the Peace Bridge. Sure, the new plan isn't perfect, and not everyone is going to agree, but hasn't it been long enough? The need for a companion bridge is never more evident than the today and now.
I would think, all of the people, if there are any left in that area, that have been held hostage from all of the litigation and bickering would, at this point, just want a final decision. The letter writer errouneously blames the Peace Bridge Authority saying, "The opposition here comes from the Peace Bridge Authority, which insists that its way is the only way. Its own “restrictive” behavior began when it rejected better plans presented years ago and established a six-mile right of way on the Canadian shores to protect its monopoly."
Um, it is not the PBA's plan to give up on shared boarder management and force the construction of inspection booths etc, to be built on the Buffalo side where there are neighborhood as oppose to the Canadian side where new booths and inspection buildings were constructed. It is President Bush and Congress who have nixed the plan to expand only on the Canadian side, because those Neo Cons want the Canadians to fingerprint anyone that turns around before crossing the bridge to America. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.
This massive 11 story building could have a myriad of different uses. With a perfect location, literally anything could go here, from retail to apartments to offices, even a hotel. The possibilities are endless, and if this thorn in Buffalo's side is only being sold on Craig's List that can't be a good thing. Well, what ever, we'll continue to sit and wait, probably for another decade.
Alright, how about these two gems of editorials found in the Buffalo News Friday. First, this asshole Complaining that the Buffalo Niagara's jump in customers is actually a BAD THING! "
We’re luring so many passengers from neighboring cities that planners in Rochester and Erie, Pa., fear for those airports’ survival. More passenger volume means more planes in and out of Buffalo, so we’re not just stealing other towns’ passengers, we’re importing their pollution, too. Inflated volume forces further, otherwise unnecessary spending; now it’s $27 million to improve baggage handling for the thousands of fliers who ought to be using airports closer to their homes.That might be the dumbest argument I have ever heard. We are suppose to care because Crapchester and Erie PA can't land low fare air carriers and their ridership is falling? Who gives a shit, obviously more riders is better. Ohhh no the airport is expanding and has to build a new luggage handler, of which I'm sure the money is what, coming out of this dude's pocket? Give it up asshole and find something else to bitch about because lord knows you obviously need something to complain about.
Building the new airport was a mistake. It was always too big for our shrinking region. We live in a 16-gate metro area with a 26-gate airport. We’re keeping those excess gates busy only by the airport- management equivalent of popping speed. It’s time to stop!"
Here is the second idiotic editorial published Friday. This person is complaining about people criticizing people that are against the expansion of the Peace Bridge. Sure, the new plan isn't perfect, and not everyone is going to agree, but hasn't it been long enough? The need for a companion bridge is never more evident than the today and now.
I would think, all of the people, if there are any left in that area, that have been held hostage from all of the litigation and bickering would, at this point, just want a final decision. The letter writer errouneously blames the Peace Bridge Authority saying, "The opposition here comes from the Peace Bridge Authority, which insists that its way is the only way. Its own “restrictive” behavior began when it rejected better plans presented years ago and established a six-mile right of way on the Canadian shores to protect its monopoly."
Um, it is not the PBA's plan to give up on shared boarder management and force the construction of inspection booths etc, to be built on the Buffalo side where there are neighborhood as oppose to the Canadian side where new booths and inspection buildings were constructed. It is President Bush and Congress who have nixed the plan to expand only on the Canadian side, because those Neo Cons want the Canadians to fingerprint anyone that turns around before crossing the bridge to America. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Route 5 fiasco
I kinda just wanted to use the word fiasco, but here is yet another example of people trying to get things done, people suing thinking their idea is better yadda yadda. It seems to me that the position that Congressman Brian Higgins has taken is the smartest decision, creating the Southtowns Connector after nearly a decade of planning and studies and such.
However, the all might Donn Esmonde of the Buffalo news thinks other wise. He thinks Higgins is grasping at straws with an election year grab for votes. I can only disagree Donnie boy. And so does this person and this person, editorials from todays Viewpoints section of the News.
Delaying the plan already set in place and ready to be contracted out would as Higgins says, delay things indefinitely and cause this area to lose out on future infrastructure seed money. And of course a bunch of assholes are going ahead and suing to have the project halted indefinitely. If all these people that think their way is the only way are so correct all the time why does no one listen to them?
And who is this John Norquist, the "expert" in urban planning? He shows up if there is a microphone saying his way is the best? Some disgraced asshole from Milwaukee who fought with everyone in the city until they peaced him in 2004?
Look I'm not a 'just do something crowd' member, I understand the rigmarole that needs to be fully played out. But at this point in the game, 10 years into all the studies, with the funding in place, this battle has since past. Build the connector, find the funding to bring down the Skyway, and eventually when the outer harbor actually has something built near it, no one will remember yet another law suit because some people didn't get their way.
However, the all might Donn Esmonde of the Buffalo news thinks other wise. He thinks Higgins is grasping at straws with an election year grab for votes. I can only disagree Donnie boy. And so does this person and this person, editorials from todays Viewpoints section of the News.
Delaying the plan already set in place and ready to be contracted out would as Higgins says, delay things indefinitely and cause this area to lose out on future infrastructure seed money. And of course a bunch of assholes are going ahead and suing to have the project halted indefinitely. If all these people that think their way is the only way are so correct all the time why does no one listen to them?
And who is this John Norquist, the "expert" in urban planning? He shows up if there is a microphone saying his way is the best? Some disgraced asshole from Milwaukee who fought with everyone in the city until they peaced him in 2004?
Look I'm not a 'just do something crowd' member, I understand the rigmarole that needs to be fully played out. But at this point in the game, 10 years into all the studies, with the funding in place, this battle has since past. Build the connector, find the funding to bring down the Skyway, and eventually when the outer harbor actually has something built near it, no one will remember yet another law suit because some people didn't get their way.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Mardi Gras in Buffalo
Granted it is kind of a dollar late and a buck short or whatever the fuck the saying is but, I went out in Downtown Buffalo for Mardi Gras last night and didn't have a bad time. First off I paid the $5 that allegedly went to some charity which I doubt either way, but Art Voice was sponsoring it and I saw a bunch of shit for that magazine so maybe it was donated who knows.
Beers at SOHO were $4 each, for me is a lot considering there was a cover, but whatever I paid and didn't complain. Copping some free shots from people helped swallow the higher beer prices. Plus it was a holiday so I won't complain any way.
Overall, the 'Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday event wasn't that bad. Especially considering it was raining the entire time which hampered some peoples plans and probably ruined some women's weaves and such in the process. The only real probably I had was I didn't see any chicks flashing, no sets flopping in the wind, however there were a large contingent of beautiful women with huge racks in low cuts shirts so there isn't really any room for complaining.
After SOHO I went to the new bar Bayou, the old McMonkeys/Club Vodka. It was kinda nice in there, a lot has changed since the days of McMonkeys, less lame decoration, no palm trees etc, plus there was a wall floor er elevated platform along the wall where only women should be allowed to dance, and for some reason dudes where, lame. But the bartenders were smokin' hot there was a cage where women were dancing in, kinda like the movies, and it was a better atmosphere than the old bars located there.
Granted I'll probably never go there again but over all it wasn't that bad. The only other beef I have with the place was they were charging a cover not related to the Art Voice promotion where you pay $5 to get into any bar in Buffalo. Whatever, it was the first day they opened and they had fish tanks so you can't complain too much.
The night of course ended with tacos from Jim's Steak out, no specials, and I didn't get a DWI so over all the night wasn't too bad. No flashing = not great, but overall probably what I expected with 35ish degrees and rain in the North East. See you next Mardi Gras Chippewa.
Beers at SOHO were $4 each, for me is a lot considering there was a cover, but whatever I paid and didn't complain. Copping some free shots from people helped swallow the higher beer prices. Plus it was a holiday so I won't complain any way.
Overall, the 'Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday event wasn't that bad. Especially considering it was raining the entire time which hampered some peoples plans and probably ruined some women's weaves and such in the process. The only real probably I had was I didn't see any chicks flashing, no sets flopping in the wind, however there were a large contingent of beautiful women with huge racks in low cuts shirts so there isn't really any room for complaining.
After SOHO I went to the new bar Bayou, the old McMonkeys/Club Vodka. It was kinda nice in there, a lot has changed since the days of McMonkeys, less lame decoration, no palm trees etc, plus there was a wall floor er elevated platform along the wall where only women should be allowed to dance, and for some reason dudes where, lame. But the bartenders were smokin' hot there was a cage where women were dancing in, kinda like the movies, and it was a better atmosphere than the old bars located there.
Granted I'll probably never go there again but over all it wasn't that bad. The only other beef I have with the place was they were charging a cover not related to the Art Voice promotion where you pay $5 to get into any bar in Buffalo. Whatever, it was the first day they opened and they had fish tanks so you can't complain too much.
The night of course ended with tacos from Jim's Steak out, no specials, and I didn't get a DWI so over all the night wasn't too bad. No flashing = not great, but overall probably what I expected with 35ish degrees and rain in the North East. See you next Mardi Gras Chippewa.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Ra Ra Riot & The Virgins
Just got back from a show @ Mohawk Place downtown. Ra Ra Riot and The Virgins were the bands I was mainly going to watch. $10 cover, $2 OV's and PBR, not too bad. Plus my expectations weren't all that high because neither has a full length album out, at least that I have heard. So here's my quick review.
It is kind of rare for good music to come through town. Maybe a band a month is worth watching and I guess tonight was the rule more than the exception. Neither band knocked my socks off. The "headliner" was Ra Ra Riot from Syracuse and the Virgins opened for them.
The V cards took the stage about 10:30, and weren't all that bad. Add some stage presence, and this young band could be worth watching again. They were a mix of cheap Arctic Monkeys and some Franz Ferdinand in there. They were a bit softer than both and again quite young. There performance was definitely better than the band they were opening for in Ra Ra Riot.
To my dismay, RRR had, gasp, women in the band, gasp gasp, playing wind instruments! If I knew there was an electric violent and a cello I would not have gone. They could have at least been in the back behind the drummer or something.. Then again women playing this non-rock instruments is better than men playing those said instruments. Plus the cellist was pretty hot.
I'll give them credit thought, the lead singer had energy, actually told the crowd the name of the band, and mentioned a few songs by title. Obviously those are something you need to do, something Virgins did not. Granted they had the title of their band on the drum kit while Ra Ra Riot did not. But I digress.
Overall the concert was a bit of a let down and now I "owe my friend a concert" aka I have to go watch some band he wants to go see when he has no one to go with. Ouch. One last thing, WTF is with tight painted on jeans?!1 I don't get this phenomenon. If you got a big package... I guess.. but lets leave the tight jeans to the women ok? They look better and you just look like a queero.
It is kind of rare for good music to come through town. Maybe a band a month is worth watching and I guess tonight was the rule more than the exception. Neither band knocked my socks off. The "headliner" was Ra Ra Riot from Syracuse and the Virgins opened for them.
The V cards took the stage about 10:30, and weren't all that bad. Add some stage presence, and this young band could be worth watching again. They were a mix of cheap Arctic Monkeys and some Franz Ferdinand in there. They were a bit softer than both and again quite young. There performance was definitely better than the band they were opening for in Ra Ra Riot.
To my dismay, RRR had, gasp, women in the band, gasp gasp, playing wind instruments! If I knew there was an electric violent and a cello I would not have gone. They could have at least been in the back behind the drummer or something.. Then again women playing this non-rock instruments is better than men playing those said instruments. Plus the cellist was pretty hot.
I'll give them credit thought, the lead singer had energy, actually told the crowd the name of the band, and mentioned a few songs by title. Obviously those are something you need to do, something Virgins did not. Granted they had the title of their band on the drum kit while Ra Ra Riot did not. But I digress.
Overall the concert was a bit of a let down and now I "owe my friend a concert" aka I have to go watch some band he wants to go see when he has no one to go with. Ouch. One last thing, WTF is with tight painted on jeans?!1 I don't get this phenomenon. If you got a big package... I guess.. but lets leave the tight jeans to the women ok? They look better and you just look like a queero.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Bashar Issa blues
Oh shit. Now our golden goose, our knight in shining armor is having problems. International developer/baller Bashar Issa, according to this article is in real hot water and not only in Buffalo but England as well.
Here is the gist, a construction worker in England died on a site that Issa was building a hotel. Allegedly the site was not properly regulated and possible manslaughter charges could be brought against him. Issa blamed the incident on poor management and may be in some deep shit. To add to his problems, local union muscle is bringing up b.s. charges about safety conditions because not enough of Issa's workers aren't union members and are making pennies compared to them. Issa himself described the situation as simply “distractions instigated by Laborers Local 210” to force his company into agreeing to a contract."
All of this could add up to bad things not only for the currently under renovation Statler towers but also the proposed 40 story building Issa is proposing for downtown Buffalo. “We’ll have to revisit the numbers on construction on the tower, and if they don’t work, we won’t do the project,” Issa said. “We want to be in Buffalo and do these wonderful projects, but the investment has to make sense.”
This is pissing me off. Unions are pissing me off. Can anything get done in this city without lawsuits, unions bitching, extreme regulations, high taxes and other anti-development impetuses? It is the same old story every time.
Here is a supposedly honest guy who sees what many of us in this area see, a wonderful city worth investing in and he can't even do that! Now I can't speak for the incident in the UK but in reference to the Buffalo situation, it most definitely sounds like a bunch of bullshit. Who do these union ass holes think they are? Are they that dumb and not realize that if you keep running these deep pocketed investors out of the area because they don't hire enough union workers sooner than later there will be no investors and consequently no jobs?!?!
If the pie in the sky 40 story building doesn't get built I won't be shocked, buttt if the Statler renovation isn't completed because of bullshit regulations and union strong arming, shit is going down. I will absolutely snap, a call to arms will be sent out, and I will bring war to anyone that illegally or ignorantly gets in this mans way to spend money and bring back to life a once beautiful building.
Here is the gist, a construction worker in England died on a site that Issa was building a hotel. Allegedly the site was not properly regulated and possible manslaughter charges could be brought against him. Issa blamed the incident on poor management and may be in some deep shit. To add to his problems, local union muscle is bringing up b.s. charges about safety conditions because not enough of Issa's workers aren't union members and are making pennies compared to them. Issa himself described the situation as simply “distractions instigated by Laborers Local 210” to force his company into agreeing to a contract."
All of this could add up to bad things not only for the currently under renovation Statler towers but also the proposed 40 story building Issa is proposing for downtown Buffalo. “We’ll have to revisit the numbers on construction on the tower, and if they don’t work, we won’t do the project,” Issa said. “We want to be in Buffalo and do these wonderful projects, but the investment has to make sense.”
This is pissing me off. Unions are pissing me off. Can anything get done in this city without lawsuits, unions bitching, extreme regulations, high taxes and other anti-development impetuses? It is the same old story every time.
Here is a supposedly honest guy who sees what many of us in this area see, a wonderful city worth investing in and he can't even do that! Now I can't speak for the incident in the UK but in reference to the Buffalo situation, it most definitely sounds like a bunch of bullshit. Who do these union ass holes think they are? Are they that dumb and not realize that if you keep running these deep pocketed investors out of the area because they don't hire enough union workers sooner than later there will be no investors and consequently no jobs?!?!
If the pie in the sky 40 story building doesn't get built I won't be shocked, buttt if the Statler renovation isn't completed because of bullshit regulations and union strong arming, shit is going down. I will absolutely snap, a call to arms will be sent out, and I will bring war to anyone that illegally or ignorantly gets in this mans way to spend money and bring back to life a once beautiful building.
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