Holy mole-y who knew 4/20 was Buffalo's birthday. No wonder it is a party town. So today is the 176th birthday of the city of Buffalo. I wonder why there isn't something planned each year to celebrate the cities birthday. True we don't need another reason to drink and celebrate, but then again who couldn't I guess.
Here is hoping the next 176 years goes at least as good as the last 176 if not better. Maybe a renaissance of the city a Superbowl and a stanley cup? Or I guess I would just settle for a return to the growth and development that once stood at the foot of main street on the water front. Is that really too much to ask?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Bisons home opener and the Dodos
Copped some free duckets to the Bison's home opener Friday night. It was beautiful weather all week, then Friday comes along and it rains the whole night wtf. Can't catch a break in this town jeepers. Then again starting lefty Jeremy Sowers couldn't either. While the Mud Hens and Jeremy Johnson made some nice plays in the outfield and scored 4 runs Sowers didn't get much help from the defense and no help from the offense. Three solo dingers were all Toledo needed to pull out the W.
On the bright side, I did get a foul ball minutes after I just let a ball slip right through my hands. It was either the beer in my left hand or the wet ball coming at me and I decided to have my cake and eat it too. I kept the beer, thank god, but the ball slipped right over to some punk kid. The worst part was some dude yelling "you're no athlete" to me after I missed the ball. Well at least I got my redemption on the next one.
After the game I went to see the band the Dodos at Mohawk place. Can't complain about $7 cover and $2 PBR and OV. Normally I don't like to see bands when not familiar with their music but I made an exception.
Of course the show started late, they didn't take stage till something like 12:30, but surprisingly they were pretty good. Almost, and I stress almost, like a poor man's version of Radiohead. They had no bassist, two drummers and a guitarist. They used electric and acoustic guitars.
The use of noise and echoing was also pretty interesting. If I do say so my self, check out their new album, The Dodos - Visiter out now. It is their second full length LP.
On the bright side, I did get a foul ball minutes after I just let a ball slip right through my hands. It was either the beer in my left hand or the wet ball coming at me and I decided to have my cake and eat it too. I kept the beer, thank god, but the ball slipped right over to some punk kid. The worst part was some dude yelling "you're no athlete" to me after I missed the ball. Well at least I got my redemption on the next one.
After the game I went to see the band the Dodos at Mohawk place. Can't complain about $7 cover and $2 PBR and OV. Normally I don't like to see bands when not familiar with their music but I made an exception.
Of course the show started late, they didn't take stage till something like 12:30, but surprisingly they were pretty good. Almost, and I stress almost, like a poor man's version of Radiohead. They had no bassist, two drummers and a guitarist. They used electric and acoustic guitars.
The use of noise and echoing was also pretty interesting. If I do say so my self, check out their new album, The Dodos - Visiter out now. It is their second full length LP.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Buffalo, #1 mid sized art city
I'm not big into art museums and such, but I do understand their potential for creating jobs helping neighborhoods and drawing visitors from outside the area. Good news has been found about Buffalo's art scene. According to AmericanStyle magazine, but was voted to be the #1 mid sized art city in the country.
With the expansion of the Burchfield Penny next to Buffalo State and a world renowned Modern Art museum in the Albright Knox, I think they could have a point. Now all the city needs to do is have our own South by Southwest music festival, then I'll realllly have a boner.
More renovation in the Larkin District. Great time to invest in what is truly a potential for growth unlike the pipe dreams that are the cobblestone district.
With the expansion of the Burchfield Penny next to Buffalo State and a world renowned Modern Art museum in the Albright Knox, I think they could have a point. Now all the city needs to do is have our own South by Southwest music festival, then I'll realllly have a boner.
More renovation in the Larkin District. Great time to invest in what is truly a potential for growth unlike the pipe dreams that are the cobblestone district.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Issa bubble bursts
Looks like the Bashar Issa bubble has burst, and it only took two years. True, for now, it is only a stall of the plans to overhaul the old hotel. Evidently the loan fell through, hmm who would have thought in a risking venture in a time when banks are failing and foreclosures are at what seems like an all time high.
Basically there is no chance the 40 story building will ever get built. I for one however didn't ever think there would be no chance the Statler renovation wouldn't get done. There have been rumors for a while that work had slowed and just about stopped, but now it has officially stopped.
Hopefully the plan B and C will come through or another developer will swoop in but this is certainly a depressing day for people like me.
However, buffalorising did do a nice piece on the first luxury condos to be built in Buffalo's downtown and all of the problems they ran in to. The article can be found here.
Oh yea, here is Donn Esmonde complaining about the waterfront as per usual. What a douche, give it up pal.
Slight update on the Statler situation. Apparently it is at least a 90-120 day break in the action as tax credits are secured.
Basically there is no chance the 40 story building will ever get built. I for one however didn't ever think there would be no chance the Statler renovation wouldn't get done. There have been rumors for a while that work had slowed and just about stopped, but now it has officially stopped.
Hopefully the plan B and C will come through or another developer will swoop in but this is certainly a depressing day for people like me.
However, buffalorising did do a nice piece on the first luxury condos to be built in Buffalo's downtown and all of the problems they ran in to. The article can be found here.
Oh yea, here is Donn Esmonde complaining about the waterfront as per usual. What a douche, give it up pal.
Slight update on the Statler situation. Apparently it is at least a 90-120 day break in the action as tax credits are secured.
Monday, March 17, 2008
St. P in downtown Buffalo
Suffering through the sniffles and a bit of scratchy throat after walking around downtown getting drunk for 5 hours at the St. P parade on Delware Sunday but I think it was worth it. Seemed like a shit load of people, lotta drinking goin on, and the parade went on for what seemed like hours.
A few observations though: Why aren't there more pissers/portable bathrooms for an event of this size? True there were a few behind Arby's as per usual, but still not enough to meet the demand. It sucks seeing everyone including my self looking for any corner or shady spot to take a leak one can find, why not have a few more bathrooms and keep the piss in the toilet?
What was with Chuck Schumer snubbing me while throwing out high fives yesterday when I asked him how things were going with keeping the Bills in Buffalo? Maybe he was in a hurry cause he had to pee.
One of the highlights, at least for me, was a cop confiscating a gallon sized bottle of Jack Daniels and the dude wondering why the cop took it. I mean it is one thing to hide it in your bag or where ever and sneaking shots, but to be holding it up in the air while yelling at people in the parade while a cop car is parked in front of you, that is just stupid.
One last thing, is Buffalo/ St Patrick's day cursed in regards to weather? I mean there has to be warm windless days in late February and March right? Well, why is it that not once has one of those rare days ever, everrr fallin on March 17 or Sunday of the parade? Then again when you're drunk you don't mind as much any way.
Oh and how about this website, http://www.buffalo-city-tower.com/. Kind of gave me a boner although I'm not sure when it was last updated or how long it has been up. Maybe it is just an oldie from when before Bashar Issa ran into political and legal set backs for both the 40 story tower and the Statler Towers. I'll still hold out hope, just like the Bills or Sabres ever winning the big one.
A few observations though: Why aren't there more pissers/portable bathrooms for an event of this size? True there were a few behind Arby's as per usual, but still not enough to meet the demand. It sucks seeing everyone including my self looking for any corner or shady spot to take a leak one can find, why not have a few more bathrooms and keep the piss in the toilet?
What was with Chuck Schumer snubbing me while throwing out high fives yesterday when I asked him how things were going with keeping the Bills in Buffalo? Maybe he was in a hurry cause he had to pee.
One of the highlights, at least for me, was a cop confiscating a gallon sized bottle of Jack Daniels and the dude wondering why the cop took it. I mean it is one thing to hide it in your bag or where ever and sneaking shots, but to be holding it up in the air while yelling at people in the parade while a cop car is parked in front of you, that is just stupid.
One last thing, is Buffalo/ St Patrick's day cursed in regards to weather? I mean there has to be warm windless days in late February and March right? Well, why is it that not once has one of those rare days ever, everrr fallin on March 17 or Sunday of the parade? Then again when you're drunk you don't mind as much any way.
Oh and how about this website, http://www.buffalo-city-tower.com/. Kind of gave me a boner although I'm not sure when it was last updated or how long it has been up. Maybe it is just an oldie from when before Bashar Issa ran into political and legal set backs for both the 40 story tower and the Statler Towers. I'll still hold out hope, just like the Bills or Sabres ever winning the big one.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Times New Viking and Super Furry Animals
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.
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.
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.
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