Buffalo Rising Online

We're Actually Posting Hundreds Of Entries Today...

2005-09-24T16:32:00.000-04:00

You just can't see them...yet. As we near the launch of Buffalo Rising Online, it's all hands on deck behind the scenes and we apologize for what might appear to be slacking.

Take a look through the archives, check out the blogroll, get outside and enjoy the city. And come back Monday. We've got something we'd really like for you to see.

The Falcons Have Landed

2005-09-24T10:08:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the hiatus but Tatonka has been out of state for the past week. Quick recap on week two, I underestimated the difficulty of the road in the NFL. Now, on to bigger and better things. There really could not have been a better time to lose if you think about it. Losman got his first difficult challenge out of the way, the team has been brought back to reality and most importantly, they are still in first place. It is time to put the loss behind them and focus on the Falcons. In my opinion, this is a hard team to read.

Obviously, the game time decision on Mike Vick is huge. Assuming Vick does play, he will not be 100%. This bodes very well for the Bills and their defense especially if London Fletcher is able to contribute. Atlanta’s run defense is suspect so look for McGahee to be set free as he is looking to prove that he is indeed a top five running back in the NFL. A major problem last week was having the defense on the field so long in 90+ degree weather. Look for the Bills defense and McGahee (the two staples to this team) to come out firing and get the Bills back on track. Although the Falcons are regarded as one of the top teams in the NFL, they are going to be in an extremely hostile environment. This sold out Ralph Wilson crowd has got to do their part and let opposing teams find out why the 12th Man is such an integral part to the Bills success.

I am looking to get back on track as well with my prediction so I am picking the Bills to win this game by the score of 20-17

Prediction:

Buffalo 20
Atlanta 17

Predictions 1-1

Secrets of Allentown

2005-09-23T09:36:00.000-04:00

Secrets of Allentown, originally uploaded by BRM.

Secrets of Allentown is a self-guided walking and house tour in the City of Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood that takes place Sunday, September 25th.

The 2005 Secrets of Allentown tour of homes will showcase nearly twenty of the best properties that have been featured in the past ten years. Between 1994 and 2004, more than 140 properties have been included in the tour.

The planning committee reviewed the lists and selected the sites that received the highest praise from tour goers over the years. Many of these homeowners have continued to remodel and redecorate their homes since they were last on Secrets.

Tour participants receive a guidebook with information about each of the properties on the tour and are encourage to walk through Allentown to each of the properties.

This year Secrets has arranged for the following "extras": Ticket holders will receive - Free admission to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, a 10% discount at approximately one dozen Allentown restaurants, and free wine tasting all day.

At each property participants can expect to wait few minutes before entering, but are free, within reason, to set their own pace inside the properties.

Association volunteers are present in the properties and may be able to answer participant’s questions. In some cases the owners/tenants of the properties have very kindly agreed to be present throughout the day.

To aid those who may need some assistance in getting around, there is also a free trolley service, which will make designated stops throughout the tour area in a continuous loop. And all parking restrictions are lifted throughout Allentown on the day of the event. You can park on both sides of every street, so there's plenty of free, convenient parking.

An Oktoberfest Celebration in the City

2005-09-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

Picnic on the Plaza
Originally uploaded by BRM.

Well, people have been saying it for years. Buffalo needs a quality Oktoberfest in the city. There is finally a venue that has the ability to pull it off in true Buffalo fashion. Picnic on the Plaza III: An Oktoberfest Celebration... held at The Central Terminal.

The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) is very pleased to announce that it is sponsoring Picnic on the Plaza III: an Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, September 24th from 5 pm to 11pm at the Central Terminal on 495 Paderewski Drive in Buffalo. There will be a $5 admission fee at the door. All proceeds benefit the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation.

In true German tradition, Oktoberfest is planned as close as possible to the first day of Autumn, September 21st. You can’t make it to Munich this year? You are in luck! Join the CTRC and friends as we enjoy a slice of Munich in our very own biergarten in the main concourse! Food, authentic German beers, soft drinks and official Central Terminal merchandise will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be provided on the mezzanine by Western New York’s most popular German band, The Frankfurters!

Come out and have a beer, dance a polka or two, or just enjoy an evening with friends!

South Campus District Community Collaboration

2005-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

South Campus
Originally uploaded by BRM.

University Heights is uniting to take back our neighborhood by creating a mega-block University District Community Collaborative that encompasses Flower, Tyler, Bruce, Merrimack, Heath, and Englewood streets. Our collaborative’s goal will be to create a more even mix of homeowners and students in the neighborhood by beautifying our streets, holding landlords and students accountable for substandard housing, and marketing our neighborhood to potential homeowners.

Our first meeting will be held on Monday, September 26th at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Gloria J. Parks Community Center at 3242 Main Street in Buffalo. Short term and long term fixes will be discussed and set into action. Harvey Garrett, director of the West Side Community Collaborative, will be the guest speaker. All are welcome. Contact Corrie Wachob at cfw44@hotmail.com (please make the subject “Community Collaborative”) for further information.

This is the first meeting of its kind in the area. If anything existed before, it was individual block clubs, that all seem to have petered out. So as of yet, there's no progress, no history, and not really any names. A neighbor recently told me that about forty years ago he used to live downtown on the lower West Side at a time when the houses on Richmond had sparkling green lawns and neighbors invited you in for lemonade (and now it’s like that again thanks to local community activists). When people started moving out to the suburbs, my neighbor moved too, but not to the suburbs, to the University Heights area. He said it reminded him of the Richmond area, because the houses on streets like Englewood, Heath and Merrimack, all had the same care put into them, sparkling lawns and all and yet, the area had a distinctly suburban feel. It was a little community -- safe, affordable and clean. If you walk down Englewood, Heath or Merrimack today, you might think otherwise.

Despite a variety of local problems, small jewels of houses still persist, with creative front yard gardens that would rival anything you could find in the Elmwood area. Residents are hanging on and this is why I've decided to form the University District Community Collaborative, because the potential is still here for a great community to exist. Our streets butt right up against Main Street, which has any number of fantastic restaurants, shops and bookstores. During the summer when all the students leave, it gives the residents a breather, but it's killer on the businesses on Main. If we could have a more even mix of residents and students, not only would the shops on Main have an easier time, but new businesses might come in to invest. If more homeowners lived on our streets to keep an eye out for things and take care of their properties, maybe the students would take better care of our area too. A few of our streets, like Flower and Tyler hang in the balance. Houses are mostly owned by homeowners, but recently landlords have been buying up property whenever a house goes up for sale. How can they not when the selling prices on the houses are so inexpensive (ideal for first time homeowners and artists).

I want to see our area flourish, which is also why I'm trying to start the University District Community Collaborative. Hopefully, overtime, it will restore some balance (and yes peace and quiet) to our little gem of a neighborhood. Please consider joining this worthy cause. –Corrie Wachob

What's the answer?

2005-09-22T22:57:00.000-04:00

Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, originally uploaded by BRM.

What do you get when you cross the 1848 building facade of the old Illuminating Gas Company with the new Blue Cross/Blue Shield office building? They are busy building, and people are busy talking. We drove down to the site the other day to take a look at the old facade. We stood in front of it trying to imagine the new build in the backround. One thing is for sure, this 'unique' re-use will surely turn some heads along with a few eyebrows.

View of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield site from City Hall

2005-09-22T22:56:00.000-04:00

This is what the old gas works site looks like from the observation deck at city hall. It's a little hazy, but you get the idea. If you look closely you can see the supported gas works facade to the left of the dig. The street address is 249 West Genesee Street. It's located near the Chanel 7 building and the post office. If you're heading South on Elmwood, take a right on Genesee just past City Hall, drive up a bit and you can't miss it.

Speak of the devil…

2005-09-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

Crystal Beach
Originally uploaded by BRM.

It looks like Crystal Beach Loganberry (CBL) has finally hit the city. Somebody brought a bottle to lunch this afternoon along with a Bocce pizza. I had not seen the new bottle of loganberry, which is produced by PJ’s in Saratoga Springs, NY. I have mixed feelings about the Crystal Beach label. One reason is the fact that the name capitalizes on local nostalgia, but it’s not made in the area anymore. Crystal Beach suckers are back on the market, and they are still made around here. It’s not like Saratoga is that far… it’s just too bad that that the Western New York area (or Crystal Beach) could not have had a hand in the business. Who knows, maybe it’s appropriate. The original Comet is located in Glens Falls, which is a neighbor of Saratoga, so the old wooden rollercoaster and the new Crystal Beach Loganberry have found a home together about five hours East of Buffalo.

Owners of CBL, PJ and Carolyn, grew up drinking the flavor that became one of their favorite childhood pastimes. They graduated from high school, got married, went to college, and became schoolteachers. The couple then moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, and 23 years ago opened their restaurant, PJ’s Bar-B-Q, recognized as one of the top 8 barbecue restaurants in the United States by City Magazine, a national publication.

Being from Buffalo, the Davis’ wanted to sell popular Buffalo items in their restaurant, such as Buffalo Wings, Kummelweck Sandwiches, Sahlen’s Hot Dogs, and Loganberry! Loganberry became so popular that it was outselling the major leading cola brands also offered at the restaurant. During the winter customers were asking where they could purchase Loganberry while the popular summer restaurant was closed. And the rest, my friends, is history.

Related Story: Loganberry Lore

LOCAL HEROES

2005-09-22T18:18:00.000-04:00

Elmwood area business owners are a really courageous bunch!

I happened to be in the Bidwell/ Elmwood/ Potomac area today….you know, the corner where the bank machine is. I needed to stop into that cute NEW store, Sweet & Dirty, for some info from its owner, Erin Habes. S & D shares a stairway to another great store, Sunday Skate, so as you go to one, you can check out the other. It reminds me of Smith St in Brooklyn.

As I was leaving, she said that she had her first “SHOPLIFTER” experience.

That really made me mad.

She told me this incredible story of a “respectable looking woman of a certain age” who happened up the stairs yesterday & into her store. No problem, the woman cruised the racks as Erin worked with another customer. The RLWCA left the store as did the first. JP, owner of Sunday Skate, stuck his head in the door & said, “you know, I’ve caught that woman shoplifting before!”

Sure enough, Erin looked at the shirt that “happened” to fall off the hanger to the RLWCA’s feet and there was the hanger but the SHIRT WAS GONE!

She took off after the woman, JP & and a skateboarder followed close behind. She demanded that the RLWCA open her purse and there it was…… neatly folded!

How courageous!

And how wonderful is the camaraderie between these two great business owners!?!

How much does it piss you off that someone would steal from a brand new business? Forget brand new…from ANY business! That’s wrong.

The Elmwood business owners plant, they sweep, they shovel & salt, they paint…..most take such pride in their respective front footage. And they look out for each other.

I also love the idea of this twisted women being surrounded by board kids & business owners. The skateboarders usually get a bad rap, but I have to say that when some one needed to do the right thing, they did!

Good job, you guys! And thanks.

Description of Perpetrator/Shoplifting Occurred: Wed 9/21 4pm

Female 5’5’’

50ish Black/S&P hair

Short “boy” cut

The fact that she was so recognizable to JP, who has worked retail on the strip for years, really annoyed me.

Progress in the University District

2005-09-22T17:09:00.000-04:00

Main Street, originally uploaded by BRM.

It's been a long time coming, but the road construction along Main Street in the University District is starting to kick into high gear, and the street is starting to shape up. There are a few additions to Main Street's infrastructure that the business community and the residents should be excited about. First off, there are actually red brick (stamped concrete) crosswalks leading from one side of the street to the other. What an unusual concept for Buffalo. Not only do the crossings look nice, they actually remind drivers to look out for pedestrians. Remember, it's the University District and there are students crossing Main Street constantly. For years, business owners on Elmwood have asked the city on numerous occasions to consider implementing similar crosswalk features to no avail.

If that were not enough, there are industrial concrete medians that act as planters for flowers, trees and shrubs. They also act as a form of traffic calming in certain places. Not to say the an occasional student driver might flatten a tire now and then, but the overall driving scenario should turn out to be more efficient all around.

I am sure that the shops in this district have had a rough time recently with all of the road construction, we can only hope that the payoff will be worth the wait. Both Elmwood and Hertel have undergone major infrastructure improvements in the last few years, and these areas have witnessed large growth spurts in return.

How do I love the Co-op? Let me count the ways....

2005-09-22T17:06:00.000-04:00

I love the Lexington Co-op.

I'm enrolled in Weight Watchers; although this is not the first time I've tried to lose weight, this time is definitely different. The big difference is that the Co-op is within walking distance for me. Healthy eating is a goal to which I aspire, but it hasn't been an easy goal for me to reach. The Co-op makes it easy. I haven't felt deprived yet because the Co-op's range of healthy choices is astounding. I've enjoyed sun-dried tomato sausages (2.5 points each for Weight Watchers devotees), salmon, great frozen entrees, and wonderful produce. I'm a huge fan of the Co-op's salad bar, but my favorite thing so far? Definitely the apple chardonnay sausages. They are absolutely delicious, also 2.5 WW points each, in case you were wondering.

If you are a Western New Yorker who is trying to eat food that is healthy but delicious, I recommend that you visit the Co-op. It is located at 807 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 14222. The telephone number is (716) 886-COOP and the store hours are 8 AM until 10 PM.

See it here first before it goes to Broadway.

2005-09-22T15:32:00.000-04:00

Ring of Fire
Originally uploaded by BRM.

This is your big chance to catch this amazing show in Buffalo before it heads off to Broadway. Ring of Fire tells the story of ordinary people living out extraordinary lives in the heartland. Bringing to life the tales made famous in Mr. Cash's songs, this is the story of America - people living hard but dignified lives, and their discovery of what really matters. Ring of Fire features such songs as Five Feet High and Rising, Can the Circle be Unbroken (Bye and Bye), I walk the Line, and Folsom Prison Blues.

I just came home from seeing the final dress rehearsal of Ring of Fire. Wow. What a great production. The technological elements were amazing. I've never seen a set like this one! I won't say more because I don't want to spoil it for you. I think the show would have worked without the super-high-tech treatment, though, because the performances were so strong. It was amazing to see so many quadruple threats: every actor played a few instruments (or at least appeared to!) and every pit musician was also staged in many sung/acted/danced numbers. The versatility of the cast (that includes the band) was impressive. Richard Maltby, Jr's conception and staging were excellent; there were only a few (literally, three) very brief spots where I felt the show unintentionally lost some momentum. I've not listened to a lot of Johnny Cash, although of course I am familiar with his persona (cultural literacy, I guess). But I really liked the way the songs were sequenced and often integrated. I enjoyed being exposed to a whole new collection of songs in a genre that I have not really explored (I enjoyed the movies "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" and "A Mighty Wind" for the same reason). The superb performances (vocal and instrumental) of this material has made has made a Johnny Cash fan of me already! It is possible that the production will go through some tweaking between the Buffalo and New York run, but I am really glad we got to see it here first! Do not miss this opportunity to see this terrific new show. –Patron Comment

Show runs thriugh October 9th. Tickets range from $25 to $53. Studio Arena - 710 Main Street, Buffalo. 1800-77stage.

One for the dog lovers out there.

2005-09-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

Fleet Feet1
Originally uploaded by BRM.

I was at Fleet Feet on Elmwood today talking to owner Dan Loncto when out of the back bounced this absolutely amazing, adorable puppy (if at five months she still qualifies as a puppy) . Frisky doesn't begin to describe her. From the way she was going at my finger I'm evidently going to have to start washing my hands better after lunch.

At any rate, Bristol is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It was the first time I had ever heard of this breed of dog, but the first person to walk in the store after I got there ran over and exclaimed "Is that a Cavalier King Charles?" I felt like I just fell off the proverbial turnip truck.

So I just went to www.CKCSC.org (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club) and found out that this breed is often slow to mature, so Bristol is definitely still a puppy. Actually the whole history of these toy spaniels is pretty interesting. For instance, they get their name from being the favored pets of King Charles II. The website explains that "So fond was King Charles II of his little dogs, he wrote a decree that the King Charles Spaniel should be accepted in any public place, even in the Houses of Parliament where animals were not usually allowed. This decree is still in existence today in England."

Pretty cool, Dan. Your dog gets the royal free pass!

If you need your cute fix swing into Fleet Feet and see if Bristol is there. If she doesn't melt your heart, well, get to the doctor and make sure you've still got one. -A. Cuellar

Liam O Maonlai @ Nietzsche's Tonight

2005-09-22T10:39:00.000-04:00

Liam O Maonlai
Originally uploaded by BRM.

With a solo endeavor now coming to the forefront of an adventurous and uniquely varied career, Liam (lead singer of the band Hothouse Flowers) is anticipating spreading his wings—and taking off in all directions. “Having spent twenty years giving a great deal of my energy to the rock and roll stage, I am looking forward to devoting more time and energy to the tradition that nourishes me and the traditions that inspire me.”

Raised in Dublin as an Irish speaker, Liam’s love for his heritage was instilled by his father, whom Liam has described as ‘a very fine singer.’ “My father taught me to sing at his knee … in the old language that still lives in different parts of Ireland.” With their roots deep in the West in County Kerry, the family traveled there often, immersing themselves in the Gaeltacht where the native language and culture survives, despite systematic efforts to eradicate it. “I found incredible cultural fulfillment there. The Irish language is still spoken there; everyone speaks it, kids are brought up speaking it. And it’s amazing for that reason.”

“…the one thing that gets you… is THAT voice. Liam O Maonlai is the best live singer I have ever heard – his range beggar’s belief…” – Kildare Nationalist

“…the best white boy soul singer on the planet…” – Bono, U2

Thursday September 22, 2005 at 8:00 PM. $8 presale, $10 at the Door.

Silent Film Fest Accompanied by Pianist Philip Carli

2005-09-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

Sunrise
Originally uploaded by BRM.

September 23 , 2005
5 - 8 pm: Art Activity - Fun for all ages. Enhance, engage, and expand your experience of the special exhibition Extreme Abstraction with artist Clare Woods.

5 pm and 8 pm: Silent Film Screening with Discussion and Live Accompaniment- University at Buffalo faculty members Diane Christian and Bruce Jackson will lead a discussion about the silent films The General and Sunrise. Philip Carli will accompany the films on piano.

5 p.m. The General: (1927) is an imaginative masterpiece of dead-pan, "Stone-Face" Buster Keaton comedy, generally regarded as one of the greatest of all silent comedies (and Keaton's own favorite) - and undoubtedly the best train film ever made.

8 p.m. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) is a fable-like, poignant story, directed by F. W. Murnau. It is a silent-era melodramatic masterpiece – a beautiful, atmospheric, lyrical, and poetic work of art with roots in the German expressionist movement. This story of corruption and redemption involves a rustic farmer in a rural town who falls prey to the seductive wiles of a city vamp in an illicit affair.

6 - 10 pm: Bright Lights, Groove City - DJ Press Groove to the beats of DJ Press as you sip cocktails in our cavernous Sculpture Court. The legendary DJ Press will be spinning an eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock, funk, and reggae.

The Garden Restaurant and Bar: The regular menu will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. Cocktails are served all evening. 716.270.8292

Albright-Knox Art Gallery - 1285 Elmwood Avenue - Buffalo, New York 14222-1096

A nice food court... really?

2005-09-21T23:59:00.000-04:00

Main Place Mall Food Court, originally uploaded by BRM.

For those of you who have not been down to the Main Place Mall (MPM) in a while (it seems that there are many), here's a shot of the food court. It's fully functional and draws a substantial crowd during the weekdays. We have received a few emails from people who have either never stepped foot in the MPM or have not been there in years. Next time you are downtown and you feel like taking your imagination for a walk, step inside and imagine the possibilities.

Mark Gould & Pink Baby Monster

2005-09-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

Mark Gould & Pink Baby Monster, originally uploaded by BRM.

Mark Gould & Pink Baby Monster is a three-member chamber music/performance art ensemble. The group is composer driven with all compositions and poetry written by members of the ensemble. The instrumentation of MG/PBM is trumpet/electric trumpet/echo cornet; guitar; computer samples, myriad midi components and drum samples; vocals. The musical roots of MG/PBM are wide and reflect the influences of the members of the ensemble whose ages span more than 2 generations. The musical ingredients of the ensemble are drawn from opera, electronica, beat-based minimalism, jazz and rock with a generous seasoning of hip-hop and Tibetan throat singing. The inspiration for the poetry and musical monologues is not drawn from the usual sources. MG/PBM's muse is politics, religion, science and mathematics, contemporary aesthetics, and various cultural ironies and peculiarities.

Mark Gould was principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra from 1974-2003 and has been on the faculty of the Juilliard School since 1982 and the Manhattan School of Music since 2004. Since leaving the MET Orchestra, Mr. Gould has been able to devote more time to chamber music, solo performance and conducting.

Mark Gould (trumpet, electric trumpet, voice), Kyle Sanna (guitar, electronics, sampler), Brian McWhorter (trumpet, sampler, electronics).

Wednesday, September 28th @ 8:00 p.m. Presented by Hallwalls and the UB Music Department. Soundlab is located at 110 Pearl Street in Downtown Buffalo.

Forever Elmwood Tour of Kitchens

2005-09-21T09:43:00.000-04:00

Tour of Kitchens, originally uploaded by BRM.

On October 2, Forever Elmwood will feature their first Elmwood Village Tour of Kitchens fundraiser. The “Tour of Kitchens” concept has proven to be a popular fundraising concept in other communities, but no other not for profit has brought this concept to Western New York until now. This exciting fundraising event will showcase the heart of the Elmwood Village- the kitchen- the place where we socialize and entertain. All proceeds will benefit Forever Elmwood's continued efforts to revitalize the neighborhoods and Elmwood commercial district.

The Elmwood Village is Western New York's best example of fine mansions, Victorian houses, and older farmhouses and cottages. For the Elmwood Village Tour of Kitchens, they have solicited a full range of residential kitchens that exemplify high-end kitchens planned by design professionals and installed by contractors in the elegant mansions and Victorian homes. The tour participants will view more cost effective, less expensive kitchens planned, renovated, and refurbished by the homeowner. Tour of Kitchens’ also hopes to have several kitchen designs that exemplify the eclectic nature of the Elmwood Village.

On October 2nd from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, tour participants will tour 18 to 20 residential kitchens. The kitchen locations will be spread throughout the Elmwood Village from Richmond Avenue to Linwood Avenue and from Forest Avenue to North Street. However, for ease of viewing, many of the houses are located in four areas. These areas are: the grand houses and mansions located in the Oakland Place-Bryant Street area; the Victorian houses in the Ashland Avenue-Summer Street- Norwood Avenue area; the Victorian houses in the Ashland-Breckinridge Street-Norwood Avenue- Lafayette Avenue area; and the grand mansions in the Lincoln Parkway-Soldiers Place-Bidwell Parkway area.

In addition, the Tour will have several commercial kitchens: commercial kitchens in several Elmwood Avenue restaurants and food businesses and kitchens from several organizations including the new commercial grade kitchen at Buffalo Seminary. This private high school for young women located on Bidwell Parkway, is also the site of the same day ticket purchase and program distribution. Bidwell Parkway is a part of Frederick Law Olmsted's historic park and parkway system.

Tickets for the Elmwood Village Tour of Kitchens are $15 in advance and $17 on October 2. Tickets may be purchased at Wegman's, Talking Leaves Bookstores, Junior League, the Forever Elmwood Farmers' Market, and online at the Forever Elmwood website. The headquarters at the Buffalo Seminary opens at 10:45 am for day of the event ticket sales and to pick up programs.

“Synesthesia”, Select works from Jason Lee Klinger

2005-09-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

Jason Lee Klinger
Originally uploaded by BRM.

Synesthesia (n.) -A sensation produced in one modality when a stimulus is applied to another modality, as when the hearing of a certain sound induces the visualization of a certain color.

Buffalo, New York artist Jason Lee Klinger brings his unique and cutting edge vision to the walls of Sixworks Gallery for the month of October. Creations of pure expression, Klinger uses his paintings as vessels with which to capture the release of his emotions and moods. Upon finishing he feels “calm and relieved, the piece sits, ugly, torn, distorted...a dirty kleenex you cannot help but open up for a quick peek, smile at, then flush away”.

Inspired by insomnia, music, laughter, and the universally silent voice of all struggling artists, the inner song (or scream, as it may be) of my oils are meant to evoke a synesthetic reaction from within their observers. Color triggering sound, sounds finding texture, and the lines touching all the senses until the full spectrum of my mood, thick and pungent, saturates the air.

Ya see, I paint to forget, for catharsis, to breathe, and to relax, so that when a painting is finished all my anxieties and frustrations are poured in and cleaved clean. I feel calm and relieved, the piece sits, ugly, torn, and distorted. It is merely a means to an end, a dirty Kleenex you cannot help but open up for a quick peek, smile at, then flush away. And on that note, enjoy!!! -Klinger

Opening reception for the artist takes place On Saturday, October 1st, 2005, at 8:00pm, and is free and open to the public. Come meet the artist, experience his creations, and enjoy one of Buffalo’s best new galleries, as voted by Artvoice readers in 2005.

Opening reception, Saturday, October 1st, 2005, 8:00pm @ Sixworks Gallery, 68 Allen St. Buffalo, NY 14202. 716.882.6453. www.sixworks.com.

Buffalo's latest wing sensation.

2005-09-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

O'Connell Lucas Chelf's latest newsletter highlights a few new ways to wear your love for our great city. O'Connell's "Buffalo Wings" silk tie is "the newest Buffalo theme tie, featuring a rising winged bison, an allegory of our city's current state: on the way up."

The ties are available in "raspberry (hot), royal blue (medium), or green (mild)."

In addition to these fun ties, the store also carries tote bags bearing the winged bison.

O'Connell Lucas Chelf is located at 3240 Main Street. 836-4140 or 800-336-0076. Happy shopping!

Wouldn't it be great if...

2005-09-20T20:31:00.000-04:00

Main Place Mall, originally uploaded by BRM.

We recently took a trip down to the Main Place Mall and couldn't believe how much potential this space has. Upon walking through The Tower entrance on Main at Church, the first thing we noticed was the renovated marble, art deco elevator lobby. We passed the reception desk and found ourselves in the expansive three-story mall entrance lit by skylights. It was at this point we realized the Main Place Mall we were in was not the Main Place Mall that we remembered. The building is a well-designed 1960's contemporary mall, just waiting for some one with retail know-how to create what could be an urban retail hub on Main Street.

How great would it be to not have to schlep to a suburban mall for the simple amenities of day-to-day living; a lipstick, a wallet, a bra, socks... really, how great would it be? Throw in a stereo shop, great shoes, and suits for herds of Buffalo bankers and lawyers that populate downtown. You get the idea. Retail spaces of various sizes are already built out. The 3-dimensional glass storefronts provide limitless possibilities for display purposes. The stores on the Main Street side of the building even offer shop owners the ability to utilize existing display windows for pedestrian viewing.

Escalators leading up to the mostly vacant mezzanine level offer a direct route to the open sky lit food court. It is here that a variety of local ethnic food choices can be found. When we arrived, there were a few lingering patrons who, when asked, described the daily bustling lunch crowds.

Main Place Mall is directly linked to several buildings by enclosed walkways. The only one still operational leads to the Liberty Building. Main Place Towers and the Liberty Building offer a 'built-in' customer base that feeds the thriving food court and offers the potential to support urban retail.

With the right vision to go along with the city's 'plans' to reinstate traffic on Main Street, Main Place Mall has the ability to once again become a downtown retail destination. We hear that the mezzanine level might soon become yet more office space. What a shame that would be. Like Buffalo needs more office space? -fifi and queenseyes

Marilyn Rodgers is mad about the West Village

2005-09-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

Marilyn Rodgers
Originally uploaded by BRM.

The West Village is Buffalo's oldest, continually-resided in neighborhood. It is home to some of the most beautiful houses in the city. The people that own property there are professionals, artists, parents, and community activists. And the neighborhood can literally be observed (looking west) through the windows of City Hall.

The West Village can be seen as a litmus test as to how the rest of the neighborhoods surrounding City Hall are faring. At the moment, Johnson Park (Buffalo's first park) and the surrounding streets that make up this neighborhood (which happen to be on the National Register of Historic Places) is thriving. Homeowners and tenants alike have taken it upon themselves to rid the neighborhood of urban blight over the last few years. They have made the right phone calls. They have worked with the Buffalo Police. They have planted community gardens. They have stood as sentinels in their own neighborhood. They have even managed to attract a thriving community theater, aptly named The New Phoenix Theater.

Enter the West Side Market (WSM)… to the left of center stage. This market might as well be a wrecking ball for all of the progress that has been made in the West Village. For years the WSM has done everything it can to ruin the urban fabric that makes up the neighborhood. For years the owners have been repeatedly apprised of the problems that the market cultivates on its corner. The WSM has been afforded every opportunity to make right these wrongs, and for years has done nothing but continue on with its 'business as usual' mentality. And what is 'business as usual'? This corner market has kept police more than busy on a daily basis. Hundreds of 911 calls have been generated from this corner as a result of drug trafficking, instances of violence, and numerous other illegal acts.

Recently, community activists succeeded in temporarily shutting down the WSM. Now it looks like the city is going to renew the market’s operating license. Why? Because the owner wants another chance. I recently spoke with Marilyn Rodgers, a local community activist and Johnson Park homeowner about the WSM. In her own words:

“We have all heard the expression “demolition by neglect.” It refers, of course to historic buildings. However, we feel the City of Buffalo is allowing demolition of certain neighborhoods through neglect and inattention or lack of effort by certain individuals who have taken an oath to perform their duties for the best for our city. I, and many others who I consider my comrades, will continue to fight the good fight. We only ask that our city government, leaders, and those “in the know” will stand beside us and care as much as we do.”

The neighborhood has come too far. We can’t let apathetic mindsets drag it back down into the dirt. After speaking with Marilyn I decided to take the video camera over to show people just what is happening over at the West Village, particularly its hub - Johnson Park. The first set of video clips is a guided tour showcasing a few of the beautiful houses that reside on Johnson Park. The second clip describes the problems affiliated with the West Side Market. If you feel the same way we do about this critical issue, please let City Hall know. Here is an email list to voice your concerns:

Mary Zizzo - Supervisor of Permits - mzizzo@city-buffalo.com
Ray McGurn - Commissioner of Inspections and Permits - rmcgurn@city-buffalo.com
Mayor Masiello - amasielllo@city-buffalo.com
Councilmember Brian Davis - brdavis@city-buffalo.com
Peter Savage III - peter.savage@city-buffalo.com
Councilmember Nick Bonifacio - dbonifacio@city-buffalo.com
Mike Risman - mrisman@city-buffalo.com
Councilmember Rich Fontana - rfontana@city-buffalo.com
Councilmember Bonnie Russell - brussell@city-buffalo.com

If anyone does send an e-mail, please copy the West Village Renaissance Group at westvillageren@msn.com.

Video:

The Tour
Part 1 of 2 :: 20.61 MB
Part 2 of 2 :: 23.10 MB

The Problem
Part 1 of 1 :: 11.73 MB

The Big Dig on Hertel

2005-09-20T18:14:00.000-04:00

Nick Kotrides
Originally uploaded by BRM.

Nick Kotrides, owner of Toro Restaurant and Faherty's Bar on Elmwood, looked on today as the basement of the new Empire Grill on Hertel was being dug out. The neighborhood is very excited to see progress on the new build, which is located across the street from North End Trattoria on Hertel Avenue. Winsome White, proprietor of Bella (another new addition to Hertel Avenue), can't wait for the project to be completed. Her new dress shop sits just opposite the site. Winsome keeps late hours hoping to attract the busy dinner crowd, and from all accounts the Empire Grill should attract new customers from around all of Western New York. Toro, Elmwood's tapas bar and restaurant, has seen unusually large crowds this summer, and Nick hopes that his new venture on Hertel will be just as successful.

www.buffalorising.com: change of address

2005-09-20T10:47:00.000-04:00

As you may have heard, we're moving...and we're taking everything with us. You might want to bookmark this URL so you know exactly where to come visit us next Monday. The blogspot address will still refer you to the new URL, but in the meantime, you're missing a little eye candy.

Related posts:
These are the last days of Buffalo Rising Journal...

MAD BLOG PROPS:
Paul from elmwoodstrip.org helped us implement the javascript for the launch countdown page. He also dashed off a custom RSS feed parser in less time than it took him to finish dinner. The guy's a badass and Monday's launch is possibly largely because of the mad skills of Schneider Digital and Paul Visco.

Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies

2005-09-20T01:49:00.000-04:00

Shane Conlan
Originally uploaded by BRM.

The concept of creating a sports hall of fame for Buffalo had been suggested and discussed many times over the years. It was brought to fruition in the fall of 1990 when local businessman John Kapelewski got things moving. Several years earlier, Kapelewski, the manager of Associated Insurance & Financial Group's Buffalo office, had helped create the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame. Following his transfer to Buffalo, he discovered the Queen City was without a sports hall of fame of its own.

Shortly thereafter, Kapelewski began recruiting a board of directors, a group of local businesspeople and diehard Buffalo sports fans, all dedicated to reaching their goal -- the creation of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Incorporated as a non-profit organization, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame group began meeting regularly in 1991, putting together plans for an inaugural induction dinner, creating a nomination form, distributing them to Western New York Sports Fans, tabulating results and announcing the first class of 11.

This community's sports hall of fame is one of our nation's most unique since its scope is all encompassing. Its honorees live, have lived and worked in Western New York. They are men and women who have contributed to the welfare of sports in Greater Buffalo by performance, time, effort and/or financial support whether that sport be amateur or professional.

The public is welcome to visit the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame's exhibit, which opened to the public October 7, 1999. It is free and located on the lower level of the HSBC Arena atrium in Downtown Buffalo. Memorabilia, information, interactive computer kiosks and video presentations are displayed in honor of these great men and women.

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame announced the inductees for the Class of 2005 at a June 9th press conference at HSBC Arena in downtown Buffalo. This year's class includes Buffalo State Basketball Coach Dick Bihr, Buffalo Sabres/Bisons Trainer Frank Christie, Three-Time Bills' Pro Bowler Shane Conlan (photo), Erie CC Bowling Coach Kerm Helmer, Jamestown High Football Coach Wally Huckno, Archer David Hryn, Hockey Hall of Fame Writer Jim Kelley, Amateur Golfer John Konsek, Weight Lifter Don Reinhoudt, All-Around Athlete Phil Scaffidi, and Bills' Wall of Fame Linebacker Mike Stratton. -GBSHF

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and dinner will be held on October 25, 2005, at HSBC Arena. The HSBC Arena pavilion is the main entrance to the arena, located at Washington and Perry Streets. The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall Of Fame display is located in the pavilion, just outside the Sabres Store. The display is open whenever the pavilion is - Mon - Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM, and on event days 9:00am through the event.