CW23 girl Blog

Rock for Hunger

2008-12-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

Western New York Rocks; Let me tell you why. I was able to be a part of the 97 Rock, Rock for Hunger Event. DJ Jickster and I went to the same high school, as Larry Norton says, decades apart. Well for this event Jickster LIVED in this semi truck for almost a week, until it was full of food to then donate to the WNY Food Bank.

To see the way our community came out and came together for such a good cause was so unbelievably refreshing. Especially because our economy is so soft right now, we figured the truck would not fill as fast as it had in the past. Turns out, we FILLED the full size semi and we needed an over load truck which was a first for the Rock for Hunger food drive.

We had some local celebrities come out and carry boxes of food, sort cans, count turkeys and greet these awesome donors. We had some of my favorite girls, the Buffalo Jills, Jim Kelly, Linda Pellegrino, Brian Mooreman and Ryan Lindell.

Thanks to Jickster and 97 Rock for organizing such an awesome event and thanks to Buffalo for coming out with bells on to make Thanksgiving a memorable holiday that otherwise, may not have been for so many families on our wonderful area.

bottlecaps

2008-12-04T14:25:00.002-05:00

This last and upcoming weeks have been a bit of a blur. I think we could blame it in part to the holidays. I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I did. My family is so wonderful and this time of year reminds me just how much so they are.

Please travel safe, and remember that the last Gossip Girl of 2008 is coming up this Monday night. Thank God 2009 is just around the corner. :)

Check in soon CW-ers.

"xoxo"

~Lydia

driving miss daisy

2008-11-13T14:46:00.001-05:00

It’s about 40 degrees out today and pouring rain. I think that when winter is around the corner, we in western New York get a head start on terrible driving. We forget how to drive entirely, and we just want to let those driving cautiously around us know, that we are entirely capable of driving like an idiot. After all, the snow will be here shortly and what would be more fun than putting peoples’ lives in danger by driving while shaving, eating, writing a short story, and designing a new line of ponchos. I personally think it shows confidence and the ability to make wonderful choices; a very entrepreneurial outlook and extremely time efficient. Not to mention your probably transporting something valuable like new knitting needles and a venti mocha latte; no cap, no foam. I understand where your heads at.

Keep your mind on the important things in life like what to get your girlfriend for your 3 month anniversary, or when your 3 month anniversary actually is. Or that hunting season is now upon us, I don’t think it counts if you hit the deer with your truck, however. And no, I don’t think your wife was dying for a deer head to hang in the laundry room for Christmas. You could focus on the pedicure your about to get this afternoon and remember how you should probably drive barefoot and on your cell phone for at least thirty miles.

Whatever you do, just remember that these are all wonderful techniques to practice while in your driveway, or garage, or on one of those virtual racing games. But if your car is moving? Let’s not. Happy Thursday Drivers. I know you’ll make me proud.

Fashion Forward

2008-11-07T10:55:00.002-05:00

I’m not sure how many of you are fashion minded…I’m guessing it’s most. Fashion is such a huge part of our culture and our media today. I’m lucky enough to have a clothing provider; they are Urban Threads, on Elmwood. Mostly any pictures you see you me at any given event, photo shoot, commercial or music video, I’m probably donning some Urban Threads.

The owners are a husband and wife who popped right of a magazine; a beautiful couple with a sick eye for fashion and big hearts for Buffalo and its people. My favorite thing to do is walk in there and explain where I’m going and simply ask Maureen to dress me. She’s the very best at it.

They carry lines like Buffalo Jeans, French Connection, Industry, Levi’s, Miss Sixty, Roxy and many more; some amazing lines that are usually only found in NY, the UK or LA. Thanks for bringing them to Buffalo guys. It’s located right in the heart of the Elmwood Village which makes it that much more of an experience.

I recently walked for them in a charity runway show at Nektar. I wore a beautiful red dress that would give any woman a rockin’ silhouette. The show was a booming success which was no surprise. Maureen and Ward are part of another show coming up called Mass Appeal… to learn more about the store, click CW23 Girl then Urban Threads. Or for more information you can find them at www.urbanbflo.com. Find one of Buffalo's gems then write me and tell me what you think.

MONDAYS

2008-10-20T10:03:00.001-04:00

I’ve decided today that there are much worse things than Monday mornings. Like death and taxes, or burnt popcorn and potholes on Elmwood. I actually came in this morning to some fantastic emails from viewers regarding my interview in the Buffalo News this past Sunday. Thank you AWESOME viewers.

As of this week our website will be brand spanking new; exciting to say the least. So stay tuned and keep sending emails. I love hearing from each and every one of you. Yes, you. Happy Monday.

Xoxo

Lydia

Come on...

2008-10-09T13:56:00.003-04:00

Hi guys,

Tonight I'll be at Fright World on Sheridan from 7 til 9 pm. I hope you can all come out. I'm the BIGGEST wimp. Can't even watch scary movies without having nightmares for the following 3 months. Come on. BUT I'm going to suck it up and have a BLAST tonight. So you should come witness this event, is what I'm saying.

If you absolutely CAN NOT come tonight... wedding/ funeral/college graduation/my sister is having her baby... would be the only good excuses. But if one or more of those events is happening tonight, there's still hope! You can come the 23rd!! 7-9 again. I'm bringing pictures to sign and give out in case you need new locker wallpaper ;)

Come out and show me how it's done. Please and Thank you.

Lydia the CW Wimp.

Go Green!

2008-10-02T11:58:00.002-04:00

Hi Guys!

We're going green and we want you all to too! I am visiting some local high schools and speaking at pep rallys in great hopes to spread our very green ideals here at CW.

Each week a new "Earth Friend" will be chosen by the nominations YOU have posted to CW23.com. If you know someone making great strides in "Going Green" we want to hear about them. We have some cool prizes and an entire week of fame on cw23.com. :)

Talk to me Buffalo.

xoxo

Fall Forward

2008-09-29T13:14:00.000-04:00

Hi guys!

Sorry I was away, I’ve missed you all. My blog was down for a bit and we’ve been SOOO busy! Our new show, Better just started and I host the local segment everyday! So much fun. It’s on at noon every weekday and it covers so many interesting topics like fashion, food, trends, pets and more. CHECK IT OUT. It’s only on CW23.

So much has happened since I’ve been blogless… Sarah Palin, Tina Fey AS Sarah Palin, Clay Aiken- Gay…who knew? Lindsey Lohan is a lesbian. Oprah is queen and Stephen Colbert is head of National Security…or not. Our Wall Street catastrophe and Presidential Debate. The Jonas Brothers and their bracelets and Gossip Girl is the hottest show since 90210. Which might I say is back and better than before.

And this is from me to you for our fall season shows.

Gossip Girl Mondays at 8pm
One Tree Hill Mondays at 9pm

90210 Tuesdays at 8pm
Privileged Tuesdays at 9pm

America’s Next Top Model Wednesdays at 8pm

Smallville Thursdays at 8pm
Supernatural Thursdays at 9pm

Everybody Hates Chris Fridays at 8pm

Plus, CW has two new programs premiering next weekend (10/5):
Valentine Sunday at 8pm
Easy Money Sunday at 9pm

XOXO
Lydia

Top Model Auditions

2008-07-23T14:15:00.001-04:00

Hi Girls!
Thanks for your interest in out Top Model Auditions.
We had a great turn out and we're so excited to see what come of our Buffalo Models!!! Those of you who were there know that there were cameras everywhere! Some photos were uploaded to the Top Model link on our home page. Click "see more pictures!" Again, thank you for coming out and GOOD LUCK!!!!

Hot Air Ballooning

2008-07-16T11:07:00.003-04:00

What a fantastic experience. I think everyone should do that at least once in their lives. I WILL let you know I recieved a Certificate of Survival. You all HAVE to go to Balloons Over Niagara!!

Miss Bryna

2008-07-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

Laura Bryna; gorgeous smile, magazine-ready hair at all times, sweet as a Georgia peach, and oh yeah, she sings. Laura Bryna is a country music super star who is as charming as she is talented. I was honored to interview her last week as she came to Buffalo to perform. You can check out our interview at www.cw23.com .Her music is inspirational and fresh and her enthusiasm is wildly contagious. She has such a busy schedule; I honestly don’t think the woman sleeps. I like to call her superwoman; as does the Air National Guard. Laura is entirely honored to be called the spokesperson for the Air National Guard. And may I say; they sure chose correctly.

Her admiration and respect for the chosen heroes of our country is eye opening and appreciated in such a way that I believe no one could better represent one of America’s finest and bravest organizations. The experiences she has had have impacted her in such a way that she can’t wait to share with others in turn; changing lives. So thank you Air National Guard; for choosing someone to properly represent the men and women who protect the United States in such a dynamic way.

Laura’s new album “Trying to be Me” is such a breath of fresh air. After meeting her it’s hard to believe such a big voice comes from such a petite package. Her talent and love for her job shows when it comes to her music. Check it out for yourself at www.laurabryna.com.

So thank you Laura for stopping by our Buffalo and bringing such a fun twist to country music today. You’ve inspired me to own birds, use a lot more hair product and love what I do with heart, mind and soul.

high school squared.

2008-07-02T13:49:00.003-04:00

I have a funny family. Specifically funny sisters. My middle sister Anna is in tenth grade and has quite a comedic mind. If your throat hurts or you have stitches and can't laugh, don't even attempt to be near her.

Anyways. She wrote this blog. And i wanted you all to check it out. And if your a high school boy, your fantastic. If you used to be a high school boy, you'll get it. And if you're dating a high school boy, take note.

TITLED; 10 reasons a Snickers bar is better than a high school boy.

Current mood: indescribable

1.A severe mood change is not justified by losing Sabres score...a snickers bar can be enjoyed before, during, or after a sabres game. boys are not at all enjoyable during or after a sabres game…and apparently both snickers and boys fall apart in hot weather.

2.Boys are cocky. Snickers can be. Boys can't. theres a difference. (snickers... quiet confidence)

3. Snickers satisfy.

4. Whenever hungry for a snickers, you are able to walk 7 feet and buy one for $.65, you know the exact price and there is always an abundance of the same perfect bar.(unless of course there are one too many nuts...but then again my class has one too many nuts in it)

5. Snickers- what a legend. Boys attempt to be legendary....usually backfires...

6. To a snickers bar you can be any shape, or size, or color. whether or not you can play a good game of horse shoes does not effect if you can have a taste or not.

7.Snickers will never say "I love you" and then the next day see a 100 grand and walk out your door. they're there to stay.
8
. If on a nice sunday afternoon you would like to go to the mall instead of watch football a snickers would be all up for that and would even probably take you to olive garden after ;)

9.snickers bar= cool. snickering boys= not cool

10. snickers love families (see family size bag). my family loves snickers! (Take a lesson boys)

Now remember HUGE love for all the boys. Just giggle and carry on.

America's Next Top Model... From WNY????

2008-07-01T15:53:00.004-04:00

JUST running out the door to a shoot but I wanted to drop a quick note and let all of our fantasic viewers that we have some seriously exciting events coming up. You'll find CW23 at Canal Fest, Taste of Buffalo, The Pirate Festival (that's right) and of course the Erie County Fair.

ALSO... that we'll be holding America's Next Top Model Auditions at Bryant and Stratton from noon to four on July 19th. Totally amazing. YOU could be America's Next Top Model.... well if you are a 5'7" or taller female over the age of 18. :)

Write me with questions girls!! Good Luck. Be excited. I sure am.

Home Sweet Buffalo

2008-06-30T15:06:00.001-04:00

Buffalo is a pretty great city. Let me tell you why… my last few weeks have been a whirlwind of travel and every time I leave, it’s always a relief knowing I’m coming home to our awesome city.

I love Manhattan but there’s not nearly as many trees, or dogs, or Sabres fans as there are here. We have it pretty good – access to city life at the drop of a hat AND a comforting rural environment that provides such a necessary balance.

We have so many fun activities to do here too. When’s the last time you visited Niagara Falls? One of the Seven Wonders of the World and it’s 20 minutes away. Go. How about the Botanical Gardens or Delaware Park.? This weekend is the Fourth of July. I think not only our country should be celebrated but our city. After all we are called The Queen City because we’re the second largest city in New York State.

So celebrate our bigness, and our ability to withstand 95 degrees with extreme humidity AND 4 degrees below zero with 3.5 feet of sleet ands snow.

So Cheers Buffalo and all of our surrounding cities. Happy Fourth of July and thanks for making Western New York a fantastic place to live.

Mr. Chris Rock

2008-03-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

In my mind, going to a Chris Rock show is like spending 24 straight hours with the funniest person you know. Your cheeks just hurt from laughing after he leaves the stage and he paces back and forth making the crowd roar for about 2 hours.

We sat six rows back, stage right and I was surprised that half the crowd arrived after the show had already started. The entire front section was about a half an hour late but somehow escaped vocal embarrassment from Chris. His jokes were actually cleaner than I had expected; based mostly on politics…. How George Bush had done such an awful job as President, that he has now made it impossible for a white man to even run… that our only choice (because of Bush) is a Black man or a white woman. He went to TOWN on the Spitzer case. The news was just a couple days old of Spitzer’s drama and you can only imagine where he took that story.

In all of his comedic glory he did make some great points… one of my favorites was how he just couldn’t comprehend how even though we have invaded Iraq…gas and oil prices are soaring…”I’ll tell you what, if I invaded IHOP, pancakes would be a lot cheaper at my house.” Well put, world renowned comedian.

He has been called, “One of comedy's most astute observationalists,” due to the mere fact that he attacks the political and celebrity worlds with equal force. His topics included but were not limited to terrorism, George Bush, Elliot Spitzer, (and prostitute) Sports, The Clintons, and many more. Of course he threw in his racist flare which I did not find to be particularly offensive. I think every comedian needs an edge and that happens to be his. One of his last points was how he thinks George Bush should just do something SO stupid before he leaves the office like sell Manhattan back to the Indians for $18 instead of $17. Thankfully he caught himself there because we were in the Seneca Niagara Casino Tribally owned and operated by, that’s right, the Seneca Tribe of our local Native Americans. But I guess if you go to a Chris Rock show and you’re an easily offended person… it’s like riding the Maid of the Mist and demanding to not get wet.

I was able to meet him after the show. He was guarded by the biggest man I had ever seen and surrounded by a pretty intense entourage. He had changed in about 3 minutes flat and you could tell he was tired, but still charming and witty.

All in all it was a night that won’t easily be forgotten… it was a show well done.

Remembering Brent

2008-03-10T16:49:00.003-04:00

Brent Hersee graduated with my sister Jesse from my Alma Mater, Alexander Central in 2002. He and his family are also friends with my family. Brent died on July 24, 2007 from Anorexia Nervosa after a four year battle.

To remember Brent, there will be a fundraiser on March 14th at the Center Street Smoke House in Batavia. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. There will be an Appetizer Buffet from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and “Red Creek” will play at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit a Scholarship in Brent’s name and an Anorexia Support Group started by his family.

If you have any questions about the event or stories of how Anorexia Nervosa has affected your life, post a comment, or email me at lydiacw23@wnlo.com.

~Lydia

The Brian Dux Assist Fund Presents...

2008-03-10T16:45:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

“THE BRIAN DUX ASSIST FUND PRESENTS”
WHAT: The Main Event
WHERE: Town Ballroom,681 Main Street
WHEN: Saturday April 5, 2008
TIME: 5:00pm-11:00PM

TICKETS: $30 which includes food, pop, beer, basketball games and live music. Cash bar available. For tickets go to www.tickets.com , www.brianduxassistfund.com or the Town Ballroom box office.

Buffalo, New York–Former Orchard Park and Canisius College star point guard, Brian Dux, was seriously injured in a single car accident on November 10, 2007 in England. Brian had been playing professional Basketball for the Guilford Heat outside of London and was named the league’s MVP last season.

Brian started his recovery in England and has since traveled back to Buffalo by a special medical plane. Brian was placed in a rehabilitation ward at Erie County Medical Center where he made significant progress. On February 6th, he was allowed to move into his parents’ home in Orchard Park, New York. The family’s home has to undergo significant renovations to accommodate Brian and his special needs. For more information and updates on Brian’s condition or to make a donation see http://www.brianduxassistfund.com/

The event is the same night as the 2008 NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Tournament, which can be seen on large screen televisions. There also will be a chinese, silent and live auction. John Murphy, voice of the Buffalo Bills, will be emceeing the event and auction. Food is being provided by David’s Grille, Hutch’s, Black and Blue and Ilio DiPaolo’s.

Live music lineup: All of the bands are donating their time for this cause.(Times subject to change)

5 -5:45pm – The Eleven80's
Combining influences like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Soulive, B.B. King, John Coltrane, The Meters, and Dave Matthews Band, The Eleven80's bring a great new taste that is refreshingly unique. With Jeremy Blas' soaring guitar riffs, Kevin McGrath's funky bass lines, Brian Deinhart's mind-bending saxophone playing, and Jack Murphy's gut-busting drum licks, the band brings an entirely new outlook on the blues/jazz/jam band genre http://www.purevolume.com/eleven80s (Side note: Jack Murphy is the son of John Murphy)

6:15pm -7pm - Tom Stahl and the Dangerfields….all original folk rock with a side of sarcasm

7:30- 8:30pm Terry Sullivan and The Blasting Caps
http://www.myspace.com/terrysullivan

****Live Auction****Between games...time TBD

9:30-11:00pm
Ian Quail was formed in 1975 by Craig Korka- Lead Vocals, Stuart Ziff - Guitar, Chet Folger - Keyboards, Tom Tripi - Bass, James Flynn – Keyboards / Guitar and Buddy Hindes on Drums. Based in Buffalo, New York and managed out of Atlanta, they spent the majority of their four years together touring the Mid-West and South on the college town club circuit. During respites on tours, they played to a large and loyal fan base in the Buffalo area. Playing clubs as: The Barrelhead, Harvey & Corky’s Stage One, and the Poor House West. They were also one of the very few “local” bands to ever play dates at the famous/infamous “Belle Starr”.

Known primarily for their vocals and musical finesse, the band played several originals and covered a wide variety of Rock artists, as well as songs by: Grover Washington, Jr., Steely Dan, The Fabulous Rhinestones, and Junior Walker. They combined muscular rock with a bluesy Americana style; making Ian Quail a very unique band with very good musical chops. The band went though many musical and personnel stages during their tenure. Ted Reinhardt and Howard Wilson both served stints on drums, as well as Danny Tier and Duane Skibinski were brought aboard as sax men and additional lead vocals. They disbanded in the summer of 1979 at the conclusion of five sold out shows in their home town, Buffalo New York. They have all remained very close friends over the years and have played on each others musical projects up to the present. They have never re-joined as a band live or in the studio.

However, Ian Quail is re-uniting for this one-night-only event, for Brian. The original six members as well as several other band members will be playing live together for the first time in some 29 years.

It's for a great cause and will be a BLAST. Come out and have a great time. :)

~Lydia

Attention American Idol Watchers....

2008-03-10T11:15:00.003-04:00

Alright... I'm dying to know what you're all thinking...

I liked Asia'h Epperson, I can live without Luke Menard and Kady Malloy BUT Danny Noriega?

I totally liked Danny. He was the most flamboyant character yet to grace the screens of American Idol and he brought such a fun element that no one else has come close to. His look was fresh and new and interesting.

Talk to me WNY...

~Lydia

Damsel in Distress

2008-02-20T14:54:00.002-05:00

So I’m driving home from work last night, it’s snowing pretty hard and I’m annoyed. I’m thinking about what it would be like to go through an entire winter with no snow. No salt, no ice. No accidents or sitting in traffic for days on end. I’m thinking that California sounds pretty good at this point. I’ll take the 103 degree days, the sushi and the “Dr. 90210” bodies. After all, I like sand and sun.

The icing on the cake, however, was hitting a minute chunk of ice, (roughly the size of a cantaloupe,) and just hearing my tire explode. My front left tire. Flat. Flatter than flat; and in about 6 seconds, impressive actually. So here I am, madder then mad, sitting on the side of the road for about 45 seconds before a man in shining armor, (or Carhartts,) pulls up. He happens to have a portable air compressor, all filled. My luck that day had taken a drastic change. His name was Matt and he was a mechanic. Thank you God.

He filled the tire with air and it was flat in about six seconds. The ice chunk had made about a quarter size hole in the outer tread. Without thinking twice he asked if I had a spare, which I did. So there he was, jacking up my truck in what seemed to be sub-zero temperatures, as I stood in my mittens, still shocked that someone stopped to help me. People still do things like that? He was a young man, married with a baby on the way; an absolute outstanding citizen in my book. I was so grateful, as was my family. Triple A may have taken an hour and Matt had me up and going in about ten minutes. He even reminded me to move away from the road several times and to release the parking break.

I asked that he take money, but he strongly refused. He said that was not why he stopped and that it simply looked like I needed help. He was right. His care and compassion made me thankful for living in Western New York. The people in our area are genuine, true people, with heart and integrity. Heck, I now love snow and have nominated Matt for a
Nobel Peace Prize.

I’m just thankful that people like him are still around. So if you see a girl on the side of the road with a flat tire and her mascara running, stop. If there is a jerk driver in front of you, don’t beep. And if you ever need a mechanic, go to United 4 Wheel Drive, on Main St in Clarence and ask for Matt.

Quite the Show

2008-02-08T15:07:00.001-05:00

Wednesday night was my very first car show. I went to represent our station, along with Jacquie Walker and Don Postles, and to support a tropical theme which was contrasted by an incredible ice storm and ten main roads closed. But to our Buffalo natives, that was no reason to stay home. Way to represent Buffalo, nicely done. We had a great turn-out and a really fantastic show.

Now like I said I had never been to a car show. I kind of had a Vanna White idea in my head with a bunch of rotating sports cars and a game show theme. I was (thankfully) way off. I thought I would stroll around and take in the sights. Upstairs there were all the American cars (Go Fords) and some brand new models of some really sharp vehicles. I could have imagined myself in about five of them. Then I went downstairs, which were the foreign and luxury cars... HELLO. I told my station that if they felt the need to buy me a gift as a "new employee welcome" that I could chose from the Jaguar, and Range Rover, the Mercedes, and the BMW that I liked. No problem. Narrowing down my choice would be no trouble for me and I also mentioned that pink is my number one color-choice for the ribbon on top of it.

I think I might just get a potted plant instead. They said a fern is far more earth-friendly than a 7 mile-to-the-gallon BMW convertible. I agree. But it'd be much easier for me to keep a BMW alive. I was born with a lead foot, not a green thumb.

Being the girl...

2008-02-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

Being the CW23 girl is exciting and more fun than I ever imagined. The tasks I get to perform everyday range from shooting studio spots to looking over new edits and sometimes challanging my sports anchor to a game of H-O-R-S-E. Which we actually turned into a game of C-W-2-3 which is a fun new twist on an old game. OK, it's the same exact thing...carry on the trend? No? K, never mind.

But my point is, we are doing so many incredible things over the next couple of months. We're trying to involve our viewers as much a possible and our goal is to host a series of events that all of our viewers, at one point in time, would love to be a part of. Some sports, some music, some food and some fashion... and if you have any ideas of events you'd like to make a reality... please let me know! I'm dying to hear what you think and so get some feedback from our wonderful city.

Be sure to check out cw23.com every week. We're just starting to get it going full time and we're doing so many young & fun things that I think you'll love to be a part of.

Quick note... if you or any of your friends are part of a band... stay tuned. COOL COOL opportunities coming up!!!!

Happy Friday,

Lydia your CW23 Girl