Jobs in Buffalo

Lately, with gasoline prices as they are, I have found myself exploring more of the city then engaging in the usual trips south for weekend mountain biking. The city is on the verge of a small rebirth of sorts. Keeping in mind that this city needs to be smaller; smaller government, smaller goals, etc., I am becoming impressed with the small neighborhoods in the city. Unlike Pittsburgh, which is largely a working city, where commuters flood the city for work, then race out to live, Buffalo is a living city, a place where people live.

But where are the jobs? What has Mayor Byron Brown or County Executive Chris Collins done to bring jobs to the area? This city has tons; character, capability, desire and burdensome politicians (for another day). We just need jobs. So many of our capable college graduates flee town with diplomas in hand.

This city is ready to excel, this city is ready to be proud, nearly everything is in place.

But where are the jobs? Mayor, County Executive, what are you doing to bring business to Buffalo?

Buffalo, My Thoughts

Lately, I have been in the city frequently. No doubt, some of my trips into the city were due to our Sabres (perhaps a post for another day: Ineptitude of Sabres' owner Tom Golisano and his sidekick, Larry Quinn) and their unsuccessful bid to live up to their talent level.

I have been overwhelmingly negative towards the City of Buffalo in the past, and with good cause. This area really is lacking. Lacking of so many things. And a sports championship is not one of those that is necessary to covet, however much I would like to see a Stanley Cup visit town with the Sabres' names newly engraved on it.

The city has made some improvements, although much of them are window-dressing. Buffalo is becoming a city to live in. Many developers have built lofts and other apartments in the city in once-glorious buildings. And to their credit, they are being filled. However, my concern is still valid: What about jobs? What has our esteemed government done to promote jobs? I am sure that the Mayor and others will point to Labatt USA's recent move to Buffalo as a "major" new corporate immigrant to Buffalo. But I remind you that Labatt is moving 20 executive positions here. And it makes great business sense for Labatt (despite New York's punitive tax scheme) as this area represents their biggest market in the US.

What has been done to entice Canadian companies to Buffalo? What has been done to end the growth of corporate office buildings in Buffalo's suburbs? There may be nice housing in Buffalo's downtown core, but virtually no services. It remains a commuter's city. And all-to-often, commuters are commuting out of the city for their needs. Why is there no accessible big-box shopping in Buffalo? Why not bring a Wal-Mart and the net jobs it brings, into Buffalo?

And lastly, Buffalo's single greatest potential remains its waterfront. That statement, my friends, is circa 1982. Nothing has been done with the waterfront. To this day, you can drive your car around a cul-de-sac-type loop at the end of Erie Street. Great, you can drive your car around a circle! Why not close it off and build pedestrian shopping, restaurants and similar attractions? Could you imagine actually having a place for the people living in the projects nearby to work??!!

For nearly 30 years, debate has continued with no progress. Opportunities have been missed as the Mayor's golden shovel has sat idle. Not even a small project has been undertaken.

I applaud the Mayor, he has done a decidedly better job than Tony Masiello, although that's not hard to do. However, Buffalo still lacks jobs and industry. We've lost our heavy industries, no doubt, but are sitting on a virtual goldmine with Canada literally moments away. And while the government of Buffalo blames the State, nothing gets done.

Maybe it is time Buffalo has done something for itself?

Clash Reunion

Whoa! Just read an online article from Ultimate Guitar stating that Mick and Paul have been talking about a Clash reunion, apparently with Tim Kennedy from Rancid on vocals, replacing late-great Joe Strummer!

So many things going through my head; jubilation, shock and even dismay come to the forefront. It would have been a life-changing moment to see the Clash live with Joe at the helm, but I missed the opportunity when they came through Buffalo. The opportunity to hear "White Riot," "Remote Control," "London Calling" and all the others live would be amazing. But can the Clash be The Clash without Joe? When Mick quit/was kicked out of the band, it was the end of The Clash, they lost their groove as he and Joe wanted to go in different directions. Rumors of re-forming around their induction into the Hall of Fame were seemingly unfounded and died with Joe's death, can they really put it back together?

But dismay seems to clash loudly with my feelings of jubilation and shock. Would Joe be in favor of this? I know he said he would reunite when it felt right, but it seems he had achieved genius, if not legendary status with his band Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros. Certainly he wouldn't feel the need to reunite, would he? And what about the show in Acton, London where Mick joined him on stage? Wasn't that magic? This reminds me of Marky Ramone touring, playing only Ramones tunes, would Joey and Johnny support this? Certainly Joey would and Johnny wouldn't. I don't know where I stand on that issue. But on this Clash issue, I am holding my opinion.

Should they play the USA "I'm so Bored with the USA," I'll be there. And if they play multiple dates, I will be there as well. Further, Mick's new attitude towards recording shows will certainly mean that there will be an ample amount of recorded materials out there.

I fear, however, that the magic is gone.

Erie County, NY - An Update...

Well, here we go again. It appears as though all-along, county Comptroller Nancy Naples was right when she warned that County Executive Joel Giambra ( a one-time Democrat who changed party affiliation) and the morons they call the County Legislature that the supposed cuts they were making to the budget were insufficient.

Yesterday, New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi released his audit of County finances and found that not only were the cuts superficial and not enough to close the budget gap, the gap itself was larger than originally thought. He declared that gimmicks only had been used to dupe the taxpayers into thinking there was a semblance of fiscal responsibility when there wasn't. Erie County's bond rating was lowered again yesterday to BBB minus. This drives up costs when Erie County needs to sell bonds to acquire short-term cash.

Oh there's more: Hevesi went so far as to say that county government needed "adult supervision," a statement which brought chuckles - from the same idiots who got us in this mess. An aura of mistrust is rampant through county government, causing the wheels to stop.

In a way, this is what is supposed to happen when the taxpayers say "enough is enough." However, as taxpayers, we expect our government to work for us, not against us. Clearly, our Erie County government has worked against us.

Personally, I have not been upset by the county's issues - I think these are natural and this is what is supposed to happen when the citizens realize how dysfunctional our government is. I consider these episodes to be the growing pains before progress. However, I am now beginning to get upset. County Executive Joel Giambra has been a lousy leader. He is abrasive, rude and clearly lacking in the skills necessary to be a decent person. This has been evidenced by his personal run-ins with county legislators both of his own party as well as those on the other side of the aisle. During TV interviews, he is rude to the reporters beyond what even I would consider reasonable. Then there is George Holt. He leads the legislature. Last month, he enacted new rules that restrict TV cameras in the legislature. He went so far as to chase down camera crews conducting interviews with county officials - all this was caught on tape. Now, as the State Comptroller releases his findings and says that work must begin immediately to fix the problem, George Holt is going on vacation!

What are the solutions? Nancy Naples has a few suggestions and other suggestions have been bandied about. It looks like we're going to get hit with a sales tax increase immediately. Further, property taxes are sure to rise significantly in next year's budget. But will our county government works towards a smaller, more efficient government? Unlikely. The State is asking for a Control Board (just like the one for Buffalo that has done so much good for the citizens - not). And chances are it will happen and perhaps we'll see someone force our government to be more efficient. Unlikely again. I can tell you what will be the "solution," more taxes.

As for Joel Giambra: I voted for him. He brought new ides to the table, including merging the City of Buffalo with the County of Erie. Given the problems the City has, this would be like having the Taliban perform with the band at my Bar Mitzvah! It's time for Joel to resign, we need change, we need a leader who can get things done against all odds. When Governor Schwarzenegger took over for California, the situation was dire, it has been turned around. We need someone who will make the right decisions, put personal issues aside and work for the people, not against us.

An Open Letter to Greenpeace, and Similar Green Groups

OK, Look it, I don't like you guys and you guys don't like me!

I don't agree with militant-type tactics regardless of the cause. I don't like how the tactics of Greenpeace, WWF and similar groups (like the nuts at ELF) include blatant lies. I don't like the fact that millions of dollars are spent providing false information to the public. I don't like the fact that these groups spend countless dollars raising more funding as well as using their dollars for anything but helping the environment.

You don't like me because I am a Republican. You don't like me even more because I consider myself an informed Republican, not quite right-wing, although certainly not left-wing. You don't like me because I am in a business that relies upon the bounty of nature for my living. You don't like me because I absolutely don't consider myself an environmentalist - I am certainly a conservationist much in the Teddy Roosevelt style.

That being said, here is where us business owners need help from the greenies: Recycling. Let me explain: We create tons upon tons of paperwork here. At the end of the week, we shred it and put it in the dumpster. It's a general trash dumpster, so I presume that the paper ends up in a landfill somewhere where it will not degrade. Further, all that paper that is now not being recycled will need to be replaced. Granted, trees are a renewable resource, but if we could cut down on the number of trees cut down annually, we'd be doing the right thing. So, here I am trying to find a way to recycle, but can not find a way to do so. Sure, I can call Shred-It and pay an arm and a leg for the service, but I am in business, why pay for this if we can put it in the dumpster for no additional cost? Therein lies the problem.

So, when you greenies are ready to make a real impact on the environment, you may wish to start with solving this dilemma. Given that companies actually pay for paper to use in producing the recycled goods they produce, this could even be a money-making venture. And you could use those profits to save the seals.

Leadership from the States??

Ok, there has long been the thought that if there is an issue that affects all citizens of the country, it is a matter best addressed by the Federal Government. However, we all know that the Federal Government is bloated, inefficient, wasteful and generally dysfunctional.

In light of the recent Lunde and Lunsford cases where two young girls were kidnapped and killed by sexual and violent crime offenders that we were supposed to be protected from, many are insisting that the Federal Government compile a list of sexual offenders, thus nationalizing both the offense as well the punishment. Certainly, the crimes are worthy of national recognition as "scumbags," but asking the Federal Government to get involved is likely not the solution.

Did you know that oil refineries in the USA produce something like 37 different grades of gasoline (I recall that it is 37 grades, it could be more, could be less, but the fact is that it is numerous)? Why? Well, each state has passed legislation that details what the specifications of the gasoline should be, usually pursuant to their "Clean Air" legislation. Are the environments of each state that radically different that so many grades of gasoline are needed? Or is this how some bureaucrats justify their existence? Each time a refinery stops production of one grade to shift to another grade, the down time costs money. Further, I am sure that the refineries have to inventory the different grades and thus the management of the inventory costs them money as well. And these costs are not absorbed by Big Oil, they are passed along (presumably profitably) to the consumer. Thus, if you have not yet concluded as such, these different grades cost us money at the pump - in addition to the dollars we're willingly sending to the Saudis.

So how can we get the Federal Government to fix these and other issues? We don't. What we need is leadership from the states. We need a governor who will take a leadership role (perhaps a governor looking to be President some time) and build a consensus among the states. We need someone to take a leader's role and get the states together such that someone takes an issue and solves it. For example, Illinois could take the lead role in compiling and publishing sex offenders from all the states in the union. Also, another state, California? Oregon? could take the lead role in establishing gasoline grades acceptable to all states. It is inconceivable to think that such an effort would yield only three or four grades, but lets presume such an effort could lead to significantly less grades and thus lower prices.

The Ski Taliban

If you ski with me at Holiday Valley (AKA Crappy day Valley) in Ellicottville, NY, chances are that you know about the Ski Taliban. We used to call them the Yellow Jackets, Ski Nazis, Fun Busters, etc. Now, they are the Ski Taliban.

The Ski Taliban are hired by Holiday Valley (and paid with a free ski pass) to enforce the rules. The so-called rules are a hodge-podge of subjective crap that these failed-mall-security people take joy in enforcing. For example, years ago, they would pull your pass if you jumped! Recall the youthful joys of being simply one to two feet in the air! This group of morons used to pull passes of seven-year olds having fun, taking a bit of air. These days, if you ski in the trees, crack a smile, have fun or otherwise violate their rules constricting freedom, you run the risk of an unpleasant encounter with the Ski Taliban. I, for one, have had the thrill of being kicked-out for the day and had my pass pulled.

Upon arriving at Holiday Valley and taking your first lift up, you will be hollered at by a Ski Taliban “put your bar down.” It’s almost mandatory to yell “what?” Just so that you’ve annoyed these morons. Eventually, you’ll be forced to put your chairlift safety bar down. Mind you at many resorts, the chairlifts do not even have safety bars, nor do they have nitwits telling you what to do on both the chair and on the slope. It has often been said/proven that these morons can not ski, and thus their idea of a ski day is hollering at people.

When you ski down, you may be accosted at the lift line by a Ski Taliban who is in your face, wanting to see your pass and telling you that you ski too fast. Mind you, if you are a jeans-wearing, line-backer type skier (you know, all hunched over, going straight down the hill) hopped-up on booze (it flows freely here in Ellicottville), you get a free pass to whack any other skiers. But if you happen to be an expert, they love to chase you down and call in close air support, if needed. That's why the occasional human slalom played with the Ski Taliban can be so much fun - let the games begin. I know someone who has been told that he was "intimidating other skiers!" Ha!

Rather than fighting the Taliban, we've adopted a new system, simply playing with them. Don't put the bar down, just to force them to yell at you. By all means, play human slalom with 'em, we've even begun to shoot spitballs at them in the lodge. They love the attention, we even saw one guy hiding in the woods of the Wall, Dukes of Hazzard-style just so he could yell at people to put their "safety" bar down. For what it's worth, the only time I ever fell out of a chairlift, I jumped, I did not fall.

We've seen them cause little kids to cry (Mike Lyons' name is on that one - nice job scumbag), yell at people if their spray (snow kicked-out from the skis when turning and stopping) hit others, pull passes of the Nationals (ie. National Ski Patrol - the real patrol), yell at people just for looking down a closed trail (Don Meyer's name is on that one), yell at people hiking on the trails (as in snow shoe-ers who were hiking the state forest grounds, not the ski area property) and yell at people for no apparent reason. They even get on their radios to announce when they've lectured a regular skier.

So why does the Ski Taliban continue their reign of unkindness?? $$, it's got to be money. My theory is that the Taliban exist to keep the Valley's insurance premiums lower. I think the Valley uses this band of nitwits to contain their costs, there can be no other explanation. Granted, there are a few who view the "job" as a free pass and can not be bothered enforcing the "rules," and thus are known to be the badasses within the Taliban, but the good guys to the rest of us.

George W. Bush will soon be including the Ski Taliban as a part of the Axis of Evil. The Ski Taliban have destroyed the Essence of Skiing. They do not support the Constitution of the USA as they take issue with any words you use upon being "pulled over." They are un-American and certainly are not skiers nor do they promote anything good about skiing.

For now, the season is over, no Ski Talibans for the whole summer, but they'll be back. And so too will our fun! Look out boys, we're comin' for ya!

Dickie Bobcat! Part III and Hopefully the End...

I have been out of town during the latest round of winter storms, but we did receive a few inches of snow the other night. I went to bed with the phone and the correspondance from the police next to me.

At approximately 5:45 am., I was awoken by an odd-sounding truck. Not too loud, but a truck I don't normally hear in the neighborhood. As it continued to make noise, I peered out the window to find a plow! Except rather than finding two tractors and bobcats, I found a pick-up truck with a plow! To me, this is acceptable under the Town of Amherst's Noise Ordinance law.

Thus, I am claiming victory!

Some of the ski pals; Tim, Sharon (a yellow-jacket who has yet to pull my pass), Russ, Linda (they just returned from Taos) and Larry (left to right).

The Police Respond

Below is a letter I received from Amherst Chief of Police John Moslow:

Sir, I believe your interpretation of the noise ordinance is correct. The police department would enforce it should you insist upon it. However, if the contractor was forced to wait til 6a.m. after a heavy snow, it could very possibly create more of a mess with the other association members trying to leave for work in the morning. It would be best if this concern was addressed by your association. That being said, I will forward your complaint to the Night Platoon Captain, David Hoy (689-1307), who will inform his officers to enforce the law if a complaint is reported. Generally, a warning to stop would be issued by the officer, if the plowing or noise continued – a summons would be issued. I imagine our enforcement would create turmoil within your association.

Dickie Bobcat! Part II

Below is the copy of a message sent to the Town Supervisor, all Town Councilmembers, the Chief of Police and the Town Justice:

Good Morning!

My apologies for a "mass" message, however, at this point, I do not know where to turn and am hoping for this note to fall on a sympathetic ear.

I am an Amherst resident, residing at #### Forest Edge Dr., in East Amherst. I live in a townhouse and belong to an association that is responsible for clearing the snow. Herein lies the problem. The association's contractor has been doing the work between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am. The contractor uses two large tractors for this purpose. As you can imagine, this is very noisy. For years, I have complained to the association to no avail.

I recently became acquainted with the Town's Noise Ordinance (chapter 138).

According to the law (138-2 Definitions), my property is clearly residential.

According to the law (138-5 Prohibited acts), "The outdoor use or operation of any powered tool or equipment, including but not limited to saws, sanders, drills, grinders, lawn mowers or tractors, leaf blowers, snow blowers or any other garden tools or equipment, on property being used for residential purposes between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day." The activity taking place is clearly prohibited.

According to the law (138-6 Exceptions), there is no exception for a private contractor even if they are performing a duty that is performed by a public utility in other parts of the town.

According to the law (138-7 Enforcement), the law is to be enforced by the Amherst Police.

Thus, after getting complete and thorough legal advice, I called the Police at 3:00 am on Wednesday, January 26th after being awoken by the tractors' noise. Officer Moore responded to the call, arriving at approximately 3:35 am. It was snowing and the tractors used by the association's contractor were in the vicinity working. Officer Moore recorded the complaint and understandably had to leave quickly as there was an accident on the 990.

I spoke with the Police and Officer Moore on Wednesday, January 26th at approximately 8:15 am. I was advised by Officer Moore that this is an issue that I need to resolve with the association.

However, I have a few unresolved questions:
1. If the complaint came from a resident of another, neighboring development, how would this be handled? I presume according to the law.
2. The law is seemingly clear, why can't I get enforcement?
3. An absurd, by illustrative question/demonstration: Am I not covered by the law, even though I reside inside the geographic boundaries of the Town of Amherst (138-3), and thus can disregard the law for my own purposes? And if I am, for that purpose covered by the law, then why can't I get enforcement for my complaint?

While I appreciate the attentiveness given to my complaint by Officer Moore and the Police, I still feel that I am due the protections of the law. Thus, where do I turn next? I feel that there has not been resolution to this matter.

I write you humbly, asking for your assistance to my problem.

Best regards,
skimikey

The Promise of a Powder Day

The silence of light snow falling can be deafening. While the peaceful tranquility builds on the roads, trees and ski slopes (out west, it's the bowls and mountains), the inner noise builds. One finds oneself checking and double-checking to see that all the preparations are in place.

Is lunch made? Did I set the alarm? Who is going to meet me? Who am I going to have to ditch? Where should I ski first? Where will the last pile of freshies be? Are my skis waxed? Do I really care? Avalanche transceiver (out west only)? Where will I park to get the best pow? Can I bribe a liftie to get me up sooner? Which boards should I use? Gee, I hope the tram/lift line won't be too bad. Will the upper area be open? What if it's too windy and I have to adjust my plan? How are the trees today? How about the upper traverse? Will the backcountry gates be open? If so, which ones and how will that adjust my plan?

As the snow piles up and the shoveling is done for the night, the noise gets louder, pop in a Ramones or Clash CD and watch some ski flicks. Then, think about what I am going to be missing tomorrow. I need to get a hold of this person, that person, got to get their order in. Run to the laptop, get some work done.

In the morning, grab the lunch, race to the car, drive ski-boots-on, rush to the hill, stash the lunch, grab the closest spot in line and ride the chair. Race off the chair and head to your powder stash, hope no one has seen you. Flash the line and then hope you can get back up quick enough to grab a second and third run before the yahoos track it all out.

Repeat!

That's the promise of a powder day, whether it's Fernie, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood, Sugarbowl, that's my routine. Hopefully, this routine will reoccur soon.

Why Does Buffalo Suck?

Let’s face it, Buffalo sucks. Big Time!

We're at the far Western edge of the state, far from Albany and the state lawmakers, far from New York City and the Big Apple's tourists and business. To the North is Canada and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, where tourism is booming, due in part to careful planning and two large casinos. Also in Canada is a booming wine industry with Ontario home to some of Canada's most famous and respected wineries. To the South is a vast rural area, home to skiing, hunting, excellent mountain biking, snowmobiling and camping. To our immediate east are New York's Finger Lakes, carved by the glaciers of the Ice Age. To our North and West lie two of the Great Lakes; Ontario and Erie. Toronto lays an hour and a half away, providing you can keep up with the Canadians on the QEW. New York City is seven hours away, Boston eight, Pittsburgh four and Cleveland three.

Let’s repeat something so that it sinks in...Canada, a foreign country, is literally a mile away from Buffalo. What has Buffalo done to capitalize on the trade possibilities with our neighbor? Erected bridge and highway tolls! Nice way to spur trade.

Erie County, NY, home to Buffalo now has a 9.25% sales tax. While I can not provide the exact source, it has been said and become accepted fact that Erie County, NY is the single-highest-taxed area of our great country (combine property, sales, gas, NYS income, US income, school and all the other taxes).

Despite the fact that the New York State Constitution forbids gambling of any type, the natives have been permitted to place three casinos in Western New York. And now, even the Indians do not want to have a casino in downtown Buffalo.

The mayor, who many people insist is not mentally disabled, is more concerned with keeping bars open than restoring a tax base (i.e. Business, industry and non-welfare receiving residents). The city's finances are so poor that a Control Board now oversees everything that the mayor does. And yes, the public employees' unions have a firm grip on the city. Despite the rapid decline in residents within the city, the public employee payroll continues to blossom.

One newspaper (I'm told it's the most profitable paper in the country) is all we have and it slants so far to the left that even their news boxes lean. The paper perpetuates the idea that we're doomed by those who wish to free us from the burden of over-government.

Ahh government. Our government sucks. My brother (father of the beautiful little girl seen down below), says it's because most of our political figures are home-grown. They've never gone beyond the area to see what success is really like. This area has been in decline since the steel plants shut down (lest we forget those lovely buildings lining our waterfront just south of the city - now there's some real urban planning).

Local government, recognizing that we need to summons business has been doling-out some big time tax incentives to some business, but there has not been relief for any established businesses or residents. The latest is Bass Pro is going to inhabit the old hockey building downtown. Wait until the customers "flock in from out of state" as the pols say, and see that the canoe they bought really costs 9.25% more! And a 9.25% sales tax will likely not incent Canadians (who pay 15% GST and PST in Ontario) enough. Buffalo's legislature, dubbed Common Council, where the only thing not common is sense, reminds me of my Kindergarten days. Put these people in the real world and see what happens! Erie County's legislature is a band of pols who change party affiliations and opinions more than they change their underwear. A few years ago, the county legislature mortgaged our future giving the Buffalo Bills all they wanted - and more - to keep them in town. We should have let them go to Toronto; they'd be begging to come back. It seems you can rely on a few things from our local governments; taxes, more taxes and inactivity (Perot yakked about "gridlock" all the time, but what we have here is not gridlock, just stupidity).

In Western New York, the most popular sign is 886-0211, this is the phone number for Benderson, the leading commercial developer in town (they have just recently sold a number of their properties to an Ohio-based company, DDR, and have begun new construction usually right next door). This sign is so prevalent because there is an inordinate amount of commercial property with a bevy of vacancies. Yet our towns, so desperate for the property taxes, keep allowing for further development. In the suburbs, you used to enjoy your drive, viewing the wildlife, trees and fields, now it's a hodge-podge of commercial architecture. Real attractive.

"Buffalo is a football town." We hear that all the time. Maybe it's because we're not a prosperous town, a healthy town (disproportionate cancer and leukemia rates), a fun town, an employment town, a proud town, an innovative town, a friendly town (the city of good neighbors - yeah right), an equal town (ask former Sabres goaltender Grant Fuhr about his experience joining a local country club), a town of economic opportunities, a town of economic growth, a town of visionaries nor a town of opportunity. Football is something we have in common. All the drunks hang out in the stadium on Sunday afternoons and fight - it's great for the area economy. Our multi-million dollar stars spend their off-seasons out of town, spending their tax-abated incomes somewhere else.

Buffalo has a Napoleonic complex. We're only four-foot-nine, but we want everyone else to think we're six-foot-six. So, we built a subway that goes nowhere, not to spur economic growth, not to help city residents get to work, not to promote the city's benefits to suburban residents, they built it because all the other big cities have a subway. We tried to bring Major League Baseball and the residual drug and steroid business that goes along with it to town. Built a huge, new downtown ballpark and filled it to capacity for our AAA Buffalo Bisons so we could impress the Major League. In the end, we didn't get the Major League team. Our failure to do so is actually our success, as we may have learned a lesson: That bigger is not necessarily better. Check that, I doubt that we learned a lesson. Face it Buffalo, we're not Major League. Not for baseball, not for business, not for much of anything.

Possible solutions: President Bush should designate Buffalo a Homeland-Security-Void-Zone, meaning that no precautions are taken for safety. A sort of "free shot" for those sick bastards. I like the idea of letting the Sabres win the Stanley Cup (a sort-of mercy championship) and allowing us to riot and flatten the city. Or how about letting the Canadians march into the city and burn it as they did in 1812. At least Irv would be back on the air for that one. I also propose a foreign-exchange program. In this program, we send our political leaders to another city in exchange for theirs. It needn't be a domestic city either. At this point, I think the political leaders of Uzbekistan can do a better job than Masiello and Giambra.

Ramones on PBS, Gabba Gabba Hey!

Mark your calendars now, April 26, 2005 at 10PM.

End of the Century, the documentary that covers the original punk band The Ramones from their beginnings as "brothers" in Queens, NYC to their end as battling siblings embroiled in ongoing disputes will be shown on PBS in full, I am told.

A note to dedicated Ramones fans who have not yet seen the film that has shown for about a year in independant film venues in North America: This is not a feel-good film. Much of Johnny's and Joey's hatred for each other is documented by this film, as is Joey's OCD.

From the reviews I have read, this film will leave Ramones fans sad about the brothers, rather than proud about their music.

Gabba Gabba Hey!!

I want to go back to sleep

Ella Sadie already practicing the Wave for Buffalo Bills games taught to her by her dad.

Run for Your Lives, Mikey's an Uncle!

Ella Sadie was born early this morning at 12:06 am. Baby, mom and dad are doing well, pictures to follow.

Fernie vs. Tahoe Part II

Well, it looks like it's gonna be Tahoe. You just can't argue with snow! The snow continues to come down with record dump after record dump. I was there years ago when it snowed 16 feet in two days and we got stuck in Tahoe City at the Lake of the Sky Motor Inn. A five-day ski trip turned into a glorious ten-day trip skiing Alpine and Squaw's lower lifts. Followed up with a five hour drive to Reno on route 80.

Which brings up another question (and answer): Why the Chain restrictions? Answer: Because Californians don't know how to drive in the snow.

Fernie will have to wait for another year.

Tahoe sunset, December 15, 2004

Dear God...

Dear God,

You usually only hear from me when I say "God damn it" or something similar.

But now this is serious. Here in Buffalo, we're hurting - we need snow! We got about an inch last night. And now it is raining. Check that, let's call it freezing rain.

So here is the issue, it is now the sixth day of January and we have yet to see sizeable amounts of snow. In fact, this winter, we've gotten more rain than snow.

Our mountain biking season here was awful, and I sacrificed my collarbone to you: Seemingly to no avail.

So I am asking for mercy. We don't need the Blizzard of '77 all over again, but a repeat of '82 would be nice. Drop some snow in town, then shift the lake snows south and pummel Ellicottville. That would be nice. And if you could keep a thaw away until mid-March, life would be great.

If you can't do those things, how about a clear signal, Fernie versus Tahoe (Kirkwood, Sugarbowl, Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley USA, you get the idea). If you wouldn't mind dumping snow on one or the other to make the skiing great and the decision easier, that would be wonderful.

I promise, no more "God damn it(s)" if it dumps!

Dickie Bobcat!

I live in the Buffalo, NY area. It snows here. Sometimes it snows a lot.

I live in a townhouse and we have an association that takes care of the common needs; snow removal, lawn care, garbage disposal, etc. The latest issue we are having involves our snow removal.

The snow removal is done by a full-sized front-loader (ie. a tractor) and a little bobcat (dubbed Dickie Bobcat), a small personal-sized tractor. While the association rules call for snow removal to begin at 7 am, Dickie Bobcat and his pal are on the job at 5:30 am. The big front-loader is loud and causes the entire townhouse to shake. It is also quite loud. Further the bobcat is loud as well. The noise and commotion causes the entire population of Forest Edge to wake up. And believe me, it's not a pleasant wake-up call!

Today, I will post signs in all of the common areas (mailboxes) on bright yellow colored paper instructing people on how to complain and who to complain to. I have also contemplated ways to avenge this. I could put "the Club" on the steering wheel of the tractor, I could put big, heavy blocks under the snow...

Lets see what happens from here.

Fernie/Red Mountain vs. Tahoe

So it's that time again: Time to determine where to go skiing in February. Right now, it's between Lake Tahoe (Squaw, Alpine, Kirkwood, Sugarbowl) and skiing Fernie and Red Mountain, British Columbia.

I've skied both areas, with the exception of Red Mountain and am used to going to Canada for ski trips where the dollar has been worth so much more than the Canadian dollar. But this year is different, our dollar is almost even with theirs, making a trip to Canada not so much of a deal as it used to be. But that is not factoring into the deicision much. The bottom line is where is the skiing going to be best.

Fernie is a kick-ass ski hill: Steeps abound from nearly every chair. And their powder is legendary. The town is laid-back and about 3 and a half hours from Calgary. Red Mountain would be a trek from Fernie to the tune of about five hours. I'd fly in to Kelowna, drive four hours to Rossland, where Red is and ski for a few days. Then, drive to Fernie. Fernie can be fun and world-renowned Island Lake Lodge is located in town. Island Lake Lodge is booked two years in advance, but a day trip for cat skiing might be possible. Fernie is a small Kirkwood-type hill that offers steeps and plenty of OB skiing. Fernie is the real deal. Rumor has it that Mike Lennox is a snowmaker out there: I'd hook up with him and get his inside tips. We'd stay on the hill, at the Griz Inn. I don't know what our plans for Rossland would be.

Tahoe is amazing. But it can also be hollywood. Tons of people - people fighting for first tracks, a spot for lunch, a place for dinner and on the roads. The skiing is top-notch. Kirkwood is just like Fernie - good snow, great steeps. Probably needs a couple of days to ski the whole hill. I'd stay cheap in a south Tahoe casino (about $60 per night) and drive each day to Kirkwood (about an hour, can be longer depending on roads and chain restrictions). I would also consider taking a trek to Mammoth Mountain and skiing there for a few days. The skiing there is great as well, so long as there is snow. We could also drive from Reno straight to Mammoth and stay there for a few days, before coming north to South Tahoe so we could ski Kirkwood (where I have 2 two-for-one tickets). We could also stay in Kirkwood, although it can be pricey. From there, we would probably stay in Stateline at one of the Casinos and ski Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows and Sugar Bowl. My friends Shana, Jason and Dennis live in Kings Beach, CA on the North Shore. Dennis and Shana work at Alpine Meadows and know the backcountry, so we'd be able to get a day or two touring the backcountry - that's fun.

Other considerations include the amount of schelping we'd have to do. Car rental and the chain restrictions in and around the Tahoe area and of course snow.

We're all expert skiers looking for lots of snow, steep runs and varying terrain. Nightlife doesn't matter much as we're pooped by days end.

So what do you think, where should we go?

Gabba Gabba Overkill?

The Ramones were/are likely the greatest rock and roll band of all time. By combining raw riffs with comedic, Dee Dee-inspired lyrics, this band spawned generations of rockers and rockers to be.

With the untimely deaths of Dee Dee, Joey, and Johnny Ramone, this leaves just a few Ramones; Tommy (drummer who left the band for the production studio), Marky (who joined the band after Tommy left, then left for rehab, and joined up again), Richie (AKA Elvis Ramone who filled in for Marky), CJ (who played bass for the band when Dee Dee left for multiple reasons) and others who we won't provide much detail on, like Clem Burke. Of these remaining Ramones, fans can only really call Marky, CJ and Tommy Ramones, although we appreciate Richie's contributions.

Marky has stepped in the forefront as the lone Ramone to carry the torch. However, is Marky stepping forward and providing the fans with what we need to fill our now-empty hearts? Or is Marky taking the opportunity to look like the "leader" now that the Ramones have died or moved-on to other projects.

If you check out ramones.com frequently, you'll find that the site is almost exclusively devoted to Marky's projects and updates. This is either by design or because he is the lone Ramone left. But now that the Ramones have sold more merchandise than records, End of the Century has played in theaters to great reviews across North America and Marky's personal videos have been produced in the new Ramones Raw DVD that has been certified "gold," it seems that the Ramones are remaking themselves, long after the bickering has ended, sadly so too have the lives ended.

So is Marky carrying the torch? Is he indebted by the Ramones fans to do so? Or is he assuming a role for his own gain. And what's happened to the music - it's the music that made the Ramones great. Perhaps it was the interpersonal strife and struggles that gave the band the Strength to Endure, but in the end, it was the music that trumped it all. Maybe that's the best way to remember the Ramones, through their music.

Crappy Day Valley

Well, Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY fashions itself as being the "Aspen of the East," and it couldn't be the furthest from the truth. Unless, of course Aspen is known for being absolutely insensitive to the skiing experience and completely inept at managing a mountain.

Now lets be realistic, calling Holiday Valley a mountain is akin to calling Ashlee Simpson a singer. Yes, it's a ski hill in the sense that there are chairlifts and skiers on the hill, but the experience here is anything but what you'd expect from "skiing."

One thing Holiday Valley does well is make excuses. And granted, weather around here (Western New York) is not consistent, nor bountiful with snow, but this is nothing new - call it an occupational hazard. This season, things have started slow (although some folks make turns in October as the snow usually falls then). One weekend in November, Crappy Day Valley actually made snow! Although the forecast was for warm temps. and rain, they made snow. But why? You see the forecast was for warm temps., so why make snow? And they did so without the zeal you'd expect from a little ski hill fighting mother nature. They only used a few of the portable, ground-based guns on one slope "Yodeler." The temperatures were cold enough and there was plenty of capacity to run the "towers" using water and air outlets from other runs/locations. OK, so then the warm temps. came and there was no skiing.

When it finally did get seemingly in to the season, Crappy Day Valley concentrated on spreading themselves thin - making snow everywhere, but not lots of snow...Just enough to cover the hill. Then the thaw came and most of the hills are now bare. And the "traffic" areas, where the chairlifts dump skiers off are not covered well, at least not well enough to last through this week. In some seasons, the Valley brings in extra compressors to augment the snowmaking system - not this year. In fact, this past Saturday Night, it was cold enough to make snow. The Valley did not even attempt to make the "move around" snow that was so desperately needed. Holimont, the "private" ski resort also in Ellicottville, had the guns ablazin'.

So here we are, yet again in the grips of another January thaw. Much to be expected, as this happens each and every year. The Valley also subscribes to "accuweather" that gives an accurate long-range forecast, so the thaw was not unforeseen. And this thaw is seemingly going to last a long, long time. And once again, the Valley is not prepared. But that's OK, we're beginning to think that the Valley is just keenly aware of their finances, and thus are a step ahead of us thinking about the skiing experience. Holiday Valley Sucks.