Friday, May 29, 2009

Thanks, everyone















Buffalo.com photo by crspwr.

Thank you to everyone who responded to my email request regarding the t-shirt. The results were quite interesting (see below...and please don't be offended by the "Old" categorization, because I fall into that category, too). The "Walking Buffalo" won't necessarily be around forever, but it will probably be a part of the first campaign...and then we'll change things up after a couple months.

Have a great weekend!

“Young” (30 & under)

Yes: 10

No: 6

Yes, with qualifications: 3

Comments:

“its great!”

“I think it is a pretty cool design”

“No...I dont get the whole red circle? I can see the Buffalo on the leash... but it is missing something. It may need some wording.”

“Its kind of neat.....looks a little like a street sign......from the front you have no idea what it really means without the web address......the phrase "Where Buffalo Roams...Online!" is a little contradicting to the buffalo being on a leash not really "roaming".......But I like it enough to wear it :O)”

“I don’t like the front….but I do LOVE the back…maybe put the front design in a much smaller size on the back near the neck (top middle) make the front more artsy”

“No, I'm pretty confident I wouldn't. My reasoning is simple. The slogan "where Buffalo roam...online!" doesn't exactly ring true to me when someone is leading the Buffalo around in a noose. Now if the Buffalo was leading a group of folks, it might be more appealing to me. I'm not real keen on the red over black design either, but that's just me. A little color would show off the true "Buffalo.com" in a more exciting and vibrant way.”

“The front - yes The back – no”

“Yes, I like the design. :)”

“No. makes me think of hunting. Target etc. I think there are some other directions to go with this, if you would like help with some designs let me know.”

“That's great!”

“I like it I think people would try and look more into and would attract them to ask questions and learn more about Buffalo.com”

“HAHAH! YES!!!! I LOVE IT!”

“yes I would wear it . IT MUST BE BIG FOR ME XXXL !!!!!”

“No. I don't get the sort-of-but-not really "no x" (as in no smoking) symbol on the front. I don't like people looking at words on or near my ass. I want them (women specifically) looking *at* my ass.”

“Old” (Over 30)

Yes: 4

No: 8

Yes, with qualifications: 6

Comments:

“First thought off the top is that it's a little vague. I almost expect there to be a red bar through the circle, to conote something you're not supposed to do. If you want a YES or NO response, I'd have to say NO. If the buffalo were a little more buff looking, more action-packed looking, or if its relation to the city of Buffalo was more obvious, I might go for it. The logo on the back doesn't bother me, and I would have no problem with it being on the front.”

“possibly. That probably was not the answer you were looking for.”

“why don't i get it :o( its cute, but i don't get the drift of it.”

“I’d wear it, but I don’t particularly like the logo. Maybe if the logo was smaller and up by a pocket I would more appreciate the design of the T-shirt”

“No. I understand the concept of the leash equating to "MY" buffalo however, it demeans the beast.”

“On side B in my opinion, I would move the mybuffalo.com up more to the shoulder area because I sometimes tuck my shirts in. Other than that I would wear it.”

“I was not thrilled with the design, no offense to the creator. Just and idea would be, keep the Buffalo and just put the word MY above it.”

“NOT FEELING THE RED CIRCLE. THE REST, OK.”

“I would wear the shirt but honestly I don't think the message is very clear. How about a buffalo with photos on it in a spotted effect. and it could be My Spotted Buffalo. The photos would be the spots. We could then get some of those buffalos that have been around WNY for the last few years and place them at different locations to get the two ideas in one thought. When some one sees a buffalo they would think of MYSPOTTEDBUFFALO.com. I think it would be easier to remember than buffalo.com/spotted I am always getting people that can't remember the site name.”

“I don't like the red circle, it looks too much like the "no" symbol. I think w/out the red circle it is very cool. Either way, I would wear it cause it's to promote the site.”

“wear that specific T-shirt? no. but wear something along those lines with someone 'walking' a Buffalo? absolutely... i think its a clever idea - cant quite put my finger on it with this shirt - something about the interaction between the buffalo, the leash and the person - its a little tough to figure out what exactly is happening... and the big red ring looks like it should have a slash through it - as though you were going to negate what was inside the circle....”

“Love IT!”

“NO!!If it was a real person and Buffalo then Yes!!”

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Join The Buffalo News basketball team




















Buffalo.com photo by Dave Marino.

Here's the deal - the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Street Basketball Tournament has a corporate mini-tournament each year. This year, there is no Buffalo News team...UNLESS we can round up four hoops-loving volunteers.

So if any of you like basketball and would want to play with me and three of your fellow Buffalo.com volunteers on the Buffalo News Gus Macker team...let me know by Friday at the latest.

It's free, and there's a t-shirt in it for you...

...and in case you were worried, winning is not a major issue. I'm more into the "having fun" aspect. I wouldn't complain if we won, but I also wouldn't cry into my pillow if we got destroyed, either. It's more for the sake of doing it...

Oh - and we would need at least one female on the team - so ladies, consider yourself invited onto the squad. I don't care what the gender breakdown would be - if it's me and four women on the team, fine, or if it's four guys and one woman, that is OK, too.

Let me know soon!

Burn, baby, burn!














Buffalo.com photo by Sean Rudyk.

Into local history? Are you a pyromaniac? If the answer to either question is "yes," you may really enjoy writing a story or taking photos of this excellent event at Niagara Falls this weekend...let me know!

RECREATED FRENCH FORT TO BE SET ABLAZE NEAR THE BRINK OF NIAGARA FALLS

Event kicks off Old Fort Niagara’s 250th anniversary commemoration


WHAT:
As part of Old Fort Niagara’s 250th anniversary of the French & Indian War, the Fort will reenact the burning of Fort du Portage (also known as Fort Little Niagara) at the brink of Niagara Falls.

A stockade of the former fort will be constructed and a small encampment of French soldiers and Native traders will be established, interpreting military and commercial life along the Niagara frontier in the early 1700s.
Fort du Portage was established by the French in 1751 along the upper Niagara River. During the French & Indian War, it was burned to the ground to resist attack by the British.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. ** Encampment will be established from 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Along the Niagara River near the unused eastbound section of the Robert Moses Parkway and Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY This summer, Old Fort Niagara will commemorate the 250th anniversary of one of the French & Indian War, including one of the war’s most dramatic episodes – the siege and capture for Fort Niagara.

This War played a pivotal role in shaping the United States and Canada as the outcome was British control of North America, including Fort Niagara. A schedule of living history and battle reenactment events are scheduled throughout the summer.

Those high-flying dogs and their magnificent owners














Buffalo.com photo by Ray Milkowski.

Hey - if you love dogs and want to support a good cause, these folks would love to have you at their event...just got this in my email today. A chance to check out some high-flyin' dogs and support a good cause...let me or Deanna know if you are interested in photos or a story.

Here's a note of explanation from one of the organizers:

"It is a fundraiser for the Hope Chest Dragon Boat Team here in Buffalo. The Hope Chest consists a group of women who have survived breast cancer and formed a crew to race dragon boats, which is pretty neat in it of itself. "

Anyhow...let us know. Thanks!

Agility Fun Match for Dogs
Canine Sports Complex
355 Orchard Drive, Buffalo

Sunday,May31st,2009

*Doors open at 8:30 am and agility run-throughs will begin at 9:00am.*

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9 AM
Ring1--Nested, Novice, and Advance Agility Courses.
Ring2--Modified Euipment Starters Agility Course.

Ring 3 and outdoors (weather permitting)--Vendors all day.

12:00pm
Ring2--Introduction of The Hope Chest Girls and their dogs.

Ring 2--Flyball and Disc Dog Demo.


1:30pm

Ring2--Obedience match immediately followed by Rally match.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Events 5/27/09 Plus 1

This is one that didn't make it to the email that went out earlier today, but the organizers would extremely appreciate it if a writer and photographer could cover it.


Summit Walk for Autism:
The Walk will start at Summit, 150 Stahl Road, and walk along the picturesque Amherst Bike path. Honorary Chair: Turner Gill, Head Coach U/B Bulls. Registration gets underway at 10:30 and picnic follows walk with food, beverages, bounce houses, entertainment, and children's activities immediately following the Walk.


Thursday:

7th Annual Jim Ball Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic: Proceeds supporting academic and athletic programs at ECC and other charities in WNY. Brierwood Country Club, 5324 Rogers Rd, Hamburg, NY, 9am

Sabres Alumni vs. Eden Faculty: Rob Ray and former Sabres will hoop it up with the Eden Central Faculty. The game is sponsored by the Eden Chamber of Commerce. Eden High School, 3150 Schoolview Rd. Eden, 7pm

Thursday Night at the Square (AKA TATS): First of the season featuring Gomez, with special guest Alberta Cross. We have a photographer, but need a reporter. Lafayette Square, 5pm

Friday:

Polish Heritage Festival: Polocks galore. Polish music, food, culture, exhibits, contests, Record-breaking fish fry tonight, Hamburg Fairgrounds, South Park Ave., Hamburg, 4-11:30pm

Danny Schechter at Buff State: Schechter’s an investigative reporter, author, filmmaker, and one of the nation’s most prominent media critics. His presentation is part of the 2009 Union for Democratic Communications international conference. Bulger Communication Center North, Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, 7:30pm

Tortoise (no, not the thing that looks like a turtle): The rock band performs, Lazlo Hollyfield opens, Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main Street, Buffalo, 8pm

100 American Craftsmen: It’s Buffalo Niagara's only, and longest-running, show dedicated to contemporary craft art and features leather, glass, metal, clay, wood, basketry, fiber, paper and mixed media, the historic Kenan Center campus in Lockport, New York, 6-9pm

Saturday:

100 American Craftsmen: It’s Buffalo Niagara's only, and longest-running, show dedicated to contemporary craft art and features leather, glass, metal, clay, wood, basketry, fiber, paper and mixed media, the historic Kenan Center campus in Lockport, New York, 10-6pm

Polish Heritage Festival: “Polka and Swing”, Polish music, food, culture, exhibits, contests, special Swing performance by Sugar & Jazz at 9pm, Fairgrounds, Hamburg, Noon-Midnight

Salmon Run 5K: It’s a Niagara County tradition that has been revived, Boat House Restaurant, Harbor Street, Wilson, NY, 5pm

Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Run/Walk: Delaware Park and Buffalo Zoo, Music by The Frontline, 5pm

Buffalo Booze Cruise: The name says it all, party on board the Miss Buffalo, Erie Basin Marina, 6pm

A Rock Show: One’s Own Blood, the Age of Plagues, Four Sided Story, Precinct Aflame, Remember Thy Name, A Thousand Shades of Cold, Club Diablo, 8pm

Sunday:

100 American Craftsmen: It’s Buffalo Niagara's only, and longest-running, show dedicated to contemporary craft art and features leather, glass, metal, clay, wood, basketry, fiber, paper and mixed media, the historic Kenan Center campus in Lockport, New York, 11-5pm

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A message from Deanna, or Why We're Late















Buffalo.com photo by Gabrielle Farah.

Due to a long holiday weekend and lots of work in the Buffalo.com office preparing to launch our new social networking site, MyBuffalo…we will be sending out an abbreviated events list for this weekend tomorrow.

That being said, we would like to send a photographer and writer to the first Thursday at the Square concert of the season featuring Gomez. The show begins at 5 pm at Lafayette Square, downtown.

Please let me know if you’re interested in taking pictures or writing an article about that show, otherwise check your email tomorrow for this week’s events list, and as always you are welcome to submit your suggestions.

Friday, May 22, 2009

The wall comes tumbling down

I was walking through the sales department this morning and someone said to me, "Hey, do you know that they're tearing down the main wall of The Aud in 10 minutes?"

So I went to the fifth floor with my camera, and this is what I saw.


Things change















Buffalo.com photo by Ben Kirst.

A few days ago, I mentioned that a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT was coming. Well, this is part of it.

YourHub and Spotted are going away, a we're replacing it with a new project called MyBuffalo (more on that below).

We're sending out a similar email to all of the YourHub and Spotted users, but I wanted to make sure I told all of you first, since you are the most invested in the program...and I want you to know that we are going to save all of your old content. Your photos, your blogs, etc., are not going to disappear into the ether.

That being said, it may take a couple weeks for us to get everything properly migrated, but rest assured that all of your content has been backed up and will continue to exist, even if it is not accessible for a period of time.

Anyhow, the rest of this email is similar to what the general YourHub/Spotted users will see...but again, I wanted to make sure you got the news first.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas, please feel free to contact me immediately. Happy Memorial Day, everyone, and we'll be back in touch with you next week...

...and now, the rest of the story:

MyBuffalo will combine the tools from YourHub and Spotted - you'll still be able to share your blog posts, stories, events, photos, and videos with the community.

Plus, you will have access to some fun new options - dramatically improved video capabilities (including video blogging), more comprehensive personal profiles and "friending," instant messaging, discussion forums, the ability to upload audio files (any podcasters out there?), and more.

In addition, you will be able to easily share your content at MyBuffalo on other popular social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, etc.

And don't worry - we will give you the ability to migrate your old YourHub and Spotted content onto the MyBuffalo site - so you will not lose all of those blogs, events, photos, and videos that you previously posted. More info on the migration is coming very soon.

We are very excited about this new project, and we welcome your comments and questions - please feel free to email buffmail@buffnews.com with your thoughts.

Have a great weekend, and we will see you soon on MyBuffalo!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Buffalo Bills players, cheerleaders, mascot, etc. out in Black Rock














Buffalo.com photo by Bill Parker.

A cool little event featuring our local football team that you may be interested in for Wednesday...supposed to be a nice day out tomorrow, too. Let me know if you want to do this one!

NFL GRASSROOTS GRANT FOR RIVERSIDE PARK FOOTBALL FIELD

WHO: Buffalo Bills player(s), Buffalo Jills cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo, Black Rock Riverside Little League Football players and cheerleaders, Representatives of LISC, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

WHAT: The Buffalo Bills, Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) and Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy will make an exciting announcement regarding a NFL/LISC Grassroots grant for the football field in Riverside Park. $50,000 will be given to the Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy for the renovation of the Riverside Park Football Field. Buffalo is one of 17 grants being awarded.

WHERE:
Buffalo’s Riverside Park football field (Enter Park at Tonawanda St. & Hotaling Drive) 2607 Niagara Street Buffalo, NY 14207

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 4:00 p.m.

WHY:
The National Football League Grassroots Program is supporting the development and renovation of community fields across the country.

Monday, May 18, 2009

5-19 to 5-24 events list














Buffalo.com photo by Elizabeth Wagner.

Tuesday

Buffalo Bills rookies at The Hard Rock Café. The newest members of the Bills stop by the Hard Rock Café for dinner as part of the annual rookie tour of the region. 5 PM to 7 PM, Hard Rock Café, 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls.
Erie County Fairgrounds Cruise Night. One of the first of many popular cruise nights throughout Western New York. 5 PM to 9 PM, Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg.
Fine Arts Night. An evening of concert music and student-produced, award-winning artwork. Immaculata Academy, 5138 South Park Ave., Hamburg.

Wednesday

WBFO On the Border Wednesday Night Concert Series. Concert and live-to-air interview with Type:Relevant, winner of the 2009 Artvoice BOOM contest. 8 PM, Allen Hall, UB South Campus, Buffalo.
Hillbilly Hellcats. Rockabilly favorites perform live. 8 PM, Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk St., Buffalo.
Chris Pureka. Alternative singer/songwriter folkstress performs live. 8 PM, Ninth Ward (downstairs from Babeville), Asbury Hall, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

Thursday

Celebration of Life Luncheon and Awards Ceremony for Gilda’s Club. 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Adam’s Mark Hotel, Buffalo.
International Institute of Buffalo’s 3rd Annual Global Citizen Award Celebration. Kaleida health and Canadian Consulate General Stephen Brereton are honored for their commitment to the mission of IIB. 6 PM to 8 PM, Burchfield Penney Art Gallery, Buffalo State College, Buffalo.
WBNY-FM Glorified Rehearsal with The Gifted Children. Local rockers performs live as part of influential college station’s “Glorified Rehearsal” series. 7 PM to 11 PM, WBNY Lounge, Campbell Student Union, Buffalo State College, Buffalo.
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Commencement Ceremony. With special guest speaker David N. Campbell, Class of ’59, an internationally respected philanthropist. 7:30 PM, Kleinhans, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo.
Ambassadors of Rock “Plug In and Win” event. Live music from Son of the Sun and 97 Rock’s Jickster are out at the Hard Rock. 8 PM, Hard Rock Café, 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls.
Chris Trapper. Push Stars lead singer performs live with local support from The Corrections and Bob Fera. 8 PM, The Tralf, 622 Main St., Buffalo.

Friday

Sunset Bay Beach Club Opening Party. A big night on what is supposed to be a beautiful evening for one of the area’s most popular waterfront clubs. 7:30 PM – close, Sunset Bay Beach Club, Sunset Bay.
Buffalo Bisons: v. Columbus. fridaynightbash! starts at 5 PM, game starts at 7 PM. Coca-Cola Field, Buffalo.
Brigadoon. The legendary musical about the mysterious Scottish village hits the stage in Lancaster. 7:30 PM, Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster.
The Music Man. Niagara Regional Theater Guild presents the classic musical. 8 PM, Cardinal O’Hara High School, 39 O’Hara Road, North Tonawanda.
Classical Music School 10th Anniversary Concert with the BPO. Muhammed School of Music founder Henri Muhammed and guest MC Beverly Todd present William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony. 8 PM, Kleinhans, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo.

Saturday

“Soldiers through the Ages” at Old Fort Niagara. Reenactors portraying Niagara's garrisons from the colonial era through WWII, present exhibits of military vehicles, uniform programs, and tactical demonstrations. 9 AM to 5 PM, Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown.
The “I Do” cocktail party for future brides and grooms. A special event geared towards professionals interested in hosting a party or corporate affair. Kind of a practice party! 11 AM to 2 PM, Five Fifty Banquet Hall, 550 Genesee St., Buffalo.
Spirits and More Spirits. The Iron Island Museum was featured on the SciFi channel's "Ghost Hunters" program and was declared haunted by the TAPS team. This wine tasting is being held in conjunction with the TAPS team return to Buffalo. 1 PM – 6 PM, Iron Island Museum, 998 Lovejoy St., Buffalo.
Buffalo Bisons: v. Columbus. 1 PM. Coca-Cola Field, Buffalo.
Fashion Affair Runway Show. Seven of Western New York’s finest local designers will be showcasing their latest collections. Shana’s Shoe Box (Shana Feeley) and Kramp Kouture (Shannon Kramp) will be hosting the event. 6:30 PM, Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave., Lockport.
The Scintas. Native Western New Yorkers-turned-Vegas-stars perform live. 8 PM, Seneca Niagara Events Center, Niagara Falls.
Studio 54. Western New York’s #1 dance band parties in the Southtowns. 10 PM, Club Paradise, 3950 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell.

Sunday

Buffalo Marathon. It starts early, but people will be coming in all morning, and there will be a big party afterwards. 7 AM start; finishes around 9 AM – noon in front of the Convention Center. 7 AM – noon, Buffalo Convention Center, Franklin St., Buffalo.
Southgate Plaza Spring Carnival. Rides, games, carnival excitement and a chicken BBQ – and a fireworks display at dusk. Noon to dusk, Southgate Plaza, 950 Union Road, West Seneca.
Memorial Day Meltdown. See the 700 horsepower MSA Winged Super Modifieds race around the half mile oval track in less than 15 seconds! Also on the schedule are the 4 Cylinders, Street Stocks, and Modifieds. Special guest driver and reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Ted Christopher will be competing in the Modified feature. I don’t know what any of those words mean. Gates open at 2 PM, event begins at 54 PM. Dunn Tire Raceway, 57 Gunnville Road, Lancaster.
Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra Gala Concert. The Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra will conclude its 50th season concert season with a Gala concert event. The performance will feature Charles Weatherbee, a GBYO alumnist. 3 PM, Kleinhans Music Hall, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo.
Love, Lust, and Wine. Wine tasting featuring five different wineries, an erotic art display, and live jazz. 6 PM to 9:30 PM, O Restaurant and Lounge, 3047 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo.
Irish Ceili. Local dance enthusiasts kick up their heels and enjoy the Antrim Square, the Connemarra Reel, and other lively moves. 8 PM, Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road, Buffalo.

Busy...but the door is always open (metaphorically)














Buffalo.com photo by Erica Morano.

Hey, I have not been updating this as much in recent days because of some other major projects going on here at good old Buffalo.com...but remember, if you ever have any questions or comments, please give me a call. It's probably better to hit me after hours or on weekends on my cell phone at 244-2557 - I honestly do not check my 390-2715 phone as much as I should (and if you ever see it, you'd know why...it was pretty high-tech back in 1997, though). Same goes for Deanna.

Weekly events list may be a day late this week - I hope not - but keep an eye out for it...will either be done late this afternoon or early tomorrow. I am going to start working on it right now.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Today at noon: Ahmad Rashad, live on Buffalo.com




















If you can be in front of a computer today at noon, check out Buffalo.com - Deanna is going to have Ahmad Rashad (yes, that Ahmad Rashad) as her guest in the weekly IMportant People live chat. He's going to host the Buffalo Fan Awards on Thursday, May 21, and he's going to talk about the event and all sorts of other good stuff during the hour-long online conversation.

All you need to do is go to Buffalo.com at noon and check out the IMportant People box - it's located below the Featured Photos - and you can either read along or send in your questions, comments, and opinions to the former Buffalo Bill and celebrity TV sports personality.

If you read this after the live chat - for shame, by the way - then you can check out the archived version on the IMportant People page.

Please check it out! This is a really big deal for Buffalo.com - we're pretty excited.

Monday, May 11, 2009

The list: 5/11/09

Wednesday:

William Elliott Whitmore: Whitmore heads to Nietzche’s with special guests Frontier Ruckus and 2 local bands. Nietzche’s. 248 Allen Street, Buffalo, 7pm

Thursday:

Louis C.K.: Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, writer and director has been seen on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, HBO and more. Buffalo State’s Rockwell Hall, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 8pm.

Friday:

Canisius vs. Niagara Baseball: Demske Sports Complex, Canisius College, Noon

Annual Area Artists Show: The Collectors Gallery at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s prestigious exhibition - rare, once-a-year opportunity to see a selection of works from more than one hundred accomplished Western New York artists. Artist reception: 5 pm

Los Lonely Boys: Grammy award winner brothers bring their signature sound to Seneca Allegany Events Center at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, Salamanca, N.Y. 8 pm.

Colm Wilkinson: A celebrated international and Broadway star, he originated the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. Wilkinson also starred in The Phantom of the Opera in Toronto for more than 1,700 performances. UB Center for the Arts, Amherst, 8pm

Saturday:

Niagara Frontier Collectors Gun Show: The Niagara Frontier Collectors present the show featuring 200 tables of collectibles, and rare one-of-a-kind items. Expo Hall, Hamburg Fairgrounds, South Park Avenue, Hamburg, 9am-4pm

Buffalo & WNY Poultry Show: Hopefully the folks at the gun show won’t need target practice, Livestock Arena, Hamburg Fairgrounds, 7am-5pm

2nd Annual Walk With Angels: The Angelman Syndrome Foundation ‘s benefit, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park. 10am

Kenny Award Ceremony: Awards recognize local high school talent for excellence in producing and performing musicals. Shea's , Main Street, 4pm

Puttin’ on the Ritz: Black-tie dinner followed by, an evening of glamour and giving presented by the ECMC Lifelime Foundation, Hyatt Regency Buffalo, 6pm

B. Teams Beach Party: AKA “Summer Lovin', Buffalo Blast”. According to one of our interns, “This is going to be the new party of the summer.” More than 400 people are expected. Town Ballroom 7pm

Caroline Rhea: The original host of The Biggest Loser, Caroline Rhea is a wonderful actress and comedienne with many awards to her name. Seneca Niagara Casino, The Bear’s Den Showroom, Niagara Falls, NY, 8pm

Heart: We have a photographer for this show but not a writer. I must know by Tuesday morning at 9am if you’re interested. The Wilson sisters (not Ralph’s daughters) perform “These Dreams” and “Barracuda” at Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, NY 8pm

Buffalo Jills Congratulatory Party: The new Jills have just made the squad and they want to celebrate! Club Paradise in Blasdell, 3950 McKinley Pkwy

9pm

Disco Party: Organizers are expecting 250-350 people is at the LaSalle Yacht Club in Niagara Falls, NY, 8pm

Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band, with A Potter’s Pield: Tralf Music Hall, Main Street, Buffalo 8pm

Sunday:

Niagara Frontier Collectors Gun Show: The Niagara Frontier Collectors present the show featuring 200 tables of collectibles, and rare one-of-a-kind items. Expo Hall, Hamburg Fairgrounds, South Park Avenue, Hamburg, 9am-3pm

Buffalo & WNY Poultry Show: Hopefully the folks at the gun show won’t need target practice, Livestock Arena, Hamburg Fairgrounds, 9am-3pm

Spring Bird Walk at Penn Dixie: Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a free bird walk to view some of the 143 nesting and migratory birds that have been identified at the site. Penn Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Education Center 4050 North St., from Bristol Rd off of Big Tree Rd, Blasdell 9am-11am

Walk MS Lockport: Over 400 participants will come together to walk

and raise funds to help create a world free of MS. Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, 210 Market St., Lockport 9 am

Hospice Memorial Walk. Begins (and ends!) at the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf, near HSBC Arena and the Naval & Military Park 10am

11th Annual Parkside Tour of Homes: Only once a year is the public afforded an opportunity to view the interior of the stately homes surrounding Delaware Park. The tour starts at the Church of the Good Shepherd, on the corner of Jewett Parkway and Summit Avenue.

11:30am-4:30pm

Paint the Sky Kite Fly: Great Lakes Kitefliers Society presents the 22nd Annual event, Gratwick-Riverside Park, 1200 River Road, N. Tonawanda, noon to 4pm

Cockeyed Today: The reading is followed by a discussion with the cast and director. Alleyway Theatre, One Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo, 5-7pm

Brian Auger's Oblivion Express: A jazz pianist who fuses jazz with rock, pop, R&B and soul into an amazing sound. Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, NY 7pm


Nicely done, everyone














Buffalo.com photo by Andy Butcher.

I may be a bit of a wet sock sometimes, what with my constant harping on the need for "smile for the camera" shots and using the AP style guide and such...but I wanted to tell all the writers and photographers who got out this weekend (and there were many) for Buffalo.com - you did a great job. Spotted looks really good. So do the new YourHub stories. I appreciate the effort! Well done, everyone.

...and a special atta-boy to Holland High School's Andy Butcher, who stepped up in a pinch and shot a nice Spotted gallery from the Holland Tulip Festival Queen Pageant. Thanks, Andy! Excellent first gallery.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Intern in the market for a used SLR...

One of our Spotted interns is looking for a used, professional-grade digital camera. If you or anyone you know is looking to sell, please email me and I will put you in touch with the potential buyer.

Aud Demolition photo contest














Buffalo.com photo by Dan Ruggiero.

The Aud is tumbling down and will be gone before we know it...so one of us may as well take advantage of the loss of this piece of civic history, right? Check out the Erie Canal Harbor Aud Demolition photo contest for your chance to win some interesting Aud-related prizes. Go for it if you're interested...

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Dinosaur up in my face

I have to admit that I was a little freaked out when I shot this footage this morning at HSBC Arena...I mean, you know it's not a real dinosaur...but still.





Tom Kuenzi also shot a great gallery at a Walking with Dinosaurs press conference at the Buffalo Museum of Science this morning...check out his photos when you have a chance.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Out at the yard sale




















Buffalo.com photo by NL Valler.

There's a new event this weekend that may interest you - and Buffalo.com was just invited:

WORLD’S LARGEST YARD SALE
SATURDAY, MAY 9TH
HAMBURG FAIRGROUNDS


8:30 AM – 4PM
Over 300 Booths…Great Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduations The Best Day of Shopping in WNY….6,000 Shoppers!

Inside the Agri Center & Outside along 42nd Street behind the Ag Ctr.

For more info, go to: www.theworldslargestyardsale.com

If this looks fun to you, let me know - we can definitely get a photographer and a writer out to this one...

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

...and here's a tip for the writers














Buffalo.com photo by Tom Parry.

I have been noticing this quite a bit lately, and wanted to make a quick note -

I know that when writing for online media, you don't necessarily want to be voluminous - you want to keep it relatively short and sweet.

However, please do not feel like you need to sacrifice key details in order to keep your word count down.

Writing a news story for an online outlet is the same as writing for print - you still need your who, what, where, when, why, and how.

If you're writing a review, you still need to include both a summary of the event and your own personal critique.

If you're posting a blog, you still need to follow the rules of grammar - words need to be spelled correctly, abbreviations are still a no-no, and so on.

I know I have mentioned this many times, and I will harp on it again and again - buy an AP (Associated Press) style guide and read it. Learn it. Know it. Use it.

If you want to write professionally, you will need to know AP style. If you do not know AP style, you will not get writing jobs. It's that simple. Editors will not have the patience to make these changes. An AP style guide costs less than $20, and if you plan to write in the future, it is the best investment you will ever make.

It is intensely frustrating to see the same style mistakes over and over again, and if you get one thing out of this internship, it is this message: LEARN AP STYLE.

New photos, old galleries















Buffalo.com photo by Marc Wierzbowski.

Here's a tip for our photographers: when you add new photos to an old gallery, your gallery will appear as "new" in the "newest gallery" section at Spotted.

However, since most Spotted events are timely - in other words, it wouldn't make sense to add photos to, say, your gallery for the Queen City Roller Girls from December 2007 - this usually isn't an issue.

If there is a situation where you need to add new photos to an old We Spotted gallery, let me know...that way, I can check them out, and use them in our featured photo module on Buffalo.com, which will push more traffic into your gallery.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Cinco de Mayo in our fair city















Buffalo.com photo by Marc Wierzbowski.

You received our weekly events list a couple hours ago...but sitting here, looking at the calendar, I just realized - "Good Lord, I forgot about one of the big party holidays of the year - Cinco de Mayo."

There are many Cinco events going on in Buffalo tomorrow - and you can see a comprehensive list by visiting http://www.cincobuffalo.com/.

Some suggestions that might be popular:

· Buffalo’s Biggest Cinco de Mayo party. The yardstick by which local Cinco de Mayo parties are measured. 2 PM – all nite, Cozumel Grill and Tequila Bar, 153 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

· Cinco de Mayo! Good times and a taco bar. Croc Bar, 88 W Chippewa St., Buffalo.

If you want to hit a Cinco bash, just let me know and we can work it out.