Wednesdays on the Gorge...

Music - With summer in full swing there is plenty to do in Western New York. A great place to visit on a Wednesday night is Artpark, in Lewiston, for the free Wednesdays on the Gorge concert series. The outdoor amphitheatre opens its lineup on July 15th at 6:30PM with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. All concerts are held rain or shine.

The Fourth of July...

Pipeline - All Americans celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. The holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence in 1776. However you enjoy this historic tradition, fireworks, parades, picnics, concerts, sports, etc... remember a patriotic display of the flag of the United States.

More Needs...

Sabres Fan - Summer is here and hockey is far from the minds of most WNYers. However, after two seasons with no playoffs, expectations are that changes are needed. The team recently drafted some larger, supposedly more rugged players. That impact will likely not be seen for a few years, and if past history is any indication, GM Darcy Regier is no genius. The free agency period has already begun in the NHL and high profile players are signing everywhere but here. Where does that leave the Sabres and can we expect growth from youth? Losing Spacek and replacing with Montador on defense is a wash, if we're lucky. More of the same it seems. Ruff and Roy on Olympic teams is no consolation either. At least the Bills make moves to keep it interesting.

Canada Day...

Outdoor Activities - Today our neighbors to the north celebrate their 142nd Birth Day as the Americans wait til this weekend, for the 4th of July. Lets join them at the binational Friendship Festival. Numerous events in Fort Erie and Buffalo begin today and will continue thru July 5th. You can download a schedule of events at Mather Arch and Riverside Park.

Yahoo! in Lockport...

Business - Internet giant Yahoo! announced today it will build a new data center in the Town of Lockport. A press conference was held in Buffalo this morning with officials stating construction will begin this August. Operations are expected to start in May of 2010. Approximately 125 jobs will be created, many good paying. This is great news for the community and will help attract more companies to the region in the future.

The Music of Michael...

Music - Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died on Thursday at the age of 50. His death seems as controversial as his music career, but his impact here and worldwide is not in doubt. Selling millions of albums, comparable to Elvis and The Beatles quantities, is no small feat. The "Thriller" album in 1982 was record breaking. It always reminds me of the song "Beat It", with the Van Halen guitar solo. Many music fans in Buffalo remember the Jackson's "Victory Tour", at Rich Stadium, in 1984. Visit the official web, at MichaelJackson.com, to share your memories of the sound, style and dancing of this superstar.

Summer Begins...

Weather - Spring ended on a rainy note Saturday in WNY. How appropriate to begin the Summer season than with a special tribute to all the Father figures out there. Welcome sunshine. Thanks to all the Dads for the positive influences in our lifes and Happy Father's Day! Enjoy your time with family, memories, and the great weather forecast for this week.

Free Shakespeare...

Outdoor Activities - There will be an opening night reception at Delaware Park Casino for the 34th season of Shakespeare in Delaware Park at 6PM tonight. Immediately following will be the stage performance of the Tempest at 7:30PM, and it will continue through July 12th. The popular festival is a Buffalo summer tradition. For more details, on the free professional outdoor theatre, visit the official web site.

Flag Day...

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

DTV Ready...

Media - Today is the end of analog TV. All analog broadcast television stations have switched to the digital only signal. If you do not have cable, satellite, a converter box or digital tuner with antenna, your viewing days are over. If you still need help, call the DTV government hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009. More channels and better picture, in High Defintion, has brought a historic end to over 60 years of analog signal TV. If you need to know more about the Digital TV Transition, visit DTV.gov online.

Tuesday in the Park...

Outdoor Activities - The 2009 Tuesday in the Park, at Artpark, concert series begins tonight in Lewiston. Rain or shine. The free outdoor music lineup starts with Reverend Horton Heat at 6:30PM. There is a parking fee and no carry ins are allowed. The amphitheatre opens at 2PM and concessions are available. The series continues weekly to August 25th when Peter Frampton visits.

Normandy 1944-2009...

Veterans - President Obama was in France today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. Allied Forces began the liberation of Europe in the decisive battle. We honor and remember those brave heroes who sacrificed at the historic victory. For more info, visit the National D-Day Memorial. Several local Polish Veterans of WWII were there too, read the Poles Role on D-Day here. The need for vigilance never ends.

Buffalo Greek Fest...

Pipeline - With summer just a few weeks away and great weather having already arrived this Spring, the festival season has begun. This weekend check out the Greek Heritage Festival. The family events highlight the sights, sounds and taste of Greece. Visit the official web for more info.

New ID Rules...

Travel - New Canada and US border rules will begin on Monday, June 1st. Anyone over the age of sixteen will require a passport, enhanced driver license or secure ID card, like Nexus, to enter the US. US Customs and Border Protection officials will likely show some flexibility for those without proper papers. For more information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative visit the Homeland Security online. Check out the Peace Bridge crossing web for current traffic conditions and delay info.

Rematch...

Sports - The National Hockey League Stanley Cup Final starts tonight with Game 1 at 8PM. It is a rematch from last season as the Pittsburgh Penguins return to challenge the champion Detroit Red Wings. The best of seven series can be viewed on NBC and Versus.