Times Gone By...

ClassicBuffalo.com Music - The traditional Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne" will be sung tonite at midnight here in WNY. Many are familiar with the melody, but do you know the words? Let the good times roll for Buffalo!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Rockin' New Year's Eve...

ClassicBuffalo.com What's New - This Saturday, December 31st, Western New York celebrates the end of 2005 and welcomes 2006. New Year's Eve events downtown include the 97 Rock Buffalo Balldrop and First Night Buffalo. The New Year will hopefully bring the region a functional new government, a Sabres playoff run, lower gas prices, longer days and a below average winter season of snowfall. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays...

ClassicBuffalo.com Pipeline - The first week day after Christmas has arrived. Another public holiday is observed today, Boxing Day. Some will also celebrate Hanukkah and the beginning of Kwanzaa. For many it is the start of discounted pricing and shopping at a favorite retail store. Banks, Post Offices and Government offices are closed today. The red hot Buffalo Sabres host the NY Islanders tonite at 7PM in HSBC arena. A win would tie them with Ottawa for first place in the NHL. Those without a ticket can watch on MSG. Have a great day!

No Winterfest in Erie County...

ClassicBuffalo.com WNY Outdoors - Erie County Parks has cancelled the Winterfest at Chestnut Ridge Park for 2006. Due to the budget crisis and politicians stuffing their own stockings, the kids and taxpayers suffer again. How much can this event really cost that this can't be afforded? It's politics like this that give this region a bad name. After a community effort called "Save Santaland" recently rescued a similar family event, it looks like the Grinch might win this time. A full scale revolt is in order, the Legislators and County Exec should be pelted with snowballs at the very least! The lack of political support for this winter fun is discouraging and a continued sign of tough times for the average Joe Citizen. The picture below is from last years 2005 event. What other cuts are next if this out of control spending continues?

Merry Christmas to Everyone...

ClassicBuffalo.com Entertainment - Wishing everyone a happy holiday season! This is a great time of year to be with family and friends. WNY is also postcard perfect with the scenic snowfall and seasonal recreational opportunities. It looks like we will get a couple days break of above freezing temperatures this weekend too. Thanks to everyone who visited the web site this year, it continues to grow and welcomes you back always! Hoho oohh...

Six Days til Christmas...

ClassicBuffalo.com Shopping - Well it certainly will be a white Xmas with plenty of snow and cold weather to go around. The last week of gift buying and retail madness is here for those who waited for big deals or simply prolonged going. The lines are getting longer, traffic is getting more congested but for the most part the holiday mood prevails as I have seen few tempers flare to this point. Many get stressed this time of year. Early shoppers and online sales certainly eased some tensions. Tis the season to be merry, so remember while you wait to be patient, happy holidays!

Saturday in the Park...

WNY Outdoors Chestnut Ridge - The weather was perfect today in Orchard Park as the community Saved Santaland, the annual event in Erie County. Axed by budget cuts, citizens responded to save the fun for kids. Afterwards, you can enjoy the red hot Buffalo Sabres against the Pittsburg Penguins at HSBC Arena at 5PM. The team is now third in the league in points and on a 12 game winning streak. Too bad the Buffalo Bills will play a meaningless game at The Ralph against the Denver Broncos on national TV at 8:30PM. The only hope there is they don't clobber us too bad! Hoho...ooh..no...

Niagara River Ice Boom...

ClassicBuffalo.com Weather - As ex-president Bill Clinton said today in Buffalo, "If you live here, you can not be a wuss." He is in town to watch the Buffalo Sabres play the Dallas Stars at the HSBC arena, by invitation from owner Tom Golisano. This community takes pride in our region, culture, sports, weather and so on. It just so happened his visit came while we are in the freezer with temps the last couple days hitting single digits at night and teens during the day. We are expecting another arctic blast and more snow Thursday with lake effect accumulation expected Friday. The NYPA put the ice boom out on Lake Erie today, preventing ice jams at the power intakes. The title to this article is linked to the Power Authority's web cams which view the mouth of the Niagara River, check it out. There has been controversy as to if the ice causes a cooler spring in Buffalo. I only know that I can't wait til it comes out again in the spring!

The Winning Home Team...

ClassicBuffalo.com Sabres Fan - The Sabres are home against Dallas on Wednesday night after another come from behind win on the road at Minnesota. The 3-2 victory was their 7th straight road game and goalie Martin Biron set a record with his 10th consecutive win. He broke Dejardins almost 30 year old record. Remember Dominik Hasek, he was the last NHLer to do that in 2001, the year the Red Wings won the Cup. It will be interesting to see how Ruff handles the return of Ryan Miller. Right now, go with the hot player. This fan likes the new NHL!

Flutie Flakes...

ClassicBuffalo.com Bills Fan - Yeah it was snowing in Orchard Park this afternoon and Doug Flutie played against his former team. The Pats crushed the Bills 35-7 and lower the dissapointing season record to 4-9. After last weeks blown loss, Moulds suspension and this poor performance, change is inevitable. Too bad we haven't seen the playoffs since Dougie was here or won a big game since Kelly. Losman didnt get much help, and the defense has been getting clobbered all year. With the Broncos coming to town for a Saturday night 8:30pm game next weekend, this team could be embarassed again. This is a tough team to watch for fans, "hey Ralph, I'd start worrying about season tickets for next season!"

Bills Suspend Moulds...

ClassicBuffalo.com Bills Fan - The Buffalo Bills announced today the suspension, for one game, of veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds. He did not practice with the team and will miss the Patriots home game this Sunday. Apparently he mouthed off to a coach during last weeks horrible game. For us fans who already witnessed another season in meltdown, this is another black eye for the team. This player has been a great one for many years here, but how could it come down to this? From where us fans are sitting it looks bad and signals needed change. It appears Moulds was crying about Lee Evans playing great and his streak of catches record coming to an end. I don't know, but he is not the threat he once was. His run after the catch, ability to get open, big plays all seem to be less frequent. All I can say is a player who makes $93,000 a game better produce and shut up, it's not about yesterday, but what can you do for us today? No playoffs, few wins and whining is not gonna get it done. Ralph Wilson has been very business like with star players with diminishing returns in the past, and it seems like unless we see him return to the star he once was, his days are numbered with the team. He has been a class act in the past, the question now is will Losman throw him the ball and when he does, what will he do with it...

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day...

ClassicBuffalo.com Veterans - December 7th, 1941 Japan attacked the US at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The surprise raid forced us into World War II. Today, 64 years later, WNYers remembered. This history should never be forgotten, or the threats to our peace and freedom.


It is hard not to think of the 911 attack similarities, surprise and cowardly. These lessons should prove to us why we are on the offensive in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. If we do not go after these radicals who would destroy us, they will eventually hurt us. I am very thankful to all our veterans, those who support our troops, country and president. Victory in the War on Terror is the only solution to preserve freedom.

Gone Fishing...

WNY Outdoors Niagara River - The Fall angling season in WNY is world class. The NYS DEC has special fishing regulations for the Lower Niagara River. The lower Niagara River produced this hog muskie for Captain Bobby, who caught several lunkers with friends over the 48" limit. Check out the Fishing Hotline and good luck!

Bills Blow Another One...

ClassicBuffalo.com Sports - As much as it pains me to put the Buffalo Bills down, I think it is fair to say, they are awful. It was another painful loss and game to watch as they blew a 21-0 lead and lost to a bad Dolphin team 24-23 in Miami. There are players on the Bills team that are over rated and will hopefully be gone soon, there are others who give it all, like Fletcher and Schobel. JP Losman shows strong effort but is still running for his life. Lee Evans makes big plays.

Nate Clements, shut up, miss tackles, gets burned, can't make a pick. Willis MaGahee, you are no game breaker and got alot to prove before you spout off again. Sam Adams, your days of dominance are over, what can you do for us now, not much. Eric Moulds, the young guys are showing you up. The only part of this team that has been consistent is special teams.

This season is over, no playoffs again, a miserable 4-8 record. Ralph has a big decision coming up, Donahoe look out. The biggest need for this team is an offensive line that can block, they need to acquire through either draft, free agency or trade. With four games remaining, Malarkey should give other players a chance. It's a bad feeling for Buffalo football fans, who have not seen a contender since the Flutie era and a winner since Kelly.

The Lake-effect Machine...

ClassicBuffalo.com Outdoors - Ski country has been dumped on with snow from the combo of a warm Lake Erie and cold artic air. These favorable conditions in the southern tier will bring out the winter adventurers for skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, skating and more. Though a challenge for driving, communities in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany welcome the seasonal weather and visitors. There are also many parks in the WNY Outdoors with trails for cross country sking. Here are a few resort links:



Swain - Snowboarding above.
Blue Mountain
Bristol Mountain
Byrncliff
Cockaigne
Holiday Valley
Holimont
Kissing Bridge
Peek'n Peak
Polarwave Snowtubing

December Arrives....

ClassicBuffalo.com Pipeline - December 1st has arrived in WNY. The weather is expected to be below freezing for the next week and lake effect snows are expected to accumulate some significant totals. Ski towns are happy and retailers are geared up with 24 days left for Christmas shoppers. The Sabres have a big game in Montreal tonite, a win could move them to 3rd in the conference. All indications are the Bills will suffer another terrible loss against the Fish on Sunday, maybe not. There are alot of neat events this month in our region, check out the Pipeline page for a few ideas.