New Year's Eve...

Happy New Year 2007!

ClassicBuffalo.com - Check out the Buffalo News Gusto for event listings. Downtown will host 97 Rock's Buffalo Balldrop and First Night Buffalo.

Flags at Half Staff...

ClassicBuffalo.com Government - Former President Gerald Ford died on December 26th at the age of 93. He was the nations 38th and only unelected president. Governor Pataki ordered all flags to be flown at half staff in New York State to honor him. He will be mourned at a state funeral on Friday. He will be most remembered for his distinguished career, post Watergate Whitehouse and the pardon of Nixon. Ford made trips to WNY for speeches in 1976, at the Statler, and in 1988 at UB. President Bush extends condolences.

Boxing Day...

ClassicBuffalo.com aStore - The day after Christmas is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Post holiday sales will likely be huge for retailers. The holiday began as the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents were then distributed amongst the poor of the parish. December 26th is also known as the Feast of St. Stephen.

Happy Holidays...

Merry Christmas !

NYS Comptroller Resigns...

ClassicBuffalo.com Government - New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi resigned in Albany today after pleading guilty amid a driver scandal. He received a plea deal, fine and will not be in office January 1st, avoiding jail and indictment from the DA. The Democrat was first elected in 2002. An Ethics Commission caught Hevesi violating the law when he used his staff to chauffeur his wife from 2003 to 2006 with no intention of repaying the state. Former U.S. Attorney Denise O'Donnell, of Buffalo, is considered a possible replacement candidate.

Winter Season Begins...

ClassicBuffalo.com Weather - Friday, December 22nd is the first day of winter. By Buffalo standards, the Fall was mild with only a few snowfalls. This month could go on record as one of the mildest ever in WNY history. It looks like it will not be a white Christmas either as temperatures continue to be above normal this weekend. A little snow would be welcome for the holidays. However, many commuters, shovelers are happy without snow. Skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobilers will have to wait a little longer as inevitably we will get blasted again. Let it snow!

The Habs...

ClassicBuffalo.com Sabres Fan - The Montreal Canadiens visit HSBC Arena tonite at 7pm to play the Buffalo Sabres. The Habs are only seven points behind the NE division leading Sabres, the fifth game will likely be another close battle. The Habs have won 1 of 4 this season. Another sellout crowd and rivalry will make it an entertaining evening.

The Fish Got Squished...

ClassicBuffalo.com Bills Fan - Any time the Buffalo Bills defeat the Miami Dolphins it is a good day in WNY. With the 21-0 shutout victory Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Fish have been officially eliminated from the playoffs. Now, the (7-7) Bills likely will not make it either but it sure makes it more interesting. The improvement of the team from a 2-5 start to a 5-2 record, to this point in a season, is a good sign of Jauron's coaching, Losman development, and the outlook for next season. The Defense was tough, with two interceptions, and TDs were scored by Royal, Reed and Evans. Three and out for the Dolphin offense from coordinator Mike Mularkey, sounds familiar. The (7-7)Titans are here next Sunday for the Bills final home game, tickets still remain available.

Niagara Iceboom...

ClassicBuffalo.com Weather - The Niagara River Ice Boom will likely be installed this weekend as Lake Erie temperatures near freezing. The water is currently at 42 degrees. A webcam view from the NYPA will show the installation of the span that protects power intakes from Lake Erie ice into the Niagara River. Established by the International Joint Commision who pursues the common good for both America and Canada. Another sign of winter arriving in WNY, which officially begins on Friday, the 22nd. The big question though is not when Lake Erie freezes but will it be a white Christmas. The recent warm spell has melted our snow cover, but you never know, after all this is Buffalo.

Lake Effect...

ClassicBuffalo.com aStore - Hamburg resident and author Ronald W. Adams will be signing his book "Lake Effect" this Sunday. Visit the WaldenBooks, in the McKinley Mall, from 3-5pm on Sunday, December 17th. The fictional paperback was originally published in 2003.

The Cheesecake Factory...

ClassicBuffalo.com Food - The Cheesecake Factory opened its 121st restaurant at the Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga yesterday. Located in the new wing next to Dick's Sports. The upscale, casual dining restaurant seats 300 with a menu of over 200 items and average check cost of $17. For more info click the title link.

Jets Out of Fuel...

ClassicBuffalo.com Bills Fan - Upset was the call of the day in the NFL this Sunday. The Buffalo Bills went on the road to the New York Jets and pulled off a surprising 31-13 victory. This put a serious hurt on the Jets playoff aspirations. Big plays by Losman, MaGahee, Evans, Clements and the Defense seal the win for the now 6-7 Bills. A big game at the The Ralph next Sunday, against the Fish, might have a chance of selling out to avoid another tv blackout.

Polish Christmas...

WNY Polonia - A special event will be held tonite at The Center of the Arts, Mainstage Theatre, in UB. The Lira Ensemble of Chicage will perform A Polish Christmas, with carols, Paderewski and more. This is America's only professional performing arts company specializing in Polish music, song and dance. Visit the Lira Ensemble web or call at 1-800-547-5472 for more information.

The Nation Remembers...

ClassicBuffalo.com Veterans - Thursday, December 7th is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The 65th anniversary of the infamous attack and FDRs message to Congress afterward. A great place locally to learn some military history and see actual WWII items is at the Buffalo Naval Park downtown. For more information visit the US DOI web. The nation will always remember our veterans and support our troops!

Santa Is Coming....

ClassicBuffalo.com Shopping - Nineteen days til Christmas and counting! The shopping madness for gifts is increasing. Did you notice that line is getting a little longer everyday? That parking space is getting further away too. Tempers are short, the complainers are out and the road ragers are abundant. Well, the experience isn't all that bad. As you drive in the evening many more houses have begun to light up with wonderful decorations. The recent snowfall adds to the holiday spirit. Time can put the pressure on though. As you think about getting those greeting cards finished, decorations up, dinner preparations and who has been naughty or nice, remember the true meaning of the holidays. Watch out for those reindeer too!

Blackout...

ClassicBuffalo.com Bills Fan - No, not from the high powered wind storm that hit WNY. The Bills (5-6) game on Sunday will not be on local TV for fans. For the second consecutive game the NFL has blocked a television broadcast of a Buffalo home game due to the lack of ticket sales. The high powered Chargers (9-2) can only be seen at the Ralph for a $40-$70 ticket, with thousands still available. If the 13th man shows up, lake effect snow, the team might pull off the upset. Radio pre-game starts at 8am on 97 Rock, Voice of the Bills, kickoff at 1pm.

Music Awards...

ClassicBuffalo.com Music - The 26th annual Buffalo Music Awards will take place on Wednesday, December 6th. Several bands and awards will be given at Club Infinity on Main Street. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are $5. Ballot info at NightLife.