Leap Day...

Pipeline - There are five fridays this month due to Leap Year. This repeats every 28 years. This month began and ended on a friday. If you were born on the 29th, your birthday occurs every four years. Roughly 200,000 Americans are quadrennials. The reason for Leap Years is so the calendar aligns with the earth's motion around the sun. Leapers miss out on birthday parties while mathematicians try to figure out the perfect calendar. For hockey fans, the Habs will visit the Sabres, at 7PM in HSBC Arena, for an NHL Eastern Conference game.

Soupy Traded...

Sabres Fan - With the NHL trade deadline this afternoon, the Buffalo Sabres have finally made a move. All-star defenseman Brian Campbell was traded to the San Jose Sharks. He played his final game as a Sabre last night in the 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers. The team gave up a Campbell plus a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for right wing Steve Bernier and a first-round pick in this year's draft. As an unrestricted free agent this summer he likely would have got more than the 3 years, and $17 million offered from the Sabres. GM Regier and Coach Ruff drafted Campbell, a fan favorite, who spent 8 seasons here. By doing so they have avoided what happened to other former star players.


Photo by Mike Lynaugh Photography

Storm Warning...

Weather - It has been a roller coaster type of winter here in WNY. We get a few nice days then we get whacked! For Buffalo, that means the potential for some heavy snow accumulation. The forecast calls for anywhere from 6" to 12" of snow, possibly more in some areas, between Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Always good news for the ski resorts but that could cause some headaches for commuters. The good news is there are only 24 days until Spring.

Drury Returns...

Sabres Fan - The Buffalo Sabres face the New York Rangers at HSBC Arena tonight at 7PM. Former team captain Chris Drury will play his first game here since departing via free agency. Expect to hear some boos when he touches the puck, especially after the Sabres got crushed 5-1 at MSG the last time the teams played. The teams are now locked in a tie for sixth place in the NHL Eastern Conference and fighting for a playoff spot. Another sell out crowd for sure and hopefully the current win streak continues for the home team.

Red Moon...

Outdoor Activities - Many sky viewers will be able to see a memorable display tonight. There will be a total lunar eclipse that can be seen in many parts of the world. The Earth will shadow the Sun's light on the Moon, making it appear red. If the forecast is good, WNYers can watch this begin at about 8:43PM and be total by 10:01PM. This is a free event, step outside and look to the western sky. For more detail visit the NASA official website.

Presidents Day...

Presidents' Day - Monday is a federal holiday. The courts, banks, and schools will be closed. However, most stores will be open with holiday sales. It was originally designated to honor George Washington's birthday (2/22/1732), the first US president. Nowadays, the third monday in February is used to honor all the men who served as president.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was also born in February (2/12/1809). "Let us have the faith that right makes might, and in this faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it."

The Playoff Picture...

Sabres Fan - The Buffalo Sabres have climbed back into the NHL playoff race in the Eastern Conference with an unbeaten streak of 8-0-2 in the last ten games. They are now in 7th place, a win could move them ahead of Philly for 6th. Saturday afternoon they play one of the trailing teams, the New York Rangers at 1PM in Madison Square Garden. Former Sabres captain Chris Drury leads the team with 18 goals this season. The game can be seen on the MSG Network. If the good times continue for the Sabres, so would their position in the standings.


Photo by Mike Lynaugh Photography

Valentine's Day...

Pipeline - There will be a St. Valentine's Day Truffles n' Wine event at Chateau Buffalo on Hertel Avenue at 8PM. If a downtown dinner is in your plans, Shanghai Red's offers a special occasion dinner menu. Whatever your romantic getaway plans are, may Cupid be with you.

Below Zero...

Weather - If you have been outside today anywhere in WNY you already know how cold it is. Temperatures dropped from overnight Saturday to single digits and Zero at 8PM tonite. Wind chill factors are near minus twenty degrees. A wind chill advisory is in effect and scattered lake effect snow will add maybe another inch of snow tonite. Mondays high will be in the teens. Bundle up and stay warm!

Pro Bowl...

Bills Fan - The NFL Pro Bowl, AFC vs. NFC all-star game, will be on February 10th at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu and can be seen on FOX at 4:30PM. Fans, players and coaches voted in two Buffalo Bills players. The Pro Bowl roster for the AFC includes Buffalo Bills Tackle Jason Peters. The selected started will not play however due to injury. Defensive end Aaron Schobel will attend as a reserve and was an injury replacement.

Fat Tuesday...

Pipeline - These French words, Mardi Gras, mean Fat Tuesday. It is the day before Ash Wednesday. Celebrate Mardi Gras Buffalo, New Orleans style at the annual Artvoice party with a parade, beads, bands, bars and alot of fun.

A Giant Upset...

Sports - The 12 point underdog New York Giants (14-6) defeat the New England Patriots (18-1) in Super Bowl 42. Likely the greatest upset in NFL history by a 17-14 score. No perfect season for the Patriots. A monumental win for MVP Eli Manning who threw a TD to Tyree (who also had an amazing 32 yard catch on the game winning drive) and 13 yarder to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds remaining. The Giants defense crushed Brady for 5 sacks, a fumble and held Moss to one TD. Many elements in play here for a historic NFL game. The NY Giants are the Champions.

Super Bowl 42...

Sports - The biggest football game of the season has finally arrived after two weeks of hype. The NFL Super Bowl XLII kicks off on Fox at 6:17PM. The undefeated New England Patriots versus the underdog New York Giants.

Paczki Day...

WNY Polonia - The Polish Heritage Dancers of Western New York will hold their annual celebration beginning at 1PM at the Hearthstone Manor in Depew. Plenty of paczki will be available, or Poland style doughnuts, like my favorite with the black raspberry filling. People all across the country will enjoy these traditional pre-Lenten pastries. These can also be purchased at your local Pumpernick N' Pastry shoppes. Smacznego!

Two Hits On Ice...

Pipeline - Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour will be at the HSBC Arena in downtown Buffalo at 1PM. The cultural sensation reaches a whole new level of cool.

Winterfest...

Chestnut Ridge - Erie County Parks will host the free event planned for February 2nd and 3rd. Beginning each day at 10AM to 6PM visitors can go sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, listen to music and more at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park. Families can join in the fun for some food, snacks, beverages, rides and crafts. Call 866-0106 for more information.

Groundhog Day...

Pipeline - The official website of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club will webcast Phil's prediction at 7AM. Phil will come out of his burrow, on Gobbler's Knob, on the morning of February 2nd. Thousands will eagerly await to see his prediction for the rest of winter. Lets hope he does not see his shadow, meaning an early spring. The alternative is six more weeks of winter weather.