See the fight that knocked Rosie off “The View” here!

Plenty of reasons I’m rooting for the Anaheim Ducks to win the Stanley Cup…
Long time Sabre Brad MAY DAY May, Williamsville native TODD MARCHANT (I still
go to his local barber…but don’t hold that against me), and of course #30 Buffalo Sabres
RYAN MILLER’S brother DREW MILLER just called up from The Providence Bruins of the
AHL (and did a great job in the Ducks win in game 1 of the Finals on Monday). I would be a
little sad if DREW got his name on the Cup before RYAN (although I don’t think RYAN would
mind).

Go Ducks (for this series ONLY…really still GO SABRES)!

Summer Reading List!

Over my last vacation, I got into the book RAT PACK CONFIDENTIAL by Shawn Levy. It’s outstanding! I’m only 3/4 through it but highly recommend for those not only into the Rat Pack, but interested in the history of the 60’s from Kennedy to race relations to Hollywood. Some of the highlights:

You won’t believe what Sammy Davis Jr. and other black entertainers had to put up with…even in the military serving their country. You always heard about it, but these stories are harsh.

Did Kennedy buy the 1960 vote? Hmmmm.

It was Bogart who started the Rat Pack…and Bacall gave it the name!

I Highly recommend it for summer reading, along with these others:

Smart Couples Finish Rich, and Smart Women Finish Rich, by David Bach
Getting Loaded, by Peter G. Bielagus (it’s about $$, not drink!)
Live From New York, by Tom Shales (SNL history, working on this show is a grind!)
Papa Hemingway, by AE Hotchner (bio)
Patriots, by AJ Langguth (Revolutionary War)
The Big Show, by Dan Patrick and Keith Olberman
ESPN, The Untold Story (forget the author)
DISNEY WAR, by James B. Stewart (The Rise and Fall of Eisner)
Monday Night Mayhem, author unknown (contains the story of Howard Cosell having death threats here in Buffalo)

I asked my wife for a list of female oriented novels, but she brought up a good point; when it comes to books of that genre, there are so many types and styles that she could recommend ten, and you may not like any of them. So you are kind of on your own. I say if it has a half naked girl in distress and a guy who looks like Thor on the cover, it should be pretty good!

When most of the dust has settled after last Saturday’s LOSS, I have to reflect back to what Hockey Hall Of Fame writer JIM KELLY said “we may never see a season like this past one!”

It should be a very interesting off-season with so many players’ contracts UP, and remember
THE COACH and GM’S contracts are up too!

THANKS AGAIN SABRES!!

I have had a love/hate relationship with Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky movies my entire life. I have watched them all, most in theaters, and have enjoyed them less and less since Rocky III (the one with Mr. T), which is probably as much a result of my getting older and wiser than anything. By now you know the formula:

So it was with great trepidation that I rented Rocky Balboa over the weekend. I thought, what could Sly possibly come up with for Balboa?

Perhaps if George Foreman hadn’t regained the heavyweight boxing championship late in life, this movie wouldn’t have been greenlighted. But the fact that George did, makes it easier to believe that Rocky could. I have to hand it to Sly, there is a plot here outside of the ring, and it works.

Rocky runs a restaurant named after his late wife. The loss of Adrian haunts him. He also has a strained relationship with his adult son Robert, who works for a law firm but can’t escape the shadow of his famous dad. Robert cringes when his coworkers call him “Little Rocky.” And there’s an interesting dynamic between Rocky and Marie, a local woman he met long time ago as a little neighborhood girl. Yes, there’s still meat pounding, egg drinking, and running up the steps – but the focus of this one is more about regret, coming to terms with who you are, and taming “the beast within.”

In the end, I really liked it. Rocky Balboa, like the original Rocky, isn’t about winning. It’s about giving everything and facing your fears. It’s obvious this is it for the series – the film wasn’t a box office hit – but it’s hard to think of a better sendoff.

–Brian

Will it be like the BOSTON RED SOX of a few years ago, or just putting off the inevitable with
last night’s SABRES Win? I’m sure NBC (and WGRZ/Channel 2) is happy they’ll have a game on Saturday afternoon at 2pm (and Hockey Night in Canada’s DON CHERRY will be part of the
NBC Broadcast talking about Buffalo as a GREAT Hockey town). Here’s a sobering thought from CBC…in the MODERN Hockey era in years that end in 7 either DETROIT or a CANADIAN Team has won the Stanley Cup!

Still…GO SABRES!!!

Somehow the planets aligned this last weekend, and Heather and I were able to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary kid-free over the weekend at Niagara On The Lake. Looking wistfully back now, I have to say it was one of our best anniversaries EVER.

Up until Friday, I had only driven through the town, so it was wonderful to take some time, relax, and talk to people there. We saw a great show at the Shaw Festival Theater Friday night: Mack and Mabel. And the Shaw Club Hotel where we stayed was just tremendous.

I’ve never been to a hotel with so many amenities! They thought of everything: light switches and automatic shades controlled from the bed, an iPod compatible sound system, 42” plasma TV in the room, another TV in the bathroom, a soaker tub, free DVD rentals and European breakfast – it was phenomenal!

We also had one of the best meals of our lives Saturday night at Zee’s Grille. The chef really took care of us, coming out and making sure we were happy; everything was top-notch.

As you can see, the weather was gorgeous. Everything was in bloom, so we took advantage and toured some wineries, walked along the beach, strolled through town, and had a great time. If you’re looking for a place to spend a romantic weekend, I give this idyllic little town my highest personal recommendation.

Tulips, horse-drawn carriages – take away the pickup and the street light (left), and it could be springtime 1860! Niagara-On-The-Lake is truly a magical place.

–Brian

Disney Ride Simulator

My brother sent me this link. It will allow you to run simulated Disney rides. It is a simple program, but you will waste at least 30 minutes playing it guaranteed. Then you will come back for more.

http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=23211

There are a few goofy things to contend with. I still can’t get the towers to work in Tower of Terror. If you find out how, shoot me note.

My son Connor reached two milestones this week. He lost his first tooth, and promptly put it under his pillow for the tooth fairy to exchange, for (in this case) three shiny Canadian coins, which he now proudly carries with him in a little box. I told him one of the coins was worth two whole dollars in Toronto, to which Connor replied “Is there a Dollar Store in Toronto?”

The other milestone was Connor’s first school play this week. Mrs. Perry’s Kindergarten class presented “Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?” on Tuesday, which coincidentally was also my son’s only line in the play.

Connor beamed at us and waved, looking so smart and tall up on that stage. Again I marvel at how fast time passes. It seems only weeks ago that I was tossing my baby boy in the air, he all smiles and hearty giggles. The old familar feeling takes me again: the desperate need to freeze this moment, and savor it a little longer; to keep my boy just like this, today, forever; but the moment passes. Heather and I walked silently, thoughfully, back to the car, back to work, and Connor back to his class.

Another incredible time-lapse: Heather and I celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary tomorrow. We’re headed up to Niagara-On-The-Lake for a little getaway, kid-free. So far the forecast looks gorgeous – pics to come.

Decide for yourself.

Check out this YouTube clip – a slowed down version of what aired. It went by so fast, I completely missed it when I was watching last night!

I know, my prediction of beating the 3 NYC area teams to advance to the CUP Finals was a little off, but I’m sure you’ll agree that to beat OTTAWA (Again) to get to the FINALS is very tasty!

I had to laugh when a producer (from out sister station) called The CBC to see about The SABRES being broadcast on CBC (or CBLT officially) before the Islander’s series they in effect told him WE HAVE NO INTEREST IN SHOWING ANY SABRES GAMES (and they went on to broadcast the NJ Devils/Tampa Bay Lightning on the nights a Canadian Team didn’t play…and NEVER showed any SABRES/RANGERS games). CBC will now broadcast EVERY Sabres game from now on (even when we WIN THE CUP)!!

GO SABRES!!!

If you’re going on a long road trip this summer and run across one of these parks, it’s definitely worth stopping…

SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND
Location: Agawam, MA
Distance: 6 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Thomas The Tank Engine themed area for kids coming in June
Similar to: Darien Lake. While I love Darien Lake’s Ride Of Steel, this park’s version is different and is considered one of the best steel roller coasters in the country (and I agree). They also have an incredible selection of spin rides including Nightwing, similar to Darien Lake’s Enterprise / Silver Bullet except you ride it on your stomach! Another fun ride is the Catapult, pictured.

LAKE COMPOUNCE
Location: Bristol, CT
Distance: 6.5 hours
Opening date: May 12th
New for 2007: Zoomers Gas ’n Go Antique Car ride. Also, Rainbow Riders Balloon Ride for little ones.
Similar to: Darien Lake.

CANOBIE LAKE
Location: Salem, NH
Distance: 7.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Xtreme Frisbee – one of the greatest spin rides ever!
Similar to: Fantasy Island

MOREY’S PIERS
Location: Wildwood, NJ
Distance: 8 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Sunny’s Lookout Lighthouse for kids (on Mariner’s Landing Pier)
Similar to: The park itself reminds me of a gigantic Crystal Beach, except it’s all on three large piers overlooking the ocean. The boardwalk is super long and has all sorts of crazy shops. If it’s too long, take the tram. Trust me on this – after visiting, you won’t be able to get “watch the tram car, please” out of your head.

KING’S DOMINION
Location: Doswell, VA
Distance: 9 hours
Opening Date: Now open
New for 2007: Three new water attractions – Tidal Wave Bay, Tornado, & Zoom Flume
Similar to: Canada’s Wonderland

BUSCH GARDENS: EUROPE
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Distance: 10 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Griffon, the world’s tallest floorless dive coaster with a 90-degree drop, opens May 25th
Similar to: Imagine Canada’s Wonderland w/ more extreme roller coasters, fewer rides, and a lot more shops & restaurants.

BEECH BEND
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Distance: 10.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: Fantasy Island. Their rare Scat 2 ride (pictured) is one of the most intense spin rides when run at full speed.

HOLIDAY WORLD
Location: Santa Claus, IN
Distance: 10 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Bakuli, a 7-story waterslide through a dark, steep tunnel. Also Turkey Whirl, a turkey-themed Tilt-A-Whirl.
Similar to: Darien Lake, but geared more to young kids.

DOLLYWOOD
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
Distance: 11 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Mystery Mine, a heavily themed steel coaster that plunges into darkness.
Similar to: Unique. Stores and restaurants outnumber rides here, but the rides are all good.

INDIANA BEACH
Location: Monticello, IN
Distance: 8.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: What Crystal Beach used to be.

MOUNT OLYMPUS
Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI
Distance: 12 hours
Opening date: Indoor park open now, outdoor park opens May 26th
Similar to: Unique. It’s an amusement park made up of nine long wooden go-cart tracks (the Trojan Horse and Medusa’s Drop tracks are pictured), seven roller coasters, and a gigantic indoor and outdoor waterpark. The entire town of Wisconsin Dells is a giant version of Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. Nearby, the Timber Falls Adventure Park has an amazing wooden roller coaster called Avalanche. There’s also a puzzle-like adventure down the road called Wizard’s Quest which is definitely worth checking out.

We got the Arbitron ratings today for the months of January, February, and March. While I can’t legally quote them here, let me just say that Star 102.5 did extremely well, and so did the rest of the Entercom Buffalo family. That’s two consecutive really good “books” as we call them, which is impressive considering how many radio stations are all trying to appeal to adult women in this market.

It’s a happy Cinco Demay-o, and quite different from May 5th, 2006:

2006: Star’s ratings were down, and there was only one real format competitor.
2007: Ratings are up, despite four stations playing a very similar mix of music!

2006: It hardly snowed.
2007: It snowed a lot…(shudder)…it snowed a lot…

2006: The Sabres were in the playoffs and we were hoping to make it to the next round.
2007: The Sabres are in the playoffs, and we are expecting to make it to the next round!

2006: The only place I visited was Tampa to see my folks.
2007: I’ve already been to Toronto (several times) and New Orleans, I’m headed to Boston next week, and we’re all going to Cancun for my brother’s wedding in June.

One thing that hasn’t changed:

2006 - I was very happy to be living in Buffalo.
2007 – Ditto.

–Brian

SYLVAN BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK
Location: Sylvan Beach, NY
Distance: 3 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: A smaller version of what Crystal Beach was.

THE GREAT ESCAPE
Location: Lake George, NY
Distance: 5 hours
Opening date: May 25th
New for 2007: Tornado, a waterslide down a winding tunnel into a 60-foot wide funnel (opens June 23rd).
Similar to: Fantasy Island. This is where the Crystal Beach Comet (pictured) now is. It’s been modified a little, but it’s still a good ride.

MAGIC FOREST
Location: Lake George, NY
Distance: 5 hours
Opening date: May 19th
Similar to: Fantasy Island with all kiddie rides.

NORTH POLE / SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Location: North Pole, NY (near Lake Placid)
Distance: 6.5 hours
Opening date: June 23rd
Similar to: Unique. An amusement park for young kids themed to Santa Claus & his reindeer.

ASTROLAND
Location: Coney Island, NY
Distance: 7 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: Unique and in its final year. The Cyclone roller coaster will remain after the park closes. If you go, try the Breakdance ride (pictured) – because of the way they manually run it, it’s the highlight of the park in my opinion.

DENO’S WONDER WHEEL AMUSEMENT PARK
Location: Coney Island, NY
Distance: 7 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: A smaller Fantasy Island. It’s within walking distance of Astroland and has the world famous Wonder Wheel, a giant ferris wheel with some cars that travel on tracks and swing into and out of the wheel structure!

LONG ISLAND’S ADVENTURELAND
Location: East Farmingdale, NY
Distance: 7.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: Fantasy Island