I aspire to someday find my name on the side of a decrepit, crumbling eyesore and embodiment of a bitter millionaire’s land speculation. When the Paladinists aren’t recommending burning periodicals with which they disagree, their leader is busy sending out this sort of thing. Also, this: Without directly addressing the little put-upon millionaire’s temper tantrum [...]

All the news that’s fit to consume during your “morning grumpy“. 1. This item was sent to me on Twitter by @magnachef and highlights the futility of splintered economic development agencies and agendas in Western New York. Premier Gourmet is going back to its original ownership, and will eventually follow Prime Wines to its new [...]

Whenever I see one of these I wonder why the idea of an opening rear window never caught on. This 1966 Mercury Monterey Breezeway four-door sedan (as photographed in Wheatfield) has just such a thing — it goes about three-quarters of the way down to provide “draft-free ventilation” as Mercury described it in their 1964 [...]

The Fucking Hotlights High Society Torture Party (Self released) It would be a crime to ring out 2011 without mentioning one of the strongest releases birthed by this city in quite some time, by one of it’s hardest working bands, no less. The Fucking Hotlights have crafted something special here, so I’m going to let [...]

I’d like to introduce a new AV Daily blog feature, “The Daily Five”. Each day around noon, I’ll introduce a “Top 5″ list from a local community subject matter expert for you to read, share, and discuss. We dabbled with it last week, but settled on a format which allows us to bring new and [...]

In the infamous catalogue aria from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the Don’s henchman, Leporello, lists the numbers of his master’s numerous conquests by country, and we learn that “In Italy, six hundred and forty” women have already succumbed to his charms. Audience members in the Amherst Dipson Theatre for the opening night simulcast of Don Giovanni, [...]

“mudpies” by Flickr user Buffalogeek. Want to see your picture here? Join the AV Photo Daily group here.

Congratulations to Herman Cain. In leaving the Presidential race Saturday, he: 1. Gave an inspirational speech taken from the hit movie Pokemon, spinning this as some big win for him; 2. Blamed his victims; 3. Reminded us that the accusations against him were untrue, but bowed out anyway; and 4. May someday be lucky enough [...]

On March 12, 2011, the Buffalo News reported on two seemingly unrelated matters: 1. Investigative reporter Jim Heaney wrote that former campaign workers and contractors retained by the Paladino for the People gubernatorial campaign were accusing Mr. Paladino for non-payment; and 2. T.J. Pignataro and Bob McCarthy wrote that former Paladino campaign manager Michael Caputo [...]

All the news that’s fit to consume during your “morning grumpy”. 1. In August, Governor Cuomo opened the door to legalized (non-Indian) gaming in New York State. This weekend, he officially proposed it. Considerate, bearded men throughout the Parkside region of Buffalo just got very concerned. As the kids are wont to say, “Oh, it’s [...]

Okay, again this week we’re not technically in the grass, but rather on the pavement of an obscure side street on Buffalo’s East Side. Under that lovely quilt is a 1964 Ford Thunderbird convertible, which has obviously seen better days. But, worse-looking things have been brought back to life with the right amount of money, [...]

Backyard Winter 2010 by Flickr User kevinhayes. Want to see your picture here? Join the AV Photo Daily group here.

Talk about tough-looking trucks. The Dodge Power Wagon was built and sold to the general public after World War II ended — from 1945-1968. It was constantly updated over the years (although outwardly they all looked pretty much the same), and in 1957 started sharing its name with a more conventional-looking line of Dodge pickup-based [...]

“Erie County Fair at Dusk” by Flickr user traciedspch. Want to see your picture here? Join the AV Photo Daily group here.

I find this brochure illustration amusing. It’s for the 1962 Metropolitan, imported by American Motors. Look closely; the airline pilot looks like he’s trying to impress the stewardess with this thing. Good luck, Captain! The 1962 model year would be the Met’s last. You can see the entire brochure here. — Jim Corbran, You Auto [...]