Human Dignity

Buffalo shoppers lined up in the wee hours of the morning on Nov. 25 to partake in that most recent of annual traditions, “Black Friday.” So it’s come to this, America. Another consumerist orgy has come and gone and the only redeeming thing about it is that nobody was trampeled to death.

Boneheaded Plays

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson may have finally worn out his welcome for good on Nov. 27. In addition to unveiling his latest controversial—albeit, hilarious—celebration dance during the Bills’ 28-24 loss to New York, Johnson once again dropped a potential game-winning touchdown during a late-game drive.

Technicalities

A New York State Supreme Court judge ruled on Nov. 29 that a lawsuit seeking to overturn gay marriage on procedural grounds could move forward. The suit brought by a group of Evangelicals alleges Gov. Andrew Cuomo violated open meetings laws during private lobbying of State Senate Republicans.

Company Credit Cards

Tim Wanamaker, a former commissioner for Buffalo mayors Byron Brown and Anthony Masiello and head of the notorious BERC, pled guilty on Nov. 29 to felony charges for fleecing $30,000 in personal charges over four years on a City Hall credit card. Wanamaker faces up to 10 years in prison.

Wealth Prejudice

Gov. Andrew Cuomo shot down—but did not outright deny—rumors on Nov. 30 that he was considering changes to the tax code that would impose a higher rate on the wealthiest New Yorkers when the current code expires in 2012. What do these rich people have to do to catch a break around here?

Annual budget in billions of the US Customs and Border Protection agency. Putting all that money to good use, on Nov. 29 officials announced the seizure of 16,000 glass pipes—allegedly for marjiuana use—and 2,000 grinders confiscated at the Peace Bridge. The estimated $139,000 seizure originated in China and was bound for New York.