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Current Issue: Artvoice v7n47, week of Thursday November 20 » back issues

Cover Story

W: The Incredible Shrinking Man

by Tom Engelhardt

It’s finally Wizard of Oz time in America. You know—that moment when the curtains are pulled back, the fearsome-looking wizard wreathed in all that billowing smoke turns out to be some pitiful little guy, and everybody looks around sheepishly, wondering why they acted as they did for so long.

Streetvoice

Patriot Act II: Scarier Than the Original

by Ken Ilgunas

In October of 2001 Congress passed The Patriot Act. It received almost unanimous approval in Congress (83 percent from the House and 98 percent from the Senate) and popular support from a fervently patriotic post-9/11 America. Because it was rushed so quickly through both houses, politicians failed to realize that there wasn’t much that was patriotic about the Patriot Act. One facet of the bill, for example, allows the government to seize medical, library, school, and Internet records from anybody deemed a suspected terrorist without a judge’s approval. On Dec. 31, 2005 many sections of the Patriot Act are due to expire, but legislators are pressing to both renew and strengthen what would be the “Patriot Act II.” The Act has received criticism from conservatives, liberals and citizens everywhere, but it has also proved to be a potent weapon in our nation’s arsenal for the war on terror. Should we be willing to give up some of our civil liberties for reasons of national security, or should we judge the Patriot Act unconstitutional and rid it from our law books?

You Auto Know

Here Comes the Sun: Pontiac Solstice

by Jim Corbran

This is one of those cars which almost makes you wish you lived in a more roadster-friendly climate; like, oh, say a post-Schwarzenegger California. The evening I got the call from Adam Levy over at Don Davis Pontiac inviting me over for a test drive of their new two-seater, it was not what you’d call top-down weather. In fact, it was downright chilly. But as Mark Davis and I got ready to climb in for a drive, we both considered dropping the top anyway, because with a car like this it just seemed like the thing to do. Yes, we considered it. For about a nanosecond. Then we came to our senses and took off into the night with the top where it should be on a November evening in WNY: up.

In the Margins

Breaking Into the Mainstream: Sarah Campbell

by Michael J. Sherry

Believe it or not, there is more on the radio these days than free gas giveaways and Kelly Clarkson. Just Buffalo Literary Center, striving to provide writing programs for the eight counties of Western New York and to create awareness about local and visiting authors, recently plunged its literary fingers into the radio pie with “Spoken Arts”, hosted by Sarah Campbell on WBFO 88.7 FM.

Artshorts

Intepreting Nature

by Kevin Thurston

“At the final stage you teach me that this wondrous and multicolored universe can be reduced to the atom and that the atom itself can be reduced. All this is good and I wait for you to continue. But you tell me of an imaginary planetary system in which electrons gravitate around a nucleus. You explain the world to me with an image. I realize then you have been reduced to poetry: I shall never know.”

Food

A Great New Look: Vue

by Arthur Page

One of the Buffalo area’s greatest assets has nothing to do with a body of water, professional sports teams, great art galleries or world-class music. It’s not limited to a specific neighborhood, nor is access limited by financial barriers.

Artist of the Week

Lori Desormeaux

by Lauren N. Maynard

Why you should know who she is: The versatile and creative Lori Desormeaux has been a painter and interior designer for 15 years (not decorator—she doesn’t do pillows). Her beautiful and intricate design projects and commissioned artwork can be found on the walls of residential homes, and in commercial and retail spaces throughout the Buffalo area. She bases her business, Lori Desormeaux Decorative Arts, out of her home studio in a Black Rock house that she is carefully renovating from top to bottom, but she has also worked with clients in Florida and New York City. In 2004, her work was featured on the cover of Builder/Architect magazine, a career highlight. Her “bread and butter” is fine artistic wall finishes, like painted marbleizing and textural effects on plaster, but by far her favorite and most stunning creations are her large-scale landscape murals and frescoes as well as glass and tile mosaics. Each project is painstakingly done by hand; she mixes all of her colors and cuts her own glass, using local suppliers whenever possible. Her work can be seen online at www.loridesormeaux.com.

Movie Reviews

Slip Sliding Away: The Ice Harvest

by M. Faust

Dry Spell: Bee Season

by M. Faust

The Fine Mismating of a Him and Her: Pride and Prejudice

by George Sax

They Still Call Her Mimi: Rent

by George Sax

Life with Father: The Squid and the Whale

by George Sax

Left of the Dial

Limbeck: Let Me Come Home

by Matt Barber

Ray Davies: Thanksgiving Day EP

by Mark Norris

Bling Kong: Do the Awesome

by Matthew Holota

See You There

Mohawk Place 15th Anniversary Party

by Joe Sweeney

Stanley Clarke

by Bob Davis

Gallipoli

by M. Faust

Chris Trapper

by Ken Ilgunas

News of the Weird

■ Among the “10 Worst Jobs in Science” in Popular Science’s annual November listing: Harvard researchers in Borneo who catch orangutan urine (in plastic sheets, the way firefighters catch jumpers) for studying reproduction-hormone levels; gear-packing monitors who run toward (not away from) the gases and molten rock of erupting volcanoes (dozens have been killed or wounded); U.S. Geological Survey workers at two picturesque California lakes monitoring “extremophile” microbes that thrive in the most putrid environments (work that one says resembles being surrounded by 100 “extremely flatulent people”); and “human lab rats” such as students employed in an industry-funded University of California at San Diego study for $15 an hour to have pesticides sprayed into their eyes.

Free Will Astrology

by Rob Brezsny

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Wave farewell to your old self, Sagittarius. Maybe blow a few kisses as well. But don’t linger too long. Refuse to get bogged down in ambiguous rituals filled with interminable goodbyes and meticulous inventories of the past. It’s time to go! Off with you! You’ve got urgent appointments with the unsettling but fascinating future, and it’s best to part ways with habits that have dulled your initiative and comforts that have numbed your courage. You’re ready for more change than you think you’re capable of.

Artvoice Blog Headlines

Who Goes Where When Hillary Goes to State?

posted November 19, 12:04 pm on Artvoice Daily

City Hall News has flow_chart that tracks who might replace who, from Hillary’s Senate seat on down (click to expand or follow the link—it’s an awkward shape):

It’s Robert Rich Sr. All High Stadium

posted November 14, 5:05 pm on Artvoice Daily

These new signs properly label the structure. We’ve been reading recent stories in the Buffalo News about sportswriter Tom Borrelli’s terrible fall last week at the old All High Stadium. He’s currently battling life-threatening injuries... (more)

CWM Fined for Violations

posted November 14, 2:41 pm on Artvoice Daily

This week Chemical Waste Management was fined $175,000 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for violating its permits and the state’s hazardous waste laws. I don’t have much to say about that, except it doesn’t seem to me like too much money... (more)

Musical Chairs

posted November 14, 12:51 pm on Artvoice Daily

The AP reports that Hillary Clinton met with Barack Obama in Chicago yesterday, adding fuel to speculation that she might be Obama’s choice for secretary of state. If that happens, it has long been rumored that Brian Higgins would be appointed to her Senate seat... (more)

Paint the Town

posted November 14, 11:06 am on Artvoice Daily

Late last night, at the tail end of one of the few weeks in the past year in which we did not publish anything snarky about anybody, someone threw two gallons of paint on our front doors. Seems a waste; we hadn’t even earned it. Nonetheless, we were cleaning up all morning... (more)

Old Editions Book Shop

posted November 13, 1:58 pm on Artvoice Daily

AV videographer Matt Quinn tours Old Editions, an often overlooked treasure at the corner of Oak and Huron Streets downtown: show enclosure (video/x-flv; 21.29 MB)

This Is Not Today’s News

posted November 12, 9:37 am on Artvoice Daily

But it would be nice if it were. Via the Data Stream, by way of Jon Winet.

This Just In…

posted November 11, 3:28 pm on Artvoice Daily

Always in the vanguard, researchers of the University at Buffalo’s Center of Human Capital have reached a bold conclusion, according to a statement disseminated this afternoon: Although no official determination has been made about whether New York State or the U... (more)

Silver Lining: Edwards Remains a Good Guy

posted November 11, 11:17 am on Artvoice Daily

Marshawn Lynch Amid the anguished finger-pointing, plaintive wailing and resigned head-shaking sweeping the region following the Buffalo Bills’ third straight defeat, Season Ticket would like to apportion a minute sliver of credit. Quarterback Trent Edwards, by most quantitative and qualitative standards, failed miserably at New England on Sunday (not coincidentally, this was also his third consecutive regressive outing)... (more)

Mazzariello’s Ristorante & Martini Bar

posted November 7, 4:30 pm on Chew on This

  Photo taken by Rose Mattrey From Antipasti to Primi to Secondi, Mazzariello’s (114 Bloomfield Ave, Lancaster, 206.0561) has conquered the map of Italian cooking. Your palate will be exposed to an array of spices, herbs, and ingredients indigenous to Northern & Southern Italy... (more)

Post Election Bits & Bytes

posted November 7, 12:02 am on Tech Voice

Election ‘08 is now in the history books - so I figured it’s time to take a look backward, and a look forward at some relevant headlines. Hacking Democracy First, we’ll take a look at one of the best kept secrets of the campaign season, from both sides, care of a Newsweek article published just today... (more)

BNMC Open Meeting Tonight

posted November 6, 1:19 pm on Artvoice Daily

Tonight at 6pm in the auditorium of the downtown library, everyone is invited to attend a public hearing on the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus—North End Projects. Among the projects planned are a 300,000 square foot Medical Office Building to be owned and operated by Ciminelli Development Company, Inc... (more)

That Pigeon Won’t Fly

posted November 6, 10:05 am on Artvoice Daily

Steve Pigeon Here’s another example, this one two years old, of the way Steve Pigeon’s political committees are alleged to steer money to candidates illegally. On September 15, 2006, the Pigeon-controlled PAC Citizens for Fiscal Integrity paid “RUR Strategy Group” $9,000 in consulting fees, according to CFI’s campaign finance disclosure forms... (more)

SeaBar’s Social Calendar

posted November 5, 12:44 pm on Chew on This

SeaBar will host live jazz and sushi nights starting Friday, November 21st at 8 p.m. (5235 Main Street, Wmsvl, 204.5283). A Cave Springs Riesling Tasting Event will take place at SeaBar’s suburban location on Wednesday, November 9th at 7 p.m... (more)

Artvoice TV: Latest Additions » more on AVTV

Dr. Riyaz Hassanali: The effect Smoking has on your Skin

posted November 21, 4:50 pm on channel Local Interest

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Riyaz Hassanali sat down with Buffalo actress and television host Lorraine O'Donnell for the first in our series of interviews with area medical experts. Today's subject is the effects of smoking on your skin and appearance. Dr. Hassanali, of Williamsville (626-1593) is a well respected cosmetic surgeon who works internationally, as well as locally. This is the first of six segments from Dr...

Twilight

posted November 19, 1:09 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for Twilight, in theaters November 21. Read M. Faust's review of the film here.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

posted November 19, 1:06 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, in theaters now. Click here to read George Sax's review of the film.

Avi Takes Artvoice Shopping for the holidays @ Lexington food Co-op

posted November 19, 11:52 am on channel Food

I met up with Avi of Obviously Avi Catering to learn about classic ways to spruce up some great thanksgiving dishes and some more contemporary ideas for this years holiday season.. Also check out the Co-op this weekend Saturday the 22nd to sample some of the fresh turkeys that u can pick up for your family!

TRAIN DAY! @ the Buffalo Historical Society

posted November 17, 3:07 pm on channel Local Interest

I met with Peter Burakowski from the Buffalo Histroical Society to check out their fantastic train exhibit.. Now I have to be honest I was kinda embarrassed to tell Peter that I Hadn't been to the museum since I was about six years old... But the place looks great and has a lot going on for the holiday season. Check out this clip then head on down to the Buffalo Historical Society!

Mass Appeal: Elmwood Fashion Event

posted November 15, 10:19 pm on channel Events

On Friday night the Elmwood Village Association packed the Lafayette Presbyterian Church with a sold out "Mass Appeal: An Elmwood Fashion Event." The atmosphere was electric in the brightly lit church as models strutted down the catwalk to lively deejay beats.

Buffalo Contemporay Dance

posted November 15, 6:43 pm on channel Events

This weekend we stopped at Alt Theatre, 255 Great Arrow, to check Buffalo Contemporary Dance's 10th Anniversary performance. The little black box theatre in the Great Arrow Industrial Center is exceptionally intimate and provides a that up close experience you won't get at larger venues. Dancers and choreographers Amy Taravella and Leslie Wexler put together a lovely set of dance pieces with a variety of musical styles and an enthusiastic group of dancers...

Old Editions Book Shop

posted November 13, 11:42 am on channel Local Interest

I had a chance to check out the Old Editions Book Shop & Café at 74 East Huron Street, Buffalo.... WOW i was blown away at how any cool things they had on display there....Not just the thousands of books on everything from local authors to rare leather-bounds, but hundreds of maps, prints and other artwork. If you havent been down to the corner of Oak and Huron to check it out i suggest you do!

Off Stage: Conversations with Anthony Chase

posted November 12, 4:50 pm on channel Theater

This week, Artvoice and TAB present Part II of the interview with Road Less Traveled founder, Scott Behrand. This is the second installment of "Off Stage", a series of conversations with the Buffalo theatre community and AV Theatre Editor Anthony Chase.

Happy Go Lucky

posted November 12, 2:08 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for Happy Go Lucky, in theaters now. Read M. Faust's review of the film here.

Quantum of Solace

posted November 12, 2:01 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for Quantum of Solace, in theaters November 14th. Read George Sax's review of the film here.

Flash Party at Essex St.

posted November 9, 10:59 am on channel Events

The annual Flash Party-Griffis Sculpture Park fundraiser at the Essex St. art complex was the raucous gathering of music and art it's always been. With live music by the Ifs, plenty of art and free beer what else would you expect?

Lakeview Effect at Nietzsche's

posted November 8, 4:54 pm on channel Music

When Lakeview Effect crowded into the front bar at Nietzsche's with their keyboards, drums, two guitars, bass and percussion, there wasn't much room left. Nevertheless, people space to jam in and groove to the interesting and often unpredictable tunes. Some even found room to dance.

Flatbed at Allen St. Hardware

posted November 8, 2:28 pm on channel Music

We'd been trying to film something at the Hardware Cafe for sometime but everything always came out way too dark. Finally, last Friday, Nov. 7, we just brought in some lights and managed to get footage of Flatbed and their homegrown American sound.

Obama's Night

posted November 6, 3:13 pm on channel Politics

On November 4th, history was in the making; but as we know, history needs to be recorded by someone. ArtvoiceTv.com video crews roamed the election night streets of the city.



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