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

Holiday Gift Guide

Smells Like Teen Spirit

(photo: Rose Mattrey)

Scantily-clad magazine cut-outs shamelessly decorate the walls, and it looks like a grenade went of in the closet, blasting clothes across the room. And then there’s that unidentifiable, eye-watering odor—like a carcass of a large mammal.

Under this Paleozoic layer of clothes was once a dorm room.

While buying your teen or college frosh a box of garbage bags and a can of Lysol this holiday season may be the best way to help the room achieve Fung Shui, there is now an entire retail industry dedicated to turning rat’s nests into presentable college pads.

Shopping and decorating for the eternally out-of-cash adolescent are easier than ever. A few years ago, several big-box chains like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond started featuring “Back to College” items—from body pillows to entertainment units—that cater to the “poor college student” demographic. But while some students may be hard up for cash, their parents apparently are not; Americans spent $3.6 billion on dorm-room and apartment furnishings this year alone.

Here are a few problem areas, quick gift ideas and stuff to avoid getting high school and college students in need of a little room remodeling.

More Décor

Rope Lights. They’re cheap, cheerful, and they don’t take up precious surface space. Check out the shops along Elmwood for some unique styles. (Flower Lights, Everything Elmwood, 740 Elmwood Ave., $27.99; Chili Pepper Lights, Thunder Bay, 734 Elmwood Ave., $17)

Frameable prints. That outdated poster of a bare-chested Heath Ledger needs replacing. More tasteful (and very cool) wall décor can be found at Poster Art. (1055 Elmwood Ave., $10-75)

Houseplants. The Chinese evergreen and philodendron are plants that demand little attention to survive. Watering it once or twice a week will keep it ticking. (Chinese Evergreen, $12.50, Park Florist and Greenhouse Inc., 2926 Main St.; Philodendron, $15-20, Mother Nature Plant Emporium, 712 Elmwood Ave.)

Rug. A rug is a great way to hide grime and to avoid stepping on God-knows-what from last year’s filthy tenant. (9 x 12 unbounded rug, $39, FWS, 1738 Elmwood Ave.)

Dish Chairs. Good for reading or lounging in front of the TV, these saucer-shaped chairs are quite affordable and come in several colors. ($39.99-49.99, select Target locations)

Desk Lamp. The “Adam and Eve” lamp at Eminent Design provides good lighting for reading while giving the room some personality. And nothing says personality like a lamp with feet and anatomically correct pull cords. ($39, Eminent Design, 191 Allen St.)

Standards of Living

Coffeemaker. To the college student, coffee is as necessary as water and oxygen. A French Press manual coffeemaker is stylish and simple—all you need is access to hot water. ($19.95, Blue Mountain Coffee, 509 Elmwood Ave.)

Humidifier. Dorm ventilation can dry rooms to the point of nosebleeds and sinus problems. (Holmes Humidifier, $36, select Valu Home Centers)

Pull-up Bar. Good for relieving stress, and for fighting off that “freshman 15.”(TKO Chin-up Bar, $14.95, Pacillo’s, 1390 Hertel Ave.)

Tie/Belt Rack. The kind that hangs on your door can hold hats, coats, belts, ties, and even shoes. (Cedar Tie Rack, $14.99, S & K Menswear, Walden Galleria)

Just Plain Lame

Whiteboards. Markers get stolen, and angry ex’s leave embarrassing messages on them.

Lava Lamps. It’s not real lava, and it’s not a real lamp. Let’s get over it.

Cactus Plant. Falling into one while intoxicated is the ultimate buzz-kill.

Torchiere Lamp. Be sure to package this gift with a fire extinguisher—these things are proven fire hazards.

Bean Bag Chair. Tacky, becomes quickly uncomfortable, and it’s a mess to clean up if the bag is punctured.


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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