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The News, Briefly

2008: The Year, Briefly

by Geoff Kelly

A sampling of stories we covered in 2008 and their (lack of) impact

News

A Rational Exuberance

by Bruce Fisher

Before Governor David Paterson published his first budget last week, more than 100 economists signed a letter urging him to erase his budget deficit by raising revenue from a broad-based income tax.

Getting a Grip

Ponzi Capitalism

by Michael I. Niman

Two names have been wed in the news this month: Charles Ponzi, the con artist busted in 1920, and Bernard Madoff, one of America’s most successful hedge fund managers and a reputable pillar of the Wall Street financial community.

Season Ticket

Quarter To A Win

by Dave Staba

The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos first appeared on several of the dozen televisions in the main room at Slick Willy’s on Niagara Falls Boulevard a minute into the still-scoreless game late Sunday afternoon, with the hosts lining up for a third-and-one at their own 29-yard line.

The Sports Desk

2008: The Year in Sports

by Andrew Kulyk & Peter Farrell

Each year we pick out some of the best sports moments and sports memories in an end-of-year recap. 2008 was special and memorable, not only here in Buffalo, but wherever the drama of sports unfolds. Here are some of our favorites:

Music Feature

2008's Best Records of the Year

by Donny Kutzbach

Another year, another list! 2008 finds an eclectic lot where old favorites rub elbows with new ones. Russian punk-folk sits alongside Japanese experimental metal. Rock can still rule. Soul music never gets old and the good singer/songwriters only get greater.

Film Feature

Hitting the Button: an Interview with Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall

by M. Faust

If Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall aren’t the most financially successful producers in Hollywood history, I can’t imagine who is. Much of this comes from their association with Steven Spielberg, for whom they produced such films as Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, E.T., and the Indiana Jones movies.

Events

See You There!

Artvoice's weekly round-up of events to watch out for the week, including our editor's pick for the week: The Artvoice B.O.O.M. Party; our Battle of the Bands quarterfinal competition at Nietzsche's.

Artshort

Sheldon Berlyn - Works on Paper

by J. Tim Raymond

The 20th Century Finest’s Gallery inside Michael Donnelly’s Interior Design features an exhibition of the selected works of Sheldon Berlyn entitled “Works on Paper/1960s, ’70s, ’80s,” spanning three decades of Berlyn’s career as an artist.

Theaterweek

The Season To Date

by Anthony Chase

The chronicles of theater are not measured in calendar years, but in seasons. Traditionally, “the season” begins in September and ends in May. Summer, in the days before air-conditioning, was the “off-season”—a time for summer stock and outdoor festivals.

Film Reviews

Doubt

by George Sax

The Reader

by George Sax

The Spirit

by M. Faust

Valkyrie

by M. Faust

Listings

On The Boards Theater Listings

Movie Times (Thursday, Dec 25 - Wednesday, Dec 31)

Film Now Playing

In The Margins

Buffalo to host major James Joyce conference in June

by Justin Sondel

This June Buffalo will host the North American James Joyce Conference, a six-day symposium held very other year that draws Joyce scholars from around the world. Arriving in time for Bloomsday, June 16, scholars and Joyce enthusiasts will coordinate conference activities with civic events throughout the city.

Offbeat News

News of the Weird

by Chuck Shepherd

In several European countries, identifying the “naughty” kids at Christmas time is not Santa’s job but is left to unsavory legendary icons who have endured for centuries (according to a December series of articles in Germany’s Der Spiegel).

Letters to Artvoice

Declaration of Human Rights

Prosecuting George W. Bush

Bills Fan

Gaywatch

New Direction for PCWNY

by Bryan Whitley-Grassi

Upcoming Events

Horoscopes

Free Will Astrology

by Rob Brezsny

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “What do I long for?” should be a core question for you—always, of course, but especially in 2009. Are you adventurous enough to look beyond the status symbols your ego is attached to and the transitory wishes that constantly flit through your imagination?

Advice

Ask Anyone

I recently picked up a hitchhiker, and was so moved by him and his story of misfortune that I gave him $200 to help him on his way. He was grateful and insisted he wanted to pay me back, so I gave him my address.

In retrospect, I kind of wish I hadn’t told him where I live. Was that a dumb thing to do?