Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Get Over It

There is no phrase more detrimental to creating a sense of unity between two opposing sides than "get over it." While the GOP whined and wailed for eight years, Democratic supporters insisted that the Republicans get over it and get on with the business of helping the country. The result? The country is more divided than ever, and it is not completely the fault of the Democratic president.

Catching Up With the Lockport Express Week 12

The Lockport Express spent the last weekend at home with family members for the holiday, but they return to action Friday evening at the Cornerstone Ice Arena against the Southern Tier Xpress. Game time is at 8pm. It will be the lone game of the weekend for the Express.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Old Fort Niagara Castle By Candlelight December 3rd & 10th

On Saturdays, December 3 & 10, Old Fort Niagara will offer guests a unique historical experience in a setting untouched by consumerism but enhanced by natural elements, like evergreen boughs and pinecones and accented with ribbons and handmade ornaments, courtesy of the Youngstown Garden Club. Candles and lanterns will illuminate outdoor walkways and the rooms of the 1726 French Castle, the oldest building on the Great Lakes.

Scrooge Ready to Roll This Weekend

Yes, with all the crazy winter weather we’ve had lately, what could be more appropriate than Lockport’s traditional holiday musical? That’s right, Scrooge will be taking the stage at the Historic Lockport Palace Theatre this weekend, December 2-4. If you haven’t seen it in any of the last thirteen years, maybe the fourteenth time's the charm.

Monday, November 28, 2016

On the Road Again With the Lockport Express

There were no Lockport Express games this past weekend, but we did have Hockey Day in Lockport. Still, that’s not enough hockey for this guy. I love hockey so much that I accompanied the Express on their recent road trip to play against the Syracuse Stampede. Despite the name, the Stampede home games are played at Morrisville.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Lockport Alumni Win Both Games at Hockey Day in Lockport

Saturday was the second annual Hockey Day in Lockport at the Cornerstone Ice Arena in downtown Lockport. It was a full day of hockey-related activities, including a sled hockey game, two alumni games, both Lockport junior varsity and varsity games, and an open skate. Also included were raffles and a NHL roundtable featuring former Sabres, Jim Lorentz and Derek Smith.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

These Old Walkin' Shoes: Family Tradition

Today is Thanksgiving Day. You’re probably hanging with your families and not reading this until late on Black Friday, after you’ve rested a bit after shopping for all those “deals” that you can’t live without. I hope you had a wonderful time with the family on Thanksgiving. That’s what it’s all about.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Howell Motors Hockey Day in Lockport November 26th


Saturday, November 26th is Hockey Day in Lockport. Bring your family to the Cornerstone Ice Arena for a day of hockey. There are events all day, including an NHL Roundtable featuring Jim Lorentz. The Lockport Ice Lions Alumni will play in a pair of games, and the junior varsity and varsity Lions will each play as well. It's a fun day for the whole family!

Winter Storms Wreak Havoc on Production

With the recent snow storm across Central New York, and the threat of more snow in the western New York area, focus has not only been on the reports of the weathermen making the storm calls, but it has also been on those in the mercantile business. Every winter storm, every hurricane forecast, and almost every summer rain shower sends certain manufacturers into frenzy as they attempt to keep up with customer demand.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Express Shows Improvement in Loss to Syracuse

The Syracuse Stampede delivered another loss to the Lockport Express Sunday afternoon. The 6-4 loss dropped the Express to 3-16 on the season. Meanwhile, Syracuse used the three wins over the weekend to close in on second-place Jersey Shore Wildcats. Only 7 points separate the Stampede from the Wildcats.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Syracuse Wins 6-2 Over Lockport

The Syracuse Stampede handed the Lockport Express their fifteenth consecutive loss with a 6-2 victory Saturday evening. The win solidifies the Stampede's hold on third place in the Northeast Division. They sit 5 points ahead of Roc City, and trail Jersey Shore by 9.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Express Fall to Stampede 6-3

The Lockport Express woes continued Friday night at the Morrisville State Iceplex as they dropped the opening game of a three game series 6-3 against the Syracuse Stampede. It was the fourteenth straight loss for the Express.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Live Tweeting From Lockport Express Games

Niagara's Watercooler is going to try something new this weekend to see how it works. Our Twitter feed will be embedded  into a post. If all goes to plan, you will be able to follow the Lockport Express hockey games this weekend as they take on Syracuse in Syracuse. Craig will be live-Tweeting from the game.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

These Old Walkin' Shoes: I Got Stars in My Beard

Well, it’s that time of year again. You guessed it -- it’s No-Shave November. In the spirit of the occasion, I’ve decided to grow my own beard. As my friend, Howie Balaban, says, “You’ve been growing that thing since August, and it’s still not filling in.” It hasn’t been quite that long, but it does take an extraordinarily long time for me to grow a beard -- if you could call it a beard, that is.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Ohio Street in Lockport Closed Until 3pm

Ohio Street, City of Lockport closed to all traffic between Simonds Street and Lockport Bypass until 3pm today per the City of Lockport Water Department.

https://users.nyalert.gov/newsitem/4705823?messageID=AghxO4T6A

Catching Up With the Lockport Express Week 11

The Lockport Express are on the road this weekend for a three-game series against the Syracuse Stampede at the Morrisville State Iceplex. The Express are in the midst of the longest losing streak in team history. Their 7-5 loss to the Skylands Kings on Saturday evening marked the 13th consecutive loss for the team.

Literally the Best Reviews: Killfile

Killfile -- Christopher Farnsworth
William Morrow Publishing
336 Pages

When I first starting reading this book, I immediately thought of all the practical, and impractical, applications that the talent of the main character could provide for me. In fact, as soon as I read the summary inside the cover, I started thinking how cool that power could be. I had a vision of having someone walking into a closed door,while they thought it was open. I may have even giggled a little bit while I was still in the Lockport Library.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Kings Reign Over Express, 8-3

The Lockport Express returned to action Saturday night at the Cornerstone Ice Arena as they faced off against Northeast Division rivals, Skylands Kings. The visitors were able to defeat Lockport 8-3 and extend Lockport’s losing streak to 13.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Leon Russell: A Personal Memory and Tribute

I woke up to the news that Leon Russell died. He was 74 years old. There may be a lot of people who really have no idea who I’m talking about, but Russell was an icon in the music world. When you hear Joe Cocker belting out “Delta Lady” on the radio, or “Shine a Light” by the Rolling Stones, you’re hearing the mastery of Leon Russell.

REMINISCING: My Civic Duty

I must start off with my sincerest apologies. I have been very lax in my writing lately. This has been the longest spell of writer’s block that I’ve ever had. Nothing really has broken through. Until now. Last Tuesday’s election broke open the flood gates, so to speak. Since then, I have been writing notes, waiting for the time to be able to sit down and get them into some sort of printable order.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Balaban Thinking Out Loud -- Post-Election Hangover

Normally, I write about being a stay-at-home dad and the joys it brings. Today, I'm trying to do  something different.
I'm giving my post-election take on the country.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Catching Up With the Lockport Express Week 10

The Lockport Express will have a single game this weekend, a matchup Saturday evening against the Skylands Kings. The Express will face off against the Kings at Cornerstone Ice Arena at 8:00pm.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

LIVE Election Coverage with AllWNYNews and Niagara's Watercooler

Follow live election coverage with Craig Bacon, George Root, and Scott Leffler.



Lockport Express Make Coaching Change

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Pete Townshend’s lyrics echo strangely true around Cornerstone Ice Arena this week as the Lockport Express have relieved Brian Becker of head coaching duties. In his place, General Manager, Frank Vecchio will resume coaching duties going forward. Greg Penke will remain in his role as assistant coach.

Defiant Monkey to Host Improv at Taylor Theater

Defiant Monkey Improv will perform their live "Master of Improv Comedy Show" at the Kenan Center Taylor Theater at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 9th, 2016.  The Kenan Center is located at 433 Locust St, Lockport, NY.  Over an hour of live comedy improv presented by Karen & Andy - Masters of Improv! Admission is $10, Rotary Club members receive $2 ticket price with valid Rotary ID.

Monday, November 7, 2016

A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR A GREAT “CLAUS” THE CHICAGO AUTHORITY AND ELI – TOGETHER!


Celebrating the music of Chicago and Three Dog Night

            The Chicago Authority, a nine-piece tribute to Chicago, and Eli, a seven-piece tribute to Three Dog Night, hit the Palace Theater stage November 23rd at 7pm to benefit Lockport’s Santa’s Christmas Cottage and the Historic Palace Theater! Both bands – 16 musicians – will perform on stage together during the show’s open and finale. Each band will also play their own sets; over one hour of hits from each band!

Proceeds to benefit Santa’s Christmas Cottage and Historic Palace Theater
            Lockport’s own Santa Claus, also known as Chris Parada, welcomes about 10,000 visitors a year to Santa’s Christmas Cottage. Chris and his father built the Christmas Cottage using their own funds so Santa would have a home base where thousands of children can visit, tell Santa all about Christmas, and have their photos taken free of charge. Each year, Santa also visits the homes of needy families to make sure the kids have a gift to open on Christmas Day. Chris explains, “For years I wanted to have a special place where children could come visit Santa, drop off a letter in the North Pole Mailbox and be introduced to history that took place many years ago. I also wanted to continue the family tradition that has been such a big part of our lives.”
  
            Lockport’s Historic Palace Theater, Inc., is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to maintaining the historic and architectural integrity of this magnificent 91-year-old Western New York landmark. Each year the venue hosts live plays, musicals, community events, concerts, and popular movies for tens of thousands of patrons.

The Chicago Authority Celebrates the Music of Chicago the Band
            The Chicago Authority is a 9-piece band dedicated to celebrating the music of one of the most popular and prolific bands of all time: Chicago! For nearly fifty years Chicago has been one of the world's top touring acts, and their 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has skyrocketed their popularity and introduced their vast 36-album catalog of music to millions of new fans.

Eli – A Tribute to Three Dog Night
            Eli is a Three Dog Night Tribute band comprised of seven members with well established musical pedigrees in the Western New York area. Three Dog Night earned 12 gold albums and recorded 21 consecutive Billboard Top 40 hits including Joy to the World, Eli's Coming, One, Celebrate, and Mama Told Me Not to Come.

            Tickets for the event are $20 general admission, or $30 for a VIP package that includes priority seating, after-show meet & greet, and after-show light fare provided by Lombardi’s Trattoria. Purchase tickets at the Palace Theater Box Office, 2 East Ave, Lockport (weekdays 10a – 2p); Mills Jewelers, 51 Main Street, Lockport; Lombardi’s Trattoria, 436 West Ave, Lockport; and online at http://LockportPalaceTheatre.org


At a Glance:
                        A Benefit for a Great “Claus”
                        The Chicago Authority and Eli – Together!
                        Celebrating the music of Chicago and Three Dog Night
                        Wednesday, November 23rd, 7pm.
                        Lockport’s Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave., Lockport
                        Tickets $20 General Admission/ $30 VIP
                        Theatre Website: http://LockportPalaceTheatre.org
                        Santa’s Christmas Cottage Website: http://www.lockportsanta.com
                        The Chicago Authority Website: http://TheChicagoAuthority.com
                        Eli Website: https://eliband.wordpress.com


Saturday, November 5, 2016

On the Homefront: Cherishing Saved Time

I wanted to write about Halloween last weekend. I didn't.
I wanted to throw in a column about hypocrisy in the media and society to give you a feel for me the person, instead of me the dad. I didn't do that either.
It's been a busy time. Everyone is busy, I understand. And sometimes there just aren't things interesting enough to write about.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Catching Up With the Lockport Express -- Week 9

The Lockport Express are back in action this weekend with a pair of games. The first game will be Friday evening at 7:00pm against the Southern Tier Xpress. The game will take place at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, located at 319 West 3rd Street, in Jamestown. The second Lockport game of the weekend will be Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm at our own Cornerstone Ice Arena.