Bearly hanging out

I’m really glad it wasn’t a real bear that Ellie B aka Dogamous Pyle and I stumbled across during yesterday’s leisurely walk around the blocks surrounding the Little Bitty in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood. Or perhaps this cute little front-yard decoration out for a May swing is situated in Lyncourt. The pretty house…

I’m excited to start a new chapter

I’m returning to an old friend in many ways. On Monday, May 16, I’ll jump into my Chevy Cruze in the driveway of the Little Bitty in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood at about 8 o’clock and head north just a handful of miles. Destination: The Liverpool Public Library. She’s a beautiful sight, the…

Happy Mother’s Day

Every Sunday our guest columnist not only pens these memorable words and provides the punchy pictures, he writes the headlines, too. So today, I must echo: What Paul says. Happy Mother’s Day! Take it away, Paul. Your Barista – Paul Welcome to the weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul, I’ll be your…

I’ve learned a lot at the store

For seven months, I’ve been proud to pull on that red vest and talk to customers. Working at the store has been interesting, every shift, every day. Yes, even when I spilled paint on my favorite pair of work shoes. Here’s the most important of what I’ve learned since October, when I started as a…

Me and Chinese

I have a weak spot for Chinese food. There, I said it. So when I get two weekdays off in a row from the store, and my dear wife Karen is working at SMG, well … The allure of Chinese for lunch is pretty darn strong. Last week, I had a 10:30 a.m. vanity appointment…

Mary Fahl, Joe Whiting welcome in May

Tom Honan will be busy this weekend bringing interesting music to Central New York. The main behind Live Space Entertainment cranks up for May with a pair of shows flanking Syracuse. Friday night, Mary Fahl performs at Homer Center for the Arts. Fahl is a singer of note who also carries a connection to the…

Tedeschi Trucks Band knows how to get tight

I love when a band proves it can think out of the box. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks proved that so by putting together a really cool video for NPR’s great feature, the Tiny Desk Concert. The southern rock blues bunch proved you can indeed get 12 working musicians crammed behind one desk. My connection…

Ellie B puts her best paw forward for the Chiefs

The Syracuse Chiefs were thankful that the last Saturday in April went to the dogs. Our Triple-A baseball team has been having one heck of a time with the spring weather so far this season, general manager Jason Smorol pointed out several times with the microphone in his hand during the pregame pooch parade at…