When life gives you so much winter, why not make a fest?

It’s become a tradition for my dear wife Karen and I to make sure we head to the Syracuse, N.Y., downtown space called Hanover Square at this time of year. Since 1985, hardy and hearty Central New Yorkers have been given the opportunity to make the most of this cold, snowy season here in the…

They’re noisy birds, but I don’t mind

Every so often sitting in my living room here in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood these past couple of days, I hear a thump against the picture window. Ellie B, aka Dogamous Pyle, jumps on top of me on my recliner to peer out, and I hunch over to protect the family … iPad…

Another snowy day touches down in Syracuse

Temperatures steadily in the 40s. One day in the 50s. Snow melting from the roofs of our Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood. Counting the days ’til March with the fingers on one hand. The big tease in our part of the world is over. Wicked winter ’13-14 rolled through again Monday, with a quick, efficient…

Important: Please Help Save MORE Than a House

Not a Punk Rocker stated the effects of losing your home and the causes that have pushed our blogging friend Merry to the brink of that calamity. Reading Merry’s heartfelt telling of her tale on Knocked Over By a Feather this weekend was wrenching. Of course, Merry is proud, and would not think to ask…

In ‘3 Days to Kill,’ CIA guy Kevin Costner aims to win back his daughter

There’s a scene in ‘3 Days to Kill’ when the CIA agent played by Kevin Costner reaches down and scoops a loved one into his protective arms. Yes, thoughts of “The Bodyguard” and the much-missed Whitney Houston jumped into my mind. In different scenes, Costner’s agent Renner tries to figure out how to connect with…

A Russian gold for the skater from South Korea soured my Sochi Games

Goodbye, Sochi. I can’t say that you ever completely won me over. Goodbye, Viktor Ahn and your messy politics. I can say that you have taught me that I am way too idealistic with my Olympic ideals. These Games in the seaside-and-mountain city of Russia may forever be known as the Winter Olympics where spectators…

No, the sky wasn’t falling

Up from the roof, there came such a clatter. Wait! Santa long sleeping What could be the matter? Falling ice, perhaps. When that comes down, you scatter. Alas, with a sky so blue I look overhead to find Vinyl siding, broken, at least it did not shatter. It will stay that way until spring, I…

Strange What We Take Pride In

Originally posted on earthriderdotcom:
By Judy Berman Snow is often the backdrop for terror or for light-hearted comedy in the movies. But, in real life, it can be a constant grueling battle with the elements. Digging out and piling it on. Among five Central New York cities, my former home of Syracuse is now the…

Either Syracuse or Duke will leave with a losing streak

Oh, the delicious psychology of sports. Mind games, for fans, will forever be entwined with real games. When Syracuse plays Duke in a return match tonight in Durham, N.C., which team will have the advantage above the neck? As the Orange’s first loss of the season — 62-59 to Atlantic Coast Conference lowbie Boston College…

At 317 at Montgomery, Syracuse Dining Week is a winner

Originally posted on Mark Bialczak:
It’s an appealing sight as you approach 317 at Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse, N.Y. The phone rang with an invitation almost too good for a weeknight. Could my dear wife Karen and I come out to play for dining week with her, David and Althea? It is Syracuse Dining…