|
|
Sahara Grill not all bad I was excited to try out the Sahara Grill on Elmwood Avenue in the city. It is promoted as serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This casual dining restaurant offers either take-out or dine-in. My boyfriend and I decided we would eat there to get the full “Sahara” experience. The menu is very impressive with something for everyone. Prices seemed quite reasonable, their sandwiches and salads started at $4.99, and the most expensive thing I could find was the rib-eye steak for $14.99. The menu includes:
Smoothie bar with enticing names like “Paradise Blush,” “Mango Passion” and “Tropical Breeze.” I ordered the Ghallaba with beef. They offer a choice of fries or rice to go along with the dish. I recommend getting the rice so that way you can pile the Ghallaba over the rice. My boyfriend got the chicken souvlaki sandwich. Our meals were prepared quickly, but that may have been because only about three other tables in the restaurant were occupied. The Ghallaba was brought out on a sizzling skillet, which was fun. As for the taste, it was O.K … not a knock- your- socks- off, wow you- must- try-this dish. It had similar makings of a Chinese meal. I The service was good. Our waiter was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Everything about the place was fine, not fantastic. The food wasn’t out of this world, but it was a neat place to try. Overall, I give it 2 ½ out of 5 stars Contact: westal36@mail.buffalostate.edu http://wnymenu.com/member/index.asp?inc=menudetails&rid=152
|
Act like a polar bear Sometimes there is just nothing to do in the winter. But when the ice starts to break in the water. . .just jump into Lake Ontario and chill. The Lions Club hosted its 38th annual Polar Bear Swim on Olcott Beach March 2nd. Contestants raise money by getting pledges of anywhere between $5 to $1,000 which goes to a charity that benefits the blind. The brave participants jump into the frigid 10degree lake water. Ice glaciers surround the area where people took the leap. The participators don’t worry about getting hurt though. Paramedics and ambulances surround just in case the “human polar bears” get injured. Contact Info: ReneeRtm@hotmail.com
|
Packers quarterback ‘hangs up cleats’ after 17 seasons in the NFL I have been a Green Bay Packers fan for over a decade; about half of my life, and it was because of one player: Brett Favre. On March 3, Favre announced he would be retiring after 17 years, 16 with the Green Bay Packers. As the link above shows he set many records he sat and all the stats he put up in his time in Green Bay, there one thing I will remember more than anything else: it is the child-like enthusiasm he had as he played the game he loved. Even at the age of 38, he was as enthusiastic with each touchdown as though it was his first. He would jump around, pick up he revivers and carry them over to the sideline and even did the famous Lambeau Leap (his first and only) last year when he scored a touchdown. He had issues with pain pills and alcohol, but he overcame them for the sake of his family and his team. He became the model of what an NFL player should be and one would be hard pressed to find someone who has anything bad to say about him. Gene Wojciechowsk of ESPN.com said: “Favre has something left, but not enough. He can play, but he can't play like Favre anymore. Not every down and not every game. His heart -- and that's the body part that made Favre great -- isn't into it anymore.” That is what is saddest. He can still play but his heart just is not in it any more. He always said that he would play until it was not fun anymore, looks like that time has come. Was it time for him to leave? Alan Shipnuck wrote in Sports Illustrated:“In fact, Favre has always had an unerring sense of timing. So many athletes stick around too long, displaying diminished skills and a depressing mortality, but he is leaving at exactly the right moment. How can we be sure? Because it hurts to say goodbye.” I was able to see him play once. They played the Buffalo Bills in the 2006 season and lost, but I was satisfied enough to watch him play. I will miss watching him play on Sundays during football season, and while I am sad to hear that he will not be returning, I am happy for the opportunity to watch a true legend play. Thank you Brett, Thank you for the memories. For more information contact Matt at: mattdlevy@gmail.com |
Superdelegates may cast the deciding vote We know for sure that John McCain will be running for president on the Republican ticket, but can anyone say for sure whether the Democrats will have Hillary Clinton or Barrack Obama? Primaries and caucuses are the traditional route for any prospective candidate to take, but what happens when that magic number of delegates in not reached? Enter the superdelegates. Prior to this election, I had no idea the importance of a superdelegate in any presidential proceeding. And I don’t think I am alone in this declaration. Is this what we really want? I personally don’t want my vote to be cancelled out, and my opinion to be cast aside. This election is supposed to be in our hands but it seems like the ultimate decision will not be ours to make. If the election continues on the way it has been, I’m sure the significance of the super delegates will only intensify. As the last of the primaries take place it will be interesting to see whether Clinton or Obama will come out on top without the help of the superdelegates. As a voter I hope our opinions will triumph and the nominee chosen will have won due to a popular majority. For more information contact: DMJCQTGAL6@aol.com |
Universal is ready for another go with Jason Bourne On Feb. 22, Variety, one of the entertainment industry’s top magazines, confirmed that Universal Pictures will be making a fourth movie about Jason Bourne. During the press tour this past summer, for the last movie, “The Bourne Ultimatum,” star Matt Damon said he was done with the popular franchise. Now come news that the studio is thinking about a fourth and Damon potentially on board for a fourth if they can get a good story. The way I see it, the “Bourne” trilogy is the best trilogy in recent memory. It is one story told over three movies and that is something not seen in other trilogies. I feel that adding on to this could potentially taint the franchise. Fan reaction on the movie sites like Rotten Tomatoes is mixed. Some see it as a studio cashing in on success and some support it because Damon and director Paul Greengrass say they are interested. I will go to see it out of loyalty to the franchise, and who knows I may be surprised, but something about the beauty of this trilogy will be lost. For more information contact Matt at: mattdlevy@gmail.com |
Bills make moves for a playoff run Although the Buffalo Bills haven’t made the playoffs since the 1999 loss to the Tennessee Titans, they are doing all they can in the off-season to ensure they will make it this year. With the signing of middle linebacker Kawika Mitchell, defensive tackle Spencer Johnson and All-Pro defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, the Bills are trying to “toughen up the middle of the 4-3 defense” says ESPN’s John Clayton. The Bills have also added some offensive support by signing former Oakland Raiders tight end Courtney Anderson, which may be one of the most important additions to the team. The Bills ranked 30th in the league for total offense last season, making wins extremely hard to come by. Hopefully, quarterback Trent Edwards will display as much poise as he did in his starts last season. A tight end may be the boost this Bills offense desperately needs. The Bills are returning to an AFC East division where the New England Patriots finished the regular season 16-0. Indeed, the Bills have their work cut out for them. |
Going green: fashion edition When you hear the word organic, what comes to mind is probably food. “Going Green” is usually linked with recycling and saving energy. Don’t get the idea that an organic piece of clothing is made out of hemp and presented in unflattering, nature-inspired colors because established designers and brand-new clothing lines are creating trendy and beautiful pieces that “fashionistas” adore and appreciate. Clothing lines ‘going green’
Going green is making an impact like a new float does in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is a big, bold creation that is grabbing everyone’s attention. The fad is bouncing around from country to country leaving its mark like celebrities do at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. High-end designer Rogan Gregory is currently running a fashion label with U2’s singer Bono that mixes style with eco-conscious, socially responsible production. They use 100 percent organic cotton in their new fashion line and also aren’t abusing the factory work of third-world countries. Gregory has just been presented with the Vogue Fashion Fund Award for emerging American designers. With the fashion industry getting so involved in working for a better environment, it’s your turn to save the planet in style. Go Green and buy a few pieces that are organically chic. You’ll be helping the environment and looking good at the same time. What’s better than that? For more information please contact goldjs08@mail.buffalostate.edu |
It’s a long trip to the catwalk Fashion journalism is a tough market to break into. The job process can be very intimidating and stressful. One wrong move and the big fashion job that people dream of is gone before you know it. Getting an internship is the first thing that has to be done. An internship is good preparation for the future. Once the application process has begun, the stress just piles on. Here is a checklist that leads to the catwalk/
While waiting, it’s hard to keep your mind off of the situation at hand. But when that day comes, you’ll start to feel better. (Well at least that’s what I heard.) Working in the fashion industry can eventually lead to working at one of the biggest events in fashion history, New York City’s fashion week. Fashion week is when a new crop of design talent is showcased alongside big-time American heavyweights. Over 100,000 guests attend, including some 3,000 members of the press and fashion industry from around the world. For more info please contact goldjs08@mail.buffalostate.edu |
Ways to promote safety and security on campus By Shelbey Bidell During the fall semester of 2007, I was a junior at Buffalo State College who registered for two night classes. On a Thursday night after one such class, I was walking to my car from Bishop Hall around 9:45 p.m., and found five guys hanging out around my car. Two of them were actually sitting on the hood. Fortunately, the situation was resolved quickly and peacefully, and the men apologized for their actions and immediately got off my car. However, some students aren’t so lucky on their college campuses. The recent deaths of University of North Carolina student President Eve Carson and Auburn University student Lauren Burk have left many shocked and confused. Both girls were shot, and law enforcement officials said both cases were random acts. It seems as though the amount of deaths and murders on college campuses has become way too common across the United States. From the shootings at Virginia Tech last year, and Northern Illinois University earlier this year, to the untimely deaths of Carson and Burk, something has to be done to promote safety, and possibly heighten campus security. College students can increase their safety just by following some easy tips. Buffalo State’s Campus Security suggests:
How safe do you feel on your campus? |
Clemens called into question over alleged drug use Ever since the Mitchell Report was released back in December 2007, pitcher Roger Clemens has continuously dealt with the media concerning his alleged use of human growth hormones throughout his career. When Clemens met with Congress to discuss the issue, he repeatedly denied any use of performance-enhancing drugs despite testimonies by his former trainer, Brian McNamee, and his former teammate, Andy Pettitte. Pettitte told Congress that Clemens confessed to him almost a decade ago that he was using human growth hormones. Clemens claims that Pettitte “misremembers” that conversation. Regardless of whether or not Clemens is telling the truth, he’s not helping his case by saying that Pettitte “misremembered” a conversation. How does one misremember a conversation like that? Pettitte, who was also named in the Mitchell Report, admitted to using performance enhancers in 2002 and 2004. Since his confession, Yankees fans have supported him for his honesty, and the matter has almost been forgotten. So why would someone who is being praised for his honesty “misremember” or lie about a conversation dealing with a similar situation? It’s not very likely. And it seems like some members of the House, such as California Democrat Henry Waxman, feel the same way. "We have found conflicts and inconsistencies in Mr. Clemens' account. During his deposition, he made statements that we know are untrue,” said Waxman, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, back in early February. As of right now, it doesn’t look good for Clemens as the FBI begins its investigation into whether the pitcher lied under oath. In a similar case, former Olympic track star Marion Jones was sentenced to six months in prison back in January for lying about her use of steroids. Clearly, the issue of drugs in sports isn’t one to be taken lightly. But if he is lying, he will become one more athlete who is a poor role model, and a disgrace to America’s pastime. Contact Information: bidesc28@mail.buffalostate.edu |
Shut-up and listen The three scariest letters in the alphabet are S-T-D. Put yourself in this scenario for a moment and imagine paying a visit to the doctor’s office as you go for your annual check up. But instead of sending you back home, the doctor asks if you can stay for a while because you have an STD. There comes a time in every person life that is catastrophic. It is at that pivotal moment that a person would have to make a tough decision as to whether they will let the condition control them? Or will the person control it? And that can drastically change the way how a person live their lives. A study done by the Society for Adolescent Medicine, found a large amount of American college students having unprotected sex and pay no attention to for the need of protection. The study also mentions almost half of sexually active students had never been tested for an STD, although one in five college students reported knowing someone who has contracted a STD in college. Dr. Diane Mulcahy from Buffalo State’s Weigel Health Center says most people are unaware if they have an STD because most of the diseases show few signs or symptoms or that they don’t get tested regularly. The most common STDs are: The American Social Health Association says more than half of all people will have an STD/STI at some point in their lifetime and one in two sexually active people will contact an STD/STI by the age of 25. But this information isn’t here to frighten anyone. In no way, shape or form does this mean it is the end—it’s actually the beginning. Right now there is a lot of information about medicines and online support forums. Too many times people start to feel invincible and start to feel the “it-can-never-happen-to-me,” syndrome. Well it can. So when something that physically and emotional pain occurs…people then start to appreciate life a whole lot better. It is very important to take action and the necessary steps to catch early detection and to better protect yourself. For any questions or comments you can send an email to: atminto28@aol.com |
New blood brings more art Buffalo is one place that does not have a shortage of artists or places to put art. |
Start Trippin’ in March Fans of Snoop Dogg can pick up the artist’s newest solo album titled “Ego Trippin” two months earlier than first anticipated. The album has been moved up to a March 11th release date, a rarity for rap albums in today’s standards. This will be the rapper’s ninth solo album dating back to his 1993 debut classic “Doggystyle.” Snoop Dogg fan Garrett Kelly is looking forward to the album being released early. “It makes sense to get it out (album) as soon as it’s done. Why wait to release something that is already done?” said Kelly waiting in the checkout line at Target. This is newsworthy because in today’s music industry, most albums get pushed back rather than moved up. In the past three years I can personally recall two albums coming out at the first release date published: Jay Z’s The Black Album and Kingdom Come. Hopefully we are seeing the beginning of a new trend in the industry that will make fans eager to purchase material rather than download it free from the Internet. |
Pasquale’s is much more than a pizza joint Pasquale’s is well-known in the Southtowns for its great pizza, wings and subs. www.pasquales.com But it also offer a very nice casual Italian dining experience. My family and I gathered at this restaurant for my birthday dinner in early March. We ordered traditional Italian dishes (fettuccine alfredo, fruiti da mare, and shrimp diavalo.) The shrimp diavalo wasn’t on the menu any longer, but since my mom had asked about it they still offered to make it. That is what I consider impressive customer service. The fruiti da mare was packed with scallops, shrimp, mussels and crab sautéed with bell peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms. It was in a garlic wine sauce and served on angel hair pasta. The portion was a generous heaping plateful, and the seafood was not at all “fishy.” As for the alfredo, it was so delicious I could almost feel my arteries clogging. Pasquale’s food was just like you’d find at a high-priced restaurant. The meals that are $10 to $15 at Pasquale’s would easily be double elsewhere. Pasquale’s was established in Derby, in 1975 and has since expanded to East Aurora and West Seneca. Contact: westal36@buffalostate.edu
|
The Queen City has more than you bargained for Buffalo is a rust belt city. Anyone who has spent a good amount of time here must have heard all the claims that this is a dying – or dead – city. There is one resource that this city needs, but has been losing for decades: that is people, especially young people. Most college graduates in this area look outside Buffalo for their prospects. Often their eyes turn to the shining glory of New York state: New York City. And recently its been looking as though there are some things to keep them here. There are more and more hip and popular shops opening on major avenues, especially Elmwood Avenue.
Buffalo’s NPR station also has been retooling to cater to a younger audience with Xponential, a music show dedicated to new, contemporary and local music. Show promoters like Supernaught Booking has also been working hard at bringing popular national acts to venues like Soundlab and, Mohawk Place. So, to all you young people, before you run away, take time to look around. Maybe you’ll find something you’d like. |
