Today is ‘National Clean Off Your Desk Day’, and after taking a quick walk around the office I realized that there are a few desks here that probably haven’t seen the light of day in a few years. If you can relate to any of these photos, do yourself a favor, take a few minutes and straighten up around you. It will not only make you feel better, but will also you make you more productive. Hey, you might even find that phone number you’ve been looking for for the past 6 months. Here are a few tips to de-clutter your workspace.

If your desk looks like this, you are all set.

Brad Hohman

If your desk looks like this when you come in, you should probably start looking for another job.

Brad Hohman

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Taste of Home Cooking School and Show with Chef Michael Barna this past Saturday at UB’s Center For The Arts. It was a great time and a great learning experience whether you are an experienced chef or are still trying not to burn the grilled cheese. Check out some of the photos from the show and let us know what you thought of it below.

twitter (@ESPNForsberg)

This is either really big news, or it is a slow news day. Sports pages are claiming this as ‘Breaking News’ and Twitter is lighting up with posts about Brady’s ‘Losing Locks’

To pay tribute to Brady’s missing mop-top, we have put together a gallery of his hair throughout the past few years. Some of these looks include ‘the Bieber’ and ‘the Geico Caveman’.

In other grooming news…Ryan Fitzpatrick’s beard is back! The ‘Amish Rifle’ (just named AFC Offensive Player of the Month) has once again gone from pre-season stubble to a face full of ‘Winning Whiskers’ (yeah, I just came up with that). Never to be outdone by cry-baby Brady, Fitz’s beard is also getting quite a bit of attention on Twitter. In fact, the beard even has it’s own Facebook page! At the end of last season, Fitz hit the barber shop and got a clean shave as seen in this video, much to the dislike of many Bills fans who started online petitions for him to keep the beard. Alas, razor won and it was time for a clean start after a dismal season. Here are a few photos of the now famous beard from the last couple of years.

Perhaps Brady could take a note from Fitzpatrick and grow a beard, it may not make him play any better but at least it will cover up that crater on his chin.

Do you like the long hair or the short hair on Brady…or do you think he’s a tool either way?

Getty Images

When I was a kid, there were a lot of grumpy older people, who had something to say about everything children [and a lot of grown-ups, come to think of it] did. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that I have, indeed, become one of those grumpy older persons [and I'm really not that old. I swear...]. I’ve just wrapped up another summer dealing with one of a seemingly unending list of pet peeves [actually, more than one, but let's start here]; adults, and teens, riding bicycles on the sidewalk!

Please understand; this complaint does not apply to younger children, or others still learning how to ride bikes. For their safety, and the safety of cars, they should be on the sidewalks. But why anyone who knows how to ride is using the sidewalk is just beyond me.

I understand the world has changed since my own childhood [a time when we were completing the task of driving the Redcoats from the Niagara Frontier. You just ask your parents and grandparents about those days. Or rent that Mel Gibson movie, The Patriot. That'll show you...]. Helmets are a definite necessity for bike riders. So are rear-view mirrors, head- and tail-lights, and the many other safety devices that we did without [insanely, as it turned out]. But when I was a child, I looked forward to the day that my parents gave me permission to ride in the street! When they finally did, I felt more like an adult than I had up to that point.

So why are teens and adults unwilling to use the streets, as New York State Vehicle Law clearly states they should be? Got me. Sure, there are some busy streets, and busy time periods, when it’s probably unwise for bicyclists to use the streets. Then get off the bike, and, if necessary walk it on the sidewalk!

(Seriously, many drivers learned the basics of driving during their years on a bicycle. Things like being aware of traffic around them. Or knowing how to use hand signals for turns or stopping. There is a value to bicycling on the streets. And, frankly, I nearly got run over several times by grown men and women using the sidewalk. And you know what? I’m just tired of it! Parents, teach your children to use the streets. Watch them. When they’re ready, encourage them to spread their wings at least a little. Maybe when they reach adulthood, they will feel comfortable using the streets. And not running over geezers like me on the sidewalk..)

We took these photos showing the progress being made and I have to say this locker room will be the envy of the NHL. The main locker room area is a larger circular room and each locker will have its own ventilation system. There are new trainers rooms, equipment rooms, and what appears to be a new media room for post game interviews.

Robert Deutsch-Pool, Getty Images

The names of the 2,977 people killed in the attacks were read during the ceremony, which stopped for a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. — the time when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center a decade ago.

Another moment of silence was observed at 9:03 a.m. — the time when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. A third moment of silence was held in Washington at 9:37 a.m. — the moment American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon and killed 184 people, and another at 10:03 a.m. in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where passengers stopped the hijacking plot, crashing United Airlines Flight 93 to the ground.

The 9/11 Memorial was also dedicated during Sunday’s ceremony in New York City. The memorial features twin reflecting pools and the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The pools sit in the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of every person who died in the 2001 attacks as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993 are inscribed on bronze panels around the pools. The memorial will open to the general public on Monday.

The Thunder of Niagara Airshow has made it’s triumphant return to WNY this weekend and includes one of the fastest, most elite flying teams in the world, The United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Made up of eight F-16s The Thunderbirds are sure to but on one heck of a show this weekend. We had the great pleasure to spend the day with some of the team and one lucky person from the office even got to go up in an F-16. Joe has been interested in jets and planes ever since he was a kids going to airshows and watching The Thunderbirds, now a dream has come true as he took tore through the skies today at over 500mph and pulled over 9 G’s…that’s 9 times the force of gravity! Say you weigh 200lbs, at 9 G’s you weigh 1800lbs!

The Thunderbirds will be screaming through the skies of Niagara County throughout the weekend with shows on Saturday and Sunday. The Thunder of Niagara is a great way to spend a day or weekend with the family and learn alot about our military and it’s history. In addition to the high horsepower fighters, there are also aerobatic demonstrations, a jet car, planes on display from WWII thru today. Check out what we have right here in our own backyard with some of the planes from the 914th and 107th Airlift Wing based at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Take a walk inside some of the enormous cargo jets and get up close and personal with bombers and fighters.

Gates open at 9am each day with a 9/11 Opening Ceremonial Procession at 11 with the action in the air starting at noon. Be sure to stop into the hangar and see the 9/11 Monument created right here in Buffalo by Steel Crazy Iron Art.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in the airshow and especially the USAF Thunderbirds, they are a world class group of people that went above and beyond, making us feel like we were part of the team…and of course to Capt. Kristin ‘Mother’ Hubbard for taking care of Joe and bringing him back in one piece.

If you do go to the airshow this weekend, or even if you don’t, remember what this weekend is about and take a moment to thank a service member, active or retired for giving all of us our freedoms that we enjoy and continuing to fight for them. If you see a police officer or firefighter or EMT, thank them for having the courage to run into the face of danger when so many others are running away.

Never Forget.

If you haven’t been to the SPCA recently, check out these photos of the cats and dogs that are up for adoption. The staff is very friendly and would love to help you choose a little friend for you to bring home. The adoption process is very easy and the adoption fee includes:

-An adoring animal to bring home
-Spay/neuter surgery for dogs, cats and rabbits
-Age-appropriate vaccinations
-Initial deworming
-Dose of Advantage Flea Control (seasonal)
-Feline Leukemia
-Microchip identification for dogs and cats
-Pet’s first physical examination at the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society veterinarian of your choice
-30 days free veterinary insurance (with e-mail address)
-PUPPIES 20 weeks and under receive FOUR “PUPPERGARDEN” CLASSES

Stop by the SPCA in Tonawanda: located at 205 Ensminger Road
Tonawanda, NY 14150 or call (716) 875-7360

Adoption Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Pre-Approvals close at 5:30 p.m.)
Tuesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. (Pre-Approvals close at 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Pre-Approvals close at 4:30 p.m.)

Now that Irene has come and gone we are starting to see the images of her wake.  Heavy damage has been reported all up and down the east coast from North Carolina to Maine.  More than 20 deaths have now been attributed to Irene and damage estimates are expected to be in the billions of dollars.

By the time the storm reached New York City it had been downgraded to a tropical storm but the winds still howled throughthe streets of Manhattan and heavy surf crashed on the shores causing heavy erosion.

Tonight’s featured artist is Kurt Elling. Elling has been described by The New York Times as “the standout male vocalist of our time.”
President Obama’s first State Dinner featured Elling in a command performance.

There is also plenty food from the likes of The Brickyard, Water Street Landing, Carmello’s, Tin Pan Alley, Casa Antica, as well as jewelry shows, a classic car show, and Art, Wine and Jazz.

I was there from Noon until 2pm today, and here were a few of the sights from the Festival.

Don’t look now, but there are many parts of Buffalo on the rebound! Our waterfront is one such example.

Now that politics and special interest’s  have gotten out of the way, we have the beginnings of a great destination for all Western New York residents. The Naval Park, the Canal Side stage, a sand beach for the kids, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, even a new small restaurant, have all transformed the waterfront in a short period of time!

Downtown the Hotel Lafayette renovation is in full swing, bringing a mix of upscale housing and small retail. It’s been decades since that building saw any significant work. Thanks to a private developer, a large downtown building is being transformed before our eyes.

On the east side over 35 gardens now exist on city owned property. The result is a better neighborhood for everyone. Once city hall got out of the way, its amazing what people can accomplish.

Congratulations to the people of Buffalo and WNY. It’s great to see this area moving again!

Like many Western New Yorkers I took time out the visit the fair! Great weather, the attractions, and the fair food combined for a great time!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Joy-fm/Prevention Focus, Inc. tent to spin the wheel of prizes. Your dollar donation helps Prevention Focus, Inc.  Prevent involvement with alcohol and substance abuse.

This weekend I took the time to stroll the fairgrounds and capture some memories. The video is the famous mechanical man who was set up in front of Nick Tahous restaurant. Fun to watch!

The new 96.1 Joy-fm is the proud sponsor of children’s week at the M & T Plaza event series. It’s the 42nd season for the series and it’s better than ever! Today a large crowd of kids were treated to the antics of Buffalo Clown Alley! Chuck Stevens was on site to MC and grab some pictures! Tomorrow it’s the Glen Colton Zoomobile at noon!

The new 96.1 Joyfm is everywhere in WNY this summer! Chuck Stevens was at Burgerfest in Hambug this weekend with the Joy-fm van and treasure chest giving away prizes.  The history of the Village of Hamburg’s ties to the famous American sandwich goes like this: In 1885 vendors from Ohio, Frank and Charles Menches, established a food concession at what was to be later named the Erie County Fair. Their specialty was a sliced, grilled sausage patty served on a round bun. Running out of their sausage, they sought a local butcher who only had ground beef readily available. They mixed spices with the meat, including brown sugar and coffee, and made patties to fit the round buns.The coffee after-taste kept patrons returning for more of this new sandwich. A local reporter, noting the excitement, asked the brothers what this new sensation was called.Without much hesitation, they named it the hamburger after the town they were in, Hamburg, NY.

Joy FM was out at the Taste of  Buffalo greeting those who came down to sample all the wonderful foods on display from our many fine restaurants.  We took photos of our friends next to our Joy FM van decorated in a beach theme.  Joy FM will be holding our July Juicer on July 21st at Templeton Landing on the Buffalo waterfront.  Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

As the fireworks exploded on the forth of July my cousin turned to me in hushed tones and said, “the first 200 people at the new H&M get a gift card and a tee shirt don’t tell anyone,” she proceeded to tell me that she and her friend were going when the mall opened on Thursday so that they could be one of the 200. Keep in mind that H&M wasn’t slotted to open until 12 o’clock on Thursday and the mall opens at 10 o’clock.

So this Thursday I dutifully texted my cousin to see what her plans were, she answered that they would be at the mall at 10:30 to get in line outside the store. Maybe I don’t spend enough time at Wal-Mart on Black Friday but I didn’t think that there would even be a crowd outside the store.  Boy was I wrong! I arrived at the mall at 11 o’clock I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There were hoards of people lined up outside the store and then around into the new section of the mall past the Bebe store and well into the hipster territory of Urban Outfitters. When I heard that people had reportedly gotten there as early as 4am it came as no big shock to learn that we were not among the first 200 people. The crowd was rowdy and kept screaming as the H&M staff kept trying in vain to start the “wave”.  One group of eager shoppers took advantage of the music that the DJ inside the store was spinning and started to do the Electric Slide while in line. Once they opened the doors to the store people rushed in so quickly you would have thought they were giving away clothes inside. All in all it was a good shopping day, despite the fact that I had to wait in line for almost a half hour to try on my finds. I really recommend that you check out this new store the clothes are cute and reasonably priced and they offer men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes.

Here’s a night you want to put on your calender: Thursday, July 21st!  That’s when 96.1 JOY fm takes over Templeton Landing to create a Tropical night of fun!    Enjoy live entertainment with national recording artist Mojo B, local favorite Gregg Sansone, free appetizers, delicious Tropical drinks, a Sexy Sandals & Fancy Flip Flops contest, prizes and more!    For more info & tickets, click here.

This is a great time of year. Schools out for summer. That means vacations and family activities. But for some kids it means graduating from High School. A wonderful feeling, but also a little scary. Decisions about entering the work force, college, or the military come up. My niece will graduate from Newfane High School this Saturday and I will be there to help her celebrate. It brings to mind how much High School has changed since I went. And next month is my high school reunion. I won’t tell you which one. See if you can guess from the photo from our alumni web site. For contrast the new photo is from a recent graduation. Yeah, things have changed!