Yesterday I broke the story that the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. wasmoving Canal Side forward without Bass Pro…today, the EDHDC held a press conference confirming what you read on these pages yesterday…NO BASS PRO FOR THE B-LO.

From Brian Higgins and something a lot of people felt…

“They’re not coming, but they never were,” Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, said this afternoon.

It will be interesting to see how this impacts the Canal Side project…will the ECHDC change its focus to another large retail anchor or will they fall in line with what some segments of the community have been clamoring for, a focus on local businesses.

This whole courtship of Bass Pro has been bizarre to say the least.

UPDATE: Read Bass Pro’s letter to Brian Higgins on Artvoice’s website in response to his ultimatum last week…

H.R.5741.IH…

To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, and for other purposes.

I do believe in community service and serving one’s country…but…it should never ever ever never be M A N D A T O R Y!!!

Scary…government intrudes in our lives in many ways already…I can’t even begin to think how such a bill could be  abused by the Asses, Elephants and everyone in between.

Funny too that that shining beacon of everything that is wrong with Congress, Charles B. Rangel, introduced the bill…

…Asian Carp.

I know that there are a variety of things going on to try to stop these fish from reaching the Great Lakes and reproducing, but I got a feeling that we will be seeing these carp showing up close to home here in the future.

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[HT to 97 Rock for birthday tip]

I just love Rush…they have consistently put out great muzak since the early 1970s…have seen them a number of times and their shows are amazing.

One of the first albums I bought was Moving Pictures by them at the old Ruda’s Records on Broadway in Buffalo. It is weird but discovering music when I was a young little Byrd was almost magical. I remember where I purchased a lot of albums back in the day.

Happy Birthday GEDDY!!!

Watching the video above reminded me of two things…

-Just how awesome the Bills were from the late 80s to the mid 90s!

-I want that feeling back of knowing something special was brewing with our football team…and I don’t mean the prospect of having Brian Brohm as our starting QB.

[HT The Goose's Roost for posting video last week]

[click for more info]

I just had one of the latest renderings sent to me via email…it looks like the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. is planning for life without Bass Pro in the mix.

From my source at the ECHDC…

We have decided to move on from Bass Pro and are in negotiations with Dollar General to create a one of a kind retail experience at Canal Side with Dollar General as our new anchor partner.  The plan is to create the world’s largest Dollar General.  With Dollar General as our partner, we believe will be adding the right retailing element to attract millions of visitors to Canal Side every year and other development.

Great news!!!

Thanks Brian for admitting your mistake…I thought he was incapable of doing wrong.

If you have never seen Ralph Nader speak and regardless of where you are politically, this is you op…cool place to see him at as well…

Ralph Nader, consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Howie Hawkins, Green Party of New York State, candidate for Governor, 2010 Mike Kuzma, candidate for New York State Senate, 58th District

To discuss, “Ways to Mobilize the People for Long Overdue Changes, No More of Our Money for War and Wall Street”

Buffalo. NY
Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 7pm (speakers begin)
Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center
562 Genesee St
Buffalo, NY

Doors at 6pm: Community group fair – Ralph Nader book signing – (food and drink available)

Discussion, question & answer session, book signing to include Nader’s latest work
of “political science fiction,” “Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!”

Admission Free with suggested donation $5 no one turned away for lack of funds

Bring the children, dinners and drink available at event,

For more information and advance interviews with Nader, Hawkins, or Kuzma contact Matthew Zawisky, 716-479-2351 zawisky@gmail.com.

Cool…