Syracuse in focus (SIF)

95 South

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:51:38 +0000

Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb stands on the sidelines during a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets. McNabb did not play.

Despite an ankle injury, former Syracuse star Donovan McNabb expects to start for Sunday for the Washington Redskins. McNabb previously spent 11 years as a Philadelphia Eagle.

Weekdays with Hilby

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:47:12 +0000

Hilby

Sometimes the best entertainment at the New York State Fair is free.

From the first year I covered the Fair, I’ve enjoyed shows by juggler, acrobat, magician and street performer Michael Hilby.

Hilby at the 2010 New York State Fair

The self-proclaimed skinny German juggles fire, balls, and even carries a chainsaw.

Hilby always draws a crowd and always has a flair for the unordinary, punctuated with a comedian’s timing.

Hilby’s act, lasting about an hour, is worth one or two Grandstand performances (for about $50 dollars less). He reminds me of an essay from The Big Moo that says, there are three rules of life: 1) Your Attitude is Your Life; 2) Maximize Your Options; and 3) Don’t Let Seeds Stop You from Enjoying the Watermelon.

Hilby, juggling fire

New York State Fair (Day 10)

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:58:55 +0000

Rest time, Dairy Building

Sacred Steel

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:48:13 +0000

Robert Randolph at the New York State Fair

Robert Randolph, master of the steel pedal guitar, danced while he played with his bad at the New York State Fair tonight. Randolph’s performance reminded me that the last time I covered a steel pedal performance was by the late Leonard Stephens, Jr. of Syracuse, during Gospel Weekend a few years ago.

New York State Fair (Day 8)

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:04:16 +0000

Living Statues, Colonnade

What is Your Priority?

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:55:20 +0000

Is it more important to take responsibility or to be given authority. Read here.

Anniversary Vigil

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:16:00 +0000

Vigil for victims of Hurricane Katrina at Syracuse University

Members of the Syracuse University community held an impromptu program for the victims of Hurricane Katrina last night in Hendricks Chapel. Students and members shared experiences about evacuating or returning to clean up the Gulf Region. This week marks the five year anniversary of the storm.

Second only to the Spike Lee’s Katrina films (and interviews), I found the best testimony about the Hurricane and immediate aftermath was given by former Syracuse television executive Gary Wordlaw in 2006.

Members of Delta Sigma Theta discuss their sorority's rebuilding efforts

The Take Over

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:07:47 +0000

J. J. Hairston and Youthful Praise at the Fair

JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise brought energy and ebullience to the J. Alfred Cage Stage on Sunday evening. Despite a delayed arrival, they closed out this year’s Gospel Weekend and took the crowd to church.

J. J. Hairston

“Real faith has perfect peace and joy and a shout at any time. It always sees the victory.”

–Smith Wigglesworth

One Man’s Garbage becomes a Treasure

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:59:15 +0000

A taste of Rochester has made it to the New York State Fair this year in the form of the famous Nick Tahou’s Garbage Plate. You have to see it to believe it and taste it to appreciate it.

Divatude

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:24:17 +0000

En Vogue--at 20

It’s hard to fathom that the ladies of En Vogue released their first album Born to Sing 20 years ago. The original group members performed Thursday to kick-off the New York State Fair concert series at Chevy Court.