The OBSERVER

Red tape in Portland

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:19:12 EDT

We already know that New York state makes it tough to do business due to its high-tax environment.

But local Planning Boards are no better and can often add to the sour taste for potential developers in our area.

Aziz Ansari at Kleinhans

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:13:21 EDT

When comedian Aziz Ansari addressed marriage proposals during his show at Kleinhans in Buffalo, he asked a married couple in the audience where and how the guy popped the question.

'The Voice' recap: Too darn hot

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:20:44 EDT

On Monday night's episode of "The Voice," poor Carson Daly and his studio audience were subjected to sweltering temperatures after the air conditioning stopped working.

My 'Mad Men' season six midpoint assessment

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:15:45 EDT

It was touch and go last season, but I'm delighted to see that "Mad Men" has found its footing again in season six. The season really hit stride at its midpoint with the unexpected merger between SCDP and CGC.

'The Voice' recap: ...And we're live

Tue, 7 May 2013 17:44:07 EDT

I was actually so bored by the first live episode of "The Voice" that I almost didn't write anything about it, however, there were two acts that I disliked enough to serve as my motivatio.