My pictures from the Buffalo city fireworks at Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf weren't as cool as the ones I took at Riverside - the event wasn't as cool either. The music at Riverside was better - Speedy Parker Blues Band - the space was friendlier and much larger, the fireworks lasted longer (although were not as intense) and we were closer to the origin point.







The next day, A, (e:tinypliny) and I went to Niagara Falls and to the Niagara Power Plant Vista which was almost deserted despite no admission charge, free parking, beautiful views, and interesting interactive museum. It has a surprisingly fascinating documentary of the construction of the power plant. (Of course (e:matthew,49299) posted absolutely gorgeous photos of NF just days after we went... Matt, are you doing HDR?)






You can take a tour of the Niagara River Whirlpool on these boats, and go right between the US & Canadian power plants.



The power plant museum as a very cool 3-D map of the project with LEDs to highlight the area the voice tour is talking about.





A shot to prove to (e:tinypliny)'s mom that she was at Niagara Falls.





The whole reason I was in Buffalo that weekend (instead of being in Tioga County enjoying my friend Jennie's birthday party...) was that A's bratty little brother had booked his return flight from California for Buffalo. He took us out to dinner and then we went to Nietzsche's where there was a really good jazz band that played until after 1am.








I joined the Buffalo Photography Meetup Group so I could focus more on improving (or regaining) my skills and talk to other photogs. On 7/6, the group went to the Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse to shoot the Peace Bridge lights. Folks posted their pix afterward and I felt my pix were unpracticed, inexperienced, and boring in comparison. Oh well...it takes time. I got a couple neat ones... I didn't have the patience, lens or tripod that would have made the wait for the Peace Bridge lights worthwhile, but other folks got some really amazing shots. I found the crew teams using the boathouse really interesting. (West Side Rowing Club )










The ceiling lights of the boathouse.

nisha is happily snuggled in the pillows of my bed.

To follow up on the bear in Wellsboro, Pa. (e:heidi,49142)

Bear death creates debate

by Kelly Stemcosky
kstemcosky@tiogapublishing.com
Published: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 3:55 PM CDT
The bear treed on Main Street, Wellsboro, last Monday, June 29, was the only one put down for aggressive tendencies in at least eight years, said Pennsylvania Game Commissioner Rodney Mee.

The animal was destroyed after an investigation revealed the animal had charged campers in Chatham Township two months previously.

Putting down a wild animal occurs infrequently, he added. Mee said the only other bears put down in that same period were a mother and cub that were too mangy and emancipated to be treated last winter. Those were the only three bears euthanized in Tioga County during his time as a Game Commissioner since 2001.

There is, however, possibility of another. A troublesome bear was tagged in Addison, N.Y., and then reported stealing food from grills at Hills Creek two years ago. Mee said it was never caught.

For (e:tinypliny)

5 medium garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 c. olive oil
2 15oz. cans of great northern beans (we used cannellini beans)
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice (we used from-concentrate juice)
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 t. ground cumin
salt
pepper
1/4 t. red pepper

Saute garlic in hot oil in a saucepan over medium heat 1.5 min or until lightly browned. Cool slightly. Remove garlic with a slotted spoon, reserving oil.

Process garlic, beans, lemon juice, parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, red pepper in food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. With processor running, pour reserved oil through food chute in a slow, steady stream, continuing to process until smooth. Chill at least 1 hr or up to 2 days.

Serve dip with assorted fresh vegetables, pita bread or bagel or tortilla chips.

We didn't have nearly the adventure that (e:Mike,49186) did, but we enjoyed the Friendship Festival and fireworks at Riverside Park last night. Thanks for the suggestion. It was the first time I've taken pix of fireworks with the camera I got last summer. (I need a tripod!) The little festival carnival had more food vendors than anything else and not much local stuff. We were hoping for more of a Riverside cultural experience. The rides were bigger and more plentiful than any of the festivals held in Tioga County.