Ya know how those ads say if you can find the same model elsewhere for a lower price, they'll beat it? And, of course, you can't. That's because certain models are sold to certain places, so the chances of finding the exact same model in the exact same town are nil. Well, it's the same with designer sneakers. And that's partly why a huge designer sneaker demand began. That, and all the special and/or celebrity designs. Raymond Davis, of All In One 520 of Buffalo, told me a pair of Nike's honoring the Houston NBA all-star game hit the shelves at $89 and immediately jumped to prices up to $300. Eek. In general, like cars, they lose value as they leave the showroom floor. But there's still a big market for used models.

There were lots of sneakers at Fusion 2008: Where Cultures Collide at Venu on Thursday night. Most vendors were from Rochester and Buffalo, but Jason Chang, one of the promoters, is looking to reel in all of Western New York in what he hopes to be quarterly events. There were also silk-screened t-shirts, and other designer fashions - Sweet & Dirty had some really sweet newly printed vintage ties - along with Anwar Morse, a freelance illustrator, drawing along with the ambiance.

Unfortunately, I got there hours before the live music started. Maybe next time.

Next up: Paula Poundstone