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trouble is, we don't usually differentiate, especially when it comes to rookies. we've been here longer than they have, and when it comes to QBs in Buffalo, we'll more than likely be here longer than they will. or at least that's been the trend. jw how would you know? at this point, i'm just going to start being dismissive because i know Tim, i cover EJ and i don't know you. ...

there is nothing i can say or write here to convince many here anything different.EJ injected the media into the story by asking a question. that he didn't like the answer is not the media's fault. it's the answer that some here might have raised -- or wish they could have. and that's the trick of our jobs, being confrontational. when Alex Mogilny first got to Vancouver, i had a sitdown with him in a restaurant at training camp in whislter. we had a bland discussion that lasted 20 minutes until i ran out of questions. it was at that point, Alex looked up and asked me: "Is that all you want to hear, bull(crap)?" surprised by his bluntness, i said: "no, that's the last thing i need because i'm wasting my time and your time." and then the real interview began and Alex and I got along for the rest of his career because i understood the best way to deal with him was asking blunt questions, some so blunt even other members of the media chided me on. and yet, Alex had no difficulty answering them with a wide smile. i wish many athletes were more like Alex. many aren't. that doesn't preclude us from at times being blunt, especially when EJ has shown a sensitivity by sidestepping questions hinting at doubt. if he can't handle us non-athletic types, what's that say about oncoming defensive ends and linebackers who make far more money than I or Tim at being confrontational? jw

-- called out some so-called "bills" fan, who attempted to spread a malicious falsehood about me on twitter. -- tried to provide perspective on the EJ vs. Tim line of questioning to very little avail because everyone's mind is made up on that one. -- outlined my personal definition of country music, by noting emphatically that Johnny Cash has always been a rocker to me. -- had a lovely dinner with my wife and watched an episode of "Revenge." (guilty pleasure) -- had a second consecutive Friday night ruined by the Bills hiring coaches, and continued to blame the Browns for screwing up what was supposed to be a quieter offseason. -- washed the dishes. -- listening to tunes, the Jam's playing as we speak. -- having a sip. -- letting the long day ease into night. jw

actually, Jim Kelly and most if not all Hall of Famers never merited being asked that question at this point in their respective careers. jw

in retrospect, this would have been a worthy discussion say after JP's first offseason, or Trent's, no? they leash is short because of those who preceded EJ. that's not EJ's fault. but he has so far failed to show he's the definitive answer on a team that's not made the playoffs in 14 seasons and not had an answer at QB since Jim Kelly. jw

no, but it certainly raises concerns and leads observant people to begin forming them. jw

so let me get this anti-Tim narrative straight. it's wrong for him to answer EJ's question with what he thinks and to his face, but have no time to explain himself because EJ gets pulled away. but it would OK for him to answer EJ's question in a column and not to his face, outlining why he thinks that to be the case. the question was asked. the answer was going to be coming one way or another, no? jw

pretty sure that answers your question. jw let me add this. NoSaint seems to be doing a good job deciphering things here.

oh, man. did you just cut and paste my post without reading it? jw

dunno. i prefer interviews that are more discussions than Q and A's. and Tim, by definition of his role as the News' blogger and columnist (which has become his Super Bowl coverage role) is provided a little more leeway. ... i might have raised my eyebrow and said, 'hmmm.' but if EJ takes exception to that comment given the questions already raised about his status, well ... shrug. jw

nice post. forgot about Zepplin. i too have gained far more appreciation for Zep now than i did way back when. and i had the same experience regarding their canceled tour. me and my buddies just got our tickets in hand through a similar lottery for their show at Cobo Hall in Detroit. and then Bonham dies. and then i compounded the situation. idiot of a 16-or-so-year-old that i was at the time, i frickin sent the ticket back for a full refund. what i'd give today to have that ticket, still. it would most certainly be framed on my wall. jw

dunno. maybe EJ needs a reminder that this job is not his for life, and he's got plenty still to prove. jw

that's all fine. not going to debate you Gugny. the title of the topic is "How do you" define country. i provided my definition. Folsom Prison Blues to me is not country. it's message and beat are rooted in rock. and it might not be a coincidence that this came out around the same time he worked with Bob Dylan. Cash is more to folk than he was country, more a troubadour than a twanger. that he came from the south is regarded as one of the reasons he was regarded as a "hayseed." and it certainly helped that he eventually teamed up with the Carter family, and wore boots and played a guitar. but tell me this, is Steve Earle country? that's a tough one, no? Joe Strummer had Cash-like qualities. and what clinches it for me in regards to Cash are the series of Rick Rubin-produced "American Recordings." that Cash could take many of those songs and make them his own is a reflection of his rock and roll leanings, particularly on an album that opens with the title track: "The Man Comes Around," which is not a country song in my opinion. Cash is country, but not limited to country. he is Gospel, but not limited to that. he transcends it which, by my definition, makes him a rocker, with a finger-in-the-air rebelious spirit that is what makes rock and roll relevant and resonant. jw

you realize that you don't need to contribute to this thread. we get that you don't like the whole concept of it. so feel free to ignore it for all our sakes. jw

if you're referring to Buck Owens, yes. Brad Paisley owes Buck plenty. and i'm not big fan of Paisley given; 1) How he once dismissed pop music for being vapid, and then has elected to mount the second half of his career on vapid pop music, which brings me to ... 2) Accidental Racist. Merle Haggard, definitely. if you want to go further an add in Marty Stuart (saw him in Buffalo 10 years ago, great show) and Dwight Yoakam, well I'm on board. Yoakam was more country than much of the bunk being played on the radio when he first broke. and he's still more country now than much of what's "popular." i mean, i picked up the Kacey Musgraves cd a few months back and liked it. not sure how it fit in as "country" aside from the fact she sang about a trailer park. not sure if she's really country. she does sell. carrie underwood meanwhile is no more country than Faith Hill is nowadays. only difference is that Faith Hill has more talent. jw

i have no issue with how Tim explained how the first part went. it's not his fault that EJ was pulled away before Tim could explain himself and bring the discussion to its logical conclusion. if EJ took offense to it without allowing time for an explanation then that's not entirely on Tim. as Tim tried to begin explaining, he said, "I do," and then attempted to begin explaining himself by saying he does because quarterback is the most important position on the team, and one that's been unfilled. remember, EJ asked: "do you think they should?" should is an interesting word in this case, and open to almost begging for an answer. that EJ didn't stick around waiting for an answer continues a trend for him. he doesn't take kindly or have patience for those raising questions about his performance or status in Buffalo. at the very least, he needs to realize that he has a long way to go before proving he is a bona fide long-term starter. he needs to realize that based on his inconsistencies, injuries and the questionable numbers he put up that this question will continue to be raised until: 1) he proves different (Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning don't have to face this line of questioning because they're proven themselves) or 2) the Bills proceed to draft another quarterback. now sure why the media is being faulted here for asking questions and providing responses that have been raised and discussed on this board for quite some time. jw

Country is country. I know that sounds like "it is what it is," but it is. You know it when you hear it. It's not Shania, that's pop. It is the Drive By Truckers when they play "Carl Perkins' Cadillac." It's most definitely not Dareus Rucker. or Lady Antebellum. It is Loretta Lynn, even when Jack White attempted to over-produce her. It is not, for the most part, Johnny Cash. He was and will always be a rocker to me. (How he, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee and Elvis got together in Memphis and Cash got the label as a "country" guy, I don't know.) It is Hank Williams, though he had his rock and roll tendencies. It is Gretchen Wilson. And it especilly is George Strait and Alan Jackson. As for Tim McGraw, he's not an artist of any real genre that deserves mention. jw

1) Tie: The Replacements. The Clash. 2) The Rolling Stones. (They're long past their peak and I refuse to go see them just to say I did unless they happen to play in a small venue, which is unlikely going to happen. I had my chances in the early 1980s and blew it. That's on me. Big regret.) jw

i'm half kidding. but if EJ can't stay healthy, a 20-start wait might take a little while. ok, perhaps that was a little bit unfair. but it gets right to the crux of the debate over Manuel: his knees. perhaps, the Bills are hoping, last year was an anomaly in regards to the knee injuries. there is a chance that it wasn't. what then? at the very least, and i've gone out and said this, we'll all have a better grasp on Manuel's potential and place as QB by the end of next October, whether that's 9 starts or 2. this QB train is leaving the station. the only question is whether EJ is capable of jumping on board. jw

according to John Kryk's transcript of the exchange, the initial question asked by Graham was: What would be your reaction if they draft a quarterback in the first round? (Graham) EJ's reaction to that question was: “I don’t know. We’ll have to see if that happens. You guys think they should?” let's be fair, here. questions about the Bills drafting a QB in the first round this year have been raised long in advance of yesterday. that EJ ended his response with a question which to his surprise was answered is not the media's fault. jw

he did not get "canned" by espn. that is inaccurate. jw

Nice, find, Poojer. was told the new album comes out in February (actually, now March 4, I see) with ex-Dexateens bassist, Mike Patton (the mop-topped youngin sitting and playing acoustic in the video) now a full-time member of the band. He fills the spot vacated by Shonna Tucker. Though Patterson is the voice and face of the band, Cooley is it's conscience and heart, in my opinion. And I can argue that some of my most favorite Truckers songs are ones penned by Cooley. "Ghost to Most." "Space City. "Gravity's Gone" "Carl Perkins' Cadillac," which they opened their most recent show at the Town Ballroom with. Also have a real liking for the lyrics on "Cartoon Gold." Really good to see that the DBTs are still, ahem, "truckin." jw ADD: was also told that they were going back to the basics with this new album. and that's generally reflected here with this stripped down "acoustic" set. after toying with a more upbeat sound on their last album, and having already done the big, clanging Lynyrd guitar thing, i'm looking forward to seeing and hearing what comes next. their maturation process has been divergent and compelling. Pizza Deliverance still my favorite DBT album Blessing and A Curse comes next.

though his rights were protected by the Bills, Byrd was not under contract. unsigned players do not show up for practice. and that's the difference between him showing up the previous season and the players who are in the final year of their deals. his action did hurt the team, but was not all of his doing. the Bills tagged him. the two sides failed to negotiate a long-term deal. come July 15, Byrd's contract was locked in. jw let's put this fallacy to rest. never is inaccurate. Larry Fitzgerald, a Parker client, re-upped before his contract expired. Greg Jennings, too, in Green Bay. and those are the first two players i looked up. while having his players hold out is part of any agent's strategy, including Parker's, it's has not always been the case. jw

i am, too, please. jw

or are we? jw