Buftex

AJ, agreed, you are one of the cooler people here! But, so too is Ice Bowl. He (she?) hasn't accumulated many posts, but has been a long-time participant in late night Shout-Box conversations...I like the fact that we have a a couple of hard-core fans of other teams (Ice Bowl, Cowgirl) who contribute positively to the conversation here. Ice Bowl... now quit yer belly-aching about your 15-1 team!

Down boy...down boy! I was just being intellectually dishonest (since that is one of the favorite accusations on the PPP) to bring attention to this "story"...I didn't feel like starting a thread on it. Point #2 is taken, and I agree, and I think Laurence O'Donnell agrees...what made it even a little more interesting, to me anyways, is that O'Donnell and Paul have a long running disdain for one another. Where I give O'Donnell (who I don't particularly care for) credit is that while openly confessing his attraction to a story that would make an adversary look bad, he isn't willing to go there, if it is BS. I think, sometimes, that is the point that is lost in some of these "liberal media bias" attacks. Anyone who follows politics is full of **** if they claim not to have any bias one way or another...but, having bias doesn't mean you have to be dishonest.

Liberal media at it again

Not to mention, having the luxury of chasing off one hall of fame Quarterback, to make way for one that might be even better. How often does that happen? It hurts now Ice Bowl...but I can tell you, if the Packers don't make it back to a Super Bowl in another year or two (anything can happen in this crazy game), you will look back at the "15-1" year as one of the greatest for your team. When I can't sleep at night, I keep an old "glory days" dvd of a Bills game in the dvd player in my bedroom. This past week, I have been watching a 1992 Bills-Steelers regular season, and I feel like I appreciate how great those 4-time Super Bowl losing teams were...Packers fans have bright days ahead of them, I think.

I would say that Miller is too risky as our top goaltender at this time. He has been on the decline for at least two seasons now. Enroth has had some bad nights, but I feel a lot better with him between the pipes this season. Also, Vanek is the only guy I would make an untouchable. I am not positive, but I think he an Lindy have never gotten on real well, but Vanek brings it, more often than not, on most nights. His overall game has improved dramatically. Not sure how Stafford missed your list.. the thing is, all of these guys have talent, and have shown glimmerings. Are any of them good enough to bring back anything than more of the same, in return. This may sound crazy, but I would be shopping Miller and Myer. I don't think Miller is going to get better, at this point, in Buffalo, and I have my doubts that Myers is ever going to be the dominant guy his size suggests he should be. Miller is a huge name, and Myers has huge upside...you gotta give something to get something. Enroth, IMO, is no worse than (I think better) Miller, and it would be easier to replace the skill set that Myers represents, than it would be filling the hole that losing Vanek would leave.

If the only aired the debates on CSPAN, people like Cain, Bachmann and Perry would have been gone long ago. Newt is scoring all of his points on theatrics.

If you like Etta, there was a pretty good movie, a couple of years ago, called "Cadillac Records". It was the story of the Chess brothers (inexplicably morped into one character, played by Adrienne Brody), and the careers of Etta James, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry. Beyonce played Etta James. Apparently, Etta wasn't thrilled with Beyonce. It wasn't for her performance in the movie (it was a trade up!), but the fact that Beyonce was invited to sing "At Last" at Obama's innaugeral, rather than Etta James herself. It is a good story...and really captured the spirit (even if a little loose with the facts) of the Chess blues artists... Mos Def was most excellent as Chuck Berry. My favorite Etta James cut: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHF2SI6PYtY&feature=related

I know you are enamored with Newt's "skill set", but I guess the interpritation of how he came off is up for debate. I think he sounds like a defensive child who got caught with his cookie hand in the jar. He is a far better debator than any of the other candidates, I will give you that... but, like Santorum said, he is very aware of what sounds good, even when you can't really take him too seriously, because his history shows he is full of ****. But, I do agree with you...people who like Newt already know that he comes with lots of scars, lumps and bumps...so the news isn't so shocking, and won't likely hurt him all that much, with those already supporting him. What is being "done to Gingrich"?

Ainge has publically acknowledged that Garnett, Allen and Pierce are up for grabs. I think any of them could help a team out, although KG is definitley looking the nearest to the end of his career. I do think, if they didn't have this condensed schedule, they might be doing a little better, but they are still not a contender for the finals. And, to be fair, beyond the "big 4" there are mostly new pieces who had no real training camp. Ugly season...

Sorry...I meant it is ridiculous when he claims that he had plenty of people who knew the couple, who could testify that the story of him asking his (then) wife for an open marriage was false. It was the same as Herman Caine claiming there were hundreds of women who could testify on his behalf that he had never sexually harassed a woman. You do realize that most of the "dumpster diving" of these current Republican candidates is coming from their fellow Republican candidates? You may feel that way FEZ, and I might agree...but Newts' hypocrisy doesn't bother you at all? This is the guy who is going around signing pledges on the sacntity of marriage, yet has a history of not treating the instition with much sanctity? What is okay for me, is not okay for others? I can't stand Rick Santorum, but he nailed it (IMO) as far as Gingrich goes, last night. Newt is a fine debator, and great at showing anger when faced with his own short-comings, but, he also is all over the place, and has been, on every side of every issue. As Santorum said, his "flip-flopping" doesn't seem to come from a place of an evolving opinion, but, rather, knowing what will look good in the polls.

Jimmy Carter confessed to having "lust in his heart". Honestly, everyone already knew that Newt had some character issues, and obviously, it doesn't bother everyone. His hypocrisy level has always been high...but he is still popular. So, it won't be a surprise to see him win the Republican candidacy. What I found funny, was Newts' reaction tonight, during the debate..."there were people who knew us during that period, who were willing to prove that this is false, but ABC would rather go after me, as well as Mr Romney, and they will get around to Mr Santorum and Ron Paul"... It was a powerful moment, no doubt, but ridiculous. It was as silly as Hermain Cains' defending himself against charges various women by claiming that there were hundreds of women who would testify on his behalf, proving that the allegations were untrue...it is kind of that OC logic at work. If I were trying to choose between these guys, believe it or not, Santorum starts to look better and better. At least you know what you are getting. I was glad to hear him call out Newts' stability tonight.

Eh...I am not blaming Pegula...this is a work in progress...the Sabres may not win a cup in the next year or two, but it won't be from lack of trying...I am still drinking the Pegula kool-aid, lets give him a full season to see how he reacts. I have never felt like Ralph Wilson was "all in" as far as the Bills go. I would love for Pegula to own both teams. That said, all my teams are sucking hard right now (Bills, Sabres, Celtics) so I am willing and wanting to believe this rumor. I have a different source that hasn't gone as far as the OP, but has assured me that Jim Kelly's bluster about "the Bills aren't moving" over the last few years, has some teeth. Kelly is more involved in the future of the Bills than we have been officially informed. Obviously, Kelly doesn't have the money to buy the Bills, even at a discount rate, but he knows somebody who does. Pegula makes a so much sense.

I am embarrassed to say, I dozed off right at the beginning of the third period... goes back to my question, even in good seasons, since Ruff has been there, how is it that nearly every single game, they are out-shot? Ryan did look good...I really thought they would snap this losing streak tonight...a road game, in a very loud building...ah well... sadness accrues.

No, no joke. I see hypocrisy all around.

Anyone who picked Whitner, Evans, or Fewell needs to grow up. I picked the Pats. I don't have the hatred for them that I have for the Dolphins, but, that is mostly because the Bills and Pats have never really been good (except a few years in the mid-70's) at the same time, so it is not much of a rivalry. I just want good games...I don't find the Patriots particularly fun to watch. Possibly, because they normally blow everyone out, and, that is not fun to watch, unless you are a real fan of the team. To me, the Ravens vs either the Giants or 49ers would make a far more interesting Super Bowl than the Pats and anyone else.

No, you can't fire the coach, and then the GM. The GM usually picks the coach. I say GM, first. Then, if the new GM thins the coach should go, you follow up. I really hate talking about this, cuz I really like Lindy Ruff...I have no doubt, should he be fired, he gets hired pretty quickly (unless he chooses to wait for the right spot) and succeeds. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem to be working with him, and these players anymore. The core of this team has been together too long to be playing like this, and not think something is wrong.

The implications are that somebody will need to clean their keyboard....yeech!

I have been watching hockey for 30+ years, but I never played the game at any level, other than table-top, or street hockey. I don't consider myself an expert, at all. But, one thing I want someone to explain to me, in a technical way, if possible (ie: not "the Sabres suck")...for as long as Lindy Ruff has been the Sabres coach (and this isn't meant as a criticism of Ruff, just an observation), maybe even longer, it seems like the Sabres get out-shot in about 95% of their games every year. Why is that? It mystifies me. This season is pretty weird, granted, the Sabres aren't always so defensively inept...is it just easier to find shots against the Sabres, nearly every game, every season? It has been going on for as long as I can remember. Boyes with a beautiful pass to Pomminville, for his second of the night!!!!!!!

If anyone still cares....

Only thing is, Miller was not playing well before the Lucic hit, either. I know Miller has been great at times, but he seems to have slumps every year, and this year, he just doesn't seem to be getting out of it, things just keep getting worse for him. Of course, the guys in front of him have not helped much either, way too many turnovers...but, when Miller was great, he stopped most of them...there was a time when he was money in most one on one situations...now, just go high, glove side, and it is a goal. I would not be shocked, were Miller traded, to see him come back to being one of the better goaltenders in the league again. It just doesn't seem to be happening for him in Buffalo. It is painful to watch him struggle like this. If they don't trade him, a few weeks in Rochester might do him wonders...Enroth has played as well as you can hope, most starts. IIRC, Miller has a "no-trade" clause...so he would have to approve the city he was traded to. I could be wrong on that, but I would assume he would want to go West, if at all.

I posted this in another thread...Miller on Monday night...whatever the cause of the woes are, he sounds like a guy who is becoming a little unravled. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/GARTH/Miller-Twists-In-Wind/6/41391

The reality that this team isn't going to the playoffs is sinking in for most, I think. Not that just making the playoffs should be the ultimate goal, but how many more embarassing games like last nights' can they have, witout making any real change? I feel for Miller, and this is far from all his fault, but they can't keep putting him out there on the ice every night, he just looks awful...whatever trade value he might have dwindles with every soft goal, and look of bewilderment he shows when he lets on in. I am fully behind Pegula, and I understand what you are saying, but First Niagara is going to look and feel like a mausoleum if the owner doesn't do anything...I know that may be short-sighted, but they must know, now, there are at least 3 or 4 guys they just don't need anymore. Buffalo fans are used to watching kids coming up,struggling... but there are still a lot of home games left. I just don't see how he can sit on his hands and make no moves.

I don't live in WNY anymore, but normally go to one game in Buffalo a year (closest game to Christmas)...I have been about 200 games (a little more) and, I have to say, despite the miserable finish to this season, being at the Broncos game on Christmas Eve just felt great...no place like the Ralph when the Bills win!

Pretty ugly game tonight...I couldn't stomach watching the whole thing...even if he wants to sit back and wait, I don't think Pegula can wait a lot longer to make a trade, or some sort of change...article about Ryan Millers' night, on the ice, and after the game...I am hardly Miller's biggest fan, but I genuinely feel sorry for him: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/GARTH/Miller-Twists-In-Wind/6/41391