Tag / News

by Greg

Regarding The Buffalo Bills

Perhaps you have heard that the professional football team nearest to the Campbell family hearts both geographically and emotionally has recently been making some changes. Starting a couple months ago when they fired their head coach, Dick Jauron. (Well, they really started just before the season began when they fired the offensive coordinator, Turk Schonert, and released the converted-to-starter LT Langston Walker. Yes, just days before the season began. Neat.)

The shake-up continued when they announced that they had hired “football man” Buddy Nix (technically, he was promoted from within the organization) as the new General Manager. For a few years, Russ Brandon (former Marketing Guru for the Bills) has been handling those duties… sorta. Now he has been promoted to CEO. (I believe his official title is President and CEO. Impressive.)

Following that job responsibility shifting (and press conferences with Hall of Fame Bills, Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas) the Bills then announced that every single member of the coaching staff had been fired. But they said it nicer, something like, “The coaching staff has been told that they have completed their obligations to the Buffalo Bills.” (That probably makes it easier to swallow?)

Rumors are flying everywhere about whom the Bills are interviewing and who might be the next Bills coach. Bill Cowher, Mike Shannahan, Charlie Weis… (Yes, he was actually mentioned as an option!) We now know that Shannahan and Weis are with their 2010 teams. Cowher won’t decide till after the season (and post-season) are over. And the Bills continue to interview lesser-known candidates. (Though, intriguingly qualified… more than the recent list of head coaches.)

If last year’s signing of Terrell Owens is any indication of what the Bills organization is intent on doing, there is a good chance the Bills might actually have a recognizable name listed as their head coach in 2010.

Many Bills fans long for someone like Cowher who not only has the highest winning percentage of any current coach (not sure how he’s a current coach, but, I just report what I read/hear/see) he also brings discipline and toughness that has not been part of Buffalo Bills football for quite a while. At least, it has not been very evident to the fans.

Personally, I like the idea of Marty Schottenheimer. I’ve said that before (when I was doing the Buffalo Bills Review in years gone by) and I maintain that he would at least bring wins back to Buffalo. He’s always done that. In fact, I believe he has the second best career win percentage of any current coach. (Maybe it’s “available” coach?) The knock on Marty is that he can’t win playoff games. And, his record does show that.

At this point, Bills fans just want to GET to the playoffs!!!

Schottenheimer is also a former Bills linebacker, from the AFL championship teams in the 60s. (I believe he was on those teams.)

The Bills have also reportedly interviewed (or are seeking an interview with) his son, Brian, who is the offensive coordinator for the NY Jets, and has been sought by other teams for their head coaching position.

So… the intrigue continues. Bills fans are hoping that the Buffalo Bills of 2010 and beyond will look different than the Buffalo Bills of the aughts. (They ought!)

Perhaps they just need new uniforms…

by Greg

To Whom Are The Politicians Responsible?

Holy cow… this is nuts.

But it’s not recent.

Best I can tell, this occurred on August 3rd, 2007. (Check this link for some more info, context, and subsequent links.)

I am continually saddened by the untouchable, unaccountable attitude that seems to be so present in our political system, especially Washington. It’s certainly not relegated to just one party. It’s a prevailing attitude. And as you can tell from the date of this video, it’s been around for a long time now. (Much longer than 2 years! Bill Clinton, anyone? And it goes way past that.)

The only way our country has a chance to pull out of the ridiculous state we are in (financially, politically, even spiritually) is to allow more freedom to the people (which includes accepting the responsibility for and the consequences of that freedom). The government is clearly not going to solve our problems. (Look where it has gotten us!!)

This country is based on the idea that all are created equal, and that all have the right to, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of …” happiness is the word they chose. However, it was originally property. The people who broke away from a government which they felt was only using them, and with no representation, in order to live freely, each man responsible for his own life and choices (but each also knew that they were also more together). That is what we are lacking today. That and this crazy notion that you can spend money that you don’t have!

Much must change. However, one caution in this age of easy information exchange. The video I posted above is/was shocking. But I am seeing it used as though it is happening now, and unchecked. It was checked. There is still some accountability.

Ultimately, that’s what it is about. Rather than playing political games, speak the truth. Do some research (Google is your friend!) and then make sure you are telling the whole story. I wish that would become the “norm” in Washington. What if not only did everyone speak the truth and hold to an ethical standard that always had the best interest of their constituents as paramount… what if we actually knew what we were talking about, and believed it. For real.

We’re definitely not there yet. But until our economy completely collapses, and/or our liberty is completely legislated away… we can still get there.

by Greg

Breaking News: Dick Jauron is GONE!

Buffalo BillsI really can’t believe they did this! It should have been done long ago. That was obvious to most Bills fans. But I really can’t believe they actually pulled the trigger. Dick Jauron was “relieved of his coaching duties” today. Amazing.

Can’t wait to see what is next… it has to be better!!!

Short link to article here: http://tinyurl.com/nomorejauron

by Greg

UFL Football Begins With A … Bang?

JP Losman Las Vegas LocomotiveLast night I donned my JP Losman Buffalo Bills jersey (yes, I actually do have one thanks to my brother-in-law unloading it on me) in eager anticipation of the start of another football league. Certainly not expecting the same level of play as we see on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and the occasional Saturday in the NFL. However, the coaches of all four teams have quite recognizable names and many of the players do as well (to an avid NFL fan, I suppose).

As the game began, we were all excited to see if JP (a former player whom many Bills fans still root for, for some reason…) could have more success in this new “minor league” football league.

In short, I think the answer is no.

What we saw was the same JP. He gets spooked by the pass rush and leaves the pocket way too early (and quite chaotically) and he just missed throws. He was throwing high and/or behind for much of the night. He did throw two TD passes, and was an (on paper) mildly impressive 21-31 for 226 yards. But his receivers were definitely helping him out.

And what was the deal with everyone pronouncing his name “LOHS-min” (“los” like “close” as in, near by). Is he trying to get away from the “Loss”man baggage he acquired here? (Or, was it just minor league announcers? Although, it was fun that Doug Flutie, another former Bills fan favorite was doing the color commentary.)

In the end, thanks to sloppy play from the other team as well (dropped passes, poorly thrown balls, missed reads in the running game) the Las Vegas Locos (JP’s team) won 30-17. Not a bad debut. Catch the full recap from the AP here.

We’re still rooting for him… and glad for more football… but perhaps there is a reason that these guys aren’t playing in the NFL this year anywhere?

For more on the United Football League:
League Homepage: UFL-Football.com
Versus Coverage: versus.com

by Greg

Oh Nine, Oh Nine, Oh Nine

For some reason, I’m one of those people who like it when the calendar says something more. Earlier this year we had 07/08/09. Seven, Eight, Nine. That’s fun! Every year there’s one day where the day, month, and year all match…

And today is that day! 🙂

Hope you have a great 09/09/09!

If you’re looking for something to do today, I’ll bet Apple can help with that… (We’ll be watching here!)

by Greg

Anchor Bar: Now in Rochester!

The famous Anchor Bar (the originator of the Buffalo Chicken Wing) is now a franchise? Just heard it reported that the restaurant is opening a new location here in Rochester!

Sadly, even though I am famous for my own wings, and love to eat good wings by the dozen… I’ve never had Anchor Bar’s wings… perhaps with it being a bit closer… may just have to try it out! 🙂

by Greg

A World Without Skype?

SkypeIn other news… the amazing little internet telephony app Skype could be in serious trouble. With a court date set for June 2010 according to this article, there is a good possibility that there may be no Skype after that date.

There appear to be questions as to who owns what. Hopefully they can be resolved in the courts or before the two parties get there. I like Skype…

by Greg

Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) : Available August 28th!

Apple announced yesterday that their latest version of Mac OS X will be available for purchase this Friday, August 28th! The OS dubbed “Snow Leopard” will mostly streamline the current OS, Leopard, even down to the start up and shutdown time. Also, it takes up much less space on your hard drive. The software will only work on Macs that have Intel processors (so, sadly, not on the computer that is posting this information…). Up until Mac OS 10.6, every release of Mac OS X has had the architecture for both PowerPC and Intel processors. Snow Leopard will be the first release exclusively for Intel-based Macs.

The coolest and craziest part of this release is that along with the standard, stand-alone $129 price, Apple is also allowing current Leopard users to upgrade for only $29! A great deal that should greatly improve the performance of our Intel Macs.

So, visit your local Apple store on Friday and get your own copy! (Or, you can order via the Apple store online!)

by Greg

The Itch

It’s happening again. I never really know why. It just happens.

It’s time to change up my websites.

All three of my main websites. For some reason I have new ideas for this blog (cool ones, actually!) and my web design site, and our music site. All three will actually be a bit simpler (maybe not this one…) and cleaner, and more web-standards-compliant (you may not care about that part much…) and utilize some cool web technologies.

And it’s just time for a new look.

Bloggiversary number 6 is coming up next week… and I’ve had this look for a few years now as well… time to make a change.

I’ve been dabbling with WordPress for some clients… anyone want to weigh on on whether I stick with Blogger, or delve into the WordPress universe? I could go either way… as long as the export/import of my six years of posts isn’t too painful. (I don’t imagine it would be.)

So… stay tuned. Changes to come!