Saturday, February 28, 2009
After 24 hours, the entire AFC East is better
3:58 AM | 
Posted by
Nick Mendola
Just a quick thought... an immediate reaction if you will.
As I sit here hosting Sportstalk Saturday, the reports continue to roll in regarding NFL free agency, and the celebrated Howard Simon Show question, "Are the Bills better today?", is unclear. Sure, they've signed a second-string signal caller in Ryan Fitzpatrick, but everyone in the AFC East has made a significant improvement in the first 24 hours of free agency.
(Fitzpatrick married a fellow Harvard athlete who played goalkeeper on the Crimson soccer team. Did the Bills get rights to their child?)
I'm not going to jump into the NHL rhetoric -- which may be true, according to my talk with Kevyn Adams -- that Buffalo is the opposite of a destination city, but you have to wonder what the heck is going on.
The Jets picked up a linebacker and cornerback who would be the best on the Bills, in Baltimore's Bart Scott and Philadelphia's Lito Sheppard, respectively. The Patriots received a second-round pick for their second-string quarterback, Matt Cassel (Kansas City), and also picked up Fred Taylor, away from the Bills. They also got a pick for a linebacker on the extreme downside of his career, Mike Vrabel. The Dolphins added a starting safety in Gibril Wilson.
I'm not saying things have to happen in the first 24 hours, and the truth is that the Bills could sign someone the minute I leave the studio to head for the gym. Still, this is a scary spot for Bills fans, who are facing a daunting schedule -- which could look less daunting come September, this is the NFL -- and opened up a hole at left guard by releasing Derrick Dockery, when there may have been something in return left by the fax machine (?!?).
Is it absurd to suggest the Bills best moves would be the two with the fewest question marks. Re-inking Angelo Crowell and Jabari Greer would bring back two guys who their teammates like. You might doubt that about Crowell, but look at it from the athlete's perspective... he left one day after he knew he would get paid. That's the culture.
As far as Greer, I have a feeling that Detroit is going to give him dollars that ensure a private island, but if not, why not fork over the bucks for a corner who knows "the system." Greer isn't a world-beater, but he's solid, and hopefully after 2009, you're looking at him as the No. 2 to an improved Leodis McKelvin, with Terrence McGee getting far too much money somewhere else.
Look at it this way: the Jets hole is.... quarterback. Maybe running back. Either way, with Sheppard across from Darrelle Revis, and Scott behind that defensive line... wow. The Dolphins and Pats certainly have less holes than the Bills. There's a lot of work to be done, and it can be, but if Friday is the starting line, the Bills got a start that is average at best, and the other runners might be faster, anyway.
Theser are just some quick thoughts that could be moot in 20 minutes. I don't care if that's irresponsible: nick@wgr550.com
As I sit here hosting Sportstalk Saturday, the reports continue to roll in regarding NFL free agency, and the celebrated Howard Simon Show question, "Are the Bills better today?", is unclear. Sure, they've signed a second-string signal caller in Ryan Fitzpatrick, but everyone in the AFC East has made a significant improvement in the first 24 hours of free agency.
(Fitzpatrick married a fellow Harvard athlete who played goalkeeper on the Crimson soccer team. Did the Bills get rights to their child?)
I'm not going to jump into the NHL rhetoric -- which may be true, according to my talk with Kevyn Adams -- that Buffalo is the opposite of a destination city, but you have to wonder what the heck is going on.
The Jets picked up a linebacker and cornerback who would be the best on the Bills, in Baltimore's Bart Scott and Philadelphia's Lito Sheppard, respectively. The Patriots received a second-round pick for their second-string quarterback, Matt Cassel (Kansas City), and also picked up Fred Taylor, away from the Bills. They also got a pick for a linebacker on the extreme downside of his career, Mike Vrabel. The Dolphins added a starting safety in Gibril Wilson.
I'm not saying things have to happen in the first 24 hours, and the truth is that the Bills could sign someone the minute I leave the studio to head for the gym. Still, this is a scary spot for Bills fans, who are facing a daunting schedule -- which could look less daunting come September, this is the NFL -- and opened up a hole at left guard by releasing Derrick Dockery, when there may have been something in return left by the fax machine (?!?).
Is it absurd to suggest the Bills best moves would be the two with the fewest question marks. Re-inking Angelo Crowell and Jabari Greer would bring back two guys who their teammates like. You might doubt that about Crowell, but look at it from the athlete's perspective... he left one day after he knew he would get paid. That's the culture.
As far as Greer, I have a feeling that Detroit is going to give him dollars that ensure a private island, but if not, why not fork over the bucks for a corner who knows "the system." Greer isn't a world-beater, but he's solid, and hopefully after 2009, you're looking at him as the No. 2 to an improved Leodis McKelvin, with Terrence McGee getting far too much money somewhere else.
Look at it this way: the Jets hole is.... quarterback. Maybe running back. Either way, with Sheppard across from Darrelle Revis, and Scott behind that defensive line... wow. The Dolphins and Pats certainly have less holes than the Bills. There's a lot of work to be done, and it can be, but if Friday is the starting line, the Bills got a start that is average at best, and the other runners might be faster, anyway.
Theser are just some quick thoughts that could be moot in 20 minutes. I don't care if that's irresponsible: nick@wgr550.com
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Five under-the-radar NFL free agents
Scanning the list of NFL free agents, here are five quick names that jumped off the bottom of the page:
Chris Simms, quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Simms isn't a name that's really "under the radar," but I'd love to see him get a shot. Had a miserable start to 2006 before that pesky exploded spleen thing put him down for almost two years. The 10-TD, 7-INT season he put together in 2005 has lingered in my mind for a while now. Hard to believe he's 28.
Leonard Pope, tight end, Arizona Cardinals (RFA) -- The 6'8', 258-pound under-achieving monster kind of screams Courtney Anderson and whoever the other stupid tall guy the Bills signed in 2008, but hear me out. Pope was absolutely vicious for Georgia, and was behind several receiving options on the NFC Champs. Then again, we said the same about Bryant Johnson...
Kendall Simmons, guard, Pittsburgh Steelers -- The Derrick Dockery demons that say, "He comes from a good offensive line" trouble me, but may be a bargain coming off an injury that sidelined him for much of 2008.
Maurice Morris, running back, Seattle Seahawks -- Combining with Fred Jackson for a few weeks might be enough to lure him to Buffalo for some increased workload. I wonder if a one-year deal would sound about right to a guy who generally averages over 4.2 yards-per-carry but has never hauled more than 162 carries in a year. The Oregon Duck could end up back in Seattle, tempted by another chance to be a true No. 1 back if he can trump Julius Jones.
Andra Davis, linebacker, Cleveland Browns -- While I'm expecting the Bills to go OLB/DE with their No. 1 pick in April's draft, Davis would be a servicable alternative re-signing Angelo Crowell.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Chris Simms, quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Simms isn't a name that's really "under the radar," but I'd love to see him get a shot. Had a miserable start to 2006 before that pesky exploded spleen thing put him down for almost two years. The 10-TD, 7-INT season he put together in 2005 has lingered in my mind for a while now. Hard to believe he's 28.
Leonard Pope, tight end, Arizona Cardinals (RFA) -- The 6'8', 258-pound under-achieving monster kind of screams Courtney Anderson and whoever the other stupid tall guy the Bills signed in 2008, but hear me out. Pope was absolutely vicious for Georgia, and was behind several receiving options on the NFC Champs. Then again, we said the same about Bryant Johnson...
Kendall Simmons, guard, Pittsburgh Steelers -- The Derrick Dockery demons that say, "He comes from a good offensive line" trouble me, but may be a bargain coming off an injury that sidelined him for much of 2008.
Maurice Morris, running back, Seattle Seahawks -- Combining with Fred Jackson for a few weeks might be enough to lure him to Buffalo for some increased workload. I wonder if a one-year deal would sound about right to a guy who generally averages over 4.2 yards-per-carry but has never hauled more than 162 carries in a year. The Oregon Duck could end up back in Seattle, tempted by another chance to be a true No. 1 back if he can trump Julius Jones.
Andra Davis, linebacker, Cleveland Browns -- While I'm expecting the Bills to go OLB/DE with their No. 1 pick in April's draft, Davis would be a servicable alternative re-signing Angelo Crowell.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Q&A with... Kevyn Adams
(WGR 550) -- After playing for Toronto, Florida, Columbus, Carolina, Phoenix and Chicago, local product Kevyn Adams will suit up for the (radio home of the) Buffalo Sabres.
Adams will join The Howard Simon Show from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday morning, as well as co-host a trade deadline show with me (Nick Mendola) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4. We caught up with 34-year old Stanley Cup Champion and former first round pick of the Boston Bruins early Thursday.
Q: So you're retired, and back living at home... a lot of "returning the favor" to your wife for years of being out-of-town going on?
A: Yes. There's a lot of driving kids to school, and the fact that I haven't been traded this year is almost unbelievable, even though I'm not playing. I thought I still could get traded.
Q: What's Buffalo's reputation around the league?
A: It's very good actually in terms of living here in Buffalo, the guys love it. In terms of the organization itself, I think it's very good around the league. Guys like playing for Lindy and they know they're going to do it the right way. Guys sometimes get a little concerned when they come here, just because they don't know enough about the city, but once they get here, they generally like it.
Q: So, do you do ambassador work for Buffalo around the league?
A: I do. You can ask guys over the years. I've always spoken highly of this area. We'd come into town and everyone would get on my case because obviously the downtown needs a little work and that's all guys ever see, so I'd say, "Hey, there's a lot of nice areas..." I've always kept a place at Lake Chautauqua, so I had roots even when I was gone all those years.
Q: The Sabres are going through goaltender issues with Ryan Miller's high-ankle sprain, and now Patrick Lalime has a flu bug. You won a Cup with Carolina with Cam Ward and Martin Gerber splitting time in net. What's that like for a locker room?
A: Good question. I can't say we weren't concerned when Cam Ward went in net. We were down 2-0 in the series going into Montreal, and kid is a rookie. We got unconcerned real quick because he was just phenomenal. What calmed us in front of him was just his mannerisms. The kid was more calm at 20 years-old than all of us who had been in the league for a while. So, I think once he got on a roll, we were comfortable.
Q: You played a big role in helping Patrick Kane get acclimated to the league last year in Chicago. Obviously, folks around here think he's pretty special, but what's the scoop on him?
A: He's a world-class talent. It just oozes out of him. He's just so skilled. He does some things, even as an 18-year old last year, that I've never seen before with the puck. He's just going to have to realize that it's not going to come easy all the time. He's going to have to fight through some adversity as we go along here, but he's a special player and he'll be an elite player for a long-time.
Q: I've gotta admit, as a charter member of the beard club for young guys... your lack of that beautiful beard we saw in the 2005-06 Cup run is both disappointing, and alarming.
A: That was a good, nice red one. Maybe I'll grow it again, just to feel like I'm playing still.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Adams will join The Howard Simon Show from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday morning, as well as co-host a trade deadline show with me (Nick Mendola) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4. We caught up with 34-year old Stanley Cup Champion and former first round pick of the Boston Bruins early Thursday.
Q: So you're retired, and back living at home... a lot of "returning the favor" to your wife for years of being out-of-town going on?
A: Yes. There's a lot of driving kids to school, and the fact that I haven't been traded this year is almost unbelievable, even though I'm not playing. I thought I still could get traded.
Q: What's Buffalo's reputation around the league?
A: It's very good actually in terms of living here in Buffalo, the guys love it. In terms of the organization itself, I think it's very good around the league. Guys like playing for Lindy and they know they're going to do it the right way. Guys sometimes get a little concerned when they come here, just because they don't know enough about the city, but once they get here, they generally like it.
Q: So, do you do ambassador work for Buffalo around the league?
A: I do. You can ask guys over the years. I've always spoken highly of this area. We'd come into town and everyone would get on my case because obviously the downtown needs a little work and that's all guys ever see, so I'd say, "Hey, there's a lot of nice areas..." I've always kept a place at Lake Chautauqua, so I had roots even when I was gone all those years.
Q: The Sabres are going through goaltender issues with Ryan Miller's high-ankle sprain, and now Patrick Lalime has a flu bug. You won a Cup with Carolina with Cam Ward and Martin Gerber splitting time in net. What's that like for a locker room?
A: Good question. I can't say we weren't concerned when Cam Ward went in net. We were down 2-0 in the series going into Montreal, and kid is a rookie. We got unconcerned real quick because he was just phenomenal. What calmed us in front of him was just his mannerisms. The kid was more calm at 20 years-old than all of us who had been in the league for a while. So, I think once he got on a roll, we were comfortable.
Q: You played a big role in helping Patrick Kane get acclimated to the league last year in Chicago. Obviously, folks around here think he's pretty special, but what's the scoop on him?
A: He's a world-class talent. It just oozes out of him. He's just so skilled. He does some things, even as an 18-year old last year, that I've never seen before with the puck. He's just going to have to realize that it's not going to come easy all the time. He's going to have to fight through some adversity as we go along here, but he's a special player and he'll be an elite player for a long-time.
Q: I've gotta admit, as a charter member of the beard club for young guys... your lack of that beautiful beard we saw in the 2005-06 Cup run is both disappointing, and alarming.
A: That was a good, nice red one. Maybe I'll grow it again, just to feel like I'm playing still.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sabres lack of response softens hopes
There are precious few moments where I know, I mean know, what's coming next in a hockey game, regardless of the score, situation, or teams. Saturday night felt like one of them. Sitting in section 121, I saw Rangers forward Scott Gomez charge behind the net, put his stick on Ryan Miller, along with his leg for good measure, sending the Sabres star goaltender to the ice.
Now, as a guy who would run a goaltender in his embarassingly-low-level playing days, I can tell you what's coming next generally isn't pretty, and as Miller limped back to his crease in the hopes of a puck accidentally hitting his chest, my eyes darted around the ice to see who would be heading after Gomez. Looked like Paul Gaustad.
Indeed, New York coach Tom Renney left Gomez out for the next shift, and Lindy Ruff didn't need to swap lines. There across from Gomez at puck-drop was Gaustad, Miller's good friend and a hulk of a man. The crowd was ready, booing and understanding that even on the softest of soft teams, something is going down.
The puck was dropped.
Gomez was off-balance.
Gaustad moved his arms into cross-check mode...
...Pushed Gomez in the back and skated away.
That'll teach 'em.
I can't recall a time I was more let down by the physical incapabilities of the Buffalo Sabres. Here was a non-fighting-5'11"-on-a-good-day-center who just up-ended your best healthy player. Here is a chance for literally anyone on your team, up-to-and-including Derek Roy, to pony-up for a teammate. Here is a moment that for the rest of his time in Buffalo, regardless of stature, fans can point to the moment that (Insert name here) got the gumption to do something righteous.
Instead we got Tim Connolly trying to get at Gomez five minutes after the fact, and the refs doing their best to ensure nothing happens.
What does it mean when the guy who steps up has a head injury history shakier than post-op Frankenstein? It means he didn't think anyone else would do the job. So, after two years of "Tim Whinerle" and "Tim Concussionly," I've got a newfound level of respect for No. 19, and a newfound bevy of questions for many of his teammates.
Welcome to a playoff run with no Miller, no Vanek, and precious little heart. For three weeks, I've been slowly-moving towards "Why not?" -- "The Sabres might be pretty good," Feb. 18 -- as I wrote last week. All it took was one moment, one ridiculous moment where your goaltender is treated like a character in "Street Fighter" to prove that nothing's changed.
No excuses. No "Gomez is a respected veteran" garbage, and I'm especially not buying what Lindy Ruff did to try and take blame off his team. If your coach has to make an excuse about not wanting to give up a 5-on-3 with a three-goal lead in the third period at home as if that is actually believable, there should be a level of embarassment.
You generally don't write this "column" unless you are 100 percent sure it's what you believe... unless you know that every word you write you'd say to a man in that locker room if challenged. And in the immortal words of one Forrest Gump, that's all I have to say about that.
It's all tough stuff, though I'm imagining not as tough as what lies ahead. Anyone need tickets for Tuesday?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Now, as a guy who would run a goaltender in his embarassingly-low-level playing days, I can tell you what's coming next generally isn't pretty, and as Miller limped back to his crease in the hopes of a puck accidentally hitting his chest, my eyes darted around the ice to see who would be heading after Gomez. Looked like Paul Gaustad.
Indeed, New York coach Tom Renney left Gomez out for the next shift, and Lindy Ruff didn't need to swap lines. There across from Gomez at puck-drop was Gaustad, Miller's good friend and a hulk of a man. The crowd was ready, booing and understanding that even on the softest of soft teams, something is going down.
The puck was dropped.
Gomez was off-balance.
Gaustad moved his arms into cross-check mode...
...Pushed Gomez in the back and skated away.
That'll teach 'em.
I can't recall a time I was more let down by the physical incapabilities of the Buffalo Sabres. Here was a non-fighting-5'11"-on-a-good-day-center who just up-ended your best healthy player. Here is a chance for literally anyone on your team, up-to-and-including Derek Roy, to pony-up for a teammate. Here is a moment that for the rest of his time in Buffalo, regardless of stature, fans can point to the moment that (Insert name here) got the gumption to do something righteous.
Instead we got Tim Connolly trying to get at Gomez five minutes after the fact, and the refs doing their best to ensure nothing happens.
What does it mean when the guy who steps up has a head injury history shakier than post-op Frankenstein? It means he didn't think anyone else would do the job. So, after two years of "Tim Whinerle" and "Tim Concussionly," I've got a newfound level of respect for No. 19, and a newfound bevy of questions for many of his teammates.
Welcome to a playoff run with no Miller, no Vanek, and precious little heart. For three weeks, I've been slowly-moving towards "Why not?" -- "The Sabres might be pretty good," Feb. 18 -- as I wrote last week. All it took was one moment, one ridiculous moment where your goaltender is treated like a character in "Street Fighter" to prove that nothing's changed.
No excuses. No "Gomez is a respected veteran" garbage, and I'm especially not buying what Lindy Ruff did to try and take blame off his team. If your coach has to make an excuse about not wanting to give up a 5-on-3 with a three-goal lead in the third period at home as if that is actually believable, there should be a level of embarassment.
You generally don't write this "column" unless you are 100 percent sure it's what you believe... unless you know that every word you write you'd say to a man in that locker room if challenged. And in the immortal words of one Forrest Gump, that's all I have to say about that.
It's all tough stuff, though I'm imagining not as tough as what lies ahead. Anyone need tickets for Tuesday?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Not cool, pal: Activism gone too far
BEFORE YOU READ ANYTHING IN THIS BLOG... This has absolutely nothing to do with sports, and I am not a political expert by any means. What this is is a column on two things that mean something to me as a human being. This isn't featured on the front page of the site. It's just on my blog. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm a moderate who generally leans democrat:
You can read Dick Gregory's political comedy all over the Internet, and it's pretty darn funny. For example, this is a part of his routine from the early 1960s (For the purposes of this joke, it should be noted that Gregory is an African-American).
"Last time I was down South I walked into this restaurant and this white waitress came up to me and said, 'We don't serve colored people here,' I said. 'That's all right. I don't eat colored people. Bring me a whole fried chicken,'."
Yet the email I received this weekend from my sister ticked me off to no end. Gregory spoke at my sister's college, Colgate, this past Friday, and during a talk about conspiracies and not being naive, seemed to allege that Flight 3407 was a conspiracy. From Colgate's web site:
"In one piece, he suggested that the plane crash in Buffalo occurred because Beverly Eckert, one of the passengers on board, had requested that the investigation about her husband's death in the 9/11 attacks be re-opened two days earlier."
Look, Dick Gregory, I went to college, I'm moderate at best and I watch documentaries that uncover all the shady goings-on in America, but if you want to come into New York State and grandstand on what is surely an absurd concept one week after our region was shocked by a 50-death tragedy... Don't come back. I generally want to punch the "college is only for liberals" pundits in the face, but thanks for reinforcing the stereotype, buddy.
==========
I don't want to turn in my democrat card or anything, but I'm going to stay on the conservative side for a second. At church this Sunday, they laid out the new abortion rights bill that's going into the state legislature. With the understand that catholicism likely has a multiple-point agenda in the case, apparently one of the aspects of the bill is that Catholic hospitals would have to grant abortions under law to stay open, which as you could guess is completely contrary to the Church's teaching. Whether you're a freedom of religion person, or anti-religion person, I don't think that should fly. Maybe that's just me.
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Something funny about sports.
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Email: nick@wgr550.com
You can read Dick Gregory's political comedy all over the Internet, and it's pretty darn funny. For example, this is a part of his routine from the early 1960s (For the purposes of this joke, it should be noted that Gregory is an African-American).
"Last time I was down South I walked into this restaurant and this white waitress came up to me and said, 'We don't serve colored people here,' I said. 'That's all right. I don't eat colored people. Bring me a whole fried chicken,'."
Yet the email I received this weekend from my sister ticked me off to no end. Gregory spoke at my sister's college, Colgate, this past Friday, and during a talk about conspiracies and not being naive, seemed to allege that Flight 3407 was a conspiracy. From Colgate's web site:
"In one piece, he suggested that the plane crash in Buffalo occurred because Beverly Eckert, one of the passengers on board, had requested that the investigation about her husband's death in the 9/11 attacks be re-opened two days earlier."
Look, Dick Gregory, I went to college, I'm moderate at best and I watch documentaries that uncover all the shady goings-on in America, but if you want to come into New York State and grandstand on what is surely an absurd concept one week after our region was shocked by a 50-death tragedy... Don't come back. I generally want to punch the "college is only for liberals" pundits in the face, but thanks for reinforcing the stereotype, buddy.
==========
I don't want to turn in my democrat card or anything, but I'm going to stay on the conservative side for a second. At church this Sunday, they laid out the new abortion rights bill that's going into the state legislature. With the understand that catholicism likely has a multiple-point agenda in the case, apparently one of the aspects of the bill is that Catholic hospitals would have to grant abortions under law to stay open, which as you could guess is completely contrary to the Church's teaching. Whether you're a freedom of religion person, or anti-religion person, I don't think that should fly. Maybe that's just me.
==========
Something funny about sports.
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Email: nick@wgr550.com
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Things I like...birthday edition
I write about sports so often that I'm giving myself the gift of a birthday blog, and passing the benefits on to you. Here's a list of thinks I don't talk about a lot, but really enjoy:
1. Food and bars in Buffalo... You don't have to go on vacation to gain 100 pounds... just spend a week going out. A short list: Louie's hot dogs downtown, Mohawk Place, Big John's Pasta House in Tonawanda, The Nine-Eleven Tavern in South Buffalo, Founding Fathers downtown, Ilio DiPaolo's in Blasdell, Chef's downtown, et cetera. There's such a good variety that I'm terrified to leave out all the chefs, waiters and barkeeps who deliver on a weekly basis... Red Pepper Vietnamese in Amherst, Mexican Denny's on the Blvd (I think it's called El Palenque), El Canelo on Dingens... oh boy.
2. The song, "Your Humble Narrator," by Two Cow Garage... There's something to be said about a band who's goal is to kick your guts in with rock and roll, but there's something more to be said when they write a guttural "ballad" that has more garage-punk roots than a 1,000 year-old Oak tree on Bidwell. Micah Schnabel's voice probably isn't for everyone, but I don't much care.
3. AntonÃn Leopold Dvořák -- A friend emailed today asking if I liked classical music, and the answer is yes and no. I think there is a lot of mediocre material passed off as masterpiece, largely on account of pretention. The good stuff, however, is legit. I'm more a "piece" than composer guy, except in the case of Dvorak, who's music is genius. I would honestly say he has a lot of rock and roll in his music. Maybe I'm crazy and dumb, but he works for me.
4. Older movies that set standards in genre -- Next time you go to see the next big action, suspense or horror film, save yourself the trouble and rent:
1. Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial 'M' For Murder," "Vertigo," "Strangers on a Train," etc.
2. "Taking of the Pelham 1,2,3" -- the original. Walter Matthau > John Travolta.
3. "Die Hard"
4. "The Blues Brothers"
5. "The Shining" -- Like "The Godfather," I watch it almost any time it's on.
6. "Once Upon A Time in the West" -- the greatest Western ever made.
7. "The Last Waltz" -- Scorsese plus The Band. Any questions?
8. "Jeremiah Johnson"
If you're an "Art house" guy, this applies to you, too. Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring," also called "Jungfrukallan," is 100 years ahead of its time in haunting moral issues and more. Max Von Sydow is a more important Swede than any hockey player.
Recent "not necessarily great" movies that kicked my butt:
1. "Hot Rod" -- not for everyone, but totally irreverent and relatively-clean.
2. "Rocket Science" -- A stuttering kid tries to join a debate team.
3. "Stranger Than Fiction"
4. "Green Street Hooligans" -- Ten times better if Elijah Wood could act "tough"
5. "Good Night, and Good Luck" -- Glad I wasn't in the media during the Cold War.
5. Soccer... You don't get it, I know. You might even hate it. But do me a favor and tell me why, and we'll talk about things like how most American football games are 3-2.
6. is my least favorite number. So it's out.
7. Dogs
Thanks for all the birthday wish emails. You're all pretty swell: nick@wgr550.com
1. Food and bars in Buffalo... You don't have to go on vacation to gain 100 pounds... just spend a week going out. A short list: Louie's hot dogs downtown, Mohawk Place, Big John's Pasta House in Tonawanda, The Nine-Eleven Tavern in South Buffalo, Founding Fathers downtown, Ilio DiPaolo's in Blasdell, Chef's downtown, et cetera. There's such a good variety that I'm terrified to leave out all the chefs, waiters and barkeeps who deliver on a weekly basis... Red Pepper Vietnamese in Amherst, Mexican Denny's on the Blvd (I think it's called El Palenque), El Canelo on Dingens... oh boy.
2. The song, "Your Humble Narrator," by Two Cow Garage... There's something to be said about a band who's goal is to kick your guts in with rock and roll, but there's something more to be said when they write a guttural "ballad" that has more garage-punk roots than a 1,000 year-old Oak tree on Bidwell. Micah Schnabel's voice probably isn't for everyone, but I don't much care.
3. AntonÃn Leopold Dvořák -- A friend emailed today asking if I liked classical music, and the answer is yes and no. I think there is a lot of mediocre material passed off as masterpiece, largely on account of pretention. The good stuff, however, is legit. I'm more a "piece" than composer guy, except in the case of Dvorak, who's music is genius. I would honestly say he has a lot of rock and roll in his music. Maybe I'm crazy and dumb, but he works for me.
4. Older movies that set standards in genre -- Next time you go to see the next big action, suspense or horror film, save yourself the trouble and rent:
1. Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial 'M' For Murder," "Vertigo," "Strangers on a Train," etc.
2. "Taking of the Pelham 1,2,3" -- the original. Walter Matthau > John Travolta.
3. "Die Hard"
4. "The Blues Brothers"
5. "The Shining" -- Like "The Godfather," I watch it almost any time it's on.
6. "Once Upon A Time in the West" -- the greatest Western ever made.
7. "The Last Waltz" -- Scorsese plus The Band. Any questions?
8. "Jeremiah Johnson"
If you're an "Art house" guy, this applies to you, too. Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring," also called "Jungfrukallan," is 100 years ahead of its time in haunting moral issues and more. Max Von Sydow is a more important Swede than any hockey player.
Recent "not necessarily great" movies that kicked my butt:
1. "Hot Rod" -- not for everyone, but totally irreverent and relatively-clean.
2. "Rocket Science" -- A stuttering kid tries to join a debate team.
3. "Stranger Than Fiction"
4. "Green Street Hooligans" -- Ten times better if Elijah Wood could act "tough"
5. "Good Night, and Good Luck" -- Glad I wasn't in the media during the Cold War.
5. Soccer... You don't get it, I know. You might even hate it. But do me a favor and tell me why, and we'll talk about things like how most American football games are 3-2.
6. is my least favorite number. So it's out.
7. Dogs
Thanks for all the birthday wish emails. You're all pretty swell: nick@wgr550.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Why not have fun watching hockey?
Why not?
It's a question I found myself asking during the Leafs game, at the risk of feeling "homerish." I mean, what happened to having fun watching the hometown team?
Truth be told, the Sabres took us on a wond'rous ride a few years back and followed it up by winning the most games of anyone in the NHL. We were spellbound, we were driven, and then we were let down by a bunch of kids who didn't know better, and a bunch of veterans who couldn't show them the way.
So, I ask again for this year... why not? If you think the Sabres are awful, then the rest of the league is even worse. Look at their records against the East's Top Ten:
Boston- 3-2 (home game left)
New Jersey- 2-1 (home game left)
Washington- 1-2 (road game left)
Philadelphia- 0-1 (Two road, one home left)
NY Rangers- 2-0 (One road, one home left)
Montreal 2-1-1 (One road, one home left)
Carolina 1-1 (Two road left)
Florida 1-1 (Two home left)
Pittsburgh 2-1-1 (Season series concluded)
TOTAL 14-10-2 (Seven road, seven at HSBC Arena)
Those are slightly misleading on account of shoot-out wins for the Sabres, but when you think about it, this team has a lot more stupid losses to teams like Atlanta, the Islanders and Ottawa than to the above teams. In fact, if you take out Buffalo's 8-6-1 record against the West, the Sabres' real pathetic record is against the East's 11 through 15 teams.. a moribund 8-6-3 against the bottom feeders
Plus, it's more fun if you watch the team as a contender. It makes all sorts of "Jochen Hecht and a defenseman for Pierre-Marc Bouchard's oddly-shaped head" fan-created trades possible.
---- For the record, the Hockey Buzz site has Buffalo and Calgary working a Tim Connolly/pick/prospect for Adrian Aucoin/top prospect deal... which is interesting if Buffalo is dealing a blue liner. I think a Super Trade between the teams is in order... Connolly/Hecht/Tallinder/prospect/pick for Conroy/Cammalleri/Aucoin. Let's do this, fellas. Darcy Regier hasn't super fleeced someone since Jakub Klepis for Mike Grier. Also, I am well-aware I'm making up trades that would never happen, so save the ALL CAPS, URE SO DUMM 2 THINK N-E WOULD EVR DO THAT emails. Please. ----
To be honest, the only teams I think the Sabres absolutely couldn't beat in a seven-game series are the Devils and Capitals, and one of those you could talk me into a win (Washington. Still pretty green, and Propecia between the pipes).
Ryan Miller's having the best year of his pro career. Thomas Vanek has decided that playing defense is alright. Chris Butler's even better than I thought he'd be, and Drew Stafford is playing like the guy we saw at North Dakota.
Sure when the Bills were 4-1, I asked "Why not?", and ended up getting a spinkick to the Adam's Apple, but I'm a sucker and I don't want to play the "jaded @$$" role my entire sports life.
Let's have fun, folks. It's hockey. It's Buffalo. Why not?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
It's a question I found myself asking during the Leafs game, at the risk of feeling "homerish." I mean, what happened to having fun watching the hometown team?
Truth be told, the Sabres took us on a wond'rous ride a few years back and followed it up by winning the most games of anyone in the NHL. We were spellbound, we were driven, and then we were let down by a bunch of kids who didn't know better, and a bunch of veterans who couldn't show them the way.
So, I ask again for this year... why not? If you think the Sabres are awful, then the rest of the league is even worse. Look at their records against the East's Top Ten:
Boston- 3-2 (home game left)
New Jersey- 2-1 (home game left)
Washington- 1-2 (road game left)
Philadelphia- 0-1 (Two road, one home left)
NY Rangers- 2-0 (One road, one home left)
Montreal 2-1-1 (One road, one home left)
Carolina 1-1 (Two road left)
Florida 1-1 (Two home left)
Pittsburgh 2-1-1 (Season series concluded)
TOTAL 14-10-2 (Seven road, seven at HSBC Arena)
Those are slightly misleading on account of shoot-out wins for the Sabres, but when you think about it, this team has a lot more stupid losses to teams like Atlanta, the Islanders and Ottawa than to the above teams. In fact, if you take out Buffalo's 8-6-1 record against the West, the Sabres' real pathetic record is against the East's 11 through 15 teams.. a moribund 8-6-3 against the bottom feeders
Plus, it's more fun if you watch the team as a contender. It makes all sorts of "Jochen Hecht and a defenseman for Pierre-Marc Bouchard's oddly-shaped head" fan-created trades possible.
---- For the record, the Hockey Buzz site has Buffalo and Calgary working a Tim Connolly/pick/prospect for Adrian Aucoin/top prospect deal... which is interesting if Buffalo is dealing a blue liner. I think a Super Trade between the teams is in order... Connolly/Hecht/Tallinder/prospect/pick for Conroy/Cammalleri/Aucoin. Let's do this, fellas. Darcy Regier hasn't super fleeced someone since Jakub Klepis for Mike Grier. Also, I am well-aware I'm making up trades that would never happen, so save the ALL CAPS, URE SO DUMM 2 THINK N-E WOULD EVR DO THAT emails. Please. ----
To be honest, the only teams I think the Sabres absolutely couldn't beat in a seven-game series are the Devils and Capitals, and one of those you could talk me into a win (Washington. Still pretty green, and Propecia between the pipes).
Ryan Miller's having the best year of his pro career. Thomas Vanek has decided that playing defense is alright. Chris Butler's even better than I thought he'd be, and Drew Stafford is playing like the guy we saw at North Dakota.
Sure when the Bills were 4-1, I asked "Why not?", and ended up getting a spinkick to the Adam's Apple, but I'm a sucker and I don't want to play the "jaded @$$" role my entire sports life.
Let's have fun, folks. It's hockey. It's Buffalo. Why not?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Football: Steroids, the draft, Fred Taylor
Thanks to my brother Sam for sending the above photo. Now, before I get to Bills' personnel issues...
You don't care about performance-enhancing drugs.
You might care about the records broken on account of them, but you don't give a crap who is using them with the exception of the morbid curiousity that comes with knowing who is doing what.
Anyone who doubts this needs to take a step back and gaze at the hallowed New England Patriots. The news today is that special teams ace Larry Izzo is going to testify in the perjury case against Barry Bonds. Rodney Harrison was suspended for steroid use. No one is being asked to give their titles back.
======================
In getting prepared for my NFL draft podcasts and other assorted draft shenanigans, I've decided that the two guys I'm going to fawn over this year are on defense:
Penn State defensive end (now with linebacking capabilities!) Aaron Maybin and USC linebacker Ray Maualuga
At the outset of this year, I wanted the Bills to wind up with Maualuga, and I'm still down for the Trojan linebacker.
The Washington fan site "Hail Redskins" compiles every single mock draft they can imagine, and who the 'Skins selected. Can someone please do this for the Bills' draft? All Bills fans would explode with gratitude.
Side note: I also wouldn't hate if the Bills took Mississippi's Michael Oher, but that's because I read Michael Lewis' "Blind Side" about how left tackle is the most important position ever in the history of any sport, and that Oher may be better than Orlando Pace and Anthony Munoz's genetically-impossible mutant child one day. So... he sounds like a good idea.
They let him place point guard in high school basketball. "Let" being the key word.
Our own Joe Buscaglia has his mock draft out ahead of his trip the combine. He, too, has the Bills selecting a perimeter rusher, and I wouldn't hate the fella he chose, either.
===================================
Marshawn Lynch is favorite on-field Bill since Chris Spielman, and Cornelius Bennett before that. All that said, his misconduct off the field has me 100 percent prepared to trade him if value is offered in return.
I know bad guys are good at sports, and that there are some on every team, but if you came offering a second- and a third-round pick, or a first, or a tight end who can play football with decent success rates in rushing and passing, I'd listen.
Heck, deal Lynch and Jason Peters together to the Bengals or the Raiders. They'd love these two. Then, sign Fred Taylor to go with Fred Jackson for the Fred offense. Idea doesn't sound right to you?
Why not? He's known as a character guy, and was drafted with the pick we dealt for Rob Johnson. Also all the folks who bought A-Train jerseys can do the whole tape trick. Make amends!
It's a goofy sort of day. I'm going to the dentist and then Napville: nick@wgr550.com
You don't care about performance-enhancing drugs.
You might care about the records broken on account of them, but you don't give a crap who is using them with the exception of the morbid curiousity that comes with knowing who is doing what.
Anyone who doubts this needs to take a step back and gaze at the hallowed New England Patriots. The news today is that special teams ace Larry Izzo is going to testify in the perjury case against Barry Bonds. Rodney Harrison was suspended for steroid use. No one is being asked to give their titles back.
======================
In getting prepared for my NFL draft podcasts and other assorted draft shenanigans, I've decided that the two guys I'm going to fawn over this year are on defense:
Penn State defensive end (now with linebacking capabilities!) Aaron Maybin and USC linebacker Ray Maualuga
At the outset of this year, I wanted the Bills to wind up with Maualuga, and I'm still down for the Trojan linebacker.
The Washington fan site "Hail Redskins" compiles every single mock draft they can imagine, and who the 'Skins selected. Can someone please do this for the Bills' draft? All Bills fans would explode with gratitude.
Side note: I also wouldn't hate if the Bills took Mississippi's Michael Oher, but that's because I read Michael Lewis' "Blind Side" about how left tackle is the most important position ever in the history of any sport, and that Oher may be better than Orlando Pace and Anthony Munoz's genetically-impossible mutant child one day. So... he sounds like a good idea.
They let him place point guard in high school basketball. "Let" being the key word.
Our own Joe Buscaglia has his mock draft out ahead of his trip the combine. He, too, has the Bills selecting a perimeter rusher, and I wouldn't hate the fella he chose, either.
===================================
Marshawn Lynch is favorite on-field Bill since Chris Spielman, and Cornelius Bennett before that. All that said, his misconduct off the field has me 100 percent prepared to trade him if value is offered in return.
I know bad guys are good at sports, and that there are some on every team, but if you came offering a second- and a third-round pick, or a first, or a tight end who can play football with decent success rates in rushing and passing, I'd listen.
Heck, deal Lynch and Jason Peters together to the Bengals or the Raiders. They'd love these two. Then, sign Fred Taylor to go with Fred Jackson for the Fred offense. Idea doesn't sound right to you?
Why not? He's known as a character guy, and was drafted with the pick we dealt for Rob Johnson. Also all the folks who bought A-Train jerseys can do the whole tape trick. Make amends!
It's a goofy sort of day. I'm going to the dentist and then Napville: nick@wgr550.com
Monday, February 16, 2009
The greatest sporting spectacle of my life
This is a little late coming, but there was no way I could focus on writing about a sporting event immediately after Flight 3407. So, a few days late, here's a diary of my trip to Columbus for the United States and Mexico in the hexagonal stage of World Cup Qualiftying. Hope you enjoy.
"Oh when, the Yanks... go marching in. Oh when the Yanks go marching in. Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number... when the Yanks go marching in... USA!" - crowd chant, 02/11/09, Columbus, Ohio.
Imagine driving through a parking lot, filled with fans of the opposition, singing and chanting in Spanish.
Mexican flags all over the place.
Commemorative sombreros being bought up like Hannah Montana dolls at Toys R' Us.
Spanish phrases hurled about where the only words you can recognize are terms for Americans and women's body parts.
Then come the sounds of brass, and hundreds of US supporters, clad in mostly red, marching over a hill outside the stadium and into the parking lot, playing American anthems and chanting USA. Now imagine this sea of red meeting at the front gates of Columbus Crew Stadium, and chanting face-to-face with Mexican supporters, fighting to see whose voice could be louder, whose patriotism more uproarious.
The best part? No fights.
I was taught by the fine folks in UB's English department not to use absolute terms like "always, never, and ever." I don't feel like I'm letting them down by saying that Wednesday's match was the best sporting event I've ever attended.
I had to take a picture after my new friend Jesus, from Old Mexico, traded jerseys with me, "FIFA Fairplay" style. It's the only time you'll see me wearing the colors of El Tri, but it will be framed on my "Maniterium" wall.
Jesus emailed me a couple days ago and asked if I remembered him. Of course, I did. I told him that my friends and I were thinking about heading down to Azteca for the US at Mexico game this summer, but changed our minds when we heard of the dangers, which include a police escort to and from the stadium, two hours before and after the event.
He wrote back, "It won't be dangerous if you're with me."
But will there be Modelo Especial, Jesus?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
P.S. One of Jeremy White's best friends from college caught a game ball and somehow managed to get it out of the stadium, and several members of "Sam's Army" caught the players' game-worn jerseys after the final whistle... so at least there are ways for my US Soccer experience to improve.
Other trips worth considering, if you are thinking of heading down:
April 1 - US vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 7:45 EST at LP Field in Nashville
June 3 - US at Costa Rica
June 6 - US vs. Honduras at Soldier Field (Hondurans play dirty)
Aug. 12 - US at Mexico in Mexico City (be brave)
Sept. 5 - US vs. El Salvador at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utaj
Sept. 9 - US at Trinidad & Tobago
Oct. 14 - US vs. Costa Rica at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.
Some historic venues in there, and a sweet new one as well. I left out the trips to Honduras and El Salvador, the former because I don't want you to die, and the latter because it's in a month.
P.P.S. My long-time buddy Nick plays rugby for Buffalo, and said seeing rugby on an international level is a pretty big thrill, too. I've seen pictures, and it looks legit, but it's missing something... a rivalry with Mexico or Canada.
"Oh when, the Yanks... go marching in. Oh when the Yanks go marching in. Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number... when the Yanks go marching in... USA!" - crowd chant, 02/11/09, Columbus, Ohio.
Imagine driving through a parking lot, filled with fans of the opposition, singing and chanting in Spanish.
Mexican flags all over the place.
Commemorative sombreros being bought up like Hannah Montana dolls at Toys R' Us.
Spanish phrases hurled about where the only words you can recognize are terms for Americans and women's body parts.
Then come the sounds of brass, and hundreds of US supporters, clad in mostly red, marching over a hill outside the stadium and into the parking lot, playing American anthems and chanting USA. Now imagine this sea of red meeting at the front gates of Columbus Crew Stadium, and chanting face-to-face with Mexican supporters, fighting to see whose voice could be louder, whose patriotism more uproarious.
The best part? No fights.
I was taught by the fine folks in UB's English department not to use absolute terms like "always, never, and ever." I don't feel like I'm letting them down by saying that Wednesday's match was the best sporting event I've ever attended.
I had to take a picture after my new friend Jesus, from Old Mexico, traded jerseys with me, "FIFA Fairplay" style. It's the only time you'll see me wearing the colors of El Tri, but it will be framed on my "Maniterium" wall.
Jesus emailed me a couple days ago and asked if I remembered him. Of course, I did. I told him that my friends and I were thinking about heading down to Azteca for the US at Mexico game this summer, but changed our minds when we heard of the dangers, which include a police escort to and from the stadium, two hours before and after the event.
He wrote back, "It won't be dangerous if you're with me."
But will there be Modelo Especial, Jesus?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
P.S. One of Jeremy White's best friends from college caught a game ball and somehow managed to get it out of the stadium, and several members of "Sam's Army" caught the players' game-worn jerseys after the final whistle... so at least there are ways for my US Soccer experience to improve.
Other trips worth considering, if you are thinking of heading down:
April 1 - US vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 7:45 EST at LP Field in Nashville
June 3 - US at Costa Rica
June 6 - US vs. Honduras at Soldier Field (Hondurans play dirty)
Aug. 12 - US at Mexico in Mexico City (be brave)
Sept. 5 - US vs. El Salvador at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utaj
Sept. 9 - US at Trinidad & Tobago
Oct. 14 - US vs. Costa Rica at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.
Some historic venues in there, and a sweet new one as well. I left out the trips to Honduras and El Salvador, the former because I don't want you to die, and the latter because it's in a month.
P.P.S. My long-time buddy Nick plays rugby for Buffalo, and said seeing rugby on an international level is a pretty big thrill, too. I've seen pictures, and it looks legit, but it's missing something... a rivalry with Mexico or Canada.
Q&A with... Greg "Puck Daddy" Wyshynski
A few weeks back I ran into Pierre McGuire at the morning skate, and dropped him some questions to get a national perspective on the Sabres and hockey. To say it went over fairly well with the readers is an understatement. So, I got the ears (eyes) of Yahoo! Sports' very own "Puck Daddy," Greg Wyshynski. If there are other folks, you'd like to hear from, email me: nick@wgr550.com
PART I: The Sabres right now
Q: Without Thomas Vanek, is there any chance the Sabres have enough offensive talent to stick in the four through six race out East?
A: Where his injury really hurts is on the power play. You just can’t replace a guy with 15 goals on the man advantage, when that’s almost 30 percent of the team’s total power-play goals for the season. If nothing else, perhaps losing Vanek is one of those glorious kicks in the ass a team’s depth players need in order to boost their offense. Ales Kotalik had power-play goals in two of the first three games without Vanek. That’s a start.
Q: My boss will slowly feed my arm through a wood-chipper if I don't ask you for some sort of inside scoop on the Sabres at the trade deadline. Buyers, sellers... in the check-out line?
Obviously, the Sabres would trade Maxim Afinogenov for a day-old Big Bite from 7-11 at this point, but he's in the same situation as so many other Sabres that would be on the block -- he's fragile, and that brings his value down. That said, it looks like the Sabres are going to be competing to the end for a playoff seed. So one would imagine they'll be buyers -- but only for expiring contracts, me thinks.
Q: In the past, we've seen Pascal Leclaire and Chris Osgood have better statistical seasons than Ryan Miller and Miikka Kiprusoff. I don't think many would debate that the latter two are better goaltenders, so what's more important: a defensive system or a top-notch goaltender?
A: Well, you’re talking to a Devils fan. So the obvious answer is that the most important thing is to have a defensive system with a top-notch goalie …
Seriously, though, I think having a world-class keeper is more important than anything, the Red Wings’ success be damned. In the Sabres’ case, I think the maturation of Miller has been the team’s best story, even better than Vanek. He’s gone from an above-average goalie that everyone assumed had one skate out the door pointed towards Detroit, to the face of the franchise and an elite keeper who is winning games on his own. It’s a crime that there isn’t more Vezina talk about Miller; anyone who’s watched him this season knows how good he’s been on most nights.
PART II: "Fun" with the NHL
Q: Which current third jersey is the worst in the league? Which team is most in need of a primary jersey overhaul?
A: The Atlanta Thrashers’ third jersey looks like someone chewed up a box of Crayolas and then puked all over a high school track warm-up suit. Or like Reebok actually ran out of money before they finished it.
Most in need of an overhaul: Colorado. I don’t feel there’s anything iconic about that logo and sweater that prohibits any alteration. They’re stuck with a dopey team name that restricts creativity, but anything’s better than a giant ‘A’ on a log flume.
Q: Honestly, we're a little jaded in Buffalo considering "No Goal" and John Leclair scoring a playoff goal against the Sabres through the outside of the net. Is Gary Bettman okay for the NHL?
A: The honest answer is that he gets more blame than he deserves, because some of the League’s bonehead moves (a goalie trapezoid, for example) aren’t his call. Ding him for the lockout. Ding him for the mis-marketing of the game, and for the constant stretching the truth about its health and future. Just don’t blame him for everything.
The answer I want to give is that he’s some sort of nefarious space vampire who has traveled to this planet to feed off of our optimism and gleeful nostalgia until there’s nothing left but empty vessels of apathy and bitterness.
PART III: Covering hockey, and hockey in the media world.
Q: What's the worst trade rumour someone's jammed into your email box? Got anything worse than "Vanek, Roy and two No. 1s for Patrick Kane and Kevyn Adams" two years back?
A: Oh, I don’t know … once in a while we get the “Malkin to the Kings!” crack pipe chatter.
It wasn’t a trade rumor, but I had a guy who was convinced that he knew Chris Chelios was retiring before a specific Red Wings game earlier this season. I know: Chelios, retiring, real shot in the dark right there … but what made this memorable was that the guy presented this elaborate, Da Vinci Code-like series of coincidences that had him certain it was going to happen even though no one else was reporting it. And I nearly threw it on the blog, because the dude was that convincing, with this Roswell crash sort of devotion. But in the end, it was about as accurate as Vanek, Roy and two No. 1s for Patrick Kane and Kevyn Adams.
Q: Hockey seems to have a more dedicated "blogosphere" -- punch me in the throat for using that term -- and dedicated Internet fanbase than many other sports. Is there a reason NHL fans are more drawn to "new media" than other sports?
A: Sure. It’s called “neglect.” The mainstream media followed the TV ratings and dedicated its resources to football and basketball and baseball, assuming that since hockey fans don’t watch their sport on the boob tube that they’re not out there going to the game or buying merchandise. Which was wrong.
So as coverage lapsed, fans needed another outlet for discussion and for news. The blogosphere provides more in-depth analysis, breaking news and interesting hockey talk for their teams in the U.S. than most of the U.S. newspapers do.
More importantly, the Web brings smart hockey fans together. By “smart,” I mean fans who get the references and understand the lingo and are able to hang in a debate without trying to change to subject to the NBA. For a lot of us in the U.S., that kind of hockey fan isn’t someone who we see every day of our lives. But go to a message board, go to a blog, go to a podcast, and there they are.
It should be noted that the fact that the NHL and many teams have embraced new media has helped nurture it. Hopefully that trend continues to reach places like Edmonton, where bloggers are currently treated like lepers with bad facial hair and cancer.
Q: Can hockey realistically make a ratings jump with its current national television package? I appreciate Versus' coverage, but if NBC keeps sandwiching its hockey with cartoons, infomercials and squirrel racing...
A: I don’t appreciate your elitist tone towards rodent racing. As I type this, I’m wearing a vintage Rocket J. Squirrel jersey.
The networks don’t matter much in regards to ratings. The ratings sucked on ESPN 10 years ago, and they still sort of suck today. What matters is reinventing the way the game is presented on television. HDTV is an important first step, but until we can tune into a game and go, “Wow, that really got close to what we experience in the arena,” then no one will be compelled to watch hockey on TV that isn’t already watching it.
PART IV: The Sabres and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
Q: Will the Team USA goaltending look any different than Rick DiPietro, Ryan Miller and Tim Thomas?
A: That depends on DiPi’s health, of course. I’ve read Jon Quick’s name mentioned here and there. You want a dark horse? Robert Esche, who has a sterling international hockey record and played really well for the U.S. in the 2008 world championships.
Q: The Sabres have a nice number of American boys, and dual citizen Jason Pominville skated for the States in the world championships. Does he, or any of the other American skaters on the Sabres (Drew Stafford, Paul Gaustad, Tim Connolly) have any shot at wearing red, white and blue in Vancouver?
A: Jason Pominville is a lock, in my opinion. As much as I like Stafford, I’ve gotten the sense that Paul Gaustad would likely be the second Sabre to make the team. Again, based on nothing more than what I’ve read and what some in the know have said.
One Sabre, two Sabres, three Sabres … we’re still getting our asses handed to us by Russia or Canada. I’m as patriotic as the next guy … but can also read a roster. And ours doesn’t look like theirs.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
PART I: The Sabres right now
Q: Without Thomas Vanek, is there any chance the Sabres have enough offensive talent to stick in the four through six race out East?
A: Where his injury really hurts is on the power play. You just can’t replace a guy with 15 goals on the man advantage, when that’s almost 30 percent of the team’s total power-play goals for the season. If nothing else, perhaps losing Vanek is one of those glorious kicks in the ass a team’s depth players need in order to boost their offense. Ales Kotalik had power-play goals in two of the first three games without Vanek. That’s a start.
Q: My boss will slowly feed my arm through a wood-chipper if I don't ask you for some sort of inside scoop on the Sabres at the trade deadline. Buyers, sellers... in the check-out line?
Obviously, the Sabres would trade Maxim Afinogenov for a day-old Big Bite from 7-11 at this point, but he's in the same situation as so many other Sabres that would be on the block -- he's fragile, and that brings his value down. That said, it looks like the Sabres are going to be competing to the end for a playoff seed. So one would imagine they'll be buyers -- but only for expiring contracts, me thinks.
Q: In the past, we've seen Pascal Leclaire and Chris Osgood have better statistical seasons than Ryan Miller and Miikka Kiprusoff. I don't think many would debate that the latter two are better goaltenders, so what's more important: a defensive system or a top-notch goaltender?
A: Well, you’re talking to a Devils fan. So the obvious answer is that the most important thing is to have a defensive system with a top-notch goalie …
Seriously, though, I think having a world-class keeper is more important than anything, the Red Wings’ success be damned. In the Sabres’ case, I think the maturation of Miller has been the team’s best story, even better than Vanek. He’s gone from an above-average goalie that everyone assumed had one skate out the door pointed towards Detroit, to the face of the franchise and an elite keeper who is winning games on his own. It’s a crime that there isn’t more Vezina talk about Miller; anyone who’s watched him this season knows how good he’s been on most nights.
PART II: "Fun" with the NHL
Q: Which current third jersey is the worst in the league? Which team is most in need of a primary jersey overhaul?
A: The Atlanta Thrashers’ third jersey looks like someone chewed up a box of Crayolas and then puked all over a high school track warm-up suit. Or like Reebok actually ran out of money before they finished it.
Most in need of an overhaul: Colorado. I don’t feel there’s anything iconic about that logo and sweater that prohibits any alteration. They’re stuck with a dopey team name that restricts creativity, but anything’s better than a giant ‘A’ on a log flume.
Q: Honestly, we're a little jaded in Buffalo considering "No Goal" and John Leclair scoring a playoff goal against the Sabres through the outside of the net. Is Gary Bettman okay for the NHL?
A: The honest answer is that he gets more blame than he deserves, because some of the League’s bonehead moves (a goalie trapezoid, for example) aren’t his call. Ding him for the lockout. Ding him for the mis-marketing of the game, and for the constant stretching the truth about its health and future. Just don’t blame him for everything.
The answer I want to give is that he’s some sort of nefarious space vampire who has traveled to this planet to feed off of our optimism and gleeful nostalgia until there’s nothing left but empty vessels of apathy and bitterness.
PART III: Covering hockey, and hockey in the media world.
Q: What's the worst trade rumour someone's jammed into your email box? Got anything worse than "Vanek, Roy and two No. 1s for Patrick Kane and Kevyn Adams" two years back?
A: Oh, I don’t know … once in a while we get the “Malkin to the Kings!” crack pipe chatter.
It wasn’t a trade rumor, but I had a guy who was convinced that he knew Chris Chelios was retiring before a specific Red Wings game earlier this season. I know: Chelios, retiring, real shot in the dark right there … but what made this memorable was that the guy presented this elaborate, Da Vinci Code-like series of coincidences that had him certain it was going to happen even though no one else was reporting it. And I nearly threw it on the blog, because the dude was that convincing, with this Roswell crash sort of devotion. But in the end, it was about as accurate as Vanek, Roy and two No. 1s for Patrick Kane and Kevyn Adams.
Q: Hockey seems to have a more dedicated "blogosphere" -- punch me in the throat for using that term -- and dedicated Internet fanbase than many other sports. Is there a reason NHL fans are more drawn to "new media" than other sports?
A: Sure. It’s called “neglect.” The mainstream media followed the TV ratings and dedicated its resources to football and basketball and baseball, assuming that since hockey fans don’t watch their sport on the boob tube that they’re not out there going to the game or buying merchandise. Which was wrong.
So as coverage lapsed, fans needed another outlet for discussion and for news. The blogosphere provides more in-depth analysis, breaking news and interesting hockey talk for their teams in the U.S. than most of the U.S. newspapers do.
More importantly, the Web brings smart hockey fans together. By “smart,” I mean fans who get the references and understand the lingo and are able to hang in a debate without trying to change to subject to the NBA. For a lot of us in the U.S., that kind of hockey fan isn’t someone who we see every day of our lives. But go to a message board, go to a blog, go to a podcast, and there they are.
It should be noted that the fact that the NHL and many teams have embraced new media has helped nurture it. Hopefully that trend continues to reach places like Edmonton, where bloggers are currently treated like lepers with bad facial hair and cancer.
Q: Can hockey realistically make a ratings jump with its current national television package? I appreciate Versus' coverage, but if NBC keeps sandwiching its hockey with cartoons, infomercials and squirrel racing...
A: I don’t appreciate your elitist tone towards rodent racing. As I type this, I’m wearing a vintage Rocket J. Squirrel jersey.
The networks don’t matter much in regards to ratings. The ratings sucked on ESPN 10 years ago, and they still sort of suck today. What matters is reinventing the way the game is presented on television. HDTV is an important first step, but until we can tune into a game and go, “Wow, that really got close to what we experience in the arena,” then no one will be compelled to watch hockey on TV that isn’t already watching it.
PART IV: The Sabres and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
Q: Will the Team USA goaltending look any different than Rick DiPietro, Ryan Miller and Tim Thomas?
A: That depends on DiPi’s health, of course. I’ve read Jon Quick’s name mentioned here and there. You want a dark horse? Robert Esche, who has a sterling international hockey record and played really well for the U.S. in the 2008 world championships.
Q: The Sabres have a nice number of American boys, and dual citizen Jason Pominville skated for the States in the world championships. Does he, or any of the other American skaters on the Sabres (Drew Stafford, Paul Gaustad, Tim Connolly) have any shot at wearing red, white and blue in Vancouver?
A: Jason Pominville is a lock, in my opinion. As much as I like Stafford, I’ve gotten the sense that Paul Gaustad would likely be the second Sabre to make the team. Again, based on nothing more than what I’ve read and what some in the know have said.
One Sabre, two Sabres, three Sabres … we’re still getting our asses handed to us by Russia or Canada. I’m as patriotic as the next guy … but can also read a roster. And ours doesn’t look like theirs.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tragedy befalls our city
A girl we used to work with here at WGR has been on "Good Morning, America," this morning, and even as I write this, the thought of her talking about her sister passing away has me on the verge of tears.
This is as real as grief gets for our city, and it stings. I'm talking "tears on the keyboard" stinging, and for what it's worth my prayers are with the victims, their families, friends and everyone else. I make no apologies for putting my religion in this space today. For what it's worth, I need it.
There's a part of me that wants the Sabres to cancel the game against San Jose tonight. I understand the idea of "distraction," but there's a big part of me that doesn't want to be distracted. This happened, and the idea that anyone expects a sports team to "pony up for its city" is miserable.
I can barely stand working today. I didn't want to get out of bed, and away from my wife and dog this morning. I feel for the idea of the players and staff who may be mourning the loss of family, friends and co-workers, having to "put on a show" tonight, though certainly no one should expect great theatrics. All I can think about is that everyone at that arena, from the guy who buzzes in the media at the security table to the fellas who sit next to Jeremy and my season seats could be going through hell right now.
In the end, I might just invite family over to watch the game, and maybe that is what sports are for, at least in the long run. Yet, I'll be damned if I think forgetting the deaths of my Western New York neighbors is a priority for me.
God bless our city.
This is as real as grief gets for our city, and it stings. I'm talking "tears on the keyboard" stinging, and for what it's worth my prayers are with the victims, their families, friends and everyone else. I make no apologies for putting my religion in this space today. For what it's worth, I need it.
There's a part of me that wants the Sabres to cancel the game against San Jose tonight. I understand the idea of "distraction," but there's a big part of me that doesn't want to be distracted. This happened, and the idea that anyone expects a sports team to "pony up for its city" is miserable.
I can barely stand working today. I didn't want to get out of bed, and away from my wife and dog this morning. I feel for the idea of the players and staff who may be mourning the loss of family, friends and co-workers, having to "put on a show" tonight, though certainly no one should expect great theatrics. All I can think about is that everyone at that arena, from the guy who buzzes in the media at the security table to the fellas who sit next to Jeremy and my season seats could be going through hell right now.
In the end, I might just invite family over to watch the game, and maybe that is what sports are for, at least in the long run. Yet, I'll be damned if I think forgetting the deaths of my Western New York neighbors is a priority for me.
God bless our city.
Five Reasonable Targets For the Sabres
Life must somehow go on Friday morning as we try to deal with the horrible plane crash in Clarence. I've already heard from a friend who's dad lives next door to the house where the plane hit, and to think that a friend of mine shot at the basketball hoop in the picture that's on our web site next to a hellacious fire is very emotional. My prayers are with everyone who needs them, and here's hoping for anything remotely positive that can come out of this does. Email: nick@wgr550.com
Something happened Tuesday night that made me realize it's trade season. Although I was quite aware that it was the one-year anniversary of Richard Zednik getting his neck cut at HSBC Arena, a text message from a good friend sent me into an information-searching frenzy:
My friend's text: "zednik are you kidding me"
Call your sources, Nick! In my mind, the Sabres had traded for Zednik, and even more bizarre, it made a lot of sense for me. As I ripped through the Internet, I learned the truth: Zednik had scored the game-tying and game-winning goals in a comeback win over the Maple Leafs on his "anniversary."
It was time to start typing trade.
So, I got to thinking about players that could be coming to Buffalo, with the knowledge that Darcy Regier told Mike Schopp and The Bulldog that the Sabres would not be pulling off any "Zubrus-type" deals (1st-round pick and a prospect with NHL experience).
Here are five players that make sense to me:
1. Richard Park, New York Islanders -- Turning 33 in late May, Park is a solid penalty-killer who doubles as a threat to score on opposing power-play units' mistakes or overconfidence. He's a minus-5 with 24 points in 54 games with the Isles, who are almost certainly looking to add a useful body or two.
Park is signed through 2010 at 750k per season, and had notched eight points in 38 playoff games.
2. Marty Reasoner, Atlanta Thrashers -- While he would essentially be a rent-a-player, the 32-year old Reasoner makes a reasonable 1 million per year, and is a smart two-way player who is top-notch in the faceoff circle (52 percent this year).
Reasoner has seen action in 23 playoff games with the Blues and Oilers, and hails from Honeoye Falls.
The fake No. 3. Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars -- A four-million dollar rent-a-player? Totally up Darcy Regier's alley. He'll play right wing with a unicorn and Steve Winwood.
According to Wikipedia, Lehtinen is a huge fan of Slayer, so Toni Lydman would be jazzed to hang out, and Drew Stafford could have a metal line-mate.
The real No. 3. Radek Bonk, Nashville Predators -- Here's a rent-a-player that makes Sabre sense. Killer face-off winner who is down to block shots with his molars.
4. Samuel Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks -- How much would you have to give up to snag an underachieving, at least points-wise, Cup-winning center who's bound for free agency in a few months? As a million-plus cap hit, perhaps the Ducks are resigned to losing Pahlsson, and perhaps the Sabres could receive a player who can counter-attack on a penalty kill with the best of them.
Pahlsson is currently recuperating from a viral infection, and is out until at least mid-February.
5. Zednik, Florida Panthers -- Call it a "blink" decision, but Zednik's always been just dangerous enough to hurt the Sabres, with 14 goals in 42 games against Buffalo. Has a history as a trade deadline success (Nine pts. in 12 games with '01 Montreal) and failure (Three pts. in 15 games with '07 Isles). How scientific is this: it just sounded right to me on Tuesday, and it still sounds about right now.
Honorable mentions:
Adam Hall, Tampa Bay Lightning -- a puzzling former prospect who looked like he was coming into his own with the Rangers a couple years back. Signed through 2011 at 600k per year.
Jeff Halpern, Tampa Bay Lightning -- paid a little too well for Buffalo at 2 million per year through 2010, I'm not sure Tampa would hand over one of the cogs in the Brad Richards deal. One of the top face-off men in the league at 57 percent.
Trent Hunter, New York Islanders -- This one's a dream, since Hunter should've been named captain of the Isles after only he, Park and Rick DiPietro bothered to show up to their first round series with the Sabres in 2006-07. He's gritty, he can score, and he's locked up through 2013 at just 2-mil. Turning 29 in July, Hunter should be a real player on a real team one day.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Something happened Tuesday night that made me realize it's trade season. Although I was quite aware that it was the one-year anniversary of Richard Zednik getting his neck cut at HSBC Arena, a text message from a good friend sent me into an information-searching frenzy:
My friend's text: "zednik are you kidding me"
Call your sources, Nick! In my mind, the Sabres had traded for Zednik, and even more bizarre, it made a lot of sense for me. As I ripped through the Internet, I learned the truth: Zednik had scored the game-tying and game-winning goals in a comeback win over the Maple Leafs on his "anniversary."
It was time to start typing trade.
So, I got to thinking about players that could be coming to Buffalo, with the knowledge that Darcy Regier told Mike Schopp and The Bulldog that the Sabres would not be pulling off any "Zubrus-type" deals (1st-round pick and a prospect with NHL experience).
Here are five players that make sense to me:
1. Richard Park, New York Islanders -- Turning 33 in late May, Park is a solid penalty-killer who doubles as a threat to score on opposing power-play units' mistakes or overconfidence. He's a minus-5 with 24 points in 54 games with the Isles, who are almost certainly looking to add a useful body or two.
Park is signed through 2010 at 750k per season, and had notched eight points in 38 playoff games.
2. Marty Reasoner, Atlanta Thrashers -- While he would essentially be a rent-a-player, the 32-year old Reasoner makes a reasonable 1 million per year, and is a smart two-way player who is top-notch in the faceoff circle (52 percent this year).
Reasoner has seen action in 23 playoff games with the Blues and Oilers, and hails from Honeoye Falls.
The fake No. 3. Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars -- A four-million dollar rent-a-player? Totally up Darcy Regier's alley. He'll play right wing with a unicorn and Steve Winwood.
According to Wikipedia, Lehtinen is a huge fan of Slayer, so Toni Lydman would be jazzed to hang out, and Drew Stafford could have a metal line-mate.
The real No. 3. Radek Bonk, Nashville Predators -- Here's a rent-a-player that makes Sabre sense. Killer face-off winner who is down to block shots with his molars.
4. Samuel Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks -- How much would you have to give up to snag an underachieving, at least points-wise, Cup-winning center who's bound for free agency in a few months? As a million-plus cap hit, perhaps the Ducks are resigned to losing Pahlsson, and perhaps the Sabres could receive a player who can counter-attack on a penalty kill with the best of them.
Pahlsson is currently recuperating from a viral infection, and is out until at least mid-February.
5. Zednik, Florida Panthers -- Call it a "blink" decision, but Zednik's always been just dangerous enough to hurt the Sabres, with 14 goals in 42 games against Buffalo. Has a history as a trade deadline success (Nine pts. in 12 games with '01 Montreal) and failure (Three pts. in 15 games with '07 Isles). How scientific is this: it just sounded right to me on Tuesday, and it still sounds about right now.
Honorable mentions:
Adam Hall, Tampa Bay Lightning -- a puzzling former prospect who looked like he was coming into his own with the Rangers a couple years back. Signed through 2011 at 600k per year.
Jeff Halpern, Tampa Bay Lightning -- paid a little too well for Buffalo at 2 million per year through 2010, I'm not sure Tampa would hand over one of the cogs in the Brad Richards deal. One of the top face-off men in the league at 57 percent.
Trent Hunter, New York Islanders -- This one's a dream, since Hunter should've been named captain of the Isles after only he, Park and Rick DiPietro bothered to show up to their first round series with the Sabres in 2006-07. He's gritty, he can score, and he's locked up through 2013 at just 2-mil. Turning 29 in July, Hunter should be a real player on a real team one day.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Rooting for our country
bet you're not down with people burning the American flag, right?
Me, neither, and I'm ready for the next chapter of my sports rooting life. I've attended almost everything -- from preseason basketball to the American League Championship Series to a bowl game. I've seen the Celtics in Boston, the Cubs at Wrigley and the Crew in Columbus. Throw in a bunch of Sabres playoff games, and it was only logical that I move past the professional atmosphere.
Tomorrow, I'm going to root for America to kick the crap out of Mexico.
Relax. I'm talking about our national soccer teams. I'm not Rush Limbaugh.
The States and our neighbors to the South will be tangling in the third round of World Cup Qualifying, and it generally gets pretty intense. A few years back in Mexico, the American team was saluted upon their exit of the stadium with the site of their flag being burned outside their bus. They would've complained, but there were a lot of Mexicans burning an American flag outside their bus... in Mexico.
Split-heritage midfielder Jose Francisco Torres recently chose the United States over Mexico. Split-heritage defender Edgar Castillo was born in New Mexico, but chose Old Mexico for his team (although he likely won't be in the line-up Wednesday).
Why are these games fun? I'm about to find out, but the last few games lead me to believe it'll be bananas in pajamas. For example, streakers at Bills games tend to be either drunk 40-year old men or their 19-year old sons. At soccer games, we tend to get hippie women.
So, two days worth of vacation should be well-worth it, even if the 60-degree weather means I won't see the Mexican team skip out on warm-ups, like they did last time they played in Columbus (It was plenty cold).
The only time I've rooted for my country in person was the US womens volleyball team in the World University Games, unless I'm forgetting something. I'm pumped for Round Two.
Any ideas/experiences? nick@wgr550.com
Me, neither, and I'm ready for the next chapter of my sports rooting life. I've attended almost everything -- from preseason basketball to the American League Championship Series to a bowl game. I've seen the Celtics in Boston, the Cubs at Wrigley and the Crew in Columbus. Throw in a bunch of Sabres playoff games, and it was only logical that I move past the professional atmosphere.
Tomorrow, I'm going to root for America to kick the crap out of Mexico.
Relax. I'm talking about our national soccer teams. I'm not Rush Limbaugh.
The States and our neighbors to the South will be tangling in the third round of World Cup Qualifying, and it generally gets pretty intense. A few years back in Mexico, the American team was saluted upon their exit of the stadium with the site of their flag being burned outside their bus. They would've complained, but there were a lot of Mexicans burning an American flag outside their bus... in Mexico.
Split-heritage midfielder Jose Francisco Torres recently chose the United States over Mexico. Split-heritage defender Edgar Castillo was born in New Mexico, but chose Old Mexico for his team (although he likely won't be in the line-up Wednesday).
Why are these games fun? I'm about to find out, but the last few games lead me to believe it'll be bananas in pajamas. For example, streakers at Bills games tend to be either drunk 40-year old men or their 19-year old sons. At soccer games, we tend to get hippie women.
So, two days worth of vacation should be well-worth it, even if the 60-degree weather means I won't see the Mexican team skip out on warm-ups, like they did last time they played in Columbus (It was plenty cold).
The only time I've rooted for my country in person was the US womens volleyball team in the World University Games, unless I'm forgetting something. I'm pumped for Round Two.
Any ideas/experiences? nick@wgr550.com
Monday, February 9, 2009
Grammy's Go Whammy
My wife short-circuited my plans to watch Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca" with her desire to watch the Grammy's, which worked out well for me. As the night wore on, too many stupid things happened for me to not "blog" about it. So, sorry there won't be too many sports mentions here...
Have the Grammy's always been awful?
A message to Coldplay's Chris Martin on a night that couldn't have been one of his favorites. First, your wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, spends three hours introducing "the most important foreign band out there," and everyone on Earth is preparing for her sucking up to her husband... and she does the correct thing by introducing Radiohead.
I wonder if Martin was thinking, "Aw, that's nice honey, but we're not performing... OH CRAP. RADIOHEAD?!?! REALLY?!?!? I WROTE 'CLOCKS'."
By the way, Chris, you've already said you want to be U2, so stop trying to pass Sgt. Pepper's look as patchwork. We know you pass your time sewing-- no lie -- but I'd guess Betsy Ross isn't losing her legacy as a top-notch seamstress.
Then again, you did win song of the year for a riff 20 years old and written by someone else. That said, I own several of their albums. "Parachutes" is legit.
===========
To Kanye West... I was on-board, man. The "cocky as a shield for insecurities" thing was awesome for a spell, but it's time for something new, especially if you are going to rock a mullet. That's awful, man. You look like Kenny Loggins.
Someone needs to either cover "Danger Zone" or make a Kanye & Messina album.
Seemingly gone are clever lines like, "If you a stripper named Porsche, and you get tips from many men, then your fat friend, her nickname is Minivan." Instead, it's a concept album with singles involving talking on the phone at 3 a.m., and his girl being like Dr.Evil. Yikes.
Maybe he's trying to Andre 3000 his career, but it's not working for me. Regardless, West is still probably a good dinner guest, and he's at least as original as anything else on display last night. When Robert Plant is looking like Richard Branson in an age machine, weird is the theme of the night.
===========
Natalie Cole won a Grammy for "Still Unforgettable," an album that would've been better-titled, "I'd Like Another Grammy, Remember When I Sang 'Unforgettable' With My Dad?"
==========
Jamie Foxx should thank his lucky stars he was asked to be an honorary Four Tops member. Smokey Robinson was obvious, Ne-Yo wasn't a surprise, but Jamie Foxx? Are they making a Four Tops movie? Motown was the best, and all four did well.
===========
The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl looked like a little kid playing the drums for Paul McCartney, and why shouldn't he? It's like being invited to write a book with Raymond Carver -- bad choice, he's dead -- or Richard Russo. The Foo Fighters are what pop music should be, and I mean that as a compliment. Grohl and company are influenced by music, not blatant rip-off artists.
===========
Nine-months pregnant to the day and M.I.A. rapping happened...
Um, yeah...
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Have the Grammy's always been awful?
A message to Coldplay's Chris Martin on a night that couldn't have been one of his favorites. First, your wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, spends three hours introducing "the most important foreign band out there," and everyone on Earth is preparing for her sucking up to her husband... and she does the correct thing by introducing Radiohead.
I wonder if Martin was thinking, "Aw, that's nice honey, but we're not performing... OH CRAP. RADIOHEAD?!?! REALLY?!?!? I WROTE 'CLOCKS'."
By the way, Chris, you've already said you want to be U2, so stop trying to pass Sgt. Pepper's look as patchwork. We know you pass your time sewing-- no lie -- but I'd guess Betsy Ross isn't losing her legacy as a top-notch seamstress.
Then again, you did win song of the year for a riff 20 years old and written by someone else. That said, I own several of their albums. "Parachutes" is legit.
===========
To Kanye West... I was on-board, man. The "cocky as a shield for insecurities" thing was awesome for a spell, but it's time for something new, especially if you are going to rock a mullet. That's awful, man. You look like Kenny Loggins.
Someone needs to either cover "Danger Zone" or make a Kanye & Messina album.
Seemingly gone are clever lines like, "If you a stripper named Porsche, and you get tips from many men, then your fat friend, her nickname is Minivan." Instead, it's a concept album with singles involving talking on the phone at 3 a.m., and his girl being like Dr.Evil. Yikes.
Maybe he's trying to Andre 3000 his career, but it's not working for me. Regardless, West is still probably a good dinner guest, and he's at least as original as anything else on display last night. When Robert Plant is looking like Richard Branson in an age machine, weird is the theme of the night.
===========
Natalie Cole won a Grammy for "Still Unforgettable," an album that would've been better-titled, "I'd Like Another Grammy, Remember When I Sang 'Unforgettable' With My Dad?"
==========
Jamie Foxx should thank his lucky stars he was asked to be an honorary Four Tops member. Smokey Robinson was obvious, Ne-Yo wasn't a surprise, but Jamie Foxx? Are they making a Four Tops movie? Motown was the best, and all four did well.
===========
The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl looked like a little kid playing the drums for Paul McCartney, and why shouldn't he? It's like being invited to write a book with Raymond Carver -- bad choice, he's dead -- or Richard Russo. The Foo Fighters are what pop music should be, and I mean that as a compliment. Grohl and company are influenced by music, not blatant rip-off artists.
===========
Nine-months pregnant to the day and M.I.A. rapping happened...
Um, yeah...
Email: nick@wgr550.com
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