The Winding Road

Honestly, Buffalo Does Deserve An NFL Franchise

2009-10-16T03:50:00.001-07:00

If you're like me, you've been seeing a plethora of coverage in recent times about the possibility of the Bills being moved out of town. Being a die-hard fan since birth, this idea obviously does not sit well with me. The rumors have come from a variety of sources and have involved a number of possible destinations, most notably Los Angeles. I have seen articles in Sports Illustrated suggesting that the Bills could be one of the teams to move, and I have seen posters from this very board saying that Buffalo is not deserving of a franchise. I am here to say that the Buffalo Bills, the only REAL New York team, should remain in Buffalo, and that this city is one of the most deserving in the country of an NFL franchise.

It's often hard to explain to people from other places just how much you care for the Bills/Sabres when you are from these areas. I grew up in Rochester, NY, but traveled to Buffalo a lot because I have a lot of family residing there. I have always considered it a second home, and will always love it. Upon birth, there is something ingrained deep that gives you all the passion in the world for the two major sports teams here, the Bills and the Sabres. It is hard to explain because it's honestly a way of life. The NFL was founded at a time when Buffalo, Detroit, Green Bay and Cleveland, among others were performing well economically. Blue collar, hard working people who were powering their city and enjoying their favorite past time: cheering on their football team. In our instance, it was the Buffalo Bills. Names like Jack Kemp and OJ Simpson will be forever enshrined in the Bills' legacy. Though gaining notoriety later, rightfully so, Simpson will never be known around the country for playing for the Bills. In Buffalo, though, his football legacy will remain separated from his personal faults, and his stellar play will be remembered.

The 1970's generally were not favorable to the Bills or the economy. Despite not performing up to par, the Bills powered on, eventually hiring Chuck Knox. He changed the culture of the team that eventually won its first AFC East title. This re-invigorated the people of Buffalo and sent a wave of optimism through that trickled to all aspects of society. The big boost really came when Marv Levy came to town along with Bill Polian, Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Daryl Talley, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Kent Hull, Cornelius Bennett...I could go on and on. This group accomplished something no other NFL team has ever accomplished: making it to the Super Bowl four times in a row. Yes, many are quick to point out that we lost all four, but just to make it four times in a row is a feat in itself. The stat that announcers always refer to when discussing the loser of the Super Bowl, is that most teams that lose do not make it to the playoffs the next year. Known as the 'Super Bowl Hangover', it never seemed to affect the Buffalo Bills.

This is the era I grew up in. I remember Buffalo during those years and it is hard to explain exactly what it was like. Wherever you went, people wore Bills gear, gave you a thumbs up if you had a Bills jacket on, or simply said: "GO BILLS!" Christmas in Buffalo was great. The temperature dropped, snow fell, and the family huddled around the television to watch the Bills game. Back then, if we were down by 20, there was a general sense that we would come back and win. Winning was inherent and was a part of the culture. Jim Kelly hosted a talk show that drew a large audience every week. These guys were legends walking around and we were proud to say they represented Buffalo.

For the last decade or so, the Bills have been going through rough times. The great team of the 1990's was broken up, as was the management. We have never really had a solid identity since then. Back in the early nineties, teams were scared to play us and we were confident that we would win. Those concepts have faded, but not died. It just so happens that the Bills are going through a rough spell just as the economy took a huge downturn. For years, the types of jobs that are the most profitable and desired have shifted. Buffalo and the rest of the 'rust belt' relied heavily on manufacturing jobs to sustain the city. As soon as those began to disappear, the city went into a bit of a low time. It will only be a transitional period though. Yes, it has taken a long time, but Buffalo will adapt to the changing times and become a major city that people look to again. Recently, Buffalo was one of the strongest performing major cities: http://www.buffalonews.com/149/story/800701.html

This does not happen overnight, and it does not involve one job sector over another. It involves not only improving the amount of jobs available, but also the spirit of Buffalonians. Buffalo is comprised of proud people who work hard for their money. The city is famous for its wings and die hard support of its sports teams. Despite the economic downturn and sub-par play by the Bills in recent times, the games have continued to sell out. Not only in September, but October, November and December have seen sell-outs as well when the weather is less than desirable. Teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins are continuing to fail to sell their stadium out. Jacksonville has achieved a record number of blackouts for its fans, a feat that will never be witnessed in Buffalo. It's because of what this team has meant to us in the past and will continue to mean to us in the future. When a Bills team does well, the spirit of Buffalo seems to be lifted. People walk around happier and are filled with more pride. This translates into better work production throughout the week. When they do not perform well, it is felt in the city like a ripple. I am not making the ridiculous statement that if the Bills win more games, the city will automatically do better. However, there is something within every Buffalonian that makes them perform their job better when Buffalo wins.

Buffalo was one of the founders of the NFL and has been a proud franchise for the entire time it has existed. Despite the fact that Los Angeles is the second largest city in the country, it has not proven to be able to sustain a true NFL fanbase. The Rams and Raiders both failed in that trial and error. Schwarzenegger is trying to secure at least one NFL team in LA very soon. Not Buffalo, not the Bills. Not only have we been a loyal fanbase who has supported this team through thick and thin, the Bills are the hidden engine of Buffalo. They drive this city and if they were pulled away, it would kill the people who have such a passion for them. Not only the current generation, but past generations as well. My family has been Bills fans for as long as I can remember. I have fond memories of watching with everyone. I cannot disassociate Buffalo from the Bills. In my mind it is a permanent relationship.

I am not saying move Jacksonville or Miami. I was only stating that they cannot fill their stadium when they perform well and we fill the stadium in all cases. Yes, there has been a playoff drought, but the fans are as loyal as they were when we went to four Super Bowls in a row. The team will regain its stature in the NFL and the Bills' swagger will be respected by everyone once again. It will be great not only for the Bills and the people from Buffalo, but for the NFL as well.

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded Too Prematurely To President Obama

2009-10-09T05:08:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8298580.stm

It was announced this morning that President Obama is going to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Many throughout the world are asking how Obama has been awarded such a prize 9 months into office and this question has merit. To date, Obama does not have any substantial accomplishments to boast about. Here is a list of his foreign initiatives:

1.) Israel/Palestine: Obama sent George Mitchell to the Middle East to work on peaceful efforts for the two sides. A quote from the BBC about Isreal's Foreign Minister: " Israel's Foreign Minister has said there is no chance of an early solution to the Israeli/Palestine conflict and told 'people to learn to live with it'. " This certainly cannot be part of the reason he won, because the situation is in a standstill, it has not progressed at all. Concerning this subject, may I remind you Bill Clinton never won the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his extended efforts to end this conflict.

2.) Afghanistan/Iraq: While some troops have come out of Iraq, the United States still has a great number trying to stabilize the country. Afghanistan has even gotten worse in recent years in part because of the security situation in Pakistan. Obama's Commander in Afghanistan has requested more troops, and Obama is likely to comply. He has ruled out complete withdrawal, which is the right decision. However, this policy is not really deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

3.) Iran: Obama has been open about a true dialogue with Iran and that can have positive effects in the future. However, Iran's contentious elections last year have put even more international skepticism on the country. This, followed by the recent discovery of hidden uranium in the mountains is going to invite vast international criticism and action by the UN. The Iran situation is only in the very beginnings and has the potential to be great in the future. But for now nothing has really been done; I hope the committee has not awarded the prize based on this situation.

4.) Nuclear Non-Proliferation: This is the issue that I have always thought Obama had a chance to win the Nobel Prize with. He has been extremely vocal about the lowering of nuclear reserves, which is the right position in my mind. However, just 8 months into his presidency, being vocal is all he has been. There has been no progress at curbing nuclear weapons. In fact, the recent discovery of uranium in Iran has only damaged it. He is going to have to be harsher with Iran about this if he is in fact dedicated to non-proliferation.

5.) Pakistan: Tying into Afghanistan, the security situation in Pakistan is of considerable international concern. Obama has continued the unmanned bombings in Pakistan that were started by Bush. Those have drawn considerable criticism from the Pakistani authorities, but to date have not been halted. Obama understands that to ultimately be successful in Afghanistan, Pakistan needs to be completely stabilized. He has unwisely chosen to continue the bombings and even talked about sending troops in if needed. This cannot be the reason he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Two people who should have been picked before Obama (among others):

1.) Morgan Tsvangirai: The opposition leader in Zimbabwe has done a considerable amount more than Obama in the area of peace. He challenged Mugabe, then when under the realization that Mugabe was going to stop at nothing to reclaim the seat, agreed to a deal to share responsibilities. He has been praised across Africa and the world for his efforts to improve life for Zimbabweans after they suffered long years of abjection.

2.) Bill Clinton: If Obama has won the prize, how has Clinton not? His efforts to bring peace to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict are unparalleled. Even though the process derailed and has not seen much progress lately, his efforts were monumental. If I was Bill, I would be displeased with the committee for selecting someone who has been in office for 9 months without a substantial item to point to.

This is Why Baseball is Great

2009-10-07T05:15:00.001-07:00

In recent years, America's Game has suffered through a loss of viewers. With the exception of some great story lines, such as the Tampa Ray Rays from last year, there were not any to arouse much excitement from people who would rather watch other programing. Well, if there was a way to get people excited about the game again, it was last night's Twins-Tigers play-off game. And yes, it was a play-off game, because the winner moved on while the loser went home.

So to set up the atmosphere. The Detroit Tigers had been in control of the AL Central towards the end of the season. The Twins lost their all-star first baseman Justin Morneau to a season-ending injury. Despite the injury, their suddenly upstart play was threatening the Tigers' hold on the division. A couple wins followed by a couple losses for the Tigers forced a play off game to determine who would win the division and travel to New York to play the Yankees.

The 162 game regular season is often referred to as being too long, saying that no sport needs that many games in one season. 162 is a large number, but it was not enough to decide a key division race, so number 163 was set up. The Metrodome, the Twins stadium, is being taken down after this year, so if they lost this would be the last game ever played in that arena.

So, game number 163: Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers in Minnesota in possibly the last game played in the dome. Two young, talented pitchers take the helm: Scott Baker for the Twins and Rick Porcello for the Tigers.

The first runs of the game come from the Tigers. While Baker was pitching well, he couldn't handle the tandem of Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera. Ordonez batted a run in, followed by a 2-run shot by Cabrera. The Metrodome had been raucously loud, but was quieting a bit at this point even though it was only the 3rd inning.

Down 3-0, the Twins were able to get batters on 1st and 3rd with two outs. The young Porcello was nervous about the runner on 1st stealing, so he was keeping him honest by throwing over to Cabrera multiple times. Being such a big game with huge implications, one of the throws was off, which allowed Matt Tolbert to score from 3rd. This enlivened the crowd again, as they all got on their feet.

After this, innings came and went without much activity. Porcello, while committing the throwing error that caused the run, played extremely well. He has not been known for his strikeouts this year, but managed to fan 8 throughout the night. He came out in the 5th inning because his pitch count was high. This is when the Twins pounced to try and subdue the Tigers.

Jason Kubel had a solo shot in the 6th inning, and Orlando Cabrera had a 2-run shot in the 7th. The game was now 4-3 in the 8th inning and the Twins needed just 6 outs to advance to New York. The Tigers wouldn't go down without a fight, though. Ordonez, who caused problems all game, hit a home-run, tying the game.

And thus, the game was tied 4-4. Tensions were high, especially at such a critical juncture of the game. Orlando Cabrera struck out looking and began arguing with the umpire, who was about to eject him. The Twins manager had to subdue him because of his importance to the team.

The top of the 10th inning and the Tigers score. Brandon Inge doubled and drove in an RBI. Twins fans at this point were nervous and trying to enjoy the stadium, as the last game could be over soon.

Down 5-4 in the bottom of the 10th, the Twins had to score a run or their playoff dreams were shot. The Tigers had enough motivation because with 3 outs, they were headed to New York. By this time, announcers and commentators were making the case that the Tigers winning would be an amazing thing for the city of Detroit because of all the economic mess that had occurred in that proud place. Story lines on both sides were winning fans who were from other cities and just loved baseball.

With 1 out, the Twins had runners on 1st and 3rd after a triple opened the inning. A groundball would surely end the game. Matt Tolbert was batting and hit a ball up the center that appeared to be double play material. Placido Polanco, the 2nd baseman, missed the ball though, causing the tying run to score. The Tigers get out of the inning without any more damage. On to the 11th.

The 11th inning comes and goes with everyone on the edge of their seat because of the significance of this game. By this time, managers had to decide who to use from their bullpen, because their arms would be tired for New York the following day.

The 12th inning and Detroit does not score. The Twins manage to get base runners early. Alexi Casilla, who was a pinch runner/hitter, comes to bat with runners in scoring position. He knows if he can only get the ball to the outfield, they have a chance, because Carlos Gomez is one of the quickest runners in baseball. He manages a hit to the shallow outfield and Gomez sprints, hauling for the winning run. He gets there and the Twins win number 163 and are headed to New York.

This is why baseball is exciting and should be paid attention to again. Story lines permeate the games, such as two young pitchers dueling against each other for the ultimate prize: a trip to the post-season with a shot at a World Series Championship. A Detroit outfielder trying to make an amazing catch, but missing the ball completely, allowing the Twins to get in position to tie the game. Two prideful baseball cities battling each other all night, forcing extra innings and putting on a show as the nation watches. Many complain that baseball is too slow a game, but that just allows much more time for suspense. While watching this game last night, I found myself on the edge of my seat during the whole thing. I could feel the tension from both Minnesota and Detroit, from the clubhouses of the Twins and Tigers, from the Yankees who play the winner, and from the nation as we enjoyed an amazing show.

The Social Web and How It's Changing Media

2009-10-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

For anyone that is twenty years of age or younger, the words 'Facebook', 'Twitter', 'YouTube', 'Friendfeed', and so on are as mundane as 'school', 'book', or 'television'. Being immersed with these innovative programs since childhood has allowed for a plethora of outcomes. Firstly, it is providing them with an unbelievable amount of technical knowledge that prior would have taken weeks to learn. Since these tools are being used for such practical purposes, these youngsters are wanting to learn and doing so in the best possible way: trial and error. Somebody discovers something brand new available on Facebook and by word of mouth it spreads like wildfire. A second and equally interesting outcome of their lifetime immersion is the manner in which they think about media.

In the past, news media has had complete control over stories and breaking news. Reporters would arrive on the scene, interviewing those involved, and finally sending the story back to the news agency. People had no other option really but watching news channels and reading newspapers to find out about happenings around the globe. Twitter and Facebook are changing all that.

Take Twitter for example: it has taken out the need for the reporter arriving on a scene because it has essentially made everyone reporters. People communicating events that they witnessed is nothing new; what is new, however, is that the audience is becoming a heck of a lot larger. If I witnessed an event a few years ago, I could pull out my phone and call a select number of people of my choosing to tell about that event. They would probably make a number of calls themselves and it would proliferate that way. However, the numbers were still very small. Twitter changes all that. Say I witness the same event today; I pull out my phone and write about it using Twitter. Everyone who is following me would see what I wrote; since I don't need to approve who follows me, the numbers can be very high. In addition, anyone who has heard that something just happened can go type it into the search box and a number of Tweets by the eyewitnesses will come up. Celebrities are helping this a great deal too. Because they generally attract a large following, if they ReTweet the event, it will be seen by millions instantly. It is quite remarkable how this has been changing the media landscape. Often I find myself going to Twitter for news rather than Google News or the BBC.

Essentially what all of these websites are doing is allowing people to broadcast to the world at virtually no cost. To get on TV or in the movies was and still is a feat that few accomplish. For a long time, the only way to do it was to move to Los Angeles and wait tables while hoping for the big break. Now, however, people broadcast from their living rooms and attract millions of followers. It has exponentially increased the interactions people have on a daily basis.

Increased interactions for everyone, including celebrities. For so long, the public's perceptions and interactions with celebrities stemmed from magazines like People or US Weekly or the television channel E!. Now, however, celebrities are interacting directly with people everyday. We all know how Ashton Kutcher has become a Twitter celebrity, so I will draw it from another source, the sports world. NFL players such as Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals and Chad OchoCinco of the Cincinnati Bengals have started using UStream, which is a way of broadcasting live via Twitter. They interact with fans and take questions, answering for a lengthy amount of time. A few years ago, this would have been unthinkable. The space between celebrities and those who are not is decreasing dramatically because of these social media sites.

I think these ways media has been changing is amazing and I can't wait to see how it continues to shift. What would be interesting and very difficult to measure is how those who have been inundated with these sites since they were very young perceive media. I imagine it would be drastically different than even the generation in their twenties right now.

Someone who is an expert on this who has influenced the way I think about media is Jeff Jarvis, who writes on BuzzMachine. I would highly recommend his blog and the pod cast he is on called This Week in Google.