thurst44

That's actually one of the classiest things I've read about him on this board

I couldn't agree more. From 90-95 they were emotionally draining for a day, but the rest of the season they were monsters and so much fun to root for. I'm still thankful those were my UB years (grew up in NYC, family from Buffalo). First game at the stadium was the 51-3 game against the Raiders. My uncle surprised the family with tickets. What a rush. So, yeah, if op is referring to those years as tough, he's probably right to tamp down his fandom. Not meaning to be mean (seems a nice human being), but if you can't appreciate those years, being a fan will never make you happy.

My ex has a pit bull and he's the sweetest creature you'll ever meet. He does tricks, brings pillows, and curls up with us at night. I assure you I will weep like a little baby when it's finally his time to go and would summon a strength I never knew should anyone ever do anything to hurt him. Humans will attack innocent people...including children...as always, it's almost all about how they are raised. As for your point about Vick. It's not about giving him a break. He already got a pretty huge break. He's among non-sociopaths (maybe other non-sociopaths, but i have my doubts there), got to return to his old job where he's making millions of dollars and getting fawning national stories written about him to feel his ego. For most people, this is not about whether he deserves to be back in the NFL or deserves a second chance (i have zero qualms about that). I agree. He does. But we don't have to like him, or root for him, or not become pissed when we're reminded what he did when an otherwise pretty darn good columnist decides to make a feel-good story as if he overcame alcohol or drug abuse or something.

The HBB used to meet at the Shannon on 1st St, but just e-mailed the person who runs it and he says they have moved down the block to a place called the Northern Soul. While it's a rather small bunch (i actually live in Manhattan, but went out there because McFaddens, et al, are just too crowded...which is a beautiful thing, but can be irritating if you don't like a packed pub), they're good people and hearty Bills fans. I'm going to watch most games there. (btw, i've always gone to respond to things in a flush, then said, do i really want this to be my first ever post...figure this is a good reason to write something...GO BILLS!)