Buftex

In all fairness, he has barely been healthy since 2004. Seemed like he was prepetually rushing back from an injury, and nursing some tear or strain or another... I am not clamoring for them to sign him, but if he was healthy, honeslty, could he be any worse than the options we have now?

That must really kill you!

To a degree...but how many records did the Velvet Underground sell, when they were still a band?

Nashville doesn't define what country music is, any more than Hollywood defines what great movies are....there are plenty of great country artists out there today, contemporary artists, that you will never see on the Grammys; their songs won't be (over) sung on X-Factor, they won't have tours sponsored by Wrangler...but their music is every bit as relevant...and timely...

But you know what, if Cash hadn't been given a hard time, way back, it likely would have made his "resurecction" in the 1990's either irrelevant, or non-existent. It put in stone, his image as a maverick, and kept him relevant. He always had a certain hipness....people the likes of Dylan and Kris Kristofferson, among others, always held him in high esteem...his mainstream country candle might have flickered a bit in the 70's, but it always burned with rock-n'rollers. Your Dixie Chicks example is probably a better example of everything we are talking about. I have a personal anecdote...a good friend of mine wrote the song "Traveling Soldier". It set a billboard record (which still stands, I believe) for the fastest song to fall from #1 on the charts (country charts) to completely off the charts...all in one week. The week it hit #1, Bruce was pretty proud, only to have the **** hit the fans over Maines statements about the president....the band/the song, just disappeared from the pop-country world in a matter of weeks, as if they never happened. As a result, the band has kind of faded. Manies has her solo career going, and the Court Yard Hounds (Emily Robison and Marti Maguire) are carrying on...but they will never sell records like they did as the Dixie Chicks. Their music isn't really rock, and it isn't really country...just sort of middle of the road...looking for an audience. I suspect, in a few more years, realizing this, and the passing of time fading out the reasons for the back-lash, they will re-form and do pretty well. Its' a pity, because of all the mega-acts that country music has had over the years, beyond all the "chick-power" marketing, they are a very talented bunch of ladies. Their string of albums were pretty strong, not full of the filler that most Nasville country acts toss out, once or twice a year. Emily and Marty are both top-notch musicians, and Maines is a pretty fine singer. Talent always rises...eventually.

Honestly, when people say they "hate" country music, it normally is an indication that they don't really understand the difference between country music and the country music industry. It is usually a red flag to me that there isn't much point in trying to discuss it with them... Pooj. I know you love music (one of the things I like about you, sincerely!), but it mystifies me that you could be a Dead fan, and say you don't like country music, or have "zero space" for it. If you like the Dead, you do like country music and you are making space for it, you just don't recognize it as country music, because their music was never marketed that way. I would contend the Dead are more a real country band than anyone who is passed off as country music today...you know those artists you see on the awards shows. I think most people with a more than surface knowledge of music, and the music industry, would understand this. I think Petty is talking about what is marketed as country music, and sold as country music. I agree with Petty (terribly overrated in his own right), if indeed that is what he means. Most of the really popular, "unit selling" acts that represent country music really are just doing soft rock, that isn't particularly good. What most of these people possess (and a large part of their appeal) is a look, and, normally, a pretty good singing voice. These aesthetics (looks, voice) are what make the industry run. If not, then he doesn't know wtf he is talking about either. That would be like somebody saying they hate rock-n'roll because Matchbox 20, Nickelback, Maroon 5 and all those "rock" bands (you know, the ones that sell **** tons of records) are rock-n' roll, and we all know those bands suck....so rock n'roll music must suck too! Right? Pooj, you did your time in music retail, you know that what is popular, what sells the most units, what wins all the awards from "the industry" is not necessarily the best, or the most authentic...it is what appeals to the masses, who don't really delve too deep past the radio, or the awards shows...who are easily influenced by appearances.... now, why would "country music" be any different than any other genre? The commercial country music industry is just that....it is a big business that knows how to chase money and it is catering to a very specific element of music fans...but certainly not all music fans, or all real country music fans. Does Deer Tick suck, because Maroon 5 sucks? That is the logic being applied here. "Country music" is as broad, and encompasses as many different styles and tastes, within the genre, as any other kind of music. Petty, I think, is talking about "popular country", which is just a commercial term. You are right PTR. Part of what sustains the country music industry is that once you have a hit, and if you are willing to tour, you have a career for life. Country fans are extremely loyal, and don't tend to cast aside artists as easily as other genres. If the "artist" (a term I use loosely) is willing to work hard, they can always draw a paycheck, even if their last hit was decades ago. Ray Price, at 87, still sells out 3,000 set venues, and he hasn't had a hit record since about 1972. People like Sheryl Crow (the female Tom Petty?) get this. She is marginally talented, nice to look at, recognizable, but can't sell records as a rock artist any more, so she is now a "country" artist...her new album looks like it could be a Kerry Underwood album, and it is being marketed that way. She shows up on all the country awards shows (there are tons of them) singing duets with the flavor of the day, cuz she is trying to sustain a career... btw- there is an excellent documentary (currently being re-run on Showtime) about the Eagles. I am not the worlds biggest Eagles fan, mind you (though I don't hate them like some) but a lot of what they struggled with, artistically, was trying to bridge this gap between what is considered country, and what is considered rock. Pretty interesting. I really enjoyed it, seeing old footage of Linda Ronstadt and the other California country/rock straddlers. I will say, on a side-note, Henley and Felder are both pretty full of themselves, it seems. Neither comes off particularly well, IMO, even though this was their project.

Chiefs were awfully injury ravaged last season... they did have a fair amount of talent...but their QB sucked...I also wonder if they didn't get into that "playing not to win" thing that seems to be the trend as of late. I am not saying they would have won 10 games without the injuries, but the awful coaching of Romeo Crennel (sp?) led them to 8-8 the year before.

Not to sound cliche, but does this game say more about how good the Cheifs/Andy Reid are, or about how much the Eagles suck, again? I love the fact that "air Andy" Reid has his team grind it out, kill tons of time on the clock, while Chip Kelly tries to run his fatally flawed offense, at all costs. I am really enjoying seeing Chip Kelly and his merry band of perennial underachievers stink it up. They have way too much offensive talent to be struggling like they are... bad coahcing, IMO! Even Andy Reid, despite his pass happy tendencies seems to realize, you play to the strengths of your talent, not make them do something they can't do. I prefer to think of it as a commentary on the Eagles/Chip Kelly...neither of whom I can stand...if I could have all those minutes back from this past summer that I listened to/watched reports on the Eagles and Jets, I could have added a few weeks to my summer....

If I am not mistaken, there was a Journey song playing (can't remember which one) in the backround of one of the scenes from last weeks' episode. I know Gilligan was a big Sops fan...so you never know....

Buff, I respect your football opinions, but I have to respectfully disagree with you here. The Colts are not a great defensive team, and they have some O-line problems, but adding Richardson is certainly going to help them, this year, and for years to come, IMO. I think he is a pretty special talent, on a bad team. His presence is going to make Luck that much better...I think they are pretty stocked on offense. I also happen to think the Texans are a bit overrated..I think this trade makes it possible for the Colts to give them a run for the division title, or, a wild-card spot. IMO, this a great trade for the Colts...and not so much for the Browns, unless they hit it out of the park on draft day, in 2014. They really don't need to tank the season, even with Richardson, in order to get their own high first round pick (the Browns can lose with anyone), so what? They will get the Colts first rounder, likely somewhere in the 20-32 range? They couldn't have gotten that after the season? btw- if you own Richardson in FF, I would think you would be thrilled with this trade!

Bill, I am sorry, the Jauron thing was my attempt at humor... he isn't really going back to Cleveland, at least not as far as I know. I know a few Browns fans, and I can totally empathize with their plight...I am sure they will be devastated by this trade. It seems like they are in the perenial "do-over" cycle, not unlike our Bills have been...it is just hard for good fans to get too excited about a team that is, seemingly telling their fan base, year after year, "we will suck, again, this year, but just wait until next year..." What a downer for these fans...two weeks into the regular season, and they are already having to prime themselves for the April 2014 draft...

Apparently, the Browns scheme does not really put an emphasis on winning games, or fielding competitive teams. Rumor has it that they have re-hired their former DC, and modern architect of bland football, Dick Jauron as a special consultant. Jauron, is often credited for coaching some of the least interesting football teams of the current century, and there is a feeling that Juaron, though inching up there in age, still has his finger on the pulse of what it takes, in this day and age to suck, year after year.

I feel kind of bad for Browns fans...just a tad. And, somehow, the Colts come up smelling like a rose again! The Colts are very viable again..that didn't take long did it?

Yeah, I think you are on to something there...

AJ- you want good, quality shows...you should check out "Rectify" (from the producers of "Breaking Bad" on Sundance Channel) and "Boardwalk Empire" on HBO. Both shows are really excellent. Great writing, acting, etc etc...neither is as face paced as "Breaking Bad", so you aren't always trying to catch your breath..but great story telling none the less...and neither will insult your intelligence....I have the same issue as you (BB is your gauge for all other thinge, for me it is "The Sopranos"), so I am normally pretty select about what I will devote my time to. I watch "Dexter" and "The Walking Dead". mainly because my gf likes them, and I think, conceptually, both are interesting. I wish both of them were a whole lot better...I may be the only person (maybe Pete too) who loves "Treme" on HBO....comes back in December, after Boardwalk is over.

Ha..ha..was just gonna post this, in response to Past Joe...but you beat me to it...great article from the New Yorker: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2013/09/last-nights-breaking-bad-that-mindbending-phone-call.html?utm_source=tny&utm_campaign=generalsocial&utm_medium=facebook

Yes, I think you got it...my ears are old...upon first listen, I thought he said something about "!@#$ing a white girl"...I am glad it wasn't that.... Either way, it didn't seem like Andre was too upset over it, he was kind of chuckling, it looked like. Not sure what DeHavens issue was... Steve Smith is, as they say in hockey all the time, one of those guys you can't stand, unless he is on your team. He is a cockey sob, but he is pretty tough, and pretty talented. Leodis handled him very well yesterday..I am sure it was all just frustration on Smiths' part.

Yeah, she is the problem!

Not obessessing over Bryan Cranstons pants, but I noticed a few times in the last few episodes where Walt is wearing his tan pants, and then darker pants in the next scene...and then back to tan. I was going to mention it, but figured it was too silly to bring up. I was wondering, being as meticulous as the show was, how they could have continuity issues like that, unless there was a specific reason for it. I noticed it a few episodes back...though I wasn't exactly sure if they were implying that enough time had passed in the event of things, that Walt would have changed. I agree...I don't think Jesse will make it. I think, on some sense, that it is what fans would like to see happen (most have come to like Jesse, and he is certainly more sympathetic than Walt..he has sort of become the de-facto "good-guy"), but I don't get the sense that Giligan and co. are going to spare us, or give us a "Hollywood ending". The lesson will be, "crime, in fact, does not pay...it just ruins a bunch of lives"

Funny...sadly, at our Bills Backer bar in Austin, our group has been usurped by a Bears group. The Bears fan were given our old room, and we were moved to the outside patio...if you have ever been in Austin from about March to October, you know it is miserably hot..not a good set up. Our problem over the years is that our group would fill the place up on Sundays in September and October, but as the season wares on, and the losses have piled up, our group goes from about 60, down to about 15-20 by the end of the season. They made a business decision...we all get it, but still not happy about it. We are moving to another venue next week, but this past week, our last at our old home, we packed the patio, and the place was loud and raucous after the win...the Bears fans inside were pretty tame (there weren't that many...but to be fair, the signal for their game was lost for a good part of the afternoon), though they were embroiled in a nail-biter against a divisional foe...it was a good day to be a Bills fan...

No telling what Walt will do, it seems. However, I just can't see what they point of him going after the AB would be at this point...he knows his wife and kids are going to be under the eyes of law enforcement...he can't go and kill a bunch of AB guys, steal his 70 million back, and give it to his family. He can't, out of remorse, try to pay Marie off... Unless he just simply wants revenge, plain and simple, it just doesn't make sense. Of course that doesn't mean it won't happen.. We know Walt does not take kindly to being "disrespeceted" or taken advantage of (the AB guys pretty much mentally raped him in the desert), so revenge could be it. But normally, when Walt does something, it is to prevent one thing or another, from happening. He is nornally one step ahead of everyone. So, going after the AB guys, for me, just doesn't make that much sense...it would only make things worse for his family. And, from the phone call to Sklar, it is pretty obvious that he is still thinking of his family, and trying to minimize, as much as possible, the damage to them. He was trying to get Skylar off the hook, knowing the police were listening.

This is more the issue. Guys are required to "model" (if you will) certain NFL apparrell every week. Remember a few years ago when Jack Del Rio and Mike Nolan wanted to wear a suit on the sideline to honor (IIRC) a coach that they were linked to, over the years, who had passed away. The NFL made a huge issue of it..they could not wear suits on the sideline, unless they were designed by Nike (or whoever was liscenced to do NFL apparel at the time)...so they ended up wearing these kind of hybird dress suit/sweat suits... I also remember Dan Reeves, always one of the more dignified gentlemen of the NFL, being forced to stop wearing suits on the sidelines (something had always done, like his coach Tom Landry) in favor of NFL liscenced togs. Its' the NFL, virtually everything is liscenced, purchased and sold. I may be wrong, but I dont' think the NFL requires that players wear suits after the game...I think that is up to the player, but notice Stevie still has to wear his NFL apparrel...his hat.

Who cares?

Apparently not....

I said, in another thread, I watched about 4 USC games over the summer, that were re-run on the Big 12 network...having never really seen a lot of Woods before, I was watching to see him specifically. I was blown away by how physical the kid was. He really likes contact, and seems to enjoy blocking and, in general, mixing it up with opponents...he plays with an attitude we haven't seen from any Bills receivers in some time. Though, I realize, he is a bit lighter, and his NFL career is just starting, at the time I kept thinking he reminded me a bit of Anquan Boldin. In my book, that is a great thing...I hope it translates to the pro game....he was overshadowed a bit, at USC, by Marquise Lee (more of a speed-burner) but Woods could not only catch the ball in traffic, but he was involved in nearly every play he was on the field, whether touching the ball or not...I think we are in for good things with him! Very good things...like what I am seeing of him in the NFL so far...