Dan

As someone living in Greenville, MS, with the river currently cresting at over 64ft today (the highest level since 1927), I'll readily state that this notion of "don't build in a flood plain" is completely asinine. You do realize that the flood plain of the Mississippi River covers millions upon millions of acres of some of the richest farmland in the world. So, no one should live there? The country should abandon it all because it floods? Really? The Army Corps has built levees, yes to protect people and property, but the levees are also built so that this country can have access to some of the richest farmland in the country. Because the development of the Mississippi flood plain from IL to LA is in the best interest of the nation and covers multiple states, why wouldn't the federal government be the responsible party and do exactly what they did... build a levee and flood control system that protects our citizens, our commerce, and our economic development? If you follow the original line of logic further, where would you build/live in this country? The vast majority of this great nation is in a flood zone, earthquake zone, hurricane zone, tornado zone, or some other natural disaster zone. Should we abandon all of those areas and leave the people there to fend for themselves?

It remains to be seen if the steps being taken are steps in the right direction. However, it's undeniable that a lot of steps have been taken in the last 2? years to improve and address problems with this team. Furthermore, most of these steps have been called for by the "negative nancies" on this board forever. So, you'd think attitudes about the team would be improving? The Bills have essentially replaced the entire FO, now. Modrak was the last of the failed decade staff to go. We're purging the roster of the small, too comfortable with losing players from the failed decade (although there's a few more I'd love to see go this summer, eg. Kelsay, McCargo). The new players being brought in (FAs and draftees) are at positions of need. They realized Edwards was in over his head as DC and bought in a significant assistant to help him. They've replaced the uniform of the failed decade with what we all anticipate to be a much desired retro upgrade. Now, it seems we're replacing the turf from the failed decade; perhaps even getting colored end zones back. Quite honestly, that's a lot! It's been done relatively slowly and methodically; but, it has been done. Now, let's hope for it all to translate to success on the field. If it does, then we're clearly heading in the right direction and the overall mood of the fanbase should improve along with it. IMO, last season we did see improved play on the field. It didn't translate to the win column. But, I saw many things that we hadn't seen in years. My biggest concern now is how much will/is the lockout preventing the players and coaches from continuing to build on that modest progress.

You can get DNA from just about any part of the body. Certainly some areas are better for testing than others. Given they had the body, I think it can be a given that they got all the tissue and blood samples needed for an accurate test. From what I read, they compared it to familial DNA samples. So, they're essentially saying, with a high degree of certainty, that this is a brother or son (or father) to whomever they compared the samples to. Taken together with all the other factors - eye witness ID, physical characteristics, known locations of other family members, etc. I'd think you could then conclude an identity pretty accurately.

Yes it is. I routinely perform tests to identify viruses (RNA, not DNA, but same difference). We can process sample in about 3-4 hours. There's also field tests that are somewhat less accurate, but can be preformed in under 2 hours. Certainly this is different test, but DNA samples can be processed quite rapidly given a dedicated lab. My questions would be: What DNA tests were performed and where were they performed? If they've got the right lab set up at the military base in Afghanistan, then its entirely possible for the tests to have been performed in a timely manner.

I very much agree with your comments. I hope you didn't infer from my comment last night that I think the war on terror is over. In no way did I or do I make that assertion. However, this is clearly a significant victory in that war and should be celebrated as such, before we get back to the business at hand. I was working for NYC on 9/11/2011. I was on, under and around the pile for 4 months beginning 9/12/2011. The images and memories from those days and weeks will unfortunately last with me forever. I promised to never forget while saluting the ground zero flag and cross. I have not forgotten. I've waited patiently for this bastard to be brought to justice and I'm just damn glad I was able to see justice done at the end of an American bullet. Politics and bull **** be damned, this is the best news I've heard in a decade. Yes, there's more work to be done. And I have all the trust and belief that our military and intelligence officials will continue doing that work. Just as I'll go on remembering and praying for their speedy and safe success. As an aside: I'm glad he was buried quickly at sea. Put him out of sight with no grave to mark his existence.

OC... you and I have enjoyed sparring back and forth here a little. Thank you for that. And thank you for a post that is spot on.... job very well done by all involved. Let's all tip a drink to those that have sacrificed and worked to get this !@#$er. Saw on the news.... the intelligence that got him started with the detainees and was tracked and verified for about 4-5 years. Amazing to think of all the work that went into this manhunt. Job well done indeed.

For nearly 10 years, I've turned on the news almost every morning hoping to see this deadline. I can't express enough my admiration for ALL the individuals involved in this.

The single most wanted man in the world for nearly 10 years and that the US has openly hunted is dead and you don't expect the US President to comment on it? Seriously?

My guess.... if this were a normal season and you could sign UFA's today; he wouldn't have been drafted. But, given the lockout, the only way they could be assured to get him is with the final pick. Hence, it seems bizarre.

Know McKenzie well... that workout vid was shot in my hometown! I'm all on board this pick!! I hope he's starting this fall. (I'm sure he won't be, I'm not delirious. But I definitely hope the best for him and hope that includes a long productive career in Buffalo!)

Honestly, I could see this reasoning coming back up in 2 or 3 years. Someone is arguing that Nix has done a good job drafting and uses Dareus as an example. Only to have someone fire back... yeah, but he lucked into the pick - he really wanted Newton. So, Nix still will still be bad.... even if he's good. (I'm aware I'm making a huge assumption that Dareus pans out and Newton doesn't.) It's called can't win for losing, and no matter what happens, we have to find the worsts possible angle to focus on. I promise you the day after the Bills win the Super Bowl, someone will be here pissing about how they won and it's not good enough.

Carrington was a 3rd rounder. He and Troup have been used sparingly at best, so it's near impossible to say they've considerably upgraded the D-Line yet. Batten a 6th rounder, Coleman Undrafted, and Merriman who still has a huge question mark as to whether he can even play, let alone play well. Moats, who had an ok rookie year, was also a 6th rounder. That's a lot of late round, unproven, hopeful talent that's starting. Not to mention, who's the depth. And the Oline isn't much better, Wang, Urbik, and whoever we have at RT - all more hopes and wishes than solid play. So, IMO, all these great moves, as you see them, are trying to piece meal a line together and hope it all works out. And, again, that's trying to find quality starters. I really want to get behind this team. Believe me I do. But, the biggest weakness for more than a decade has been poor line play - offensive and defensive. And here we are again, only marginally addressing it while we're filling "holes" in the defensive backfield. Wasn't going into last year all the talk about having one of the best secondaries in the league? What happened? Maybe we can't generate a pass rush? I'm not jumping off any bandwagons. I'm not saying this is the worst draft ever. I'm just saying, that IMO, they're once again missing the mark of what this team's real weaknesses are and addressing holes that they're going to create by not re-signing perfectly decent players. That's pretty much the definition of running in place. Would it be so bad if they addressed the line, TE and LB positions with more than late round, undrafted guys that we hope develop in a few years? I guess so.

Unfortunately, for me, this draft has gone downhill. You're telling me that taking 2 DBs and a now a RB is addressing the holes on this team? We got 2 linemen. That's it. 2. So, Nix apparently thinks both the offensive and defensive lines are pretty well set. I don't get it. Of course, I'll wait till the season, if there even is a season, to start; but for me this draft is looking like more of the same. Picking a bunch of players with little direction or plan to actually build and address true needs. 1 LB. really... 1? oh yeah.... we're set.

You're in college. Someone throws a sex party and invites you as the guests of honor. You're not going to attend? You're a dumb jock trying to get through school to cash in on the NFL... and you're not going to cheat on tests? Someone gives you money for whatever reason... you're not going to take it? Seriously... all while your young and dumb in college. I'm not condoning it.. I'm just saying 99 out of 100 guys would do all of those things. Saying Newton has done it, doesn't necessarily mean he's a horrible person. Now stealing the xbox. That's just rude man. BTW.. not to stray off topic completely. NGU... thanks so much for the information and insight. This is the one pre-draft thread I've been waiting for!! Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Maybe if you're you. But for some of us... it works out quite well.

Gotcha.

I don't get it.... why can't you? You can do all of those things, except grow weed. I know plenty of people that make their own beer, wine, and liquor. Certainly anyone can grown vegetables - organic or pesticide-laden, keep bees and even make their own honey. I don't understand why you think you can't do any of that. You can even sell it! Of course, you have to get the proper business licenses and all that, that entails.. but there's no one stopping you from doing it.

My advice/thoughts: Just be yourself.. whoever that is. If it's a coupon clippin cheapo; then so be it. Why try to be with someone that you have to pretend to be someone else around? It makes no sense to me. Granted you don't want to completely let it all hang out on the first date.. .but it sounds like you're past that point. So, I say take the coupon....

No, I'm not... home network. Good question about the VPN. You'd probably have to get one of your gadget guys to allow access through the VPN, otherwise I'm not sure one of these would work. DropBox is another great way to transfer files between multiple computers; but you'd almost certainly need VPN access for that as well. Plus, it has the added complication that you'd still need the software on the iPad to open the files. That's why I liked the TeamViewer... I was on my laptop computer and had full access to all it's sofware and, of course, when I got home all the files were right there.. no syncing. It takes a little to get used to using a mouse with your finger on the iPad screen... and of course you're slowed down with slow internet feeds. But, I highly recommend giving it a shot if you can get around the VPN.

Agreed. years ago, you'd have places like that review the latest software or computers... and not even a mention of an Apple product. Now... Apple seems to get tons of press and people claim bias. Funny how that works.

Add the LogMe In App ($29.99) or the TeamViewer App (free, with a few limitations - the one I used of course). Either one will give you full control of your laptop over the internet. I recently used it for a short trip, rather than carry my laptop. Wow, is all I can say. I had full access and control of my windows laptop - downloaded Word files, edited them, resent them, the works. I'm not sure I'd want to rely on it for a full week or more, but I was gone 2 days and didn't expect alot of "heavy" computer use. It worked great.

You seem to be implying that, based on their mission statement, the Tea Party is great and good. But, let me ask... can you really find a whole lot wrong with any political party's mission statement? From 2008: US Political Parties. Mission Statements are carefully crafted words that mean very little without the actions behind them. Give me a party that pushes through term limits for all Congressional Representatives and Senators and then you may be on to something; until then its all just nice talk.

That's precisely what this is. Obviously the US and just about every other nation want's the guy gone. But, with all the revolts and protests going on, you can't take sides or else you'll be faced with.. why aren't you helping everyone else out. The US, Europe, NATA, etc. got lucky in this one because Qadaffi is batshit crazy and started spouting off about genocide-type actions. So, it was easy to go in under a Kosova-type premise and do something. We don't have to go into Bahrain and Syria and everywhere else because those guys aren't threatening to kill everyone (although that's not saying they won't). Not to mention, the last thing we need to do is start going into this or any muslim country and start asserting ourselves into their revolutions. Again, Qadaffi made this one a relatively easy call. IMO, Obama and NATO are placing a huge bet. That if they do a few targeted air strikes, they can stop Qadaffi's army enough for the rebels to take control. If it works, great, and all breath a sigh of relief. They got rid of the guy with minimal effort and cost. If it doesn't and Qadaffi's forces regroup and start kicking the rebels asses... then it'll turn into a huge cluster!@#$. I reckon we'll know in a few months.

"Amazing you see no difference between not taking and giving." I just got it! Seriously. My brain was completely mis-firing. Yes, I very much know and understand the difference in the two. But what I'm suggesting is that in this instance the bailouts accomplished the same goal as a tremendously large tax rebate. It gave several large corporations a ton of cash to pump themselves up and thereby the economy. I'm not suggesting that our economic structure be set up to rely on bailouts. I'm not saying that corporate taxes should be raised. I'm just saying we gave these businesses a ton of money and that money is not trickling down as many predicted/expected/hoped and now we want to elect a different set of politicians because somehow they'll know how to get these businesses hiring again as opposed to opening up factories in Chinia. That's pretty much it.

It's been bad. I agree. I'll be in Columbus tomorrow to get things "started" and it's been no warmer there still I gotta start making the rounds. But, the cold won't/shouldn't really affect the bugs too much. Unfortunately for you (fortunately for me) they're well adapted to survive long, cold winters. In fact, all the snow melting (add in the spring rains) and flooding all the river plains will probably lead to a higher than normal crop of spring mosquitoes. So, if I had to bet, when the weather does finally warm.. it'll be pretty bad pretty quick.