SinceThe70s

Two more notes and then I'll leave you guys alone until late March. I'm kicking myself for leaving Clark Gillies off the list of guys that played for the Islanders and Sabres. He was my favorite Islander during the Cup years. When Uwe Krupp was down here the newspapers ran stories when he'd run his sled dogs in the streets after a snow storm. Now go out and crush the Rangers tomorrow night. But watch out for Zibanejad, he's been hot as hell lately.

Hey Blue, I get your point, but are you referring to Steve Garvey? Granted I was young, but I don't recall hm being a poor fielder at all. The knock on him was being a right handed first baseman. That Dodger infield with Lopes, Russell and the Penguin was completely solid (albeit not spectacular) across the board. Regardless, I was just relaying what I heard. I'll reserve judgement on Alonso until I actually see him play.

Good call. It all started with Kevin Mitchell, the "bad influence" on Dwight and Darryl. For my teams it's: Mets: Tom Seaver Bills: O.J. Islanders: John Tavares (because it broke my kids heart)

Oops, my bad, thanks!

Not a good overall sign when my first thought was "Oh good, Dom didn't show up fat!" I'm not counting on him either, but as long as he's a Met I'll hope for the best. And that might mean boosting his value so we can get more in a trade. While we're on first baseman, yesterday I was listening to Mike Francesa on WFAN and he said someone he couldn't reveal told him that Alonso projects as a no-doubt, bonafide MLB power hitter but a butcher at first base. It's well known that Mike and Omar Minaya are good friends. Mike also likes to tweak the Mets every chance he gets so take it for what it's worth.

I'm in Suffolk too. Took a while to remember to bring the re-usable bags to the grocery store, but not really a big deal. Until the chemical engineers come up with a better solution I think it's a worthwhile attempt to reduce plastics.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I only became aware of Lehner's back story recently. Read his article on the Athletic, Jesus. Best part was how the Sabres GM Jason Botterill kept in contact with Lehner. Barzal to the Sabres? The teams have exchanged some decent players over the years: Peca, LaFontaine, Turgeon, Vanek (did nothing for us), Okposo, Moulson, Krupp. Fun Fact I: on the last day of the 89-90 season Krupp scored an overtime goal against the Penguins. Just before that, the Islanders had won at home and they put the Sabres/Pens game on the scoreboard. The Krupp goal eliminated the Pens and put the Isles in the playoffs. Fun Fact II: Jason Botterill's wife Jennifer does in-game analysis for the Islanders.

As an Islander fan I've been lurking on this thread the past few days. First of all, congrats on the win last night, Islanders were out-played. But I gotta disagree with you that "this time of year" is just a tired cliche with no validity. Just a few weeks ago when the Islanders were in the middle of a hot streak, Trotz took the Islanders down a peg saying that the team needed to ramp up the intensity in the upcoming weeks and they couldn't make a playoff run at the intensity level they were playing at. He made his statement on January 15 after the Islanders had won 9 of 11 games. BTW, how do you guys like Okposo? He was a favorite of mine from his rookie year. Although I always wanted to see him score more, I was disappointed when he moved on.

County law since the beginning of last year. I don't think the neighboring county is doing it yet. Pretty much all stores too.

Anyone else paying for their plastic bags yet? Last year they started charging us a nickel a bag. First time I came across the bag charge was in San Fran a few years ago, not sure how widespread it's become.

I saw a few clips of Mets warming up today. Dominic Smith looks like he showed up in shape. I think he has a shot at making the opening day roster. Mets will want to hold back Alonso for a few weeks so they can retain an extra year of contract control. Saw TJ Rivera too, forgot about him. His right handed bat could be useful at some point during the season.

How does this relate to you, the wifey and AAF? I'll hang up and listen.

Maybe I'm cynical but my assumption was that the whole purpose of the league was to make money. Which might happen, but probably won't. I never once thought the purpose was to generate more QBs. Was that stated somewhere as the specific purpose of the league or just conjecture on your part?

Yeah but we're out of that 4-7 PM Sunday window. I'm not saying the AAF is a slam dunk and I do expect the ratings to plummet after this week. But they may be able to ride the coattails of NFL late Sunday afternoon for long enough to remain viable.

The NFL owns TV on Sundays from 4-7 PM but walks away from it after the Super Bowl. The AAF is trying to fill that void until late April. It's a smart play even if ratings drop as the season progresses.

I know it's not Sabres, but anyone catch the video of James Neal's teeth? https://nypost.com/2019/02/10/the-gross-moment-nhlers-teeth-come-flying-out/

Wasn't aware of that, playing nice with the NFL with regard to eligibility. Smart move. Time will tell whether the league succeeds but it's an interesting niche they're trying to carve out and they have some credibility with regard to the coaching staff and league representation. I watched a game last night and had it on today. The NFL benefits from some of the AAF experiments. Having the replay officials on air is risky. I saw a great example last night where the official talked through what he was seeing and an awful one today. There was also a fantastic camera angle for a punt last night (maybe from a drone?) where you could see where it was going out of bounds. But I'm not a fan of eliminating kickoffs and the extra point.

Kinky sex. Big Foot. Have we confirmed that Rex Ryan wasn't involved?

What's the big deal? If I'm out stalking bear and come across Sasquatch there's really only one option: shoot the sum b!tch. Sasquatch in flagrante delicto? Might need video for my youtube channel before I off 'em both.

No kidding! If you'll excuse me, I need to bump the TIL thread.

On topic: 8 months after the thread started and Abbey Road is still my favorite Beatles album. Off topic: if I had to choose between a world without the Beatles or a world without the Stones I would never have heard "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)".

That used to be my MO. Wife and kids in bed, I'd break out the headphones, DVD and a large drink or three. Wifey got it and actually bought me expensive headphones that I wouldn't have sprung for. I have a Jane's Addiction DVD from a Halloween show in New Orleans that was a go to but haven't watched for quite a while. That's about to change.

This is a bit LAMPish but some intersections in my life with the two posts above: First and only time time I saw The Who was around 1982 in the Syracuse Carrier Dome. Sat top row, pretty sure it was row ZZ. It was the first of many farewell tours for The Who. Keith Moon was long gone. First and only time (before tonight) I had heard of Rockpalast was a video of Porcupine Tree playing Futile (below). I saw one of the bands last performances at Radio City. The drummer, Gavin Harrison, is the second best I've ever seen live. Best drummer I ever saw live was Neil Peart. First and only time I saw him was at the Syracuse Carrier Dome circa 1983-1984. Unlike the Who concert we were 2nd or 3rd row center. Only two shows I ever saw at Syracuse, crappiest seats I've had for a concert and best seats I've had for an arena concert.

If there was a favorite Stones album poll Exile would have at least two votes. The album, not the lock master.

Hate to admit it but I thought the same thing. Still a fun watch. Much more enjoyable than the 3+ hours I spent watching football last Sunday.