Thwomp!

Another great post. You've obviously studied this. I should, but I can foresee it causing a large amount of anger which I don't need, especially added to all the current storms in my life. The last sentence of the 2nd to last paragraph hit close to home in my mind. Answer to the very last sentence: more socialism!!!! :P

Great post. 100% agree. I'm a religious outsider, so I view all religions the same. When you look at it like that you'll see that there are far more similarities than differences between religions and how they operate. I don't see fanatics of any persuasion caring about that. Part of their fight is against their own mainstream religion. It would likely be a badge of honor.

I read those. They helped bring us to where we are now. I am also going to demand that Christian religious leaders prove that their religion is peaceful the next time a Christian commits mass murder and terrorism based on a warped view of that religion.

Understood. Your definition of group is much larger than mine. And in addition to the double standard issue I see, why do you think that mainstream religious leaders and what they say will have any effect on fanatics who aren't in the mainstream to begin with?

I would hope so but based on media, politics, real life discussions, and statements in this thread that originally brought me to this discussion, I don't believe this to be the reality.

I would agree that it seems that way. Whether it's a fact or not I'm not sure about. It also doesn't change my main argument of mass blaming based on the fanaticism of a few.

I'll agree with the dismantling of the Big East. Unfortunately Syracuse had to jump when they did or risk getting left behind like UConn or Cincinnati did. And the ACC is a basketball monster that I'm glad Syracuse is a part of. I do however think that college basketball competitively and parity wise is better than ever. I enjoy it more than most other sports these days as far as watchability, so I disagree there.

There's plenty of fanaticism to go around for many religions. The mass blame is primarily directed at one, however. And personal and political reactions are quite different based on religion including to the examples you provided,so I disagree to that equivalence argument.

This year's run is an unexpected bonus for the future of Syracuse basketball. They've got some young guys playing key roles under tournament pressure. I'm really excited about next year. They will lose Gbinije (sadly) and Cooney (hooray!), but bring back everyone else and be battle tested a bit. They are also adding a 7'2" center transfer from Providence and two really good looking prospects. One stolen from Ohio State's front yard here in Columbus, which is enjoyable for me personally. And they still have a spot open and will add someone else. I'm enjoying this run knowing that they've overachieved and certainly not expecting a championship or even a final four, but you never know I guess. Next year is the true excitement for me. Can't wait already!

Thanks for all the snark about the crusades. Yes that was bad but I'm talking about recent and modern times. Abortion doctors and clinic mass shootings. One very recent in Colorado, with a stated Christian motive. Perceived liberal churches targeted such as Charleston, SC and Knoxville Tennessee. The KKK has operated in America for a very long time under a Christian banner, yet all Christians are not blamed for the KKK's actions. That is the equivalent to the extreme Muslim religious element. My question is why are these actions talked about differently and why the blame put on an entire religion? Why the double standard? We're not and never have dropped bombs on Christians and passed/proposed laws against Christians because of the actions of Christian extremists.

I always love this argument and double standard. Why aren't Christian religious leaders criticized for not waging holy war against those that belong to their religion and perpetrate acts of terrorism and murder? Essentially, there are nuts in every group. It doesn't mean the rest of the group is complicit in the nut's actions.

Meanwhile, in non-Buffalo playoff news (There's sadly never any Buffalo playoff news): The San Antonio Spurs clinched their 19th straight playoff berth, with 5 championships during that time. The 2nd longest current streak is Atlanta at 8 straight. The Detroit Red Wings are up by 6 points in an effort to clinch their 25th (!) straight playoff berth, with 4 championships during that time. The 2nd longest current streak is Pittsburgh at 9 straight, which is in more jeopardy that Detroit's streak at this point. I cannot even comprehend that level of prosperity for one of my sports teams, yet there's cities that currently have had it for multiple decades now. Simply astounding and amazing to me.

Completely disagree. He's had more chances than anyone on the team to be an effective player and he hasn't produced enough. Yes, he's in a group of 4 players at the top of goals scored, but consider: He's tied for 9th in assists behind players such as Moulson and Bogosian He's 5th in points All while getting the 2nd most forward minutes per game on the team and having the 2nd biggest cap hit on the team. He can't play with either of our top 2 centers or their production sharply declines to virtually nothing. He has under produced considering the opportunities he's been given and the skills he has (which I agree he has) but has been rarely able to capitalize on those skills throughout his career. He's another in a long line of athletes across all sports who have immense skill but for some reason just can't put it together consistently and never reach their potential. And he's all ours! I'd like to believe that, but is there (1) Anyone who would trade that for Kane? His trade value has certainly declined since the ransom we paid to get him. (2) any chance Murray would trade him? I've seen no signs that Murray, like the vast majority of this board, see through "the concept" yet.

The Dark Tower series starts out as this, but becomes much, much more over 8 books. I'm reading "The Gunslinger" for the 3rd time currently. It's the best series of books I've ever read. I can't wait for the movie next year. I heard the movie series may start with the 4th book, "Wizard and Glass" since that is actually the book that takes place the earliest in Roland's (the Gunslinger) life, which would be awesome since that's my favorite book in the series.

Good to see that the bunker salesman visited someone else too and made them an offer they couldn't refuse. My bunker has been built since early December, cemented fully by the Kings game. Mine includes both the Kane and Bogo model, though. Nice neighborhood. I see it's becoming more and more occupied as the season goes on and we have a chance to evaluate our "concepts".

This is the cycle of Buffalo sports (and Russ Brandon's signature :ph34r: ). I've hated Bylsma longer than most, but firing or putting Bylsma on the hot seat creates a narrative, a marketing campaign, and puts gullible fannies in the seats. The Bills have been doing this for years and the Sabres are trending that way. Lots of promises of improvement and that things are different/better now, few or no positive results, scapegoats, new narrative complete with perceived "big splashes", lots of new promises of improvement and that things are different/better now. Rinse, repeat, recycle.

Glad we could agree on the rest. Good to find common ground.

This is demonstrably false. We're going to hang our hats on Jerry Hughes, the personal foul machine? The same Jerry Hughes who also had 5 sacks last year, same as Mario, in the same awesome scheme that the Bills are doubling down on for next year? The same Jerry Hughes who rushes 15 yards straight past the QB and takes himself out of the play 90% of the time? Not only that, but now Rob Ryan is the assistant head coach/defense? I wish I still had any desire to post/visit here because the avatar bet I made with Blue is the easiest win of a bet I'll ever have. And don't even mention Dareus and his play this year in Rex's scheme and conveniently after he "got paid". Williams thrived in Buffalo for 3/4 of the defensive coordinators he had in Buffalo, including the legendary 'stache. He also thrived for 2/3 of the head coaches he had in Buffalo, the legendary field generals Gailey and Marone. I'd say the problem is the 1/4 and the 1/3 in each case. Just playing the obvious odds on this one...

Later boys. I don't need to have my fandom questioned by people who can't seem to think critically even a little bit and are way too sensitive. Enjoy your little enclave. I give. Murray is great! He's made no mistakes. Everything is fine. Bylsma (Murray's hire) is awesome. We are killing the Jets trade and all the others. I'm now drinking the Kool-Aid. Terry's sports ventures are going swimmingly. I used to scoff at the "group think" allegations. Not anymore.

Just a comment. You and others seem a bit touchy about that big trade. Oh well.

Ouch! I felt that when Kane was plowed into the crossbar by Stafford.

Armia not looking out of place and put a really solid hit on Bogosian.

Hoping Kane's reconstructed shoulder was reconstructed really really well. He's going to be ground burger after this one. At least his teammates are helping him out and backing him up. :unsure:

Kane's getting drilled every shift. This is very personal. Doesn't seem to be dishing any out. Maybe because he doesn't know where the next one's coming from?

His "concept" is spectacular.