MattPie

The next "handbook" will be called "terms of contract employment". I don't love it because of the chances of abuse, but a company (the Bills) has the right to put terms into the contract a contractor signs. In a more normal job they'd be things like "showing up to work for these hours", a dress (and possibly appearance) code, etc. And it's up to the contractor to decide if the contract terms are acceptable. I don't like it, but it's the way many businesses work these days to avoid the entanglements of actual "employees".

In a world where "ur" is an acceptable substitute for "your", this surprises u? Pet theory: people that can't figure out your/you're/yore use "ur" because you can't screw it up; but I just assume they're morons anyway. BTW, the "u" above is intentional and meant in a humorous manner. The only time "u" made any sense was in the 12-key phone era, and even then it's questionable.

I have friends that do (or have done) low-level motorsports racing. They all like to say, "I'm a professional (car/rally/motorcycle) racer, in my career I've made hundreds of dollars". A very similar (and much better) example are bands that do bar-gigs. People pay covers, buy drinks, and some come to see those people play, but the band gets a very small cut (if any!) of the total revenue for the night. I hate to say it, but it's a choice. Continuing on the musician theme, I could be a house musician at a fancy club or bar in my spare time (think piano bar or strings). While I don't think they'd mention how to wash my wedding tackle (unless I was really rank), they'd certainly have requirements on how I dress and my grooming. All for (probably) crappy money. In a perfect world, sure. But it's supply and demand, there are plenty of cheerleaders that will work for the low wages, why pay more?

Perhaps it makes the draft slightly more predictable. If every player that's 18-19 was pulled into the AHL, it'd be a lot more difficult to judge the remaining 17 year olds. If Reinhart/McDavid/Bennent/etc. are tearing it up playing against guys that are 1-2 years older than them, you know they're something. If they're just playing against other 17 year olds, it's a tougher call. Most places won't let you rent a car until you're 25.

I'm the answer to a question no one has asked!

:) I'd have rather bought a WRX and motorcycle rather than just the STi.

I miss my silver Subaru, but the slate looks so good when it's clean. It shows the scratches a bit more than I'd like though. I've had good luck with Subarus. I'm having a bit a rust (underside, not the body) on the 2005 Outback, but that car lived up near Hunters Creek park until last year, so that's almost to be expected.

I considered that, but gave up meat instead. Beer would have been much more difficult. That being said, Pasquale's pizza (with pepperoni) and wings were really difficult to resist on Saturday, but I did.

42, since I'm THE ANSWER. If it's a 3-digit:

I'm going to nit pick, but it should be "was recently involved". The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10) were passed shortly after the Constitution was ratified in 1789. There's a lot of wiggle room in "Well-regulated militia", and it's a different world where a musket or rifle was essentially top-level military hardware and the situation now with weapons systems. I still don't know where I come down, but it's neither "no guns" or "I want any gun I feel like". The tough part about guns is they serve one purpose: putting various sized holes in things. And some people use them to put holes in other people. Boating (for example) can also kill people, but boats have uses other than putting holes in things.

Who do you think you are, the president of Burundi?

Field trip? http://www.aaftankmuseum.com/

Only if she floats. (Loving the MP lately)

Anyone know of a good place in Corning? I won't get to Buffalo until too late, but I could grab one to go in Corning on the way through.

But Islip, NY was going to add a team to replace the Islanders once they move!

Call the office, and complain. Then, call the companies corporate office and complain that one of their branches is using deceptive practices. Then, if nothing works, call two on your side. :(

Perch? Cornmeal?

And the Flyers a couple years before that.

Well, at least the country's (Poland, etc.) consent.

I believe the idea is called "not mortgaging the future for minimal success next season". It's all a balance. TM could probably: - Trade pick #2 for a top-6 wing on the last year of his contract - Trade Girgensons and a pick for something similar - Package Ehrhoff and a pick for yet another top-6 forward at the end of a contract - Throw a ton of money at Callahan and Ott - Hang on to Stafford (based on the end of this season) and let him walk as a UFA Would the team be better next season? Yes, maybe even in the Wildcard hunt if the young D play well. Would the team be better the seasons after that? Absolutely not. The Sabres are in a position of weakness, especially in terms of UFAs. They could start trading in assets, but that's unlikely to help in the long run. There's only two ways out of the basement: trades and time. I'll take time, since the trade route would seem less likely to bring the real result we're all looking for.

Steve Y: 4th overall. Lindstrom: 58th. Take from that what you will. I'm really hoping most of those are sarcastic, but hoping doesn't make it so.

Two problems: We may not be sure we have St Louis' 1st by June 1st when NYI needs to decide, and we'll look pretty silly if we give away a 1st round pick just to have the Islanders turn out to be terrible next year.

6 years? Amateurs! :) My wife and I first met in 6th grade homeroom. We were only acquaintances through high school, didn't see each other for 15 years, then got together 4 years ago, married last year, kid coming in August. We're telling people our daughter will be "Starshine Bottlerocket" when they ask. Or "ApplePie".

RIP THE SYSTEM!

I forget the exact quote, but someone asked about winning the draft lottery, and TM(?) said, "well, I want to win something around here."