35Pete
September 9th, 2007, 6:44:18 AM
The Season Opener Interview
Pete: So anEin, how'd you find the Range? How often are you here? What's your take?
anEin: I remember after leaving Buffalo I was wandering through a wilderness of crappy Bills news for a year or so before I finally found the BillsInsider, still the best spot for collected news (though the original bits are the reason it's great). I was looking for a forum to talk some crap, because the one-way nature of sports shows (including radio) just doesn't cut it (that and I'm on a damn computer for 8+ hours a day).
I remember jumping right in on Hardcore because that's what I was here for, but the absolute warfare in PRS got my attention but kept me on the sidelines for a while - classic battles back in those days (admarc vs. RandR... unbelievable). I felt like I truly arrived on the Range when I was goofing on certain Canadians for their wacky views and got called an idiot by the Shivarino for the first time.
The Range is like a drug. Even though I know it's bad for me, I keep coming back.
Pete: When did you leave the Buffalo area? What do you miss most besides the sports?
anEin: Left in late 2000 to follow my wife who was following the money, but planning on being back in 2008. I want my season tix that I could never afford while living there. I miss everything about Buffalo. I miss the local feel (DC is anything BUT local most days). I miss corner bars and one-of-a-kind restaurants. And yeah, I miss the snow too. Fact is, after having been gone for a few years, I realize there's really no place like home. Sure there are economic issues, but they can be overcome. We could have rampant never-ending traffic, subdivision after subdivision that look identical (oh hey look, Benderson wants to build one in Amherst! Grrreeeat! Come on down to Fairfax county and see what it'll look like!). I love that Buffalo is unique among the places I've been in America - Buffalo has a soul and I miss being a part of it.
Pete: What will be the score for this weeks Bills game? How will it play out?
anEin: Oh man, do I hate to make predictions! Nothing in sports fandom seems more lame than to make a flying leap guess at scores, particularly in week 1 of the NFL season when we REALLY have no clue. But since you asked, we win (I'll never predict a Bills loss!), but it will be close. 24-21, something like that - but then again, statistically I think most NFL games end within 5 points, so I'm not exactly going out on a limb. I don't see Travis running all over us, though I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks 100. JP and the offense will be fine - I feel like we can really put up a bunch of points this year, but I'm a disciple of Marv, and I think the kicking teams will win game 1 for us.
Pete: Does Valtrex really work well for herpes outbreaks?
anEin: Well...... there was this one poll on PRS recently asking about number of "partners", and I never did answer that one because, well, the number is pretty small (though non-zero you mooks). My guess is you'd have to ask a studly dude like TripleP or Shivvykins....
Editor's Note: Well, we know who anEin thinks are the "players", LOL.
Pete: Hypothetical. Next year you have a 1st, a 2nd, and 3-3rds. What positions do you take in the draft? Will it be enough to cause the monster to rise from the lake?
anEin: I've advocated spending every draft pick on big fat guys unless they're already all pro-bowlers (um, see below). I'd be happy with that approach next year - both lines are absolutely critical, and great lines can mask all kinds of other deficiencies.
Pete: Who is the hottest woman on the planet? (Wives don't count).
anEin: Well, JP's hair, you know....
Easiest question you asked: Kate Beckinsale, bar none (and my wife already knows). Let me find a picture....
http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/kate-beckinsale/pictures/kate-beckinsale-picture-1.jpg
Pete: Why are you such a staunch Libertarian? And what specifically do you like about Ron Paul?
anEin: To be brutally honest, it's probably because I like to find the thing that's least popular and run with it. Beyond that, I have a serious problem reconciling the fact that there are some people who can decide others' fates, at gunpoint. Coercion by a "government" seems to me to be a brutally crude way to live. So I think at this point I'm even shifting away from libertarian (note, small l) to anarchist.
In the meantime, Vote Ron Paul! www.ronpaul2008.com Look at his record, look at his positions, listen to his speeches. He is the only consistant advocate for liberty in the race. Every other candidate are just shades of the same authoritarian COLOR. One guys wants to force us all to do X, the other guy Y. Unfortunately, I don't see media outlets giving Dr Paul a fair shot, and I don't predict him to win. But dare to dream, and you never know.
Pete: What's the Bills final record? Why?
anEin: 16-0. Never predict a loss! Realistically, I can imagine 9 wins. I don't see the horrific schedule everyone else seems to see. Maybe I'm overly optimistic, but I see a pretty surprising offense and a bend-but-don't-break style about our defense that'll make for some exciting football. No 10-7 games this year.
Pete: Sabres talk. What's your take on the offseason? How will they compare to last season?
anEin: Well, a galling start to the offseason, of course. I'm not sure they can get to 53 wins again - I just feel like last year was lightning in a bottle. That said, I do love the guys on the team, and I think the rigors of a more difficult season will only help them come playoff time, as it sure looked like they were coasting from about November on last year. We saw Indy do the same kind of thing for a couple years before they finally won it, so I'm pumped about our chances this year.
The Ice Bowl is going to be monumental. I cannot wait for that.
Pete: Who are the pro-bowlers for the Bills this year?
anEin: Moorman, still my favorite player on the team though others are climbing. Peters and Evans should make it. I just don't know that we'll get enough national play to get the popularity votes to get others in. JP might surprise some people and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's the team MVP (though he's got not shot at the Pro Bowl considering the media love for certain other QBs in the AFC).
Pete: What game do the Bills open a can of whuppass on the opponent? What game do you think you'll almost want to turn off by the 2nd qtr?
anEin: When's the first Miami game? I think the Jets are due for some annihilation, too (I seriously see them collapsing to like 4 wins). Too much to ask to destroy the Pats, but we should be able to take 1 of 2 this time around. And that would make for a successful season for me. :)
You know, I had to actually go look at the schedule for the second part - I never remember wanting to turn off a game in the 2nd quarter... maybe that Monday nighter in Kansas City back in the early 90's, I think we lost 33-6 or something like that. I don't see any of that kind of game this year, I don't know what everyone is afraid of.
Pete: Are George Bush and neoconservatism evil, stupid, power hungry, or opprotunistic?
anEin: Nice coherent line of questions, bro! Football, government, football, hockey, foot.... I think the neocons are power hungry for sure - I'm sure they lie to themselves and think they're doing the Right Thing for the County - trying to geopolitik our way to a superpower position that can never be threatened... but man, what a misguided belief, and I'm not sure which Country they think this is, but we're not supposed to be anything near Empire. Editor’s Note: Don’t mind anEin’s wiseass behavior. He’s been hitting the bottle tonight and is a bit cantankerous. That’s not coffee in his mug.
Pete: Who are the NFL Offensive rookie and defensive rookies of the year going to be?
anEin: Marshawn and Poz, duh. I really don't give a piece of crap about any other teams' rookies.
Pete: Are the Bills headed in the right direction? Why or why not?
anEin: Absolutely. I BILLieve in Mr Levy and his approach. I BILLieve Jauron is good enough as a coach, maybe not to get us to a Super Bowl win, but to bring respectability back to the franchise and get us into the playoffs (finally). I don't see the point in decrying our unfortunate situation as fans - we have one team, one love and if we can't BILLieve in them, we might as well give up and move to North Carolina. I'll support the current group as long as it looks like their making progress, just like I BILLieved in Donohoe until it became apparent that he was screwing the pooch. Unlike a lot of guys on this board, I don't bother to look in the cracks for the negatives - there's enough of that in real life.
Pete: Any final thoughts, comments, or praises of glory for this interviewer?
anEin: I'm such a sucker for the Range, it's in my blood. I've been thinking about this nutty Listen Up bit for years, wondering how you knuckleheads decided which of us knuckleheads to talk to. I'd like to make it a point to thank the guys who've made this board so enjoyable over the years, guys like the Coach, the sukiemiah symbiote, admarc, Merk and all the guys who are willing to have a conversation without resorting to constant flapdoodle. Oh yeah, and I guess Pete too, but only for the fireworks and personal injury stories. And just not bduff because he's such a whore for the Leafs. :D
Finally, I'd like to thank Pete for sending me this on a gorgeous Saturday when I got 10,000 crappy little things to do around the house since I'm sure as hell not doin' it all tomorrow! Editor's Note: I planned it that way expecting that you’d be a smartass. ;)
Pete: So anEin, how'd you find the Range? How often are you here? What's your take?
anEin: I remember after leaving Buffalo I was wandering through a wilderness of crappy Bills news for a year or so before I finally found the BillsInsider, still the best spot for collected news (though the original bits are the reason it's great). I was looking for a forum to talk some crap, because the one-way nature of sports shows (including radio) just doesn't cut it (that and I'm on a damn computer for 8+ hours a day).
I remember jumping right in on Hardcore because that's what I was here for, but the absolute warfare in PRS got my attention but kept me on the sidelines for a while - classic battles back in those days (admarc vs. RandR... unbelievable). I felt like I truly arrived on the Range when I was goofing on certain Canadians for their wacky views and got called an idiot by the Shivarino for the first time.
The Range is like a drug. Even though I know it's bad for me, I keep coming back.
Pete: When did you leave the Buffalo area? What do you miss most besides the sports?
anEin: Left in late 2000 to follow my wife who was following the money, but planning on being back in 2008. I want my season tix that I could never afford while living there. I miss everything about Buffalo. I miss the local feel (DC is anything BUT local most days). I miss corner bars and one-of-a-kind restaurants. And yeah, I miss the snow too. Fact is, after having been gone for a few years, I realize there's really no place like home. Sure there are economic issues, but they can be overcome. We could have rampant never-ending traffic, subdivision after subdivision that look identical (oh hey look, Benderson wants to build one in Amherst! Grrreeeat! Come on down to Fairfax county and see what it'll look like!). I love that Buffalo is unique among the places I've been in America - Buffalo has a soul and I miss being a part of it.
Pete: What will be the score for this weeks Bills game? How will it play out?
anEin: Oh man, do I hate to make predictions! Nothing in sports fandom seems more lame than to make a flying leap guess at scores, particularly in week 1 of the NFL season when we REALLY have no clue. But since you asked, we win (I'll never predict a Bills loss!), but it will be close. 24-21, something like that - but then again, statistically I think most NFL games end within 5 points, so I'm not exactly going out on a limb. I don't see Travis running all over us, though I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks 100. JP and the offense will be fine - I feel like we can really put up a bunch of points this year, but I'm a disciple of Marv, and I think the kicking teams will win game 1 for us.
Pete: Does Valtrex really work well for herpes outbreaks?
anEin: Well...... there was this one poll on PRS recently asking about number of "partners", and I never did answer that one because, well, the number is pretty small (though non-zero you mooks). My guess is you'd have to ask a studly dude like TripleP or Shivvykins....
Editor's Note: Well, we know who anEin thinks are the "players", LOL.
Pete: Hypothetical. Next year you have a 1st, a 2nd, and 3-3rds. What positions do you take in the draft? Will it be enough to cause the monster to rise from the lake?
anEin: I've advocated spending every draft pick on big fat guys unless they're already all pro-bowlers (um, see below). I'd be happy with that approach next year - both lines are absolutely critical, and great lines can mask all kinds of other deficiencies.
Pete: Who is the hottest woman on the planet? (Wives don't count).
anEin: Well, JP's hair, you know....
Easiest question you asked: Kate Beckinsale, bar none (and my wife already knows). Let me find a picture....
http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/kate-beckinsale/pictures/kate-beckinsale-picture-1.jpg
Pete: Why are you such a staunch Libertarian? And what specifically do you like about Ron Paul?
anEin: To be brutally honest, it's probably because I like to find the thing that's least popular and run with it. Beyond that, I have a serious problem reconciling the fact that there are some people who can decide others' fates, at gunpoint. Coercion by a "government" seems to me to be a brutally crude way to live. So I think at this point I'm even shifting away from libertarian (note, small l) to anarchist.
In the meantime, Vote Ron Paul! www.ronpaul2008.com Look at his record, look at his positions, listen to his speeches. He is the only consistant advocate for liberty in the race. Every other candidate are just shades of the same authoritarian COLOR. One guys wants to force us all to do X, the other guy Y. Unfortunately, I don't see media outlets giving Dr Paul a fair shot, and I don't predict him to win. But dare to dream, and you never know.
Pete: What's the Bills final record? Why?
anEin: 16-0. Never predict a loss! Realistically, I can imagine 9 wins. I don't see the horrific schedule everyone else seems to see. Maybe I'm overly optimistic, but I see a pretty surprising offense and a bend-but-don't-break style about our defense that'll make for some exciting football. No 10-7 games this year.
Pete: Sabres talk. What's your take on the offseason? How will they compare to last season?
anEin: Well, a galling start to the offseason, of course. I'm not sure they can get to 53 wins again - I just feel like last year was lightning in a bottle. That said, I do love the guys on the team, and I think the rigors of a more difficult season will only help them come playoff time, as it sure looked like they were coasting from about November on last year. We saw Indy do the same kind of thing for a couple years before they finally won it, so I'm pumped about our chances this year.
The Ice Bowl is going to be monumental. I cannot wait for that.
Pete: Who are the pro-bowlers for the Bills this year?
anEin: Moorman, still my favorite player on the team though others are climbing. Peters and Evans should make it. I just don't know that we'll get enough national play to get the popularity votes to get others in. JP might surprise some people and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's the team MVP (though he's got not shot at the Pro Bowl considering the media love for certain other QBs in the AFC).
Pete: What game do the Bills open a can of whuppass on the opponent? What game do you think you'll almost want to turn off by the 2nd qtr?
anEin: When's the first Miami game? I think the Jets are due for some annihilation, too (I seriously see them collapsing to like 4 wins). Too much to ask to destroy the Pats, but we should be able to take 1 of 2 this time around. And that would make for a successful season for me. :)
You know, I had to actually go look at the schedule for the second part - I never remember wanting to turn off a game in the 2nd quarter... maybe that Monday nighter in Kansas City back in the early 90's, I think we lost 33-6 or something like that. I don't see any of that kind of game this year, I don't know what everyone is afraid of.
Pete: Are George Bush and neoconservatism evil, stupid, power hungry, or opprotunistic?
anEin: Nice coherent line of questions, bro! Football, government, football, hockey, foot.... I think the neocons are power hungry for sure - I'm sure they lie to themselves and think they're doing the Right Thing for the County - trying to geopolitik our way to a superpower position that can never be threatened... but man, what a misguided belief, and I'm not sure which Country they think this is, but we're not supposed to be anything near Empire. Editor’s Note: Don’t mind anEin’s wiseass behavior. He’s been hitting the bottle tonight and is a bit cantankerous. That’s not coffee in his mug.
Pete: Who are the NFL Offensive rookie and defensive rookies of the year going to be?
anEin: Marshawn and Poz, duh. I really don't give a piece of crap about any other teams' rookies.
Pete: Are the Bills headed in the right direction? Why or why not?
anEin: Absolutely. I BILLieve in Mr Levy and his approach. I BILLieve Jauron is good enough as a coach, maybe not to get us to a Super Bowl win, but to bring respectability back to the franchise and get us into the playoffs (finally). I don't see the point in decrying our unfortunate situation as fans - we have one team, one love and if we can't BILLieve in them, we might as well give up and move to North Carolina. I'll support the current group as long as it looks like their making progress, just like I BILLieved in Donohoe until it became apparent that he was screwing the pooch. Unlike a lot of guys on this board, I don't bother to look in the cracks for the negatives - there's enough of that in real life.
Pete: Any final thoughts, comments, or praises of glory for this interviewer?
anEin: I'm such a sucker for the Range, it's in my blood. I've been thinking about this nutty Listen Up bit for years, wondering how you knuckleheads decided which of us knuckleheads to talk to. I'd like to make it a point to thank the guys who've made this board so enjoyable over the years, guys like the Coach, the sukiemiah symbiote, admarc, Merk and all the guys who are willing to have a conversation without resorting to constant flapdoodle. Oh yeah, and I guess Pete too, but only for the fireworks and personal injury stories. And just not bduff because he's such a whore for the Leafs. :D
Finally, I'd like to thank Pete for sending me this on a gorgeous Saturday when I got 10,000 crappy little things to do around the house since I'm sure as hell not doin' it all tomorrow! Editor's Note: I planned it that way expecting that you’d be a smartass. ;)