Bills WR Steve Johnson has made a bold decision concerning his hair. The dreadlocks that he has been growing for years have been shaved off his head.

“I was contemplating about it for two weeks,” said Johnson. “I’ve had braids and I’ve had dreds and I wanted my hair to come out the back of my helmet in high school. But I thought it was time to go back to my short hair and my waves now.”

Johnson said equipment manager Dave Hojnowski had to tighten his helmet one head size now that the hair is gone. He’s now the second “long hair” to chop his locks joining Kawika Mitchell. Here is a shot of the clean cut dome of Steve Johnson.

BEST OPTION: Aneury Rodriguez: He has a great future and may not be quite ready but his stuff is amazing and he could do a lot for a major league team.
Kanekoa Texeira- He is a nice reliever who is young but talented, if he is given a chance he could do very well
Yohan Pino- He has great stats and has a shot at being a great pitcher, if he is protected on a roster watch out, he can pitch
BEST FUTURE:
Steve Johnson- He won’t do well this year but he should have a bright future.  Not being the best but being pretty good.
Best Number One: Yohan Pino

Icarus Witch Welcomes New Drummer, Steve Johnson
After what seems like an eternity, the drummer search has thankfully ended. Icarus Witch are proud to announce Steve Johnson as our newest addition to the inner circle, or as he so eloquently puts it himself, the “next and last drummer for the Witch.” We came into contact with Steve after he saw our performance opening for Heaven & Hell and Coheed & Cambria in Cleveland on August 22. Thanks to the wonders of myspace, we soon became friends with the Ohio native and when he found out we had a position open for full-time drummer, he came down to Pittsburgh and nailed his audition.

We would like to thank everyone who tried out for the spot and came from as far away as Florida to give it a shot. Also, many thanks go out to Tristan Triggs and Keith Hurka for filling in on the throne until we were able to secure our full-time, time keeper.

A veteran of the Cleveland metal underground, Steve comes from a traditional heavy metal / hard rock drumming background, something that we felt was essential for a long term fit. Also, he is a heavy hitter, a showman, owns couple cargo trailers, and he brings Yuengling to the sessions. What more can you ask for?

http://www.myspace.com/icaruswitch

originally printed in Night & Day Magazine in June 2007

“Brian! Brian! Brian!”

The chants came from the bar at Donovan’s Reef [in Sea Bright] as Brian Kirk sat in the kitchen talking about his career on a drizzly Sunday afternoon.

For Brian Kirk, the chants of a local northern Monmouth County crowd is nothing new- in fact it’s the same cheers and lively crowds that got his career going.

Born and raised in Middletown, [New Jersey], Kirk started his musical career as a solo artist playing gigs for the Monmouth Rugby Club at their clubhouse- The Wild Rover, located on Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank.

“I remember the first show I played,” mused Kirk, “they passed a hat around and I got $30. I was ecstatic!”

Since the rugby club shows were held earlier in the evening, Kirk would finish his set around 9pm. Due to the early nature of the show, many players would often come up to Kirk to inquire where he was playing afterwords as they were looking to continue their night of drinking with Kirk providing the soundtrack.

This demand lead to what would become one of the more historic relationships between a band and a bar. Kirk headed over to Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright.

Jirks at Jenks

It seems the luck of the Irish was on his side that night as Donovan’s Reef gave Kirk a Friday night gig. This would be the first of many big moments in his career.

From there Kirk continued his solo career cutting his teeth at Red Bank’s Dublin House and small coffee houses throughout the county.

However, it would be the luck of the Irish again that would help land Kirk one of his biggest gigs at the time and eventually launch his career as one of the biggest cover acts at the Jersey Shore.

It was at a horse race called The Middletown Hunt when Kirk, after a few drinks, jumped up on the back of a friend’s pick-up truck and starting singing and playing his guitar. His friends joined in the act by banging on tupper wear, creating quiet a jam session.

One of the onlookers of the session was Pat Mastrorilli, who was in charge of booking bands at Bar Anticipation in South Belmar (now Lake Como).

Mastrorilli approached Kirk and told him he was starting a new event on Tuesday nights called “Beat the Clock”- a promotion featuring increasing beer prices every hour and he wanted Brian and his band to play it.

Again lucky for Kirk and Bar A, Brian had just formed a three-piece outfit which eventually became known as “Brian Kirk & The Love Pumps.” The band’s name came from an off-color joke from the Rob Reiner classic comedy This is Spinal Tap!

Beat the Clock and the Love Pumps were a massive success. The night became one of the bar’s biggest nights and Kirk and the boys became big time players on the cover scene.

However after a falling out, Kirk left the band and formed the short-lived Brian Kirk & The Coup (as a jab to his old band mates). The Love Pumps remained at Bar A and eventually broke up and members formed the band Loves Lies Bleeding which eventually became Lifespeed, the band now occupying Kirk’s old Tuesday night at Bar A.

While no longer the poster boy for Tuesdays at Bar A, Kirk and his new band headed to what would become home for them- Tradewinds in Sea Bright.

For those unfamiliar with Tradewinds, which was owned by Jenkinson’s, was the undeniable hot spot in northern Monmouth County for years. The club hosted cover acts as well as national headliners like Joan Jett, Fuel, Ween, King’s X, Sebastian Bach and more.

It was here Brian Kirk and his new band, The Jirks would become the legend that they are known today.

“It was something about that room and our band that just worked,” Kirk said.

Glory Days: Bruce jams with Kirk at Donovan's Reef

Tradewinds opened a number of doors for the band. Gigs at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant, Park City in East Rutherford, Just Jakes in Montclair, Mother’s in Wayne, The Junkyard in Rochelle Park and tons of shore gigs came the Jirks way.

This is also made way for the Jirks current gig at Donovan’s Reef on Sundays. According to legend (or Brian Kirk) the band had been playing acoustic sets in between bands on Sundays at the bar and on one Sunday, a band from Maine, The Sense, no-showed and the Jirks got the call to fill-in. And since then, it’s been their home most Sundays in the summer.

Besides local gigs, the band also caught a bit of national exposure. The Jirks appeared on the Vh1 music show Cover Wars, which featured cover bands from all over the country. They have also performed on the Food Nation with Bobby Flay as well as numerous gigs all over the country including playing in DC overlooking the White House. The band even had one of their original songs become the #1 requested son on Z100’s morning show in 1999.

So what has made Kirk & The Jirks so successful?

“Solely heavy music doesn’t work, solely dance music doesn’t work,” says Kirk. “There has to be an element of frivolity and entertainment to your music for people to like it.”

“Song selection is never about me or the band. It’s never self-indulgent. To make people laugh and dance, that’s a big issue. It’s like inviting people to your living room.”

Kirk also mentions that he has quality musicians with him through the years and that has made what it is today.

One of Kirk’s longest running band mates is drummer Ingo Marte. Marte, is a well-traveled drummer, having playing with The Scorpions and has been with Kirk since 1997.

The Jirks currently is made up of Marte, bassist Dan Latito, guitarist Steve Johnson plus a horn section consisting of Michael Ghegan (sax), Mike Firious (horns) and Joel Mikulyak (trombone).

Outside of the cover world Kirk mentioned that creating two original albums was a great achievement for the band. These albums are Hangover Mondays, consisting of songs written solely about Donovan’s Reef and American Life in the Summertime. The band is currently working on a third album however Kirk says, “we want to capture the live sound in the studio and that’s hard, so we’re taking our time with it.”

While the band has seen tremendous success, they have also seen some hard times- most importantly the closing of Tradewinds. Kirk played the club’s first closing party and he commented that it was one of the most insane shows he ever performed at. According to Kirk, people were literally trying to sneak in off the beach to see the show. The club actually re-opened for one more year, however it was sold to land developers who have erected condos on the property.

“The closing of Tradewinds really killed the northern Monmouth County scene,” commented Kirk with a sense of regret in his eye. Now with rumors of his home bar Donovan’s Reef being up for sale, all Kirk can say is “Don’t Let Tradewinds Happen Here!”

Despite his lament for the northern Monmouth scene, Kirk is still very active and in demand all around the northeast for both bars and private parties (Goldman Sachs, weddings). Yet his musical heart will always remain in New Jersey.

“There’s something about it [The Jersey Shore]. I grew up here, I live here, it’s not like anywhere else. There’s certain Sundays when the weather’s perfect, it’s 9:30 and the sun’s setting, you can’t beat it.”

And if there’s ever a cover band that embodies the fun, laid back camaraderie of the Jersey Shore, it is hands down Brian Kirk & The Jirks.

Über 30 Jahre war Steve Johnson in Hollywood aktiv. Die Spezialeffekte (von Make-Up bis Robotics/Animatronics) von vielen legendären Produktionen gehen auf sein Konto: Blade 2, Species, The Abyss, Predator, Ghostbusters, Nightmare on Elmstreet,…

Nun hat der gute Mann einen eigenen Youtube-Channel eröffnet, in dem er Archivmaterial zeigen möchte. In all den Jahren hat sich sicherlich einiges angesammelt!

Noch ist nicht besonders viel online. Das Intro ist aber draußen und macht Appetit auf mehr:

Steve Johnson: Youtube | IMDb
via Comicbookmovie.com

Steve Johnson ใครหลายคนอาจไม่รู้จัก ผมคนนึงแหละ ที่ไม่รู้จัก แต่เมื่อมาเห็นคลิปนี้ ผมก็เริ่มติดตามทันที เขาผู้นี้ ก็เป็นผู้อยู่เบื้องหลังการเมคอัพ ตัวละคร ที่ใช้คนแสดงแทนไม่ได้ ซึ่งเขานั้น เปรียบดั่งเทพแห่งศิลปะ มายากลเลยครับ ใครที่ดูคลิปแล้ว คงจะทึ่งในความสารถของเขาทีเดียว  

เขานั้น ได้เมคอัพตัวละคร มาหลายตัว และหลายเรื่องเช่นกัน ก็มีเรื่องที่ผมชอบอยู่ด้วย Spider-Man 2 เมคอัพแขน Doc Oc ตัวร้ายหนวดปลาหมึกจักรกลนั่นเอง ดังที่เห็นในคลิปครับ เมคอัพหุ่นล่ำบึก สุดระห่ำ Hulk ดังที่เห็นในรูป เมคอัพ The Thing มนุษย์หินเจ้าภูผา ใน Fantastic Four เมคอัพเจ้าปีศาจดาวน์ซินโรม ใน Scooby-Doo ภาค 2 เมคอัพแมงมุมยักษ์ เมคอัพหุ่นยนต์ประหลาดๆ เมคอัพเอเลี่ยน เมคอัพผีใน Ghost Busters เมคอัพแมวใน The Cat in the Hat และเรื่องที่ถล่มทลาย Box Office ไปไม่นานนี้ เรื่อง Where the Wild Things Are และยังมีอีกหลายเรื่องเลยครับ ที่ผมยังไม่ได้ดู แต่ที่เห็นในคลิปนั้นมันสุดยอดมากแล้วครับ ขนาดไม่ได้ดูในหนังนะครับเนี่ย แถมยังมีพวกเอ็ฟเฟ็กต์ฉากสะเทือนขวัญต่างๆ ที่มันดูสมจริงมาก แถมยังมีการใช้เอ็ฟเฟ็กต์แสงสี เสียง ในชุดไฮเทคต่างๆ ด้วย

เขานั้น แทบไม่แยแสรางวัลอะไรเลย เมื่อได้มา ก็นำไปจำนำเอาเงิน ซึ่งเป็นผม อาจจะเก็บไว้เป็นที่ระลึก เหมือนใครหลายๆ คน เอาไว้โชว์ เอาไว้เขกกะบาลคน หรือเอาไว้อวด ก็แล้วแต่ ซึ่งผมก็หวังว่า เขาจะสร้างผลงานอันสมจริง และน่าประทับใจเยี่ยงนี้ต่อไป ถ้าขาดเขา ก็หาคนอื่นใหม่ได้ อ่ะนะ แต่ผมก็ไม่รู้หรอกครับ ว่าคนอื่นๆ นั้น ผลงานเจ๋งแบบนี้หรือเปล่า หรือเจ๊ง!?

ซึ่งผมสะดุด และขวางตามาก ใน  Hellboy: The Golden Army ตัวโทรลล์ ทำได้ห่วยลรรลัย อย่างกับ เอาตุ๊กตา ที่ขายตามตลาด มาเล่นยังไง ยังงั้น แต่ CG นั้น สมจริงอย่างไม่คาดคิด!! เพราะงี้แหละครับ กองถ่าย Hellboy อาดพลาดการจ้างวานสตีฟคนนี้ ไปเมคอัพหุ่น ซึ่งถ้าได้คนเก่ง ทำงานดี ผลงานดี ครบชุด ครบเครื่อง หนังก็จะออกมาดีมากๆ เอาล่ะครับ โม้มาพอแล้ว ไปดูกันเลย

The embargo on Arai’s new RX-Q street helmet ends today, and I’m thrilled to see the Dealernews.com article on it comes up No. 2 in a Google search. (Click here to read it.) The folks at Arai stopped by our office a couple of weeks ago to give us a presentation, and left us with information and images. They didn’t donate samples because they only had a few, including a size medium straight from Japan. I tried it on, and (surprise, surprise) it felt great. Qualitywise, this will be another winner hitting the market in late December or early January and retailing for roughly $675.

Does the price sound kinda high? Arai says it’s positioning the RX-Q between the Profile and Corsair-V. In fact, the company is marketing the model as a Corsair-V for the street. I think the helmet is a knockout, but how eager are dealers right now to stock this price point? Tucker Rocky president Steve Johnson told me this past summer that sales of high-end brands are suffering the most. He even mentioned Arai as an example.

Then again, Arai’s timing may not be as bad as it seems. I just heard on TV that the recession is technically over due to the rise in GDP. And although unemployment will remain high for a while, people who haven’t lost their jobs should feel more confident they won’t — and may start spending again.

Arai isn’t the only helmet maker with new high-end helmets. Shoei has introduced two, its sport-touring RF-1100 and its racing-intended X-Twelve. (Click here for an overview of the former.)

In case of the RF-1100, I attended a press event at a restaurant in Malibu, Calif. Shoei handed out test samples from a van. By the time I went for mine, however, all size smalls were gone. I took a medium. After my ride back home, I was asked to write a brief review for our sister publication, sportbike magazine 2Wheel Tuner. In my excitement, I wrote that the RF-1100 was the most comfortable, most ventilated helmet I’d ever worn. I regret that I failed to mention I haven’t tested many helmets.

I also should have learned by now never to use superlatives. Don’t get me wrong, for my 50-mile ride home, the RF-1100 was extremely comfortable and ventilated and (for a helmet) quiet. And it looks beautiful. But today I honestly can’t say that the RF-1100 is better than the only two other high-end helmets I’ve tested: a five-year-old Arai Signet GTR and the Bell Star. The latter is likely even more ventilated because it’s a racing helmet. Racing helmets, I’ve heard, tend to be more ventilated but noisier.

To be honest with you, I haven’t even worn the RF-1100 since my trip back from the restaurant. After trying it on at my desk again, I realized that I may actually need a size small. Then a colleague allowed me to try on his small X-Twelve, and it seemed even more likely.

My Arai Signet GTR is a medium, but I was never able to try on a small because it was just a leftover sample in the office. So I’m not 100 percent sure on it, either.

My best-fitting helmet, with no play at all, is the racing-intended Bell Star, which is an extra-small! When I was given that helmet, I was able to try on a full size run.

Even so, my favorite helmet remains the Arai because of less noise and ventilation. Again, sport-touring vs. racing. If I had a small RF-1100, it would probably become my favorite due to its being brand-new instead of five years old, and due to its being Snell M2010-approved instead of M2005-approved (a subject for another time).

But why do I give you such a detailed description of my personal experience with high-end helmets? If I were to contrive a business-related takeaway, it would be the importance of fit and sizing. A customer in a perfectly fitting $150 helmet is much better off than one in a poorly fitting Arai or Shoei. The goal, of course, isn’t to convert riders to perfectly fitting $150 helmets; it is to get as many customers properly fitted for that high-end helmet with its fat margin.

In my experience with sample helmets from Arai and Shoei, I wasn’t able to try on the next size down. The price was right (free), but I’m compromising my safety if I’m wearing a medium when I should be in a small.

This should never be the case in a motorcycle dealership. You must always stock a full size run for each model. Now, I imagine most stores aren’t capable of stocking a full size run in every color and graphic. But that just means you must train employees to emphasize your capability to special order. At least one of Arai’s distributors, Tucker Rocky, I believe will drop-ship directly to the customer for a nominal charge.

Without drop-shipping, it is true that customers might have to wait a little longer than if he or she just went home and ordered online. So you may even want to knock another 5 percent off the price as compensation.

Customers buying a new unit often need a helmet immediately. If you don’t have the preferred color or graphic in that high-end helmet, you may want to give away your margin (plus some) on a $150 helmet to get them by until the special order comes in. Maybe this is a stupid idea (Arai, for example, tells me that an Arai is usually a rider’s third or fourth helmet, not his first), but my point is to give these things thought.

Interestingly, Arai tells me that it’s thinking about creating fitting kiosks for in-store display. Each kiosk would hold a wide selection of liners and cheekpads. What a great idea for emphasizing the importance of in-store fitting.

Houston’s Andre Johnson won’t be the only receiver with that surname that will be dressed for today’s game.

Bills WR Steve Johnson will be active again today. He’s fully expected to be on the field on special teams, but how much time he sees on offense will be a ‘play it by ear’ situation.

In all likelihood this means that Roscoe Parrish will be inactive again today. Whether he’s designated as the Bills emergency QB as he was last week with Trent Edwards out again this week remains to be seen.

kamala

make this the green flag rules for california

as the next attorney general

jerry

support these green flag rules

in your unofficial run for govenor

++++++++++++++++++++++++

amend the 2010 california attorney general

compassionate care guidelines to read:

make all compassionate care participants take

green flag rules compliance education training annually

like this dmv list of  schools for car dealer pre-licensing

make all caregivers hold a green flag rules license

like this dmv licensed salesperson required in the car sales industry

make all green flag caregivers post a bond

like this bond requirement for licensed car dealers

make all green flag caregivers submit fingerprints

like this fingerprint requirement for dmv licensed salespersons

make all green flag caregivers obtain local zoning approval

like this property use verification form from the dmv

green flag rules will generate green flag compliance

plus a whole network of folks

to monitor and teach green flag compliance

as a matter of fact

why not just add it to the dmv with special green flag funding

from obama and holder

a model green flag rules compliance program

for the nation to follow

you might need a willis to see which way this wind will blow

gina

green flag compliance = certified dealer

We’ll see if the Bills can make it three in a row against a high-powered offense in the Texans this weekend. Here are some answers to your questions. (AskChris@bills.nfl.net).

1. Hey Chris.
The loss of linebackers to injury this season has me wondering what has become of John Digorgio this season. I know the Bills cut him in the pre-season because of health issues. He filled in well for Poz in 2007 and I wondered if he was a possibility to come back since he knows the defense and the players well. 
Thanks.
Concerned Bills fan- Rochester
CB: This past offseason John DiGiorgio was signed to a two-year extension, but he was coming off ACL knee surgery. As training camp approached DiGiorgio had to undergo another surgery as there were bone fragments that had to be taken care of. It set back his rehab. He was eventually put on injured reserve.

Later the team waived him in an injury settlement so he is no longer with the team. In light of a second surgery you wonder if DiGiorgio’s football career is in jeopardy. Not all ACL knee repairs are successful, at least to the point where a player can play at the NFL level again. Each case is different. It’s unfortunate.

2. Chris ,
On some of the promos for the 50th season team I saw a Buffalo Bill with the name Schottenheimer on his back in one of the shots. I was
wondering if that was Marty by any chance and if not who it might be ???

Thanks Mr. T from Ft. Myers Fl.

CB: Yes, it was Marty Schottenheimer. He played for the Bills from 1965 to 1968 as a reserve linebacker and wore jersey numbers 56 and 57. He was the team’s seventh-round draft pick in 1965.

3. Chris,
How does Braylon Edwards get traded and comes in and makes game changing plays for the Jets right away? And how is it that Trent can’t do the same for T.O.? And  T.O. has been playing  5 games w/bflo.. Bad QB or bad coaching? 

CB: I can definitely answer your first question. Braylon Edwards’ smooth on field transition to the Jets was aided by an offense that was identical to the one that was installed by Browns head coach Eric Mangini in Cleveland. Edwards essentially learned the same offense in Cleveland that the Jets were using in New York, because Rex Ryan kept offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

As for T.O. and Edwards, there are issues preventing deep ball plays. Pass protection consistently holding up long enough and decision making by a QB that has been reluctant to throw deep.

4. Chris,
 
Jamon Meredith was a player I thought the Bills might draft and play at Guard.  I’d like to know your assessment of his play against the Jets. Also, what is the long term plan for Eric Wood.  Do you see him eventually moving to center?
 
Pete Howell
Fairport

CB: I’ve talked to coach Kugler about Meredith and he said they had high grades on him and did see him as a guard/tackle. But he’s 6’5” and 305 pounds with good feet so he can play on the edge. In fact most of his college career was on the outside before moving to guard as a senior. With Levitre and Wood entrenched at the guard spots, tackle is probably where Meredith will stay.

As for Wood I think perhaps in time he could serve as the team’s backup center, but his primary position will be guard moving forward.

5. Hi Chris,

I have to ask, why aren’t the Bills giving Steve Johnson any playing time other than on Special Teams?

The thought of having a TE in Nelson (6′5″), Hardy (6′6″) returning soon, T.O. (6′3″) and Johnson (6′2″), seems like they would like to get the height advantage that would cause opposing defenses fits.
Especially in the Red Zone!!!

Thanks . . . Bob
CB: Head coach Dick Jauron actually has made Steve Johnson active on game day the last two games because he does want to get him more involved in the offense, and I expect that to continue Sunday. That’s why Roscoe Parrish has been inactive or the emergency 3rd QB.

However, those opportunities on the field have yet to present themselves. I do believe Johnson has potential and liked what I saw from him toward the end of last season, but when Terrell Owens and Lee Evans are having trouble producing I don’t know how much the offensive staff can concern themselves with how often they can get opportunities for their fourth receiver.

Check out these gorgeous images from Steve’s trip to Alaska. He’s uber-talented.

Denali Road

Arctic Ground Squirrel

Braided River

A fox on the prowl

Ptarmigian

Spencer Lake Glacier

Sandstone Hills

If you would like to see more work from Steve, check out his website here.

Tuesday, October 20th is the date in which teams can no longer trade during the NFL season. So now, is the time for the teams with a chance at playoff contention to go shopping for that one or two players that they think can help them battle through the playoffs, straight to the Super Bowl. As of right now there are 4 teams (Buccaneers, Titans, Rams, Chiefs) that have yet to produce a single win this season. All of them stand at a record of 0 wins and 5 losses. There are 5 teams (Raiders, Browns, Lions, Bills, Panthers) that have only produced 1 win this season. All in all, there are 9 teams that have to be already thinking about next season. I’m not saying that is the way to go about it, but if you can produce a 1st or 2nd Round Draft Pick for a guy that is not in your future plans, or who’s contract expires at the end of the season anyway, why not make a deal. Even if you are getting a package of picks and/or a player you think could be a part of your future, now is the time to do it. Teams that are in the hunt to take control of their division, should be looking at their current weaknesses, and looking for players that could give them that boost to help them get there. For example, the Bears at 3-1 will need to stay in pace with the Vikings who are at 5-0. The big internet rumor going around at the moment is Buffalo Bills (WR)Terrell Owens could possibly be traded, and the team that has come up in most of these rumors is the Chicago Bears. You could argue that the Bears are good right where they are at with their wide receiving core. Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and the surprise emergence of rookie Johnny Knox are getting the job done without a doubt…but you have to wonder how much of that is due to the sure-fire accuracy of Jay Cutler.

Now you have to wonder, what kind of damage do you think could be done to opposing defenses, if the Bears aquired (WR)Terrell Owens from the Buffalo Bills for lets say a future 2nd or 3rd Round Draft Pick. I know they have already traded away a plethora of picks to get Jay Cutler, but it’s looking so far to be well worth it. The Bills have Lee Evans (who the Dolphins are reportedly interested in trading for, but won’t happen), Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish (who is another Bills wide receiver with a great chance of getting traded before the deadline), James Hardy (who will be coming off the PUP list soon), and Steve Johnson (who has already shown great promise).

It all makes perfect sense, because the Bills have a dismal 1-4 record, only have Owens under contract for one year, could potentially receive a great 2010 draft pick for him in exchange, and still have good enough receivers to hold up the rest of this year. The Bears would be taking a risk in aquiring Owens, but it’s undeniable that the connection of Cutler to T.O would wreck havoc among opposing defenses. He would bring a lot of veteran knowledge and leadership to a young receiving core, which would surely benefit the talented group of young receivers the Bears have already. I think Terrell Owens is slowly maturing and has proven it by his behavior so far with the Bills. This is his worst season so far to date, and he has kept his cool, and has said all of the right things to a media that provokes him disrespectfully, after a bad game. The Bills have had 4 of them already this season.

The reality of Terrell Owens being traded at all is slim to none though. Especially with the Bills deciding to ditch their no-huddle offense. It could happen though, and trades such as this I find very intriguing. Trades within the NFL were a rare commodity at one point, but it seems that in the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in movement. Over the next few days I will keep you up-to-date on all of the NFL trade rumors, and examine what players could be “on the market” over the next week.

On a personal note, what I think the Bears should do, is sign free agent (WR)Matt Jones, formally of the Jaguars. He showed plenty of #1 receiving potential, and has all the skills necessary to be one in this game for a long time. He is still young, and has height, which will blend together well with have (TE)Greg Olsen on the field at the same time. With Matt Jones and Devin Hester on the ends, Johnny Knox in the slot, and Greg Olsen, it would bring together a group that we would be able to rely on for a long time to come. We would lose nothing by signing him, because I’m quite sure he would only get signed to the veteran minimum. Let him come in and earn a contract extension next year. He would succeed too. because if you think about it, most of his time he had David Garrard throwing him passes. Decent QB, but no Jay Cutler.

If we signed Matt Jones, then we wouldn’t have to bring in a guy like Terrell Owens. We would also save a ton of money by doing it this way, and wouldn’t have to trade a draft pick. Maybe save that pick to trade for a guy like Shawne Merriman/Chargers, Aaron Kampman/Packers, Derrick Johnson/Chiefs, or Nnamdi Asomugha/Raiders, who are all rumored to be available for the right price, but I’ll save all of that for the days to come. So many possibilities!

-Dale Underiner (TSR Writer)-

Although his blog entry seems overly negative, Professor Stephen Walt makes a good point that the National Security Strategy documents mandated by Goldwater-Nichols haven’t resulted in something terribly useful to the presidency, Congress, or the public in general.

Consider timeliness. An administration is supposed to issue the strategy within 150 days of coming into office, and annually thereafter. Most never make the deadline and are lucky to get a security strategy published in the first term. A better system would be for an administration to issue a strategy once every four years and only after it has had a chance to put together its national security team. Issuance within 365 days makes more sense and would be more in line with actual practice. A national security review that names threats, proposes assumptions, and identifies opportunities is something that can be done on an annual basis and should feed the national strategy.

Now let’s look at content. Most strategies have been rhetorical documents with lists of goals lacking priority order, identification of advantages over adversaries, or practical considerations such as resources available. So, in their present form, they aren’t really strategies at all. A real national security strategy with unclassified and classified portions that provide selected assumptions, weigh resources, identify opportunities, and establish priorities would help most administration decision-makers stay on track. Officials below the principal-level who have rare encounters with the president or their own leadership would find such guidance helpful. Congress would find it more useful too, because it would provide better justification for legislation.

Professor Walt also suggests that strategies ought not be made public at all. A bit extreme, but there is good reason to have, at least, classified and unclassified versions. There are some actions our government may not want to broadcast. But that doesn’t mean that there should be no political guidance, or that subordinate officials should be kept in the dark. Going that far would exacerbate an existing vulnerability, that (outside of DoD) we don’t strategize or plan well. Doing away with a requirement for a national security strategy would enshrine that weakness.

Instead, the national security strategy needs to be less a square-filler and more of a document that provides analysis and guidance. Not long and ponderous, but sufficient to direct the national security bureaucracy to implement presidential policies according to resources we have, opportunities before us, and against dangers that we think may threaten. Since the primary purpose of our government is to protect its citizens and their way of life, blowing off writing a strategy—just because it hasn’t been done well in the past—would be a serious mistake.”

-Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson is a Distinguished Fellow with PNSR, leading the organization’s development of Strategy and Resource research and recommendations. Prior to Joining PNSR, Johnson was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs. His views are not necessarily representative of PNSR’s.

With Shawn Nelson inactive with a shoulder injury the Bills enter today’s game with the Saints with just two healthy tight ends.

Derek Fine and Jonathan Stupar will be the only TEs dressed.

It will be interesting to see how Buffalo’s approach offensively will be tweaked by OC Alex Van Pelt.

Through the first two weeks the two tight end set has been a popular one for the Bills, but they won’t be able to use it as much today.

The slot receivers (Parrish, Reed) will need to help more than they have in the underneath passing game. Steve Johnson is also active today and could factor in if the Bills go to more of a spread look being light on tight ends.

With Josh Reed (quad) not practicing for a second straight day and Roscoe Parrish (ankle) working through an ankle injury, the chances appear greater that second-year WR Steve Johnson could dress this week.

Johnson has been inactive for the first two games this season. But that could change on Sunday. Even if Reed and Parrish are able to play on Sunday, Johnson might be on the 45-man game day roster this weekend in case Reed and Parrish are unable to make it through the whole game. The offensive staff will also have Justin Jenkins as an option.

Umpires: Ryan, McBurney, Rosebury 

All The Odds:

Outright: St.Kilda $2.40 Geelong $1.58

Line: St.Kilda +8.5 $2.05 Geelong -8.5 $1.74

First Score: St.Kilda point $3.75 St.Kilda goal $3.60 Geelong point $3.50 Geelong goal $3.25

First Goal Scorer: Riewoldt $9 Chapman $9 Mooney $10 Johnson $11 Koschitzke $11

Most Disposals: Ablett $2.80 Hayes $6 Montagna $7 Corey $7.50 Bartel, Dal Santo $8

Leading Goal Kicker: Riewoldt $3.75 Chapman $5.50 Mooney, Johnson $7.50

Teams:

Geelong vs. St Kilda
B:Darren Milburn – Matthew Scarlett – Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley – Harry Taylor – Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey – Cameron Ling – James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel – Cameron Mooney – Steve Johnson
F:Travis Varcoe – Tom Hawkins – Paul Chapman
Foll:Mark Blake – Joel Selwood – Gary Ablett
Int:Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emerg: Shane Mumford, Simon Hogan, Mathew Stokes

St Kilda
B:Jason Blake, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
C:Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF:Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F:Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll:Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Sean Dempster, Michael Gardiner
Emg:David Armitage, Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt

In: Dempster
Out: Robert Eddy

Player Profiles:

GEELONG

#2 Tom Harley Games: 197 Goals: 12

#3 Jimmy Bartel Games: 156 Goals: 96

#4 Andrew  Mackie Games: 105 Goals: 60

#5 Travis Varcoe Games: 55 Goals: 51

#6 Brad Ottens Games: 209 Goals: 238

#7 Harry Taylor Games: 42 Goals: 6

#9 James Kelly Games: 146 Goals: 63

#11 Joel Corey Games: 198 Goals: 61

#14 Joel Selwood Games: 69 Goals: 23

#17 Shannon Byrnes Games: 75 Goals: 58

#20 Steve Johnson Games: 129 Goals: 250

#21 Cameron Mooney Games: 191 Goals: 250

#24 Mark Blake Games: 78 Goals: 11

#26 Tom Hawkins Games: 42 Goals: 57

#29 Gary Ablett Games: 167 Goals: 217

#30 Matthew Scarlett Games: 227 Goals: 16

#33 Max Rooke Games: 133 Goals: 56

#35 Paul Chapman Games: 174 Goals: 238

#39 Darren Milburn Games: 255 Goals: 90

#40 David Wojcinski Games: 152 Goals: 48

#44 Corey Enright Games: 174 Goals: 49

#45 Cameron Ling Games: 203 Goals: 113

ST.KILDA

#1 Jason Gram Games: 100 Goals: 51

#2 Steven King Games: 233 Games: 83

#7 Lenny Hayes Games: 213 Goals: 71

#10 Steven Baker Games: 177 Goals: 34

#11 Leigh Montagna Games: 121 Goals: 68

#12 Nick Riewoldt Games: 181 Goals: 397

#13 Adam Schneider Games: 140 Goals: 159

#14 Luke Ball Games: 141 Goals: 58

#15 Michael Gardiner Games: 157 Goals: 100

#16 Raphael Clarke Games: 56 Goals: 6

#18 Brendon Goddard Games: 136 Goals: 54

#19 Sam Gilbert Games: 60 Goals: 12

#22 Farren Ray Games: 99 Goals: 37

#23 Justin Koschitzke Games: 141 Goals: 170

#24 Sean Dempster Games: 81 Goals: 13

#25 Sam Fisher Games: 119 Goals: 13

#26 Nick Dal Santo Games: 167 Goals: 88

#27 Jason Blake Games: 160 Goals: 33

#32 Andrew McQualter Games: 58 Goals: 29

#38 Clinton Jones Games: 49 Goals: 15 

#43 Zac Dawson Games: 36 Goals: 2

#44 Stephen Milne Games: 187 Goals: 377

Key Match Up’s:

Clinton Jones V Gary Ablett

Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett just simply has to be stopped by Clinton Jones if the Saints want to win on Saturday. Last Time they met in Round 14 Ablett had: 101 SC points, 27 disposals, 70% efficiency, 4 clearences, 2 goals and 8 goal involvements. While Jones collected 22 disposals of his own and managed to hurt Ablett on the scoreboard, kicking a goal.

Nick Riewoldt V Harry Taylor

Harry Taylor has had the wood on Saints big man Nick Riewoldt in recent times. But the chances are that where ever Riewoldt goes he will be taken by 2 or 3 Cats. The Cats said they would not attack Riewoldt because of his damaged knee, but if I were Roo I would keep an eye out for any big bumps. Riewoldt took 7 contested marks last week against the Dogs, hopefully Taylor can limit the amount of marks because if Riewoldt is let off the leash, the Cats are in danger.

Lenny Hayes V Cameron Ling

Last Week Lenny Hayes tore the Dogs to pieces. Several clearences and his bag of tricks really hurt the Dogs. He scored a crucial goal and scored a huge 179 SC points. In Round 14 against Geelong Hayes racked up 33 touches and got 174 SC points next to his name. Hayes just has to be stopped.

Coaches Corner:

Ross Lyon

3 words: Stop Gary Ablett

Mark Thompson

St.Kilda’s zone has held teams to extremely low scores this year. It is similar to the zone that Sydney set up in 04, 05 and 06 when they made 2 Grand Finals. As Ross Lyon used to be an assistant at Sydney, you would imagine that is where the zone came from. Geelong needs to either use perfect kicking effciency or handball their way through the zone. Geelong needs patience and if they do St.Kilda will be having problems.

How They Will Win:

For St.Kilda to win Gary Ablett must be stopped. For Geelong to win Hayes must be stopped. But thats not all. There is plenty of other ways that either team can win. First of all: Last Year Geelong got the wobbles, missing numerous chances from set shots and from normal play. Geelong and St.Kilda for that matter must kick straight. Cam Mooney must keep his cool in front of the big sticks. Mark Blake will be up for this game as 2 years ago Steven King took Blake’s spot in the side. King will now be in the reverse role, playing against his own team-mates and more importantly against Mark Blake. Blake and Ottens will have to stop Gardiner and King floating forward as Geelong should have already learnt. St.Kilda have been the best team all year but….

THE WINNER…

Josh = Geelong by 8 points. Norm Smith: Jimmy Bartel.

Ben = Geelong by 14 points. Norm Smith : Nick Riewoldt

I had the pleasure of going to watch this game with Ben and it gives me the opportunity to do a great Match Report.

1st Quarter- Pendlebury was a late change, Beams came in to the selected side. After Collingwood kicked the first 2 goals, Geelong came storming back kicking the next 24 points. Ablett had 12 touches in the first quarter. It was 10 point ball game at Quarter Time. Byrnes and Ottens had kicked great goals.

Score: Gee 3.6.24 V Col 2.2.14

2nd Quarter: The 2nd quarter was lively. Geelong kicked 4 goals to 3 and Collingwood missed many chances. Geelong had 104 possession to the Pies 84 whilst Collingwood dominated the Inside 50’s 18 to 9. In the 2nd quarter O’Bree collected 68 SC points,  Hawkins 59 and Harry Taylor 52. The Cats led by 11 at the main break. It was time for me to go and buy a Warm Meat Pie.

Score: Gee 7.7.49 V Col 5.8. 38

3rd Quarter:The 3rd quarter was total domination. 113 to 80 disposals. 4 goals to 1. and it really blew the game away. Joel Corey had 40 SC points, Corey Enright 37, S.Johnson 34 and Chapman 34. Stevie J was amazing but only managed 1.3. Collingwood turned the ball over 18 times in the 3rd term to Geelong’s 11 and that resulted in 3 of Geelong’s 4 goals in that quarter. The Cats also won the I50 count, 16 to 7.

Score: 11.13.79 V Col 6.9. 45

4th Quarter: The season was already over for Collingwood and the Cats didn’t stop. The Cats had 122 possessions in the final term and the flood gates completely opened. The Cats kicked 6.5 to the Pies 0.2. Bartel was on fire racking up 14 disposals and Chapman kicked a few goals. SC points: Bartel 39, Chappy 33 and Gary Ablett 32. Three of Geelong’s goals came from stoppages in the last term signalling the dominance the Cats had in the ruck.

Final Score: GEE 120 DEF COLL 47 by 73 points

SC scores: G.Ablett 150, P.Chapman 142, J.Bartel 131, C.Ling 121, J.Corey 120 and H.Shaw 112.

Votes:

3. Paul Chapman. Kicked 5 goals and had 26 possessions and 142 SC points.

2. Gary Ablett. Ablett had an outstanding game. 34 possessions and 2 goals.

1. C.Ling. Stopped Dane Swan and collected 27 possessions himself.

Josh

Saint Nick’s knee holds up long enough for him to do this…

How about that! In a finals series that has already delivered high drama and some classic finishes, we got another one!  The Saints are in the grand final…but they were this freakin’ close to a shock exit. And if it wasn’t for inspirational skipper Nick Riewoldt, they wouldn’t have made it. It really is that simple. That dodgy knee of his is more valuable than gold right now!

You just knew it was going to end in heartbreak for one of these traditionally down-trodden clubs…but recovering from this will be a massive challenge for Rodney Eade’s men. That loss was so harsh that I can’t even find a way to make fun of loudmouth lair Jason Akermanis! As much as I love doing it, it just feels cruel right now, wrong even…

The power of the red beard was not quite enough for Adam Cooney and the Dogs.

The Dogs dominated the opening quarter and could have built a more than handy lead if not for a couple of squandered opportunities. As a result, the Saints were able to stay in touch and slowly work their way to the front in the third term. Down by five points at three-quarter time, Brad Johnson put the Doggies back in front but it was the other captain that willed his side into the big one next Saturday afternoon.

Whether Johnson returns next season is yet to be determined but it would be a real boost for a wounded club to have that guy back next year.

The hacks have quizzed Rocket every week about recruiting Barry Hall for 2010…imagine if David Schwartz asked him now!

And now we go through it all again tonight with the Cats and Pies and thank you Channel Ten…we can see it LIVE,  baby!  No Channel Seven again in 2009 so no more garden makeovers, no more tasty recipes, No Johanna Griggs and no watching Dr Harry feeding the fish…it’s finals action as it happens!!!

Last night was Channel Seven’s grand final…and didn’t they deliver some high quality family fun!

…

SATURDAY NIGHT

Second Preliminary Final – MCG, 7:30pm (local): Geelong v Collingwood (TEN)

Matthew Scarlett is hoping to keep his hair for one more week before launching into some post-season stupidity!

Fresh from a nice relaxing week off, Geelong will be buoyed by the inclusion of two vital cogs and now appear to have their strongest available team. Steve Johnson and his dodgy hip will be a bit of an unknown quantity so they need somebody like Tom Hawkins to get on the scoreboard. Cameron Ling is not feeling the pressure now but that might change if Dane Swan gets a few early touches!

Geelong’s Dodgy Headline of the Week: Ling Primed For Ding Dong With Swan! Hmmm…Ling Ding, Swan Dong?

Settle Ed, it was just a semi final! Imagine if they actually won the flag!!! Actually, don’t do that…I dread the very thought.

It would have been difficult to forget about last Saturday night’s miracle win but, more importantly, Collingwood need to forget about what happened in round three! They have improved since then, says no-pressure Mick. How Scott Pendlebury’s broken leg has improved enough for him to play is beyond me…we’ll see.

Collingwood’’s Dodgy Headline of the Week: Goldsack Wants Crack at Stevie J! All that’s missing is the defender reference so they could use the words back, crack and sack!

CATS by 19

Getting ready for Week 2. Got some good questions from you. Keep them coming. AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

1. Hi Chris,
 
Do you know how the “Bills’” name came about?  And if so, what exactly does “Bills” stand for?
 
Currently in Baghdad, Iraq and was part of an interesting discussion with some guys the other day.
Thanks,
Mark

CB: Here’s your answer on the origin of the “Bills” team name. It goes all the way back to 1946 when in an effort to generate more fan interest and distinguish the All-American Football Conference team from the city’s minor league baseball and hockey teams, which were also called the Bisons, the team ran a contest to select a new name. Over 4,500 entries were submitted, and the “Bills” won out over “Bullets” “Nickels” and “Blue Devils.”

James F. Dyson, though not the only one to suggest Bills with his entry, was named the winner of the $500 grand prize based on his essay comparing the team to a band of “Buffalo Bills.”

When Ralph Wilson founded the AFL club in 1959 they adopted the name left behind by the AAFC team.

2. Hi Chris
I am a long time Bills fan, and am wondering what role you think the following three young players (I like them all) will have on the team come regular season: Steve Johnson, Reggie Corner and Ellis Lankster.

Thanks
Chris Straus

CB: Right now Reggie Corner is the nickel cornerback. That could change however, once Drayton Florence returns to the lineup. Steve Johnson and Ellis Lankster are two players that will find it hard to be on the active roster on game day when seven players must be inactive. Johnson has a greater chance to make a contribution than Lankster, but it might not come unless there is an injury or two at receiver.

3. Chris- When players look at still photos on the sidelines, what information can they get from that to help during the game?
     Thanks TM

CB: Offensive players are looking at the defense’s pre-snap look and then there will be another photo after that which reveals how they defended the play out of that look. Quarterbacks can see how the opponent disguised a defensive play call on a particular down and distance so if that look is shown again later in the game they have a better idea as to what might be coming on a 3rd-and-medium. That’s just one example, but there’s valuable info they can get off those photos when assembled in sequence.
HI Chris.

4. I am a big Bills fan, and I was wondering what you thought about Dick Jauron’s comments about the 3-4 defense.  And how he said he’s not opposed to using it and that you need the right personnel.  Personally I think our defense is showing improvement but I really think that they need to get out of the middle of the pack and get to the top 10 this season for success.  Though it is far too late to be thinking of this, I think we do have the right personnel for 3-4 defense. You would have Marcus Stroud as the NT, move John McCargo to DE and Spencer Johnson to DE.  Then you move Aaron Schobel and Aaron Maybin to OLB.  And then slide Mitchell into ILB with Paul Pozluszny.  What do you think of this.  I understand it would be impossible to incorporate now but do you think it could have worked?.
 
Thanks and Go Bills!
Kevin

CB: It’s an interesting plan you have there with the exception of Stroud at the nose. In his first edition of Marcus’ Mailbag on Buffalobills.com this week he said he does not consider himself a two-gap nose and would rather play the five-technique (DE) in the 3-4 if it came to changing the front. I think all your other moves are realistic.

Who knows? With a strong DT class coming out in 2010, maybe some more serious thought can be given to that idea in the future. But not this season.

5. Chris,

I hope all is well with you today!  My son and I were curious how Kevin is doing?  Do you plan on doing any updates?

Darin
Nashville Bills Backer!!!

CB: I don’t have any updates for you on Kevin Everett. For all of us Kevin will always be a Bill, but now that he’s no longer with the team we don’t keep track of him and his progress as much as we used to. To keep up to speed on what he’s doing I encourage you to go to his website at the following link (below). He’s got a blog page there as well as a link where you can send him an email. I’m sure he’d be glad to reconnect with some Bills fans.
http://www.thekevineverettfoundation.org/AbouttheFoundation.asp

And it’s not because I’m in my 20’s and I makes 10’s of thousands of dollars…. No, that’s not why. But I wonder if this car will be  dated given it’s retro look. I mean, it’s fresh but I wouldn’t be surprised to find this car looking like doodoocaca come 2000 and 13.

I sincerely apologize to Steve Johnson.

Pet Sematary Two (1992) is a horror film directed by Mary Lambert. The screenplay was written by Richard Outten. It is the sequel to the 1989 film Pet Sematary, which was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King.

Tagline: Raise some hell.

After the death of his wife, veterinarian Chase Matthews (Anthony Edwards, TV’s ER) and his 13-year-old son Jeff (Edward Furlong, Terminator 2: Judgement Day) move to Ludlow to rebuild their lives. Antagonized by the neighborhood kids, Jeff befriends another outsider, Drew Gilbert, who lives in fear of his cruel stepfather Gus (Clancy Brown, Highlander). After Gus cold-bloodedly shoots Drew’s beloved dog, the boys bury the body in the local Indian burial grounds – a place rumored to have powers of resurrection. When evil is awakened, the boys realize that sometimes you should just led dead dogs lie.

Trivia:

Make Up Department
  Bill Johnson … local makeup effects
  Steve Johnson … special makeup effects creator
  Bart Mixon … special makeup effects artist
  Dan Platt … special makeup effects artist (uncredited)

Special Effects Department
  David P. Barton … special effects makeup and animatronic supervisor: XFX Inc.
  Brent Binion … puppeteer: XFX Inc.
  Billy Bryan … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Jackie Caydam … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Peter Chesney … special effects supervisor
  Scott Coulter … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Robert Kato DeStefan … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Diane Duncan … makeup effects production coordinator: XFX Inc.
  David Dupuis … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Preston Foerder … puppeteer: XFX Inc.
  Joel Harlow … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Richard Huggins … special effects: truck crash sequence
  Rick Lalonde … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Peter Linz … puppeteer: XFX Inc.
  Dean W. Miller … special effects coordinator
  Bart Mixon … special effects makeup and animatronic supervisor: XFX Inc.
  Tanya Ridenour … special effects technician
  Brian Sipe … special effects makeup and animatronics assistant: XFX Inc.
  Kirk Skodis … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Heidi Snyder … special effects technician: XFX Inc.
  Trey Stokes … lead puppeteer: XFX, Inc.
  Tom ‘Tomcat’ Williamson … animatronics assistant: XFX Inc.