I'd Always Win in the End

by Ryan

Four weeks ago we were looking at the division races and talking about home playoff games. Today, we're 5-4 and looking at the rest of our schedule trying to piece together wins. Suddenly we are at the bottom of the division and random Patriots fans are heckling the site like they won some sort of trophy back in February or something. The point is, the Bills season has gone into a sort of tailspin, one that few fans saw coming.



Sure, you can saw you knew from the beginning it wouldn't last. Revisionist history is helpful like that, but I know very few people who weren't excited about this team, even as recently as the Chargers game. There were plenty of good signs in those first few games, despite the schedule and a few last minute heroics. Beating Jacksonville and San Diego is still a big deal, but the last three losses have proven an even bigger one.

So here's the question: what happened?

You can start with injuries but those are to be expected in any football season. However, the sheer number of incidents over the past two seasons can make one wonder just how proper our strength and conditioning is. Edwards' concussion seems unavoidable and it is pure speculation, but that IR list is pretty impressive, and not in a good way. (Perhaps we shouldn't put healthy players on IR like Angel-oh wait, that's none of our concern now, is it? Moving on...)

The turnover ratio, which started clearly in Buffalo's favor, has deteriorated over the season as well. In the last five games the ratio is a -3 and the Bills have a 1-4 record to show for it. Their season total of -6 is good for 27th in the league, which is not a good indicator of offensive responsibility and defensive pressure. I'm no expert, but those seem like pretty important things.

So where did those "important things" go? One could make the case that defensive pressure has been absent for years, and with injuries at key positions you can clearly state it nonexistent thus far this season. Schobel, Whitner, Youboty, and Crowell being out is a huge deal, and a bend but don't break defense quickly turns into a broken defense with that many holes.

However, the issues on offense are a bit more baffling because they begin with two things we thought were in good shape: Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards. As of this posting, Marshawn Lynch averages 3.5 yards per carry, with Fred Jackson averaging a slightly better 4YPC. However, their yards per game (56.9 and 26.3, respectively) does not make for a potent offense. In fact, that's downright embarrassing.

The issue with their performance may not be with talent but rather utilization. This team has simply lost all confidence in the run, and that affects how the rest of the offense works. What we thought to be a well-run and well-versed offense is faltering at an astounding rate, with carries few and far between. What was once an easy 3rd and 1 has turned into a shotgun set with five wide receivers, which doesn't make much sense when your third down receiver is hurt and you have two healthy running backs.

What happened to smash mouth, "our running back is going to rip your skull off" football? We clearly have a running back willing to rip off skulls, and a second option in Fred Jackson that is capable of producing when needed. Where is the confidence in your offensive line? Where is the confidence in your playcalling? Where, to be frank, are your balls?

This team's season high in rushing is 119 yards. How is that possible with a player like Marshawn Lynch on your roster? What is this, Detroit? Even Kevin Smith is averaging 4.3 YPC, and he's getting killed week in and week out.

The other problem, and probably the bigger one in the end, is Trent Edwards. Since that boy got concussed things just haven't been right, and even in the San Diego game there were signs that he was still a bit... tweaked. Let's face it, we've all been hurt before, and even after you are "okay" to come back there are still some lingering effects. Terrence McGee showed us that a few weeks ago, and my writing probably showed you that back in July.



If you want proof, here it is. When have you ever seen Trent throw with his mouth closed? Ever? The majority of this post has dealt with statistical evidence, but if there was ever an appeal to reason here it is. Trent Edwards is not playing like the quarterback he has been and we know he can be. Whether it is that defenses can scheme for him or he is not making clear decisions, that is the truth and the major problem.

Both interceptions on Sunday were throws he makes four weeks ago. Something has happened to the face of our franchise, and things are not looking good if he continues to play like this. This Trent Edwards doesn't get Lee involved in the offense. This Trent doesn't look off the safety. This Trent Edwards is not ready to be an effective NFL quarterback, and we were all under the impression that we bought a different model of Trent Edwards.

The fact of the matter is that while we can hope things turn around, something big needs to happen for it to do so. I am always one for hope, but right now I'm not as optimistic as I was when I last walked out of the Ralph. What we need is a big event, a big game, and lucky for us the Bills have that chance on Monday night.

What they also have is an opponent who may be willing to help us out, and that's exactly what we will discuss next.

If You are Really Bored...

by Ryan

There are hundreds of things I should be doing right now, but for some reason I just finished making an avatar for one of my fantasy football teams. It's not the best of photoshops, but then again, it doesn't have to be.

I don't know if anyone cares, but if you'd like to guess the team name based on the photo, feel free.



The tags will be key for this one, and yes, I'm inherently mediocre at photoshop, thank you for asking.

Ready to Run

by Ryan

By now I'm sure you are aware that the Marshawn Lynch Saga is officially over. Chancellor Goodell won't be dropping the hammer on Money, and barring a Fred Jacksplosion during the preseason, Lynch will be starting this fall.

To say this is great news is understating it a bit. In fact, let's give you chills courtesy of 289. (His awesome Training Camp photos can be found here)



That feeling you got knowing what comes next? That's what having an offensive threat in the backfield does for you. At any time Money can get the job done, and you can't help but get excited for what comes next.

However, when good news like this comes you have to step back and realize what a bullet we just dodged.

Marshawn Lynch was lucky. No, really; he's really, really , reeeeeeally lucky.

There could have been any number of things that screwed Money over this past month or so. First of all, the girl could have died. He could have been on the scene when caught and possibly intoxicated. He could have had "substances" on him. Heck, he could have mowed down that dancer in the crosswalk, too.

And that's just the first night. From then on any number of people could have conspired to make things a whole lot worse than community service.

Now this is all information you know, but it is worth considering a second time. Marshawn is fortunate enough to be a pro football player, and we all know the rules are different for athletes of his caliber. If not for his name, things would currently be much more dire for the kid. This is something we as fans have gotten used to, and over time our concern for a player's well being has gone from hoping they stay out of trouble to hoping they stay on the field.

Go back to what I led this very post with: Lynch will be starting this fall.

To most fans, including myself, that is what matters most. We are the people waiting for Chris Henry's suspension to end last season so we can pick him up on the fantasy waiver wire. The same people considering Tank Johnson to fill up a defensive need. We as fans become personally attached to players when they perform well; only to distance ourselves when their personal lives become muddled. When they show up in the papers, we reduce their value to their production only.

In the case of Marshawn Lynch, I'd like to hope that doesn't happen. I don't want Marshawn Lynch at running back only because he runs well, I want him there because I really do like him. He truly seems like a genuine person, someone excited to play football in this city. To strip that lovable demeanor away and see him as just a running back would be a shame.

My hope is that this incident was the result of a person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lynch made a mistake, and the hope of any fan is that he learns from this misstep and becomes both a better player and a better person because of it.

It may be wishful thinking, to consider a football player as anything more than such. However, isn't that what being a sports fan is all about?

The Money Plan: Phase One Complete

by Ryan

Actions speak louder than words.

The first step of the master plan is complete. Marshawn Lynch has admitted he was behind the wheel of the Moneymobile, and he has paid the price for his actions.

That price? $100.

Well, $101.20 Canadian. Still, well worth it when you consider the message being sent.

You see, that plush pedestrian was made an example of by Marshawn, and he knew full well what he was doing. By mowing down Whatshername from Toronto, he made a statement on the economic, social and political effect this whole "regionalization" stuff has on the team. The point is, Money's not cool with this whole Toronto thing.

Oh yes, he saw that Canadian and her floppy, egg-shaped head and he went in for the maim. Then he slowed down. Or sped up. Or maybe stopped. Whatever, he probably went home to play some Madden or something. But the damage had been done, the Theses nailed to the church door. Money don't play with regionalization. Money don't play with passports.

While Goodell plays us all for fools, Marshawn Lynch is taking up the fight on our behalf, and we as fans should rally behind his actions.

I mean sure, Ray Lewis (allegedly) killed a guy, but every Ravens fan knows that guy was trying to move the team to Indianapolis again. Preemptive strike, motherf#^kers. Pacman Jones did... things, but every Titans Cowboys fan knows the people involved all claimed Mrs. Pacman was a better game. No matter how true, a man defends his honor.

Heck, O.J. Simpson (allegedly) killed two people, and everyone knows...uh... okay, I got nothing. Forget about that one, but you know he was stealing satellite from a Dolphins fan, so there.

The point is this: Marshawn Lynch is a hero, and a man on a mission that we should all support. He hits and runs with a heart of gold, with gold teeth to match and a thought towards the best interests of the franchise.

The next time you think of the incident, consider this: when he caught sight of that maple syrup stained hussie, he was thinking about you. Yes, you personally, Mr. Bills Fan. He knows your plight, and he will do whatever it takes to keep this franchise from the grips of quasi-Socialism.

Next target:


The revolution may not be swift and it may be bloody, but it won't be televised on CBC.

Dear Christian Gaddis,

by Ryan



Hey man.

So I heard you got something in the mail yesterday, and I just wanted to give you a little bit of advice on this whole "running over the big girl from Toronto" thing.

Now you probably have a few questions about this subpoena, and I'm here to answer them for you. First of all no, it isn't asking you for a urine sample. I know it's a funny word, but you probably shouldn't have giggled when the officer asked you those questions. Second: no, it is not a coupon for Subway. I don't care how much you love chicken teriyaki, you will pay full price like the rest of us.

With that out of the way, let's get down to business. You've done a lot for us in your career, but with this you have a unique opportunity to really help the franchise. There is no easy way of saying this, so here it goes:

Take one for the team, Christian.

Yes, I know it's not "ethical" and whatnot, but I want you to take the fall on this one. Someone misplaced Frank Clark's dentures again and he's on the warpath. I want your 6'1" 300 lbs frame in his way, and I want you to block him better than you guys block Vrabel.

I know this seems suddenly personal but it's not, I swear. I just want what every good teammate wants: whatever is best for the team. You see, Mr. Gaddis, we have two hopes for this fall: Money running buckwild and "That really tall receiver" catching passes and freeing up Lee. It just so happens that both of those hopes were allegedly in the car with you, suddenly making you more expendable than Andrew Peters at pickup hockey.

Don't think of yourself as being "thrown under the bus." Instead, imagine being gently pushed into, say, a luxury SUV and coming away with a bruised hip. It would be minor damage, really, but in the long run you would save me from a lot of sleepless nights crying over what should have been.

Really, you don't want to see me cry. I'd rank myself somewhere between a levee bursting and the Bridal Veil Falls. It's intense. Sometimes I get so worked up my breathing can't catch up and I start to hyperventilate. I literally choke on my sorrows, man. Do you really want to put me through that?

So... yeah, just bite the (metaphorical!) bullet on this one and say it was you behind the wheel of the Moneymobile. Things happen, man. You get a little buzzed at the club with your boys, and eventually someone has to drive home. Who knew that hippo in the road wasn't just a side effect of the Absinthe you pre-gamed with? I mean, you run over something that large downtown and you have to assume it's a mythical creature. I would have ran away too. After you hit that thing it's only a matter of time before Bowser cuts the chain loose and it starts chomping at you.

That defense is air tight, my friend. No, no, thank you, Christian Gaddis, for making this mess go a whole lot smoother. I'll see you in a year, maybe less with good behavior.

Moneymobile Shifts to Beast Mode, Injures One

by Ryan


Marshawn Lynch has finally gotten into the swing of being an NFL player, becoming involved in his first criminal activity since he fibbed about those cookies he ate before dinner in 1991.

To be completely honest, I'm completely underwhelmed by the entire incident. This isn't cop punching, this is an investigation about someone getting slightly hurt outside of a bar at 3:30 AM. Ten bucks says she looked/sounded like a dolphin, which would make this even more okay.

Question is, what does a car driven by Marshawn Lynch look like? I really, really hope they release some footage of the "sport utility vehicle", but my expectations are nothing short of spectacular considering how well he treats his own grill.



However, it may never rival the straight up baller-ness that is Lawrence Maroney's Kool Aid Denali, complete with matching bling and construda case.



One can only hope he comes close to that perfection really nice effort.

Top of the Deck

by Ryan



I hear... that our two headed monster gets a +1 when it snows...

Insomniac Thespian Currency

by Ryan


Money is out again.

When this was announced, every member of the Roost exchanged text messages that all read something like this: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO".

We all know the value of Marshawn Lynch. He is arguably the best player on the team, and the absolute rock of our offense. There are times you just have to laugh when he's handed the ball because you know someone is going to get run over.

Not being in the lineup in Jacksonville is going to be a big deal, but does his absence make this game not win able?

I, the eternal optimist, say of course not. Others aren't as positive. I actually talked to Jon about this very thing for at least an hour this week and I couldn't convince him that we could beat a 7-3 team, let alone the Jags. We actually went through what the Bills need to happen to make the playoffs and I couldn't get him to say we can win enough games to do that.

To be honest, it's going to be tough to win tomorrow. I'm still not solid on our run d, and if there was ever a team that relies on their run game it's Jacksonville. However, I certainly don't think this game is impossible, and even if we have Lynch on the shelf we have a shot.

Maybe I want to believe it because of the bigger picture. Amazingly enough, at 5-5 we are more than in the wild card race, even in the AFC. (If we were in the NFC we could be 8-2 and thinking about home field advantage...) And I know it's ridiculous to imagine a team with a dozen guys on IR making the playoffs, but we are more than capable of doing so.

Still, it would be a pipe dream at best. It may be a pipe dream I need, though. I still can't bring myself to call this season a throwaway year. I understand the ridiculous injuries we've had, and the quarterback situation is a train wreck, to the point that I literally have no opinion on the starter. However, we've seen some real heart out of this team, and flashes of a fun team to watch.

It may just be the frustration of missing the playoffs year after year, but I'm sick of a 16 game season. I know this team won't win the Super Bowl, but why can't we be excited about a team that could make some noise on Wild Card Weekend? In all honesty, I just want that chance.

I'm not going it say I'm aiming for mediocrity, but in this league it's good enough for a spot in the dance. All I know is that I'm tired of sub par, and for once we have a shot at a bit better.

Over the next six weeks we are going to see what this team is made of. This Bills season has been a play in three parts. Act One was the descent, capped off by the MNF game that could have killed their season. Act Two was the break even, the stretch of games against beatable teams. Act Three was last week, embarrassment on a national scale.

Act Four can be two things: The continuation of Act Three, or the test that proves this team is worthy of an extended season.

I'm not sure what will happen, but I'm not ashamed to say I'm excited about it.

This Just In

by Ryan
Pretty sweet.

It still doesn't make it a good day after seeing this.

If football had a level of difficulty, the Bills just raised the diving board and drained the pool.

Juggernaut Week: Ghost Ride the Madden Whip

By Chris

The potential for one of the biggest weekends in recent Buffalo sports history is upon us. So the Roost is in a week-long party mode.

The Bills are back from the dead and have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. They play the Patriots, the cream of the NFL's crop Sunday night on NBC. With Madden and Michaels in the house, we're all pretty convinced that this could be the greatest game ever played or the biggest loss in Buffalo sports history. There is no middle ground. And we can't wait for it.

Also, the Sabres play the Ottawa Senators, the best team in the NHL, on Thursday night. It's the first time the Sabres have taken on the Sens since last year's playoffs, so it's obviously a pretty big deal. And being the obsessive hockey fans we are, we're pretty pumped for this game, despite how bad the Sabres have been lately.

And don't forget about the UB Football team. A win on Saturday at home against conference rival Bowling Green puts the Bulls in the driver's seat in their quest for the first division title in school history. Winning out also makes them eligible for a bowl game.

Tall tasks for Buffalo all around. With such an exciting week ahead, we present Juggernaut Week, where we're just going to go nuts. BYOB.

To kick things off, a clip of Roost favorite Marshawn Lynch cruising around the field in an injury cart from his days at Cal. Money knows how to party.

'Nuff $aid

The defense stepped up, Marshawn Lynch got all the yards he needed and the Bills postseason hopes are still alive. Look out, New England.

Money

by Ryan

Don't you ever run through our Buffalo!

Thank You

by Ryan


Happy November Everyone.

We here at the Goose's Roost would like to thank you for our best month ever. Thanks to everyone who has checked us out, and a special thank you to anyone who has linked to us or commented on our work. We write here for you, and just knowing that people are reading is worth keeping the dream alive.

To celebrate, I offer you this YouTube clip of Willis McGahee Marshawn Lynch being what a former running back (see strike through) could never be: hilarious.



PLAY TIIIIIIME!!!

A win is a win is a win

By Chris

The playcalling still wasn't great, but the offense was able to generate 19 points. The defensive scheme was well executed, even at the end when it looked like we were all bound for another last-second heartbreak. As ugly as it was, the Buffalo Bills got the job done. And at this point, that's all you can ask for.

Trent Edwards wasn't flashy at all. He only completed 52% of his passes, but that was all he needed. He ran an effective no-huddle offense, almost reminiscent of the K-Gun and was able to get the win, despite another late interception. Then again, a rookie quarterback only threw one interception against the Baltimore defense. That's cause for some celebration. If Edwards isn't out there next week, then Jauron should be fired. The guy moves the chains and allows the defense to rest. He gives the Bills the best chance to win.

Marshawn Lynch was able to churn out a very respectable 83 yards against a stout Baltimore defense and that was enough. This guy is a freaking horse. That's the only way to effectively describe him. He will fight for every single yard he gets--and behind the Bills line, maybe that's what's required.

The defense continues to play well above the level they're expected to. After all, those are 2nd and 3rd stringers out there late in the game. For them to be able to pull out a win like this is a huge confidence boost.

Sure they almost coughed up another close game, but they didn't. Maybe they're learning how to win. Right now, that's enough for me.



Willis who?

The Other Half

by Ryan


"Well, at least the first half wasn't so bad."

In most preseason games, taking that statement away from what you watched would be considered a good sign. Sure, your 3rd and 4th string squad may have made some mistakes, but the first team looked pretty good while they were in there.

Friday night was half of that story. While Losman struggled at times, there were the flashes of brilliance we have come to know. Two long outs were executed perfectly, and while 9/20 with one INT doesn't exactly dazzle, we all know what we saw in his 64 yard TD pass to Evans.

Marshawn Lynch(9 rushes for 9 yards) didn't look like the "Money" pick we want him to be, but you just can't say what we will see just yet.

The other half of the story was on the Defensive side of the ball. That side is shaping up to be a train wreck.

There is something to be said about Kerry Collins running you over. But what can you say when it's your first team defense that gets trounced?

The scary thing is that it doesn't feel like an abberation. It wasn't just about Kerry Collins' two touchdowns, or the 28 points against. Again, it was missed tackles and a microscopic pass rush that crippled any defensive stops.

Since camp began, the two major concerns have been the youth on D and J.P.'s development as a quarterback. Three games have passed and we still have those same questions. It's a very startling thing to think about.

After the Falcons game I felt as though progress had been made. The loss wasn't what was important, it didn't mean anything. Friday's loss felt much worse. Take away the aformentioned TD from Fred Jackson and we were officially blown out by the one-two punch of Vince Young and Kerry Collins. Eeep.

There are three weeks until the opener against Denver, and I still have no idea what this team can do. The one thing I do know, however, is that if they don't go out and destroy Jon Kitna and the Lions on Thursday my expectations will dip down pretty low. Jon Kitna thinks his team can win 13 games this year.

If they want me to think we can break even, they better show up.

Halloweenhead

by Ryan


People say there is nothing to write about these days. To them I say "bah!" and "bah!" again.

Consider the following: we are on the cusp of a football season that will be at the very least ridiculously entertaining. Considering the youth in our defensive core we may be leaping off the Peace Bridge by week three, but at least we have a starting running back with Grills. These things do matter.

To match that we have a brand new Sabres season around the bend; a season that may be a bit less magnified now that we are currently captainless. For those of you keeping score at home, however, we did not suddenly transform into the worst team in the league. Anyone feeling an 0-82 season coming on may leave now. Same goes for your clowns who bought discounted Flyers gear off NHL.com this summer. You can cuddle with Marty on your own time.


The point is this: we have a good chance at having two entertaining teams playing alongside each other this fall, and that makes me all warm and fuzzy. In fact, October is the beginning of the "sweet spot" of the Buffalo sports season. Both Buffalo teams play from then until at least January; with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years in between. I'm giddy just thinking about the snow.


To illustrate how sweet this fall will be, I'm posting some killer Halloween decorations I saw today. Yes, I know it's early, but this is the blog that went to Sabres rookie camp to see our boy Drew Schiestel in action. We're early risers on this kind of thing.

This is by far the coolest funhouse I've ever seen. There are three points of entry, bats hanging inside, and a skeleton knight and the grim reaper are guarding the door. Although the $300 price tag is a bit much today, you have to consider the UFA market and what it will cost for one of these in two years. You know what, Mr. Lowe, give Sam's Club $500 for it and call it Dustin Penner. The kids will love it.

This one is a bit cheaper, but in all honesty, price doesn't matter with this. If you can't tell, that's a hearse driven by the Grim Reaper. Not only do the lanterns actually work, but the horses' eyes gleam as well. I know Christmas has sort of cornered the market with these inflatable lawn ornaments, but judging from that terrified child running away on the right, I think that is no longer the case. That hearse is going to show up on some rich kid's front lawn, and he'll be so preoccupied with all the other cool stuff he has he won't even notice. Meanwhile, you are stuck with those freaking plastic pumpkins and a hanging cardboard skeleton.

God I hate the Rangers.

Who Needs Madden?

by Ryan


The doldroms of summer will get to the best of us. Yes, not even a fine Stephen Crane novel or mock fantasy drafts can get reasonable people through those early August blues. After weeks of haphazard summer sporting events, it's about time something really peaks our interest.


Finally, today is the day we have been waiting all summer for: the Bills preseason opener is upon us. Now while the boys pack up and get ready to play in New Orleans, we here at the Goose's Roost would like to celebrate football's triumphant return with a little artwork of our own. And what better way to use all that spare time we've had than making Miis?

And so, inspired by the glorious photo to your right, I give you J.P Losman and Marshawn Lynch.



Brooding a bit, I know, but what can I tell you? There is a reason I don't work at Darien Lake sketching people...

I like Marshawn much better, but Nintendo didn't have dreadlocks as a hairstyle. I'm sure if we drafted an asian running back I would have nailed it. If anyone wants to get a real good look at Marshawn, check out 289's take on "Money." I'll be sporting the throwback edition today in celebration of this season's official start.

Go Bills.

Take a Seat and Stay Awhile

By Chris

My phone woke me up just after midnight this morning. It was a text message from the Buffalo Bills informing me that Marshawn Lynch, their first round draft pick was finally signed. Lynch ended his one-day hold out by signing for $19 million over five years.

Several hours later, I checked some sites to see what Sabres center Derek Roy was awarded in his arbitration. It turns out he never went because he and the team were able to agree upon a six-year, $24 million deal. Yippee.

For the most part, both signings are great news. The Bills get their new franchise running back and the Sabres get their new top centerman. Each shows that the respective organizations are willing to dish out competitive contracts for players they feel will have a positive impact on their teams.

The Sabres may have overpaid for Roy right now ($3 million in 2007, $3.5 in 2008 and 2009), but in three years ($4 million in 2010, $4.5 in 2011 and $5.5 in 2012), it could be considered a value signing. Now, that line of thinking may not bode well for the financial stability and "cost certainty" of the "new" NHL, but it may very well become a reality. Roy was the captain of his team in Kitchener, so the leadership skills are there and he'll have to put them display now that he's the man on the Sabres top line. More money equals more responsibility and Roy needs to be up to the task.


How he'll truly pan out, however, is yet to be seen. It's just crazy to think that a guy who didn't even make the team out of training camp two years ago is now making $4 million. But what other choice did the Sabres have? They wanted to keep him and if he had gone to arbitration, then chances are he'd be gone after that two year contract he would've been awarded expires. So the Sabres did what they had to do and hopefully it'll pan out.

With Lynch, the Bills have a running back that will be able to effectively catch the ball out of the backfield for the first time in years (since Thurman, perhaps?). Willis McGahee had just 18 catches last year. Even Anthony Thomas had more. Lynch is already an upgrade over McGahee...after all, as a starting running back, you can't get much worse than 11 touchdowns over the last two years. Lynch will provide speed on the outside with the ability to break the long run. Scouting reports say he's a decent pass blocker, and those are all characteristics the Bills desperately need.

Lynch may be able to provide the occasional goal line carry, but for now, it seems that the A-Train will shoulder some of that burden. Even though they may share many of the carries this year (think of how the Patriots used Kool-Aid Maroney and Corey Dillon last season), there is no doubt that Lynch is the future.


So it looks like I'm ready to go out and order my new Lynch jersey. It's just too bad I can't get a Michael Vick jersey at the same time. For Vick, that is.