Steve Pigeon | Political Operative

SKINNY: This week, Erie County Deputy District Attorney Mark Sacha claimed that Pigeon was given a free pass from prosecution for multiple election law violations in 2007. In one instance, Sacha claims to have compiled evidence implicating Pigeon in laundering $10,000 in campaign contributions from former County Executive Joel Giambra to candidate Paul Clark—information which was ignored by his current and former bosses, DAs Frank Sedita and Frank Clark, whom Pigeon supported.

VERDICT: Pigeon may finally start to feel the noose tighten as calls arise for an investigation by a special prosector. With all the bad press floating around, will his friendship once again become toxic for local pols?

Terrell Owens | Footballer

SKINNY: The talented wide receiver was signed this offseason to revive competition and interest in the ailing Buffalo Bills, who haven’t made the playoffs since 1999—tied for longest active streak in the NFL. Engimatic and oft-times disruptive, Owens has barely made a peep, on the field or off, having caught only five passes for 98 yards and one score this season, well below his normal production.

VERDICT: Owens needs a breakout game, and fast, to prove that at 35 years old he still has some fuel in the tank. Even money is on a vocal breakout first, as Owens may be growing weary of the Bills’ play-calling: “Whether I like them or don’t,” he said, “I’m just going with the plays that are called.”

Geriatric Elephants

Despite receiving better medical care than most poor people, Buki passed away at the ride old age of 52, a good ten years longer the average elephant in captivity. The real question: How the hell does one dispose of a 4-ton dead elephant?

The Russert Dynasty

The death of Buffalo’s most famous father Tim Russert Sr., of Big Russ and Me fame, on Sept. 24 marked the end of the short-lived family dynasty and closest thing to Camelot here. Third sire Luke, alas, was born born in Washington D.C.

Freshman Hazing

Ten students at Lewiston-Porter High School were suspended for 3-5 days on Sept. 25 for taking part in a hazing ritual that involved hurling raw meat at new members of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Thank you sir may I have another!

Green Development

No knock on the 200 estimated new jobs, but a proposed $200 million steel plant in WNY, built with the aid of low-cost power and state tax credits, is contrary to the green manufacturing future we were promised. At least it’s recycled steel, I guess.

Hard Justice

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo continued his crusade against the debt collection industry, filing charges against 12 Buffalo employees for posing as law enforcement officials to strong-arm payments. Thank God prohibition was repealed.

Number of non-working or antique guns, out of 711 total, turned in on Aug. 15 as part of Mayor Byron Brown’s Gun Buyback program. According to a final audit, the city paid out $34,645 for the guns, which included 4 assault rifles and 275 handguns. In all, 2,312 weapons have been exchanged for cash in three years.