While you were feeling fat and drunk over winter break

I didn't get any gifts for Christmas this year. I think that's because I'm Jewish.

I didn't get many Chanukah gifts either.

However, remaining in the city that my mom's side of the family affectionately refers to as "hell" allowed me several hours to ponder the meaning of life, as well as stay up to date on the goings-on in the world.

Here are seven things you missed in the while-you-were-feeling-fat-and-drunk over winter break. Why seven and not a round number like 10? Quite honestly there just wasn't enough room.

7. Samarco Vs. Eric Moore:

Buffalo's first Mid-American Conference game against Bowling Green was overshadowed by the National Football League wildcard playoff weekend... in case you missed it, it was a great game. Bowling Green's guard Martin Samarco torched the Bulls for 43 points, including the game winning three-pointer as he was falling out of bounds with a hand in his face. This shot gave the Falcons a 74-73 lead with just over two seconds left.

Samarco's performance overshadowed the record setting performance by Bulls' guard Eric Moore. Moore scored 35 points, including a school record 11 three-pointers.

Not only were there exceptional individual performances, the game was a see-saw battle, that saw the Bulls come back from 16 points down in the first half to take an 11 point lead with less then five minutes in the second half, before the Falcons finished the game on a 15-3 run.

6. Free Amitrano!

John Amitrano, better known to many as "Painted Kid," (or crazy fan who screams at the opposing team consistently throughout both the men's and women's basketball games) was kicked out of two men's basketball games over winter break. One being the UB vs. Pitt game, which he, along with yours truly and several others, camped out 24 hours in advance to assure ourselves seats. Amitrano was also kicked out of the Kent State game before the game started.

I understand that in the past Amitrano has crossed the line in his actions towards the opposing team, but he is Buffalo's most passionate and recognizable fan, and this is no way to treat him. There has been far worse said at much bigger schools, and I doubt anything is done about it. Amitrano is passionate about the Bulls, and hopefully his passion will be allowed without any more interruptions.

5. Where's the snow?

I waited...and waited...and waited some more. No snow on Chanukah, no puffy white stuff on Christmas, no drops of white on Kwanzaa, nothing on New Year's either...This is Buffalo isn't it? As I write this, the snow has begun to fall. But I stand behind my question due to the fact that this is our first snow since the October blizzard.

4. Yassin Idbihi finally living up to his potential.

For three straight years, Idbihi has been named to the first team All-MAC preseason squad. Yet when it really counts the closest he's come to making a post-season team is All-MAC honorary mention. That's not happening this year, as Idbihi has made himself a definite candidate for MAC Player of the Year. Over the break, Idbihi averaged 18.5 points and 9.5 boards per game despite missing three games with an elbow injury. Against then No. 2 ranked Pitt and last year's Big East Player of the Year Aaron Gray, Idbihi kept the team in the game in the first half with 18 points and 10 boards for the game. For the season Idbihi is No. 5 in the MAC with 15.6 points per game and first in the MAC with 9.1 rebounds per game.

3. Autograph day.

If there's an autograph day for the men's basketball team and only two students show up, was there ever really an autograph day? The wise heads of marketing in the athletic department decided it would be a smart idea to have the men's autograph session during halftime of a women's basketball game. Now I don't fault them for this. It's a good idea to get students to come to the women's game. What I fault them for is the timing. Not only did they do the signing during break when most students are not home yet, they advertised it three days in advance at the Kent State game, when even less students were there. So unless you're Fer or I, you're out of luck with those autographs. I really wanted the team to autograph the play card and maybe even a body part if I got lucky. I love that Eric Moore and Andy Robinson.

2. If you are reading this column, chances are you missed the best movie of 2006-07...Dream Girls.

Believe me, I know I am opening myself up for abuse by admitting I even saw this movie, but it's a great film, with great music and very good performances by Eddie Murphy and the girl from American Idol (Jennifer Hudson).... plus you have Beyonc?(c)...she's hot.

1. 24 straight hours of the Christmas Story on TBS

Well at least for your sake I hope you did.