AOL for some reason takes almost 48 hours in some cases to actually show my new posts. SO that means you might be behind on my blogs if you just read on AOL. What you need to do is go to my page and if the dates seem they were days ago cut and paste the URL in Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. That as far as I know is a problem on AOL users are having, but is shows up if you open up those applications seconds after I update it. So, AOL users drop the URL in the other applications to double check for updates. Thank You---------Keith
Saturday, December 11, 2004
"Bettman Pondering"
There are signs out there and rumors that Gary Bettman will give on the salary cap and think that this new agreement will save the owners some serious green. Despite the fact there is no "cap" word to be found players are already grumbling that it is way too much. Some of the most vocial is Robert Esche.
Here is a new story and I am going to try to cover this story at it develops. Lets keep our fingers crossed for Tuesday. Now I honestly can't imagine that the owners would ponder over it if there wasn't a chance to save the season. I also don't think they would be cocky enough to give a counter offer with a salary cap in it.
Here is a new story and I am going to try to cover this story at it develops. Lets keep our fingers crossed for Tuesday. Now I honestly can't imagine that the owners would ponder over it if there wasn't a chance to save the season. I also don't think they would be cocky enough to give a counter offer with a salary cap in it.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
"The NHLPA's Olive Branch"
NHLPA statement
NHLPA REVIVES TALKS TO END OWNERS’ LOCKOUT WITH NEW SIX-POINT PROPOSAL FROM PLAYERS an effort to end the owners’ lockout that has reached 85 days and threatens the 2004-05 season, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) put forth a comprehensive proposal to the league today with major concessions to the owners, beginning with an immediate and unprecedented 24% rollback of all players’ salaries through the term of their existing contracts.The proposal more than quadruples the players’ last offer from Sept. 9, while providing the owners with a competitive business model for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Based on the NHLPA’s six-point plan, the proposed rollback triggers a windfall of short and long-term savings for the owners through a system of changes to the Entry Level System (ELS), reductions to qualifying offers, new salary arbitration rules for clubs, a payroll tax and a revenue redistribution plan.
“The players have dramatically lowered the overall marketplace and adjusted all of the main system elements with changes that will help well-managed clubs maintain their roster at a significantly reduced cost,” said NHLPA Executive Director Bob Goodenow.
“Once a rollback of this magnitude is recognized in the system, the owners’ cost-savings will be realized for years to come.”The six major elements of the NHLPA’s plan as presented to the owners include:24% Compensation RollbackAn overall market deflator that resets player compensation at a new, sharply reduced level by rolling back all player compensation by 24% through the life of existing contracts. The rollback in compensation over three years will be $528M. In addition to an immediate economic impact for owners and their teams, the deflator will have major ongoing effects on new contracts.
Future Salary Restraints (Entry Level System, Qualified Offers and Arbitration)A new set of system deflators that will reduce spending on the individual contracts executed in the new, rolled-back marketplace. These system deflators include substantial restraints in the ELS; reduced qualifying offers; the use of rolled-back and new contracts as the only comparables available in salary arbitration and in negotiations for new contracts; and the use of arbitration at the election of the club for two new purposes identified by the NHL as important.
Conservatively these system benefits to owners will pull $400M out of the ELS system over the next six years, reduce the aggregate qualifying offers due to Group II Players by $285M over three years and provide other benefits. Payroll TaxA payroll tax with thresholds that begin at $45M, tax rates between 20% and 60% for first time taxpayers and higher rates for repeat taxpayers. If a club triggers the tax, its payments will be pooled for distribution by the NHL and NHLPA. Revenue Redistribution PlanA revenue redistribution plan that will transfer money from the high-revenue clubs to the low-revenue clubs, and encourage low-revenue clubs to increase their own revenues.
The redistribution will inhibit spending on players by the clubs that have formerly spent the most. This plan offers three alternatives to the NHL with amounts ranging from $65M, to $124M and $190M, respectively. Joint Player-Club CommitteesJoint Player-Club committees designed to ensure real improvements in the game, its marketing and its revenues, along with other areas of mutual concern. As an initial step, the players propose to commit to play in the 2006 and 2010 Olympics. Ongoing Adjustments and UpdatesAdjustments and updates to a variety of other CBA provisions..
Today’s meeting in Toronto was attended by NHLPA executive committee members Trevor Linden, Bob Boughner, Vincent Damphousse, Arturs Irbe and Trent Klatt, and NHLPA officials Bob Goodenow, Ted Saskin, Ian Pulver, Mike Gartner and John McCambridge.“This proposal demonstrates the players’ sincere desire to get the game out of the boardroom and back on the ice,” said NHLPA President Trevor Linden. “While the concessions on our side are quite significant, we know that our effort represents a meaningful compromise to get a fair deal for both sides.”
The last collective bargaining agreement between the NHLPA and the NHL expired at midnight, September 15. NHLPA members have pledged to play hockey this year and next while negotiations continue to end the owners’ lockout.
NHLPA REVIVES TALKS TO END OWNERS’ LOCKOUT WITH NEW SIX-POINT PROPOSAL FROM PLAYERS an effort to end the owners’ lockout that has reached 85 days and threatens the 2004-05 season, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) put forth a comprehensive proposal to the league today with major concessions to the owners, beginning with an immediate and unprecedented 24% rollback of all players’ salaries through the term of their existing contracts.The proposal more than quadruples the players’ last offer from Sept. 9, while providing the owners with a competitive business model for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Based on the NHLPA’s six-point plan, the proposed rollback triggers a windfall of short and long-term savings for the owners through a system of changes to the Entry Level System (ELS), reductions to qualifying offers, new salary arbitration rules for clubs, a payroll tax and a revenue redistribution plan.
“The players have dramatically lowered the overall marketplace and adjusted all of the main system elements with changes that will help well-managed clubs maintain their roster at a significantly reduced cost,” said NHLPA Executive Director Bob Goodenow.
“Once a rollback of this magnitude is recognized in the system, the owners’ cost-savings will be realized for years to come.”The six major elements of the NHLPA’s plan as presented to the owners include:24% Compensation RollbackAn overall market deflator that resets player compensation at a new, sharply reduced level by rolling back all player compensation by 24% through the life of existing contracts. The rollback in compensation over three years will be $528M. In addition to an immediate economic impact for owners and their teams, the deflator will have major ongoing effects on new contracts.
Future Salary Restraints (Entry Level System, Qualified Offers and Arbitration)A new set of system deflators that will reduce spending on the individual contracts executed in the new, rolled-back marketplace. These system deflators include substantial restraints in the ELS; reduced qualifying offers; the use of rolled-back and new contracts as the only comparables available in salary arbitration and in negotiations for new contracts; and the use of arbitration at the election of the club for two new purposes identified by the NHL as important.
Conservatively these system benefits to owners will pull $400M out of the ELS system over the next six years, reduce the aggregate qualifying offers due to Group II Players by $285M over three years and provide other benefits. Payroll TaxA payroll tax with thresholds that begin at $45M, tax rates between 20% and 60% for first time taxpayers and higher rates for repeat taxpayers. If a club triggers the tax, its payments will be pooled for distribution by the NHL and NHLPA. Revenue Redistribution PlanA revenue redistribution plan that will transfer money from the high-revenue clubs to the low-revenue clubs, and encourage low-revenue clubs to increase their own revenues.
The redistribution will inhibit spending on players by the clubs that have formerly spent the most. This plan offers three alternatives to the NHL with amounts ranging from $65M, to $124M and $190M, respectively. Joint Player-Club CommitteesJoint Player-Club committees designed to ensure real improvements in the game, its marketing and its revenues, along with other areas of mutual concern. As an initial step, the players propose to commit to play in the 2006 and 2010 Olympics. Ongoing Adjustments and UpdatesAdjustments and updates to a variety of other CBA provisions..
Today’s meeting in Toronto was attended by NHLPA executive committee members Trevor Linden, Bob Boughner, Vincent Damphousse, Arturs Irbe and Trent Klatt, and NHLPA officials Bob Goodenow, Ted Saskin, Ian Pulver, Mike Gartner and John McCambridge.“This proposal demonstrates the players’ sincere desire to get the game out of the boardroom and back on the ice,” said NHLPA President Trevor Linden. “While the concessions on our side are quite significant, we know that our effort represents a meaningful compromise to get a fair deal for both sides.”
The last collective bargaining agreement between the NHLPA and the NHL expired at midnight, September 15. NHLPA members have pledged to play hockey this year and next while negotiations continue to end the owners’ lockout.
"Tuesday or Nothing"
Dec. 9, 2004
TORONTO - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman today released the following statement:
"The Union presented us with a proposal today that, clearly, they worked on for a long time. We wanted to give it at least a preliminary review before making any comments.
"We will not discuss any of the specifics until we formally respond to the Union. To do otherwise would not be constructive to this process. However, I will acknowledge that one aspect of the proposal is very significant. That element is a recognition by the Union of our economic condition -- but it is a 'one-time' element.
"We have said consistently that the focus must be on the overall systemic issues and the long-term needs and health of the game. We will fully review the Union's proposal and respond next Tuesday. It is our present intention to make a counter-proposal."
::::::::Tucker's World's Take::::: Well so far it looks as though as I thought, that they would make a counter offer. I am feeling a heck of a lot better than I was a few weeks ago. There is still a chance that we could see some hockey tonight. They may play with the numbers a bit, but some how I think they might work things out. We should know a lot more Tuesday. The tone is a lot less nasty than its been.
TORONTO - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman today released the following statement:
"The Union presented us with a proposal today that, clearly, they worked on for a long time. We wanted to give it at least a preliminary review before making any comments.
"We will not discuss any of the specifics until we formally respond to the Union. To do otherwise would not be constructive to this process. However, I will acknowledge that one aspect of the proposal is very significant. That element is a recognition by the Union of our economic condition -- but it is a 'one-time' element.
"We have said consistently that the focus must be on the overall systemic issues and the long-term needs and health of the game. We will fully review the Union's proposal and respond next Tuesday. It is our present intention to make a counter-proposal."
::::::::Tucker's World's Take::::: Well so far it looks as though as I thought, that they would make a counter offer. I am feeling a heck of a lot better than I was a few weeks ago. There is still a chance that we could see some hockey tonight. They may play with the numbers a bit, but some how I think they might work things out. We should know a lot more Tuesday. The tone is a lot less nasty than its been.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
"Little Parking Spots"
So I got this new job in Westmont. The surronding area is made up of some of the oldest towns in South Jersey. Its a little neat and all with the history, however everthing is insanely small. There is a Wawa down the street from my work which is plain and simple a death trap. I honestly don't see how their parking lot is remotely legal. THere is so few parking spots and the space to zoom around once you realize there are no spots is insanely small. So you have cars having to go out of their way not to hit each other if there are no spaces.
To make matters worse there is usually no room to park your car to the side of the parking lot not that stops some people despite the fact that its illegal. So, you have to make your way back on to one of the roads in order to try it again. All the businesses are like that. There is a diner a few miles down the road with like a total of 12 parking spots. I realized they were all full when I went to eat there today, and went into the neighborhood behind it which as streets that seem like that haven't be widen since horse and buggies were trotting down them.
There are some stores that look cool on the sides of the street, but there seems to be no where to ever park the car. The places that do have parking lots my place of work included have huge dips going into the parking lot. What genius ever thought it was a good idea for people to scrap their cars on their way in?
Drew when are we getting together for Peanut Butter Sandwitches and pickles?
To make matters worse there is usually no room to park your car to the side of the parking lot not that stops some people despite the fact that its illegal. So, you have to make your way back on to one of the roads in order to try it again. All the businesses are like that. There is a diner a few miles down the road with like a total of 12 parking spots. I realized they were all full when I went to eat there today, and went into the neighborhood behind it which as streets that seem like that haven't be widen since horse and buggies were trotting down them.
There are some stores that look cool on the sides of the street, but there seems to be no where to ever park the car. The places that do have parking lots my place of work included have huge dips going into the parking lot. What genius ever thought it was a good idea for people to scrap their cars on their way in?
Drew when are we getting together for Peanut Butter Sandwitches and pickles?
Monday, December 06, 2004
"Hockey Doomsday"
The two hockey sides will sit down and talk this Thursday. It's fairly clear thought the plan hasn't been released to the press that the NHLPA's new plan still doesn't include a salary cap. The owners said just last week that no luxury cap is good enough. Even still the two sides are going to sit down together for the first time since the lockout started. Does anyone think any good will come from this or it just a bunch of people stilling around? Why did the owners accept the invite if they know there is no salary cap? Will one side bend? Will the owners make a counter offer? Only time will tell I guess. Its clear if nothing is really agreeded upon the 2004-05 season will likely be offically canceled
Sunday, December 05, 2004
"Tucker to Readers:Eagles are '05 Superbowl Champs"
Okay, I am not an Eagles or football expert. However, I think its time to use up all the William Penn curse jokes before they don't make any sense. I have followed the Eagles a little closer this year. I still find football to be an overrated sport, but whatever. Now that the NHL is gone I really don't have a sport anymore. So, most my friends are Eagles fans so its only fair to let them use this post to talk about it.
The Eagles have only one Loss, and most their wins were done with out breaking a sweat. Todays smack down was one of the biggest spankings I have ever seen. Most the games are over by the start of the 2nd quarter when Philly is playing. Its like someone playing on rookie in one of the EA sports games.
Yeah, the Stealers beat their asses, but the Eagles didn't have their A game going. Lets face it they were not going to win EVERY game. HOwever, its likely they will from this point out. Unless they are slammed by the injury bug they should be able to make it to the Superbowl in their sleep. Their confidence is so high right now the teams just fall to their knees in fear.
Now the Redskins took awhile to be put out of their misery a few weeks ago, but the Eagles still had control of the game.
The Stealers I think will actually be up rooted by New England and the Eagles can take them. In fact I will predicit this far in advance that the Eagles will win the Superbowl over New England by two touchdowns.
It's about time we have all team for all 3 of the major sports (4 actually till this past September when the NHL went under) and its been forever and a day since we had a parade. Does anyone actually have and doubt about the Eagles? I will steal the concept of the 610 wip guys..whats your confidence level?
The Eagles have only one Loss, and most their wins were done with out breaking a sweat. Todays smack down was one of the biggest spankings I have ever seen. Most the games are over by the start of the 2nd quarter when Philly is playing. Its like someone playing on rookie in one of the EA sports games.
Yeah, the Stealers beat their asses, but the Eagles didn't have their A game going. Lets face it they were not going to win EVERY game. HOwever, its likely they will from this point out. Unless they are slammed by the injury bug they should be able to make it to the Superbowl in their sleep. Their confidence is so high right now the teams just fall to their knees in fear.
Now the Redskins took awhile to be put out of their misery a few weeks ago, but the Eagles still had control of the game.
The Stealers I think will actually be up rooted by New England and the Eagles can take them. In fact I will predicit this far in advance that the Eagles will win the Superbowl over New England by two touchdowns.
It's about time we have all team for all 3 of the major sports (4 actually till this past September when the NHL went under) and its been forever and a day since we had a parade. Does anyone actually have and doubt about the Eagles? I will steal the concept of the 610 wip guys..whats your confidence level?
"Snow"
Curious how much snow you will have to shovel this winter? Well check out Fox Philly winter outlook. In my book its the most accurate place to find out whats going on in the weather world. It breaks it down by county and it appears that some of us will get a tad more of the white stuff then the average.
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