christmas day...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL !

I will see quite a few of you on Christmas, but for those of you that I don't see I would like to take the time to wish you a Merry Christmas.

I hope that my readers all have a nice Christmas and their time with their friends and family. Enjoy opening your presents and giving them to show how much people mean to you.

Christmas only comes once a year and than its over in a flash. So enjoy it today, and I hope everyone is safe and has enjoyable day.

If you want use this entry to post about what you got, or what you did that would be cool.

Just don't forget to take a minute or two today to actually reflect on the true meaning of Christmas at some point today. It's easy to lose sight of why the holiday actually exists in the first place with all the rushing around and all.

Again Merry Christmas and thanks for reading.

"The Gift"

The following is a short story I wrote awhile back. Here is it again, since it has become an annual Tucker's World tradition to post this on Christmas.


Some time around the first week of the year. I took a second look at one of our traditional Christmas decorations; it was a complete and total eyesore. It was a gift some old lady gave my mother 10 years ago for Christmas and I guess she felt obligated to put it on the tree each year. It was a gaudy looking knitted cat. It was one the most hideous things I have ever laid eyes on. They say its thought that counts well it’s the thought that angers me when I see it every year.

That same Christmas like every year an epidemic spread through the grade school. This year it was in the form of Sega, the newest video game system. Over greasy square pizza, pale yellow peas, and flavorless mashed potatoes shaped like an ice cream scoop, I would hear all the kids discuss the latest video games. I would try my best to stay absent from the conversation. I wouldn’t know what to say when they would ask me if I had gotten past the castle board yet.


One day went I went home I sat my father down and tried to tell him how I would benefit from having a Sega game system of my very own. I told him it would give me better hand eye coordination and against the popular notion it made kids zombies, I told him it acutally made them think and make quick decisions. He went on and on about how when he was a kid he would just use his imagination to have fun, and how kids today are spoiled. I think that conversation is had all over America in every family at one point and time. I used to think that my parents and all the other parents would go to secret meetings at night or when all their kids were in school and discuss stuff like this. I pictured a man with a gavel leading the meeting and hammering home the idea of telling children why they are spoiled and to shove vegetables down their throats. One time I actually searched my mother’s purse for a pamphlet when they got home late the night before.

That Christmas I was hoping for a miracle. I rushed down the steps that morning and studied each mystery. I did the shake test, the weight test and the hold them up to the sunlight test. As I tore, open each one my chances of getting the coveted Sega was getting slimmer and slimmer. All kinds of flashes were going off from my mother’s camera capturing images of me, and my reactions to each present.


Later that day my family and I went to my aunt and uncle’s for dinner. I was in a miserable mood the whole time. The only bright spot was that my cousin Robby who was about my age was there. And guess what he got for Christmas? Of course the very same Sega system. He told me he got it weeks before Christmas even came. Robby and I were always highly competitive. So while the sweet smell of the pending ham dinner dissipated through the air we settled down in front of the television. With all those weeks of practice, he had on me he humiliated me. I think he set a record for goals scored in a hockey game, shot my plane down about a dozen times, and beat me all over the wrestling ring. I went home feeling worse than I did when I realized I wasn’t getting the Sega.


On the ride home my father tried to reach out to me. But I just pushed him away. The image of my wrestler I was controlling laying on the floor after about 30 seconds was burning in my mind. I sat in fit of rage in the back seat as my parents were in the front. My father turned the radio down. He told me that maybe one day I would get one. But I didn’t hear it. I wanted to tell him how Robby’s parents weren’t any richer than we, that I was the only kid that didn’t have a Sega. But all that came out at the top of my tiny lungs was I HATE YOU! And instead of saying anything after that. I just repeated I HATE YOU! Because he was driving of course he had his back to me. But we passed a street light that light up the rear view window and I glimpse of his face. Suddenly I didn’t want to yell anymore. I did not apologize either, in fact no one said anything. The car just hummed along the rest of the ride.

About two months later I got a Sega for my birthday. It funny the minute I unwrapped the gift and realized what it was, I almost had to fake excitement. Sure I spend many a night in the glow of my television going to far off lands and winning championships, but I could never take those words back. At least in a video game you are blessed with more than one life. At the time I meant the words that came out of my mouth. I hated my father as much as I hate that stupid knit cat now. One time after coming home from a fishing trip with my father after many years of those words keeping me up at night, it figured it was time to apologize. However my mouth froze, I never did. I like to think that my father knew what I was thinking. Like I said they say it’s the thought that counts.

I put the rest of the ornaments in a box, and I carried them basement. I placed them in a closet we hardly used. It was full of dust and mildew. I rested the box right on top of the Sega.

"Christmas Wishlist"

Here it the annual Tucker's World Wishlist for you last minute shoppers.

John Kerry: A Time Machine, so he can go back and win the election.

Gary Bettman: A Clue

The NHLPA headquarters: A flamming pile of dog crap.

T.O.: A new ankle.

Jay: A bag of lima beans, ever since he was a kid he has just loved those things. Just a bag filled with them just like the one he carried around when he was little.

Echelon Mall: A fresh start

Mosco: A stocking full of White Castle burgers

Drew: A Gun

Donald Rumsfeld: Free Public Relations classes.So,next time a soilder askes for better equipment his answer is better than simply telling him that he is likely to die in a firey ball of death in his tank when explodes anyway, so he shouldn't be too worried.

Donald Brasher: He was kicked out of a beer hockey league earlier this week for punching someone who was already laying on the ice. So, perhaps anger mangement classes could help.

Ben Stiller: A new agent that will tell him to turn down something once in awhile. I love Ben Stiller, but 8 movies this year was a bit much.

Fat Albert: Our 8 bucks for his new movie for Christmas Movie Christmas.

"Best Christmas Movie Moments"

Does anyone have any?

1. There are so many from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,but if I had to pick one I would go with the scene where the tree is set on fire. The fact that we don't actually see it is what makes it funny. There is a shot of the family sitting there, then the sound affect and you see what appears to be flames of some sort lighting up the room in the background.

2. The movie A Christmas Story a timeless of a film that has aged very well is almost a flawless comedy is also packed full of goodies. I would have to say I always enjoyed the shot of the parents watching the snow behind the tree at the end of the film. However,as far a moments the entire Santa scene is just classic. The film had such heart with just a pinch of dark humor mixed in. The fact that mall Santa is a jerk, to Ralphie and puts his boot on his face is just priceless. Not to mention the creepy kid; "I like the Tinman!"

3. In It's a Wonderful Life, the scene in which George Bailey goes to see Mary when she returns from college. The chemistry between them is so good. Not to mention the scene at the bar when he has a break down.

There are a ton more, from these three movies alone. Let's even include short cartoon specials like the Grinch, Frosty, Garfield, Rudolph etc. Im short on time,but why not get the ball rolling here.

"Tucker and Barber"

So, yours truely was chowing down at the Don Pablos in Deptford (yes the ban has been lifted) with my wonderful girlfriend.

Behind me the whole time (or at least most of the time) was NHL hall of famer Bill Barber with I assume his grandson. I didn't notice him untill the kid walked past our booth, and Barber was trying to help him get his coat on. I guess it was his daughter he was with.

Now I wouldn't say that I am star struck or whatever, but the few times I meet someone famous I rarely say anything. Mainly,because I don't know what to say. He was standing like right next to me.

I guess I should of asked him how it felt to be FIRST to be first. Maybe I could have asked if Clarkie sent him a Christmas card yet. I certainly could have asked him what he thought about the lock out. Since most former players like him would give anything to lace them up one more time for an NHL game I doubt he would really feel bad for the millionaire players of todays age.

I was at the Tropicania this weekend and supposedly Snoop Dog was there wondering around some place. Anyone, who hasn't been to this casino in awhile should really go. They totally overhauled the entire place they have some cool shops and places to eat. Of course it helps if you win money if you want to actually eat or drink at this place.

Ah...have a good Monday one and all. Hmm..anyone else ever meet anyone cool? Or sit next to anyone cool?

"What's on First?"

What will come first?


The Wal-mart next to the Echelon Mall will open.


An NHL game will be played again.

Ryan will actually call me.


A new Sopranos will air.


A democrat will be in the White House.

I will see Drew again

****coming soon*** Tucker's World Man of the year!

"Five Golden Rants"

Here are some rants that have been ratting around in my brain lately

#1 Bernard B. Kerik

Okay, I admit it I had no clue who this guy was when he was first nominated to head the Department of Homeland Security. However, I saw his picture and saw how though he looks ; like a mean SOB, good choice. I read his bio which was mostly about his work during the horrible events of 9/11.

Come to find out he bangs girls on the side, hires illegal aliens, and I wouldn't want him cleaning my cats litter box let alone telling me what color terror we are at and when and where I might be blown up by a terrorist.

So, since all this stuff came out pretty quick I am guessing reporters were sitting on the story and figured it would sell more papers one day if he ever tried to go anywhere in government. My other thought is why do they do better background checks for the Sears Outlet then they do for this position? I am told that they do the background checks after the nomination. Maybe Bush saw the same pictures that I did and was like yeah he looks mean hire that man. He sure looks tough what with the shaved head and big mustache and all.


# 2 Liberals and Colin Powell

Why is that all the liberals gave Powell the benefit of the doubt when they loathed everyone in the Bush admistration from A-Z from almost day one. Yet they would always, say for the longest time, well I like Powell but the rest of them are bums!

Eventually, seemingly by association they finally said I give up on Powell. He is no good either good I am glad he is stepping down. Now if he looked like Donald RUmsfield he would have never been given that grace period. It's almost like they were like he is black, he can't be corrupt and evil. He is black! Lets give him a pass he is black.


# 3Liberals and Holidays

Listen if I want to walk down the street singing jingle bells or deck the halls it doesn't mean Christians are good you are evil. First off most christmas songs and decorations that are falling under fire this holiday season have nothing to do with the birth of Christ. The Grinch, Santa and Frosty weren't in the bible.

Right now on the crewblog there is a huge debate over if people should not be allowed to hang their holiday decorations up or not. Since this is a free country I am all for it. No matter how ugly some houses can be. I have never heard of parking problems or neighbors being mad because people litter on their lawn since the guy across the street has a Homer in a Santa suit.

Most decorations really don't say anything about religion and if you got into a jewish neigbhorhood your likely not to see any. The thing of it is christianity is the dominat religion in the US. Sorry, it's true. Actually many of the people who founded this country were of Christian faith deal with it. If you live in China and aren't a buddist you would have to put up with most people praying to buddiah. In Iraq Allah, etc. Heck I have friends from other religions that put up trees and stockings. I don't get all mad.

It will come and go in a few weeks and its all over. I don't understand why Atheists can't come up with their own holiday if they feel so left out. Why don't ahteists just celebrate festivus?

The thing that cracks me up is these are the same people stick up for the other less practiced religions in the country so they can pray to whoever. But when christians are expressing their freedom of religion all of the sudden are angry if people walk down the street singing christmas songs.

Listen im not gay I have no idea why a guy would want to hump another guy. I am aware that there are many gay pride parades in the city, but I dont give them a hard time because I don't follow their way of life. Hell I don't get all jealous because they all look like they are having fun dancing and singing and all.


#4 Blockbuster

Blockbuster's new policy. Good lord do I have sympathy for those employees. If you didn't hear by now in order to compete with Comcast on DEMAND, and Netflix they decided to get rid of late fees come 2005. Well that might be a good idea, but you are dealing with the general public who are likely to ignornant to read a paper, or watch the news.

Even if they do see it on tv, you know they wont understand and will put the the people at blockbuster through hell. The rule is they give you a 10 day grace period to get the movie back, if its not back 10 days after its um.."due" then they charge the whole damn thing to your account so you own the movie. If you bring it back in 30 days you get your money back.

I can picture this.

"Whadda ya meaaaaaaaaaaaan? I own Spiderman 2? Own it ? What do you meaaaaaaaaan?

"Sir, actually you can just get your money back if you get it in before your 30 days are up!"

"You better give me my money back or im going to through the DVD through the damn window!"

"No copies of Spiderman 2?"

"Eh, everyone decided to take advantage of the grace period now they own all our copies"

#5 Red lights

So, I hate red lights like most people. Now they always seem like they come at the wrong time. Or don't come when they should.

Awhile back my mouth was feeling a little funky after something I ate I guess. I was lucky enough to have a small bottle of mouth wash in my car. I figured good time swish and spit since that light is always red up ahead. Then simple I open the door real quick and spit. Sure it could look nasty to the dude behind me, but it's not any nastier than all those micro-organisms running around in my mouth having a good old time.

So of course the light was never green when I was running let or ever for that matter when I got to that intersection. This time it was green followed by another, and another. Now I could roll the window down but my luck would have a bunch of minty freshness coat the interior of my car as it comically blew back at me.

It was as if I had some sort of magic powers the lights up ahead were just all changing green. Again and again I got almost home and it was nearly a 25 minute drive. Of course because I am me, I started thinking of the the health risks of having mouth wash in your mouth for this period of time. I started to weigh the pros and cons of consuming the contents in my mouth. So, if you are running late swish you will be there in record time.

"Hockey No Go"

Eh, whats to write? I had a lot but there isn't much to say. The owners basically wrote SALARY CAP on a piece of paper and slide it over to the NHLPA. The said...um no. Then the owners gave them their new deal and they told them to go pound sand. The roll back was a good PR move by the NHLPA to make it look like they were the good guys. Does anyone think we will ever see NHL hockey again?

"First Snow"

We could get snow this weekend. Maybe up to two inches, and the storm could be big west of us. Also the chance of a white chirstmas has increased. We could have another shot of snow on Thursday. Any out of the gate predictions on what will happen this weekend snow wise?

"NHL Season Melting"

One the eve of the counter proposal a memo has been leaked. Actually things look worse then they did a week ago. At least according to this article.

"NHL Season Melting"

One the eve of the counter proposal a memo has been leaked. Actually things look worse then they did a week ago. At least according to this article.

"The DEEP FREEZE"

I was going to post this sometime last week to disprove Drew's theory of the 48 hour forecast, because Rob Guriano said this would happen weeks ago. Now its unfolding.

Hope you folks like cold weather cause are getting tons of it this week. It will warm up a bit this weekend, but will be even colder next week. They are also saying there is a chance of white Christmas because early indications point to some sort of "wet stuff" near the time that Old Saint Nick will be making his list and checking it twice. Here is a brief snippet from FOX PHILLYS weather.

" Temps will be the coldest Tuesday-Thursday this week with lows in the teens north of Philly. The coldest feeling day may actually be Tuesday with a wind chill of 20-24 during the afternoon hours. As far as snow this week we'll see snow showers in the Lehigh Valley with no real accumulation. Once you get closer to the Poconos we could see up to 2" the next 3 days as bands of lake effect snow showers skirt the Pocono region.Temps will rebound late week to near normal values but the cold will reload next week. The cold next week will even be colder than this week so makwe sure the heaters are tuned up and ready. I do not see any big snow makers at this point but we'll focus more toward the 20-23rd for a possible clipper like development near the coast. That could bring a light snow or mix to the region during the 20-23rd timeframe."


See that now that I have more and more readers clicking on here during work out of total boredom you are getting the weather at no extra charge or um extra clicks.

"Lancaster Bush Ban"

DEMOCRATS HATE THE 1st AMENDMENT?

You know I can understand people who voted for Sen. John Kerry being upset that he lost. The election was very close and very emotional. I can even understand how people that voted for him were disgusted with our country for a brief time. However, I simply no tolerance for the democrats who have clearly fallen into total lunacy about it.

Its events like this that make me have to call myself a moderate. Because, I see the democratic party as nothing but a bunch of hypocryites. I mean how many times do they grip about free speech? Then when someone dares talks about God, or says the voted for Bush. It is time to run them out of town and burn them to death.

Okay so this is from WPVI 6.com, and it does have a bit of an even more local connection then just Lancaster. David Stoltfus is part of the family that runs the Amish market in Williamstown in South Jersey. Anyway here are some juicy nuggets from the article.

A Democratic city councilman has demanded that a baker remove photos of President Bush (Mr Bush for you ABC NEW viewers) from his stand in Lancaster's venerable farmers market, saying the city needs a "healing period" following the bitterly contested presidential election.

City Councilman Nelson Polite approached David Stoltzfus last month and asked him to remove the pictures. When Stoltzfus refused, Polite vowed to pursue a city ordinance that would ban all political items from public places in the city.
Polite said the photo offended city Democrats.


"I just feel that since it was a close election and the city's so divided, that we should have a healing period," Polite told the New Era of Lancaster on Friday.

First off, how the heck is putting up a picture of the PRESIDENT a political statement? My mother has a picture of the President up in the house, but its not saying screw you if you voted for Kerry I hate your guts. Some people actually put pictures up of the leader of the free world and its that simple.

Second, when are the democrats going to get over it? Please Bush won. Its over. Its this arrogant "we are smarter then you dumbasses who don't agree with us" attitude that may have cost them the election. Please, if he had a picture of Saddam up and was told to take it down I bet there would be some democrats out there talking they just dropped from Care- A-Lot about who we can't voliate his civil rights even if its Saddam. God the democrat moto seems to be we belive in the first amdenment and free speach unless you disagree with us.

Lastly, BAN? BAN ? no one can speak out at all period? No one can ever voice their veiws in public? Ban? Because of a few cry babies?

Now before anyone slams me here. I am not saying all democrats are evil or John Kerry voters should burn in hell. Just please, please make this make sense to me. Some many times this stuff happens and you can't have it both ways if you want to pound the free speech drums and stop if you dont like it.

Not to mention it was just something simple a picture of the President. Did it really cause people to fall down and shake and slip into a coma? If so they shouldn't watch TV, read the internet (or Internets as Bush calls it), papers or talk to anyone. Should we just act like Kerry won in New JErsey and all the other Kerry states just so people don't get upset? Should be put up pictures of the losers of the elections now next to the President in schools so we don't offend anyone?

Oh heres the article. I have to go my head hurts.

"AOL delays"

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

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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?

"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