****coming soon*** Tucker's World Man of the year!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
"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.
#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?
Monday, December 13, 2004
"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.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
"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.
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.
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.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
"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.
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.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
"Tucker in the Danger ZONE!"
Okay, someone at the country store mart (a Wawa rip off) was stabbed to death by some guy and robbed for drug money.
Not long after that a couple was robbed at gun point in the parking lot of the Ritz Movie Theater.
On Monday, two guys car jacked a guy in the aparatments in Lindenwold off the White Horse Pike.
Maybe, you guys can just get me a gun for Christmas. I mean these are some fairly serious crimes in this little area. I don't recall there ever being such a crime wave in such a short amount of time.
Not long after that a couple was robbed at gun point in the parking lot of the Ritz Movie Theater.
On Monday, two guys car jacked a guy in the aparatments in Lindenwold off the White Horse Pike.
Maybe, you guys can just get me a gun for Christmas. I mean these are some fairly serious crimes in this little area. I don't recall there ever being such a crime wave in such a short amount of time.
Monday, November 29, 2004
"Writer/Director Combo"
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Dicaprio are teaming up once again in the soon to be released The Aviator covering 20 years of the life of Howard Hughes (no relation). If you recall they worked together in Gangs of New York a few years back, and are now working again in the film The Departed. Has Marty found his new De Niro?
Well in honor of this I think it would be fun to list and talk about some of your favoriate teamings of writers/directors.
I got a few, but hopefully my readers will get the ball rolling and I will come back and put in my two cents.
Well in honor of this I think it would be fun to list and talk about some of your favoriate teamings of writers/directors.
I got a few, but hopefully my readers will get the ball rolling and I will come back and put in my two cents.
"Tucker's Echelon Report Confirmed"
My article awhile back that talked about the mall being revamped was confirmed to a certain extent in the Philly Inquirer this past week.
The confirmed that all the zoning laws were approved for the Wal-Mart. They also confirmed what I said about the Sears space, although they cliamed it was going to be 3 not 2 stores. I am guessing this will be converted into almost another wing of the mall.
However, despite all these good nuggets of news out there. Rick claims that the Cinnabun is leaving. Although, that this years Black Friday wasn't all that "crazy". If this is true that would be the third place to pull out of the foodcourt in less than a year. Till recently it was one of the few bright spots in the alling mall.
The past two Christmas's have seen a large number of stores pulling out right after the shopping season is over. Wonder if anyone else is pulling out this year. Wonder if people are just pulling our leg about the Mall being revamped.
The confirmed that all the zoning laws were approved for the Wal-Mart. They also confirmed what I said about the Sears space, although they cliamed it was going to be 3 not 2 stores. I am guessing this will be converted into almost another wing of the mall.
However, despite all these good nuggets of news out there. Rick claims that the Cinnabun is leaving. Although, that this years Black Friday wasn't all that "crazy". If this is true that would be the third place to pull out of the foodcourt in less than a year. Till recently it was one of the few bright spots in the alling mall.
The past two Christmas's have seen a large number of stores pulling out right after the shopping season is over. Wonder if anyone else is pulling out this year. Wonder if people are just pulling our leg about the Mall being revamped.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)