Interestingly, you begin with Bettman and conclude with the owners collectively; it seems to me that the constant is more the fact that the owners have kept Bettman employed as commissioner. The real constant, then, is the owners (though, of course, they're not all the same from lockout to lockout, I realize that). But I am not sure what follows from that. As I said, I have no illusions about the owners--they want things done on their terms, I understand that, and I don't have a problem with that.

This is no ordinary labor dispute, since the players aren't really laborers/workers in the ordinary sense, and the owners certainly (from my perspective) have not and are not being treated unjustly (in a former life, I was a Teamster with UPS, experienced a strike, and later I worked in management with UPS--I've been on both sides). I don't begrudge the players one moment for having a union, I just don't sympathize a whole lot with their position in all of this. I suspect that it's hard to do for most of us, quite frankly.

We all make choices. I know the players have worked hard to be where they are. It's just difficult to sympathize with their "plight"--because it's no real plight.
- AL SEC0RD

Interestingly, you didn't read the posts previous to mine. So the real constant, then, is your ignorance.

Wow Ek you really burnt some bridges on that epic rant. That was about as powerful as a double scoop of vanilla ice cream.

So Eks, any hate mail from either side yet? Or was that just some catchy blog title you came up with?

GO NINERS!!!!!! (frank) HOCKEY!
- whipper334

I respected the Niners, even though I'm not a fan of them, until they gave Smith the shaft. All along Harbaugh was a supporter of Smith then he gets a concussion and all of a sudden Smith doesn't play anymore after he's healthy. Seems like Jimmy was waiting for a non-conflict way to bench Smith. After this QB drama do you still think they didn't go after Peyton in the off-season?

We're over the hump boys!!! Wooooooo!

I 2nd this!!!!
- KABLOOEY

We're over the hump boys!!! Wooooooo!
- The-O-G

like most of ek's information, he got it just a tad bit wrong.

we're not over the hump, we're just humped.

I respected the Niners, even though I'm not a fan of them, until they gave Smith the shaft. All along Harbaugh was a supporter of Smith then he gets a concussion and all of a sudden Smith doesn't play anymore after he's healthy. Seems like Jimmy was waiting for a non-conflict way to bench Smith. After this QB drama do you still think they didn't go after Peyton in the off-season?
- trolleytracks

They absolutely went after Manning. Kaepernick is better than Smith period. I like Smith but business is business.

- dmarsden2988

Yeah you can't trust that KABLOOEY fellow...

Interestingly, you didn't read the posts previous to mine. So the real constant, then, is your ignorance.
- trolleytracks

You are absolutely correct, I didn't read earlier posts. Sorry about that. No offense intended.

I think I was responding to your response to my post.

They absolutely went after Manning. Kaepernick is better than Smith period. I like Smith but business is business.
- whipper334

just ask drew bledsoe.

gary bettman
- RealityChecker

Unfortunately, you are all too right.

just ask drew bledsoe.
- RealityChecker

Who?

Canada WJC final roster announced. It's sad that I'm so hockey deprived that I care about a team of junior aged players that aren't even from my country.

I hope the NHL dies a slow and painful death!

like most of ek's information, he got it just a tad bit wrong.

we're not over the hump, we're just humped.
- RealityChecker

Glenn Humplik sums up how the fans are being treated

Canada WJC final roster announced. It's sad that I'm so hockey deprived that I care about a team of junior aged players that aren't even from my country.
- eichiefs9

I'm pumped about the World Juniors. They are fun to watch.

I'm pumped about the World Juniors. They are fun to watch.
- hefnerta

They are awesome to watch. Too bad it's in Russia and all the games are going to be broadcast at absurd times. Preview of what watching Olympic hockey in 2014 will be like.

BoG member has own proposal per Lebrun.

9 year CBA, 6 yr limits and buyout options.

Serious question, how would you feel if the flyers won though, would it dilute your feelings about winning?
I could certainly see anyone feeling a little odd with a win in a season that short. That being said, there will still be a full playoff schedual.
- david22

Id be just as pumped. The Phillies in 08 had a weird path during their playoff run with the broken up game 5 I believe, but I wasn't thinking about that when Lidge threw the last pitch. And for me the Flyers would be 100 times that. But I also would understand the perspective from outside Philly, that there would be an *, but for me it wouldn't change a thing, good question

Yeah you can't trust that KABLOOEY fellow...
- whipper334

yeah i thought i heard an echo

like most of ek's information, he got it just a tad bit wrong.

we're not over the hump, we're just humped.
- RealityChecker

After reading these pages..... I am AMAZED that anyone puts any thought what-so-ever into this random, curious, fun but entirerly subjective, biased and not to be taken seriously chart.

Come on folks.....

you're making the internet look bad.

Interestingly, you begin with Bettman and conclude with the owners collectively; it seems to me that the constant is more the fact that the owners have kept Bettman employed as commissioner. The real constant, then, is the owners (though, of course, they're not all the same from lockout to lockout, I realize that). But I am not sure what follows from that. As I said, I have no illusions about the owners--they want things done on their terms, I understand that, and I don't have a problem with that.

This is no ordinary labor dispute, since the players aren't really laborers/workers in the ordinary sense, and the owners certainly (from my perspective) have not and are not being treated unjustly (in a former life, I was a Teamster with UPS, experienced a strike, and later I worked in management with UPS--I've been on both sides). I don't begrudge the players one moment for having a union, I just don't sympathize a whole lot with their position in all of this. I suspect that it's hard to do for most of us, quite frankly.

We all make choices. I know the players have worked hard to be where they are. It's just difficult to sympathize with their "plight"--because it's no real plight.
- AL SEC0RD

Very nicely put.