Some Things and Other Things: The “Post Draft Hangover” edition
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Executive Editor-Football Reporters Online/Pro Football NYC
(Photos By A.F. Chachkes for Football Reporters)
This years’ NFL Draft was so different from the 26 others I have covered because of the continued presence of the labor dispute between the owners and the players. Nowhere was it more present then on the first night of the Draft when most of the fans in the balconies booed Mr. Goodell , and chanted “We want Football” at the top of their lungs for over 5 minutes…
That made for a very unusual draft the rest of the way, which we will chronicle in an upcoming 2 or 3 part series, now that we have had time to “digest” it all (and get our main computer back and get all of our media loaded onto it from our laptops).
Some of the notable and not so notable news the last two weeks ….
The Lockout was lifted, and then re-instated in a little over 1 day’s time. This probably marred this draft for all of history as ”the Lockout Draft.” I’d like to sit here and type this, telling you in three months that it won’t matter, but now that the courts are deeply involved, I can’t tell you where this is going or for how long.
If nothing else, the NFLPA is winning the social media war. They have engaged the public just about every day since late last year, and their “Rookie Debut” party was broadcast live over their “You Tube” Channel. Try telling the NFL Network they have to make room for three guys with a Few Microphones, a 4 channel Mixer and an HD camera.
One commentator with ties to the league was rumored to have been calling around to college coaches telling them to tell their players “if you go to any of the NFLPA events it will hurt your Draft status.” Well Rahim Moore of UCLA was in a Presser with us Friday Morning and he was still drafted by Denver in the second round Friday night….
Lots of players and players to be are trying to get out in front of what is going on by hiring PR firms (or using the ones they already have contracted with via their agents) to get their stories out to the media and fans on what they are doing to cope with the lockout. The Redskins’ TE Chris Cooley found a two year old box of fan mail in his garage and went through it, answering each letter. I asked him about it at the NFLPA Media access event that Friday morning, and he told me he found about a dozen wedding invites, but he has no plans to be in the sequel of “wedding crashers.”
We are already hearing about some teams disregarding the current lockout rules by contacting their drafted players, so it’s only a matter of time before those same teams’ personnel will start having the coaches call players who were under contract to come to “secret” workout locations…The Question is, how many will come in, and how many will stick by the Players Association and stay away.
Several of the teams’ QB’s are running “mini” passing camps, like the Saints Drew Brees, and the Cardinals ‘ Larry Fitzgerald. The Jets’ Mark Sanchez is running his “Jets West” camp in a more advanced state then last off-season, even running film study sessions. Indeed, Dallas Cowboys’ New Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan can’t be too thrilled these days, as he was cited by the league for a violation of the lockout rules. Ryan was accused of contacting his players to get them a copy of his defensive scheme. Next we’ll hear that some team issued pre-paid “Burn Phones” to coaches to make contact with players to give out study Dvd’s.
If nothing else, the NFL lockout has become a plus for other pro leagues, most notably the Arena Football League because they won’t loose nearly as many players to NFL camps this summer, and the United Football League, who continues to show fans the love by keeping the prices to their games low, while putting a high quality product on the field. Several players who would have been Priority Free Agents in the NFL after they weren’t drafted instead were drafted on May 2nd by the UFL.
Several others are actively pursuing UFL tryouts this month as well…
Our last few stories come from the College football ranks…
We hear Blaine Gabbert’s little brother Tyler is fed up with the University of Missouri after getting bumped back to second string after the spring football game. He’s decided to transfer, but to where is the current hanging question of the day…
We’re also told a certain “Training Program Company” for college athletes will no longer be offering it’s trainees a trip to the Bahamas as part of it’s “coursework” for NFL Combine readiness due to “Improper Conduct” of some trainees the last few years. My suggestion: the Marines have several small sandbars just off Paris Island that they no longer use for amphibian training….
This writer is hoping that one of his favorite small college conferences, The Colonial Athletic Association, will be able to come up with some new teams to replace the ending of programs at Northeastern & Hofstra back in 2009, and the defection of UMass to the MAC conference after this season. We also keep hearing unsettling rumors of Villanova leaving for the Big East. One team beginning play in the CAA this year is Old Dominion. Big Ups to ODU’s Ronnie Cameron, a native Long Islander and former Holy Trinity H.S. Standout who this writer saw dominate in the Outback Steakhouse Empire all-star game a few years back before he spent his first few years playing college ball at Hofstra.
With the Pride football program slowly fading into memory these days, that leaves only one Division 1-AA (I know I know, I’m supposed to say FCS) program left on Long Island, Stonybrook, and only one other school on the Island, CW Post (In D-II) playing ball.
I hope in my next Installment of ST&OT I will be able to bring you some better news….
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
GOP Rather GUT Unemployment than Help Hurting America
Legislation offered by Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) would gut unemployment benefits for millions of displaced workers, according to Barbara Lee’s and Bobby Scott’s Press Release on HR 589 today.
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) released the following statement today in reaction to legislation offered by Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) that would gut unemployment benefits for millions of displaced workers. Representatives Lee and Scott have requested that Chairman Camp support their bill, HR 589, to extend aid for unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefits. HR 589 currently has 80 co-sponsors in the House.
“Instead of acting on our bill to extend aid to unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefits, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Camp wants to gut unemployment benefits and deny millions of jobless workers the means to help make ends meet. As we face an unemployment rate of 9 percent nationwide, an unemployment rate for teenagers three times as high as the national average, and an economy where there are 4.4 unemployed workers for every available job opening, it is simply wrong to propose a bill that would further penalize unemployed workers across the country.”
This is just the latest proof that the GOP members of Congress (who control the House and all committees) seek only to work hard for wealthy and Corporate America and further penalize the jobless for the crimes of Congress.
Monday, May 09, 2011
American Dream to benefit Jets, Giants & Meadowlands
American Dream to Benefit Jets, Giants, & Meadowlands-By David Levy-Fan Experience Reporter-Football Reporters Online
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Standing in a building that has remained unchanged and likely to get over $200 million in tax incentives, Gov. Christie ushered in the arrival of the "American Dream" in North Jersey last week. The much-maligned and long-stagnant Xanadu development at the Meadowlands, which Christie called the "the ugliest damn building in New Jersey, and maybe America," along with everyone else who drives by it, will get a makeover by the Canadian developer who built Mall of America in Minnesota.
Next to the Jets and Giants stadium, with a dead-on view of the Manhattan skyline, the newly minted complex, called American Dream at Meadowlands, will feature high-end shopping, a 26-screen movie theater, nightclubs, a performing arts theater, restaurants, an indoor ice-skating rink, and an indoor ski slope (with moguls and a snowboard half-pipe), according to Triple Five, the developer.
And in a structural addition to the original Xanadu, there will be glass-domed amusement and water parks - with sand and palm trees. Triple Five has been know to do this in Mall of America and other malls across Canada. They design their malls to be places of destination for everything under one roof rather than finding entertainment is several locations.
Reuters reported that Triple Five will be developing the world's largest and most comprehensive retail, entertainment, amusement, recreation, and tourism project ever built. Not a bad way to help crate jobs and revenue for New Jersey. The economic impact for New Jersey would be $3.8 billion according to Triple Five.
Many might wonder how this will benefit the Jets and Giants. What this will do is add options to fans and families for weekend getaways. So instead of a Sunday of football, there is a weekend of activities. The Jets and Giants could run activities a few days before across the road to get people psyched up for Sunday's game. Not to mention tie ins and other pregame festivities run by the organizations.
Show up on a Friday night to a local hotel and have dinner at American Dream and do whatever fun activity there is to do. There is something there for every member of the family. On Saturday one can do so much in one location, why go anywhere else? Sunday is football. Those not attending the game will have restaurants to watch the game in, some will shop as other family members attend the game.
The project will get at least $200 million in tax incentives from the state, Christie said at a news conference last Tuesday inside the 2.4 million-square-foot, partially built structure. But he refused to provide more details about the deal his administration worked out with Triple Five. I am sure a lot of those breaks also include some incentives for certain NJ politicians.
The Sierra Club blasted the arrangement, releasing a statement even before the media tour of the facility was over. The environmental group said American Dream, sitting on the most valuable piece of real estate in New Jersey, would end up getting $350 million in tax subsidies once it expands, as it has planned. If NJ is in need of the business, jobs, and revenue, there should be not be given that much tax subsidies, but then again, NJ tax payers do not make those decisions.
Triple Five may want to call this the American Dream, but it is a nightmare to taxpayers that will pick the pockets of us regular New Jersey citizens. It is ludicrous that at a time when many are hurting financially, local governments are broke, and property taxes are rising, that we are subsidizing this monster mall.
According to the Christie administration, the complex will create more than 9,000 construction jobs and 30,000 permanent jobs once it opens. Officials expect between 50 million and 60 million annual visitors, with half of them tourists. Expect big numbers on football weekends as well. I am sure the teams will set up weekend packages with tickets.
Most of American Dream will open in the fall of 2013, in time for the Super Bowl scheduled to be played at the new Meadowlands stadium. One will wonder if American Dreams theater's will air the Super Bowl to keep patrons there. I am sure screens will air it all over the place to keep people shopping, riding rides, and doing what it takes to keep them there to spend money.
Triple Five plans to invest $1.5 billion atop the $2 billion already spent there, and expand by nearly a third, or one million square feet. The existing structure is well on its way to completion, with extensive aesthetic changes planned. Other essentials - such as escalators and the ski lift - also are in place.
One can only wonder if the expansion will take up more room in the non PSL parking. Will it create trouble for those parking by the Izod Center? Will this expansion do anything to disrupt the tailgating that goes on. No one can tailgate in the parking garage so that is out. Also, with the building through 2013, how will this affect fans parking for Jets and Giants games? We can only wait and see.
The theater at American Dream will have seating for 2,000 to 3,000 people. Screens in the center of the complex will change colors on football game day, depending on whether the Jets or Giants are playing next door. And there are plans to build either a bar or movie theater on an outdoor patio that has spectacular views of New York, about 10 miles to the east.
Most of all, Triple Five vowed to replace the massive multicolored exterior panels, so hated by Christie and most of us here in New Jersey. Driving by it it looks like a rust colored piece of trash. Triple Five plans to give it a more glowing feel so people will be amazed at it look from a distance.
The Jets and Giants have both been waiting for someone to pick it up across the road. With the American Dream coming in, it can only help their overall business from an off the field point of view. It provides more opportunities to hold events. The restaurants, stores, and other facilities might even have events or specials to help draw customers to spend more. Clothing stores will have sales on jets and Giants merchandise so fans can have it in time for the game on Sunday.
I am sure Triple Five has been in touch with the Jets and Giants. To see what opportunities it can provide each other. Not to mention what it can do to help each other make more revenue during the 2014 Super Bowl. Triple Five knew the opportunity and make a calculated decision. The NY teams will have a presence at American Dream. Might even see ESPN do some broadcasting from there at some point.
Once American Dream is completed, New jersey will have a another destination that many will flock to for vacations. We have Atlantic City, the Jersey shore, and now American Dream. Being close to NYC, it creates a good destination for those wanting to visit both. It also provide the Jets and Giants an opportunity to keep fans close for an entire weekend. But how will it benefit them financially? We can only wait and see. Right now, Triple Five & New jersey seem to be the only one set to profit.
Eds. Note: While we feel this is a great Idea to revamp the area and will provide additional jobs, it should NOT go on the backs of tax payers!
Osama & America’s Jobless: Both Dead in the Water
It may sound flip, but the truth may just be that Osama Bin Laden and America’s jobless are both as good as “Dead in the Water.” Or at perhaps Osama is better off, as his suffering has ended. Still if there is breath left in your body - there should be a fighting spirit left in your American soul. Question is: Will you use it?
Another important question is what good is spending trillions of dollars in pursuing the death of this one man for what boils down to nothing more than revenge? Isn’t America supposed to be a Christian nation? I read somewhere that “Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord” (I believe it was in Romans 12:19 - King James Bible)
President Obama seemed so concerned with America’s reputation across the world when first elected and set out to change the global perception of our country. OK, so what is it saying to the World that America is heartlessly neglecting it’s poorest members of society in favor of enriching the already wealthy and ignoring the jobless in the USA but remains devoted to creating jobs in emerging markets overseas?
76 years ago [Friday], the WPA (Works Progress Administration) brought America into the modern age, employing millions to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. It fed children and redistributed food, clothing, and housing. It showed the world that America took care of Her own and set FDR apart as a truly loved “Leader” of our country and hero to the masses of hurting citizens, struggling to survive those difficult times.
Today there are 3 times as many unemployed Americans as there were in 1939 and our Government is doing NOTHING to change that looming disaster for all effected. Instead, they bail out Wall Street bankers, give unnecessary tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and subsidize huge corporations with untold billions - but cut what very little aid is available to help the hurting masses.
The Nick Anderson editorial cartoon (borrowed for this article) says it all! The unemployed masses have been intentionally allowed to wallow in poverty and forced into homelessness at an unacceptable rate. The American dream has been replaced by the unendurable nightmare of “survival desperation” for millions. Is this the America our service men and women are dying overseas to preserve? If so - that is truly pathetic!
I remind you that the Declaration of Independence is quite clear on the subject of human rights and what must be done when the government no longer is responsive to the universal principles laid out in this document.
........We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.........whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness......when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism (the exercise of absolute power in a cruel and oppressive way), it is their (the people’s) right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of..... - insert here: The American people - the unemployed - the impoverished - the outsourced - the elderly and the 99ers.
I repeat: “When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism (the exercise of absolute power in a cruel and oppressive way), it is their (the people’s) right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security”
So what exactly is America’s unemployed hurting masses waiting for? If you are waiting for things to improve on their own or for Washington to change their duplicitous, incompetent and greedy ways - prepare to die waiting.
Perhaps you are not yet hungry enough, angry enough or desperate enough to protest in large masses to ensure We The People are no longer pushed aside in favor of the lessor numbers of wealthy and big money corporate interests? If so then lucky you! Millions are NOT so lucky, however and I wonder what exactly is stopping them?
Weary from years of fruitless job search activities, trying to survive on nothing and every cry to Washington for help falling upon deaf ears, the millions of UI exhaustees must GET out there and DO something NOW if they hope to survive. You are not working after all - so make it your JOB (when not looking for that job which isn’t there anyway) to show Washington that you are mad as hell and do not intend to take it anymore!
There is NO EXCUSE for not joining in to demand your right to survive! If you stay home you are part of the problem. Google Protest Marches in your City/State for up to date info and GET OUT THERE!!!!
Have we not had enough of the rich "HAVES" taking every advantage that money can buy them at the expense of the American poor and middle class? What is it going to take to revolt?
99ers What have You Done Lately to HELP Yourselves? This is the question you must answer even before continuing to beg Congress and the Obama administration for additional aid. GET OUT THERE AND DEMAND JOBS NOW!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Your Government has FAILED YOU BADLY! MAKE them HEAR YOU NOW!!!! You cannot rely upon anyone else to do this for you. YOU MUST FIGHT FOR your own SURVIVAL now or continue to suffer the "Congressionally imposed poverty" that is the 99er reality today.
Want a Job? Need UI Benefits? Then Make it Happen! HOW? 99ers can make Washington MOVE very quickly to create jobs and extend UI benefits if we just focus on the power we already have, but have yet to use effectively.
The unemployed - ESPECIALLY the UI exhaustees have been banished from the economy and the American dream. We have become relegated to the ranks of the invisible and forced to believe we must endure this abominable fate that has been forced upon us or beg for what little scraps of hope Washington tosses out to us then snaps back with unimaginable cruelty.
How is that working out for ya? Have you had enough? Then it is time we all become the exact opposite of invisible. We MUST become EXTREMELY VISIBLE and FAST. It is not very difficult to and it may require more courage than you have shown in a great while, but what have you got to lose? If you are like most of us - you already have nothing left - except your desire and instinct to survive.
What we need is an all out revolution of conscience by those in America who still have one - and that is NOT the talking heads in Washington, the greedy Wealth Barons or Captains of Industry who are stealing our lives out from under us. It is YOU who must make this happen. The sooner you take to the streets in mass (or even alone if you must), the sooner we will get what we need. STOP BEGGING and START DEMANDING Washington work for US and not every other country which can help the rich get richer by lucrative Defense Contracts, cheap labor and tax breaks to boot.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Forget Demand Media, Google Has It's Own Content Farm: Blogger
The fact is, Google's changes didn't really negatively impact Demand Media, and what many miss is that "content farms" in their purest form are not really the target of Google (regardless of what they say), but scraper sites, not websites with a lot of content written by people you never heard of, are. Scraper sites actually steal text word for word and must be attacked.
But that anti-little-blogger bias has blinded many from seeing the truth: Google has it's own content farm, and it's called Blogger.
As I stated to a Google exec at TechCrunch Disrupt 2010 in New York, if Google installed a full permalink for blog titles, and allowed for a special Blogger-specific news site map for Blogger blogs to be on Google News, Google could, in one fell swoop, wipe out many traditional media seeking online traffic in the age of the demise of print media (as we know it).
That Google has not done that - choosing instead to protect traditional media and run away from would-be-meaningful legal battles - allowed firms like Associated Content and Demand Media to grow.
Google completely missed the boat. With Blogger users employing Google AdSense, the perfect chance to increase revenues from ads placed on Blogger blogs, and give Blogger users more chances to earn money was missed, and all for the action of saving the Associated Press, and courting Rupert Murdock, who once threatened to take his content off Google.
Who cares.
That Demand Media earned $76 million last quarter should give pause to any reasonable observer in or out of Google. And if Google CEO Larry Page isn't saying to himself "that should have been mine," he's missing the point.
Content farms are the future, and it doesn't matter if they're controlled by Demand Media, Yahoo, or rest, untapped, in Google's Blogger system, each time a person makes a blog or a blog post, and that's thousands of times a day, they contribute to this sea of content.
Google could do itself, and the many users of the Blogger.com platform, a massive favor and unleash the full power of Blogger, connected with Google News, and Google AdSense. Whatever fears of government intervention could be diminished by encouraging open competition with other content farms.
It's time for Google to cry havoc, and let slip the blogger dogs of war!
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