Old News - Newsday

While the NY Islanders are not in the playoffs, they did make the cover of Newsday this morning. Now, of course it should be any press is good press, especially when your cross-town rival has been gracing the back cover more than we wish to see. But this time the front cover news seems like "old news" at least to me. "NHL Boss on Coliseum: Isles looking at other options." Duh. No kidding. Gary Bettman has been saying that for years. Has anyone from the Town of Hempstead heard him? Or maybe they just don't believe him. He has said for the last five years that the Islanders will not play a day after their lease requires them to and that the Nassau Coliseum is not up to NHL standards and would never be approved as an NHL venue today. Let's throw in the asbestos scare and we've got a whole new wrinkle. John Jeansonne from Newsday carefully stated that air quality was "safe in public areas of the arena" after Nassu County hired a consulting firm to investigate since it's being sued by 75 arena employees. "Public areas" could lead one to believe there 'may' be contamination in the 'restricted' areas which means it could be in the areas where these highly paid professionals work. Hello NHLPA? Also notice that as I stated before, the League does not think that the Barclays Center is anything but a stop-gap idea for the Isles. It's not a hockey building. But it is a building. Mike Deery, Town of Hempstead spokesman noted that the town board approved a new building zone ten months ago "that expressly allows for the construction of a new Coliseum." That's nice. But hockey does not live on an arena alone. Nope. So where's the rezoning for that? With both Nassau and Suffolk Counties cash strapped and in budget crisis hell, I can't see either one of them stepping up with a plan to help. Our Long Island political football is turning into a time bomb. On a brighter note. Want to see what you get when you are a beloved NHLer who comes home for the summer?

A BMW - Sweet ride Nino. Enjoy it.

A nice family car for Michael Grabner. Although it is a bit "billboard-ish."

Newspaper No More

Newsday has changed their format today, and at first I didn't even notice. My husband pointed it out to me as I was making my daughter's lunch.

"Did you see what they did to Newsday? Look how small it is!" He seemed disgusted with a media outlet that has caused us disgust most of the weekend.

First of all, their Sunday sports edition had two full page stories on Class AA high school softball teams, but Sayville's Suffolk County championship win received one paragraph even in the Suffolk edition.

Now the paper has lost a number of square inches in it's height and a few point sizes in it's type. It is certainly NOT the NY Times. Why don't they just call it the "PennySaverPlus" now? Does it really qualify as a "news" paper?

Perhaps it's just an ad circular with website listings where you can actually FIND the information you're looking for on line.

Uggghhh.... Thanks Dolans.

Newsday: Who Needs This?

WE DO!

Thank you Newsday editors for a headline that finally made me read the main part of the paper before I headed straight to the comics. Sensationalism at it's best, eh?

Wang's Regret: Sorry he bought the team. That's a good one too. I really enjoyed that one with my Sunday breakfast.

While both articles by Jim Baumbach and Liz Moore are far more fair and equal than some of the previous articles, those who chose to give them a careless glance may NOT come away with the full picture.

If all you read are Wang's Options and The Next Steps, you may come away with the conclusion that this is a done, dead deal. Please hold off printing the obituary while there is still a pulse.

Okay, big picture: We have a political pissing match in Uniondale over Republican vs. Democrat demographics.

Bigger picture: Our economy on Long Island is suffering greatly as a whole and can ill afford a setback in growth and stimulus at the hands of one township.

The innuendo in the Dark days for the Lighthouse article that really pushes my buttons is the possibility of Democratic voters moving into those proposed 2,306 residences being part of the underlying effort to hold up the process.

Dear Town Of Hempstead: Please be advised that since the Lighthouse project will be built in stages, you have a few years before you have to worry about WHO or WHAT will move into your neighborhood. But let's think about this, by the time those residences are ready to be occupied the political make up of this country may be quite different.

The Democratic government that is currently in power may find themselves with a huge backlash against them attempting to turn the US of A into a socialist "Canada Light." I wouldn't worry about where the Democrats will live. I'd worry about FIXING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ITSELF!!

Continue on into today's Newsday to the Editorials section and read 'Heavy lift' defined regarding a different multi-use development in Brentwood. It states the obvious, the Island is in desperate need of housing as well as jobs.

If residents don't have affordable places to live, they will leave. If they leave, there is no tax revenue from them to fund the government and its services. If there are no services or work force, the businesses will have to leave. If the businesses leave, Long Island will eventually be a nice memory and a dying community. Where will your perfect vision of suburbia be then Town Of Hempstead?

My favorite line in today's newspaper is also in that editorial as it closes with:

"Instead of shooting at each other in the tall grass, everyone needs to pay attention to the big picture, which is much the same as at Pilgrim: the need for sensible, economically and environmentally healthy development."

The LighthouseLI Project can be completed in it's multi-staged build-out to be beneficial to all of Long Island AS WELL AS be environmentally sound. Solutions for all possible problems exist. But to blindly dismiss an entire project because of perceived concerns is a death sentence.

No one left on this Island will care in 10 years who is a democrat and who is a republican because our best days will be behind us.

Smarten up people! We have still have an opportunity to move forward, but only if you let yourself be heard.

*As an aside: I am scheduled to be on air with Inside Hockey's Brad Kurtzberg tonight on WGBB's NY Hockey Talk. Brad is subbing for Rob Kowal this evening and asked if I wanted to come along for the ride. The show is webstreamed from 9 - 10 pm and will be available on podcast. The url is: http://www.nyhockeytalk.com/. Hopefully I won't suck.

All Media Eyes toward The Lighthouse

Sunday was an interesting day for the Lighthouse Project. The Newsday morning edition had a two page spread "discussing" the Lighthouse Project in a "Point/Counter-point" style just a few pages after Obama's new Afganistan policy and the current economic mess.

"Shining a Light on the Lighthouse" by Eden Laikin was a two page spread with more graphic than content. As a matter of fact, Laikin's editorial portion was all of a single column punctuated once again by "a not so subtle ultimatum by Wang: Approve the project so we can build... or I'll move the team...."

The balance of the article covers five major discussion points and the highlights of the project. It is written much like the rest of Newsday, (which is owned by Cablevision who also owns MSG and the Rangers. As if they haven't told you that in every single article in the sports section and you didn't know that.) so simplistic a 3rd-grader can read it.

While the fact the project is getting the exposure it needs, there are some inconsistencies in it's coverage. You can check out the LetThereBeLighthouse.com blog which examines some of the statements in this article. Read it and become more informed.

http://lettherebelighthouse.blogspot.com/2009/03/newsday-shines-phony-light.html

As is the usual outcome of ESPN radio's NY Hockey This Week show with Don LaGreca and Chris Botta, concerned callers begged for explanation and confirmation of Lighthouse news from ex-employee Botta who worked closely with Wang. Botta made one error saying the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement was 16,000 pages when it is indeed only a gargantuan 6,000. (He also noted he had the worst reading comprehension in Hicksville High School, so that may explain the additional 10,000 page over statement.) But as always, the close-to-his-heart topic was covered with sincerity.

The Lighthouse Project was also covered on the NBC NHL Game of the Week as ex-GM Mike Milbury sounded off saying the Islanders and the Island need the project and the team. He also mentioned that in his many years working with Charles Wang, he's seen him walk away from deals before. Once again, indicating the Islanders geography is not etched in stone.

Has our little piece of the map ever been such a hot topic? Yes. There was that whole "Amityville Horror" thing. But because the Islanders are part and parcel of this Long Island development and economic stimulus project, the coverage has transcended states and even north of the US border.

Yep, there are plenty of media eyes on the Lighthouse Project and our NY Islanders. And they are all staring at the Town of Hempstead.... waiting for an answer.

Isles Team Store: Going Out of Business Sale?

Wait? Could they be preparing to liquidate for the move to KC??

OH! Sorry, I made a mistake there. I pulled a Newsday. I wanted to see if I wrote a 'sensational' headline if my hit count will increase. Let's see if it works.

Actually the Islanders team store is going OUT FOR business. And with a very special and worthwhile promotion.

If you buy $75 worth of gear in the store you will be presented with a copy of "Pride & Passion" authored by Stan Fischler and someone you all know very well, Chris Botta. Yep, the best of the Islanders reporters is also an author, we already know he's an accomplished writer.

But the Islanders have sweetened the deal even more. (Maybe in preparation for Valentine's day?) If you use a gift card for your purchase, they will give you another 10% off. Hey! That's like having a no clip coupon! It also pays for what the people that gave you those holiday gift cards had to pay in order to GIVE you that gift card! SWEET!!!

So stop by one of the team stores and stock up. Come on. I know they're tanking right now, but you won't change your alliance. You're Islanders fans. You will always be Islanders fans. And the gear that I saw when I visited the Massapequa store was wonderful.

And hey... so if they DO move to Kansas City or Nevada or Suffolk County (I wish I wish I wish) you'll have collector's items. But for now, you can just wear them and enjoy them. And since reading is fundamental, you'll probably fundamentally enjoy your free copy of that book!

Lighthouse articles: Your Thoughts?

I've waited until 11 pm to even consider writing what I think. I've had the entire day to read the articles, listen to comments, read countless passionate fan posts on various websites, hear about it on NHL's home ice and then sit with my husband across the dinner table at 8 pm after we FINALLY de-chrismafied the house.

"So Paulie asked me today who I was going to root for when the Islanders move to Kansas City. I told him I didn't know. I'd probably get more involved in college hockey." This is how B.A.M. started the conversation while I served up my ham & pineapple pizza and vodka sauce with shrimp pizza. (I made two so there is some for tomorrow.)

"Paulie said he'd probably just give up hockey all together. He can't fathom switching teams." I completely understand this thought process. But it's not one I may live by.

"I'm already a Zach Parise fan. But I won't go to Jersey. As long as they don't take the Sound Tigers too, I'll be fine." It was the first time I had really given the possibility of NO Islanders hockey on Long Island a second thought.

Having had numerous conversations with Katrina Doell from the Lighthouse project as well as listening to so many others, I've just been of the mindset that this is what they are working for, so this is what will be. Sooner or later. The concept that we may not be without a team just didn't occur to me.

But certainly the possibility is real, but not imminent. Truth of the matter is, since I have no control over the outcome of the disposition of that 150 acres of vast nothingness, I'm really not going to worry myself sick over whether or not I'll have a local team to watch. It's not like I'll give up hockey. I'll watch anyone play. So for me, there's plenty of options. Hell, I'll drive to Boston. But I won't be driving or flying to Kansas City, that's for sure.

I would still like to think the deal will get done. But if it doesn't, it doesn't and there's not much I can do about it. But I will remain hopeful and not let the media machine get me sick.

So, have you heard about the Goal Green initiative? A very worthwhile program for all of Long Island and beyond. And it's really easy to sign up and do what they ask. It's just a matter of saving energy. And if you sign up, maybe you will remember to actually DO the things they ask and turn off your lights, unplug your phone and computer and do a little recycling Sound hard? Not at all.

And this from the Isles website regarding tomorrow night's game against the Devils:

Tomorrow will also be the kick-off event for "Goal Green," an environmental and social commitment campaign to educate the people of Long Island about how they can all contribute to a greener environment. The Islanders have partnered with the Long Island Power Authority, National Grid, Boro Recycling and Covanta Energy—to launch "Goal Green."

Fans attending the game are encouraged to bring in small electronic devices—such as old cell phones—that can be recycled during "Goal Green" Recycling Nights. All fans who contribute an item will receive two ticket vouchers for Wednesday night's game against the Ducks.

Come on! We've all got old cell phones, MP3 players, hand held video games. Stuff that is just collecting dust on your dresser or stashed in your underwear drawer. Bring it for recycling. Maybe they can be put to good use. And look, you may get something out of it.

Yesterday when I first saw the website there were 8 supporters. They now have 22, and that includes me. So rather than bitching and moaning about the Town of Hempstead and Kate Murray, how about doing something a little more constructive for the Islanders and sign up for this worthwhile program. Improve your karma at the same time. At least this we can DO something about.

Let's see if Dubie is in net tomorrow. But that is only if his paperwork from Russia without Love is all in order. But we'll see. That, and the little ceremony for Billy and Doug, will be the highlights of the evening I'm sure. But hey! It's Islanders hockey and it's entertainment and it is ours.... for now. Let's enjoy it while we've got it.

And I'm back! But just not quite READY!

Odd how quickly a six day vacation can fly. You blink -- it's over, it's Monday all over again and you are back to the same routine as before you left. The New Year doesn't make a difference, it's just one long winter's day. All that's left now to show for the time away is several extra pounds and a full memory card on my Canon Power Shot.

But before we get back into hockey mode for today as the Islanders are playing yet another "too late for my taste" western game, I'd just like to mention a few things I came away with from my 'travel and unpack' day.

First, the Sunday Boston Globe: I now know what a GOOD newspaper is supposed to look and read like. I read various sections of yesterday's edition for three and a half hours of my almost six hour trek home. After the first hour, it struck me.

"Oh My GOD!!! This is JOURNALISM!!! No! REAL JOURNALISM!! This is what I aspire to!" and will probably never achieve. Every article was well written, thought provoking and emotional. There were hard news articles that were so graphic, I had to stop reading because I was getting so upset. There were Sports articles that made me read about Sports I couldn't care less about. There were even articles on books I will never read, but GOD, how the words made me want to.

In the next two days I am sure I will link two of these articles as they are perfect for our hockey discussions and are too good not to share.

My husband had his own feelings about my comment.

"How many years have I told you what a 'rag' Newsday is, Dee? It's garbage." There is no love lost on our home town paper from my husband, the Rescue Captain of a Volunteer Fire Dept. and ex-Newsday carrier.

On the first level is the seemingly unending jabs Newsday takes at Long Island's Volunteer service. They are constantly looking for that headline that will be demeaning to those who put their life in harm's way for no pay and to protect their community. But when important community service stories are presented to them for publication, they are buried with two line subnotes or ignored all together. This is fact, not fiction. I have proof.

He also has a very good argument regarding their delivery system. Your newspaper is now delivered by someone in a car or van and tossed at the end of your driveway. You are sent a computer generated invoice at the end of each month. On the invoice is a place for you to put in a "tip" for this "service." But wait.

This distribution system is far from the local youngster on a bicycle delivering 150 papers each day to your door step and stopping in to pet your dog. These are faceless adults who drive by in the dark of early morning and drop your paper at the curb.

These are Newsday employees with designated routes and hours. I do not tip my mailman on a monthly basis and he delivers my mail to my front door and sometimes even takes mail with him that I've stamped.

If the Newsday carriers are not making enough money and relying on tips from customers, then perhaps they should unionize like the rest of the newspaper industry workers. Newspaper delivery is no longer a personal service. It's a job. We do not tip the Fed Ex guy or the UPS man until the end of the year. Why should I have to tip a paper carrier monthly? I don't.

And finally, it's National Whip Cream Day. Enjoy some however you like. Because maybe a nice shot of RediWhip will make a rather harsh first Monday back from Vacation relaxation a little easier to get through.

It's Blue, White & Orange day people!

JUST FIX IT!

I really didn't want to wake up this morning to my husband giving me a 20 minute review of the two page article in this morning's Newsday by Arthur Staple and my good friend Greg Logan. He has his OWN ideas on how to "FIX" the Islanders. None of which I agree with which makes Sunday morning breakfast a very loud "point-counter-point" session.

"Can I read the article for myself, please??" I asked, and he grumbled.

With coffee, Newsday and pen I started with Arthur Staple's side of the page. Five points made, and only one of which I agree with.

1) Pipe down, Mr. Wang. Staple brings up Neil Smith, as countless others do, and the first thing I wrote on the paper was "WHO STILL DOESN'T HAVE A FREAKIN' JOB!" It reminds me of my favorite line from the old movie Prizzi's Honor; "If Marxie Heller so f-n' smart, how come he's so f-n' dead?" So I ask, If Neil Smith is so f-ing great, how come he's so f-ing unemployed? Also, I take it Mr. Staple didn't get the memo that the committee is dead.

2) Shut down DP: He is not currently being rushed. Maybe he was rushed the first time back, but have you tried to capture lightening in a bottle? You can't keep Rick from the ice, it's where he wants and needs to be.

3) Don't dump the veteran's until it's time: I'll half agree here. But Weight and Guerin have been our best tandem so far. I'd hate to lose either of them. Other vets are possible candidates.

4) Add more kids, any way possible: Okay, Arthur. I gave you that one.

5) Change your perception around the League: Mr. Staple says it's not the building that keeps free agents from signing here. I say BS, it has a huge impact and is sometimes a deal breaker.

On the other side of the page, on Logan's five points, my comments consisted of "Bingo!", "Yes, Yes, Yes!", "We'll have the draft picks.", "the vet question takes thought." and finally "Patience." on the Management timetable point.

Dan said I was playing favorites. I say I just agreed with more on the left side of the page.

Just like the sagging economy, fixing the Islanders is a long term plan. And I can only hope I live long enough to see it.

So... Just FIX IT!

Power Play Solved? 7-2-08

It was oddly quiet last night with the exception of ONE ripple through Islander Country. At 8:02 pm the news that free agent Mark Streit had signed a 5-year deal with the Islanders had hit the message boards and Greg Logan's blog. By 8:49 pm, there was a nicely done press release in my email in-box. (Never underestimate the power of the message board.) Truth be told, Okposo Net Ken was the first to inform me. Fly on the wall perhaps?

"Who?" I thought. Truthfully, I would have asked that anyway as there are still is a handful of the 725 or-so NHLPA members who are household names to the average fan. (And I am less-than-average not being, you know... Canadian.)

I read the info, got a warm fuzzy feeling, and didn't give it too much thought. How could I? I have no memories of seeing Mark on the ice, so I can't be impressed or disappointed. Let's just call it another box of Toasty-O's that will get the job done at the right price. (As per TSN's poll that was linked in Corey Witt's blog. 50% think it's good? Yep. Thanks Canadian media for not ripping on the NYI once again.)

The balance of the night must have been uneventful because the message boards weren't lit up this morning when I logged on at 6:30 am. Greg Logan's article in Newsday was a nice feature with lots of Snow quotes. Maybe there shouldn't have been so many.

One in particular set Big Angry Man off like a rocket. "Mark solves our power play."?? B.A.M. yelled to me from the den holding Newsday in his hands. I stopped buttering my breakfast to wait for the rest of the rant.

"SOLVES? One guy SOLVES the power play? You mean the power play that was what? 25th in the league? ONE guy doesn't SOLVE THAT power play!!"

I didn't say anything. I wasn't sure how to respond since I wasn't holding the newspaper as reference. All I could think of was... Somewhere Bryan Berard was pouting. "Hey! I was supposed to "solve" the power play last season!" Uh... nice try.

Yes. We've heard this song before. After watching the power play last season, I'd say that putting that much pressure on Mark Streit may be just a little presumptuous.

Ok, so that was the "splash" for day one of free agency 2008. More of a little ripple, but again, we're told "He was a player we targeted early on." The Islanders must have the most low frequency radar possible. They always manage to "target" players their fan base doesn't even have on their "C" list.

Oh well. As long as they don't "target" a loud mouthed fashionista named Avery... I'm fine with it.