GA Russell

I understand the antitrust implications, but I still don't understand the idea of a lockout. Does the union still exist or not? If there is a possibility of playing with replacement players, then all the world is not locked out - apparently only those former members of a union which no longer exists. Perhaps the union does still exist legally, and my assumption of the meaning of decertification is wrong. By the way, something to keep in mind...I remember reading a few months ago the prediction/reminder that although all of the press would paint the scenario as owners vs. players, the real issue is owners vs. owners. Apparently some owners are doing just fine, while others are hurting. My understanding (and this may be wrong) is that teams that have been owned by a family for decades have inferior stadium revenues and can't keep up with the new money types like Daniel Snyder. I also understand that some recent owners borrowed too much money to buy the team, and are spending so much on their debt that they cannot compete with those in more comfortable circumstances.

Here's a report that says that there was a hydrogen explosion at Plant #3 135 miles north of Tokyo. WTF! http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-14/hydrogen-explosion-occurs-at-nuclear-power-plant-135-miles-north-of-tokyo.html

SIT, Here are 5 CDs for $20.13 that might interest you. I don't know what it would cost you to have it shipped to Australia. http://www.amazon.com/Original-Album-Aretha-Fillmore-Spirit/dp/B003097AAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300071108&sr=1-1-catcorr

Expat, I don't see how you have dealt with the issue. If there is no union, why don't the owners sign anyone they want at whatever wage each player will accept? Without a union, I don't see why the league has any need to come to an agreement with players regarding how to divide its revenues.

I know nothing about labor law. I don't understand this NFL lockout. Since the union has decertified, that means that there is no union, right? So if there is no union, what is the logic of locking the players out?

I chat with my 94 year old aunt every Sunday, and while we were on the phone together tonight I plugged in her name, and it came out...More linoleum.

Real slugs. nick name: So mourns. real name: On sour smell. Groove Holmes is Hog So Remove.

I was just about to post the same thing, Dave. If nuclear power plants are so safe, why can't they get private sector insurance on them? I don't think the whole story is ever told about problems at nuclear power plants.

RIP. I'll dig out Time Out and play it this evening. He was someone from my youth. In a word association kind of way, when I saw this thread title, my first thought was...Unsquare Dance.

My prayers go out for you kinuta and John! It's my understanding that the Japanese architects prepare their buildings for earthquakes much better than is done in the US. If so, perhaps the damage and loss of life will not be as great as the magnitude of the quake might otherwise dictate.

I've noticed that the Sirius announcers/commentators are calling a Miami a major market. I don't recall it called a major market beforehand.

Happy Birthday 2011 FFA!

All last year they said that Adrian McPherson was playing out his option and would be gone because he was tired of sitting behind Anthony Calvillo. But today the Als announced that he had re-signed for another two years. Maybe he is betting that Calvillo will not be the same after his thyroid operation. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/alouettes-sign-adrian-mcpherson-to-extension/article1935749/

Bronko Nagurski, Jr., has died. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=357093

Javy Glatt has announced his retirement. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=357112

I am troubled about an Amazon corporate policy that I have recently learned. As those of you who have been following the bargain box thread know, I ordered with some Christmas money the Sonny Rollins Prestige box. Here are the details: I paid for the box with my debit card. The box didn't arrive, so I received a refund. About two months later, the box showed up. So I informed Amazon, and gave them instructions to charge my gift card ballance. I specifically instructed them not to charge my debit card. I received a reply that said in effect, "Thank you for being honest and telling us that the order arrived. We have gone ahead and charged your debit card." After a series of emails and phone calls, I find that it is Amazon corporate policy to use the original payment method in such cases, and they refuse to bend on this issue. What troubles me is that they went ahead and charged my debit card despite my specific instructions not to. I wonder if that's illegal. At the very least, I'm surprised that they did not inform me of their policy before acting.

Happy Birthday 2011 Jazzjet!

Happy Birthday 2011 BClug! Here's to a guy I can count on to read the CFL thread!

By the way, I was in the retail shopping center business on the tenant's side years ago, and it struck me that they never mentioned the rent they are demanding. With only twelve occupancies, it's no wonder you don't see any shoppers.

I bet the Taiwanese thought it was pretty funny.

Thanks for that great link, Dave!

I remember that you posted that article here a couple of years ago. I remembered reading it, I think when I was a senior in high school!

Jim, do you remember the article from Downbeat which mentioned that he toured Japan with a full head of hair? The crowd booed because they thought he was an imposter. They expected a mohawk. I think that was in '68.

Happy Birthday Johnny!

Matthieu Proulx announced his retirement today. He had a good career and had the good sense to go out on top. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=356039