Just get it done NHL

This is really getting ridiculous.  I, for one, really cannot find much sympathy for millionaires taking on billionaires, and vice-versa.  I’m just not a part of that world in which they live in.

Or am I? 

I’m talking about the current work stoppage of the National Hockey League.  Having seen strikes and holdouts in football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and now hockey once again, it’s really getting sad, especially the current situation with the NHL.

The sides have agreed on a 50-50 split in hockey revenues, which seems like a good compromise if there could ever be one, but of course there are some other particulars.  

And some are certainly worthwhile seeing as some players are going to be seeing paychecks changed from their current signed contracts, etc.

But it’s now almost December and while minor league hockey and college hockey, a favorite of mine, have their seasons off an running, the NHL has now cancelled 422 games thus far, including the popular “winter classic” and the 2013 NHL All-Star game in Columbus, Ohio.

But the real losers during this, is not the players or owners or team front office staff.  It’s the fans. The ones who have showed loyalty and support by buying tickets and merchandise and started to come back in droves, showing a sign of recovery from the previous dispute. 

It’s also the parking lot attendants, the vendors and ticket sellers who can only look forward to an occasional concert or rodeo in town to get some hours.  It’s the owners of the local pubs and restaurants next to the league’s arenas.  Places that are (were) full of hockey fans looking for a pregame meal or post-game celebratory beverage with their fellow fans.

Labor disputes are common in today’s business world.  Insulting to the fan was the comment coming from commissioner Gary Bettman and his suggestion that the two sides should take a couple of weeks off from negotiating. 

How about both sides going into a conference room, locking the door and not emerging without a deal in hand.

I think we’ve had enough. Time to drop the puck.

Yes, I voted ...

It's something that every American citizen has: the right to vote. Today was election day in the country and from my own observations, the polling places were busy throughout the day.

Voters in Rhode Island braved the early morning chilly temperatures to head to the polls at sunrise.  And on through the day and into the late evening hours before polling places closed, lines were still strong.

It's fun to watch the coverage and intensity that this day brings. Twitter feeds are steady with election opinions and thoughts, it's quite tiresome when I'm really looking for up-to-date sports stories.  But I can understand, and I actually like it.

The media coverage is quite extensive. From bloggers, journalists, and television talking heads, you can't escape it.  And it is needed.  While newspapers and media companies are looking to cut budgets, this type of coverage is needed.  It's keeps the politicians honest and transparant.

Politi-fact is outstanding and without it, who would keep these political "statements" in check?  Particularly in the few days leading up to election day where a campaign may go that extra mile with some outrageous claims and accusations, perhaps as a sign of desperation.

But with outstanding coverage by the local media and expert analysis, voters will have enough knowledge to make the right choice.

At least that is their right.