Argh!
Monday 14 April 2003
Real life is evil. More detail contained within (as well as an unoriginal rant on the CBA negotiations)
Sorry I haven't been updating more recently but I've had assignments, assignments and assignments as well as work and the "applying to become a corporate whore" thing (also known as applying for graduate programmes).
WNBA CBA negotations: The clock is ticking and fans are getting worried. Personally I think a deal will get done but the whole thing leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The league for being slugs in getting to the negotiating table and for some of their ridiculous demands; the players for posturing a bit too much when they know they have NO leverage.
As has been reported, it's probably the free agency issue which is the big sticking point. Waiting ten years for unrestricted free agency is unreasonable. The salary cap - well a salary maximum is unavoidable (and it's not a bad thing either - benefits the middling players) but I hope some common sense is used when drawing up the final numbers.
Another big issue would be the marketing rights. The league could get probably away with minimal pay changes if they let the shackles off the players in regards to marketing themselves. Apparently the restrictions imposed on players are quite draconian (though I hear the NWBL is much worse).
The WNBA players have to realise though that they may have to sacrifice a bit if the league is to survive and prosper. They may not gain anything much personally but if the league survives, future generations of players will thank them for it. The league doesn't get away scot-free from criticism either. If they had treated these negotations with more respect, there probably wouldn't be the problems that exist at the moment. "Treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen" doesn't exactly work in industrial negotiations and there would be more goodwill if the WNBA wasn't so unresponsive when all this started. Just because you have the power does not mean you have to act like arrogant arseholes.
I am confident things will work out. Both sides know what's at stake and while both have had their fair share of low moments, they are not entirely lacking in sense.
Little music reviews: Just short spiels about new music I've acquired recently
Chicane "Love On The Run": I *loved* Chicane's last album "Behind the Sun" and was eagerly awaiting this new single. To put it succinctly, I was disappointed. It's a standard dance song with heavily electroncised vocals. Uplifting in places but ultimately uninspiring. I would say it's above average but compared to the ethereal "Saltwater", the wistful "No Ordinary Morning" and the gorgeous "Halcyon" - it's utterly inane.
Coldplay "Clocks": First time I heard this song, I was at work and it mesmerised me. The key element in this song is the haunting piano hook which repeats itself throughout the song - it really does hold the song together. Even the lead singer's wailing (which usually annoys me) sounds appropriate. A beautiful, delicate piece which I highly recommend and perfect for those introspective moments.
Comments
At least "whoring" is the oldest profession in the world. You have to do what you have to do!!!!
Posted by: P Journey | Tuesday 15 April 2003