For your reading pleasure,
Posted on August 4th, 2008 – 11:07 AMBy Michael Russo
One of you Russovilleites (off the record, NiNY) asked me the other day who are my must-reads on a daily basis on the NHL circuit.
Unfortunately, one of them, Tim Pannacio of the Philly Inquirer, is no longer on the hockey beat as of this summer, which leaves a giant loss for the NHL.
Truth is I read just about everybody every morning, but here’s one of the first on my ‘favorites,’ — legendary Montreal Gazette writer Red Fisher, who has covered the Habs since well before I was born.
That explains why the Hall of Fame Fisher has been such a mentor for some of us younger hockey writers. Here’s a great column he wrote today on Scotty Bowman.
Not much else going on. Anybody see Manny Ramirez’s press conference in LA the other day? Asked about wearing No. 99, Manny said, “I dont know anything about hockey. We don’t have much hockey in the Dominican.”
OK, that’s it from here. I’m on vacation, but I thought I’d say bonjour.
311 Responses to "For your reading pleasure,"
How many years has Red Fisher been on the Habs’ beat? He was on that when I was a kid…long, long ago…
So if Russo’s on vacation, does that mean he expects no movement on Gaborik for at least a week to 2 weeks?
tovio - from the last thread, I too saw that list of blogs in USA Hockey and Russoville’s absence was certainly conspicuous. Can there be a more active NHL blog in the U.S.?
Amazingly, I missed the inclusion of HTP on this list. Wow - congrats NiNY.
Oh, and Russo, the residents are referred to as “Russotans.”
Were the other blogs connected to a news outlet like Russo’s Rant or more like NiNY’s, independent bloggers?
Some of each, I think, sunshine.
So if Russo’s on vacation, does that mean he expects no movement on Gaborik for at least a week to 2 weeks?
i’m guessing vacation doesn’t mean total disconnect from the job. if something goes down, vacation over. as long as he isn’t climbing mt everest, i’m sure the blackberry is in play.
as long as he isn’t climbing mt everest,
would it count if a sherpa is climbing Everest, carrying our recently-debilitated leader on his back??
Russo doesn’t climb Mt Everest, Mt Everest submits so Russo can stand on it.
I don’t know much about climbing the K-2, but I know Lane Meyer did a heck of a job skiing the K-12 on one ski while being pursued by the paperboy (2 dollars!).
Congrats on the blog cred NiNY!
We don’t have much hockey in the Dominican.
Or in Boston!
Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all night.
KiPA hits the long ball!
Manny who?
Ms Conduct, and others from the last thread: Actually, I like Amy, she sat near us in the seats we sometimes get.
Never found her crazy at all. She always added spirit to the games.
I wondered where she went because she was not at any games we attended last year.
Hmm, maybe *you’re* crazy, Iceman? 
Nah, spirit is good to a degree, or perhaps if it’s beyond a degree that I prefer, then it’s good in some other section. I don’t like any distractions when the puck is in play.
Nice one Kevin. Ha!
Oh, and Russo, the residents are referred to as “Russotans.”
I’m pretty sure The Don can call us whatever he wants.
I’d be on the look out Hockeydad; that was a pretty direct challenge to The Boss.
Good call Russo.
Tim Pannacio did a lot of good work. I read all his stuff back when I used to be a Flyers fan.
So, Russo don’t leave. I need more news on Gaborik negotiations. The rumors are swirling but most of them sound like trash. That said, I’d hate to lose the one guy who can actually score.
Ms. C: There were many nights when the arena would be full, except around Crazy Amy. She can get a bit ‘Wild’ at times.
Ask any usher who has ever worked the lower level at the ‘X’. Security has had to go after her a few times before she left…
BTW: I always thought the correct term for we bloggers on this blog was, “Russovillians”, like residents of Drummondville, Quebec; Belleville, Ontario, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Scott,
rumors will be floating around until Gaborik signs a new contract. He’s this years Hossa.
Is anyone else surprised we haven’t heard a peep about the contract talks? I’m not having a panic attack yet but you would think something should be on the table by now.
Maybe it’s a good thing that contract chatter has been quiet. It’s possible that they’re hammering something out and don’t want distractions.
Or maybe they’ll just wait until the end of the season? You know Doug Risebrough has no problem letting players play through the last year on their contract.
(Sarcasam)
WHAT IS THIS HABS REPORTER HE SOUNDS LIKE SID WRIGHT ABOUT HOCKEY. IF THIS GUY THINK HE CAN WALK ON AIR GOD HELP THEM
Joel: Don’t scream when posting. And, unlike Sewer Sid, Red Fisher actually KNOWS what he is talking about. Has for better than 40 years…
USAH, you’re on notice!
I prefer the term Russotistanian myself, but then that’s just me.
CAPSLOCK
In all seriousness, DR will unload Gabs before his contract situation becomes a distraction. I could swear I read somewhere that if he’s not signed soon, he could become trade fodder.
JOEL rhymes with troll. 
And instead of “Food!”, I think we should call it, “Russoto!”
(that may be my worst joke ever)
JOEL rhymes with troll.
And instead of “Food!”, I think we should call it, “Russotto!”
(that may be my worst joke ever)
MS Conduct, maybe, maybe even worse.
Oops. Tried to catch the first one, but the second one has the correct spelling.
Toivo: You’ve been watching way-y-y too much Gordon Ramsay on TV, haven’t you, son?
But I do like the title: ‘Russotto’…
Nope. Vintage hockey and samurai movies is what I’ve been watching lately.
Russotistanian. Word. I like it. Though I tend to think Russovillian myself. Russotan reminds me of potatoes.
Wow, the grocery store was an adventure. Honestly, you’d think we’re NOT an hour+ from the coast here in central Houston. I didn’t see a single cart that didn’t have at least two flats or boxes of bottled water. Except mine. But I am set for Dos Equis and limes.
Man, between my Dos Equis and your vintage hockey and samurai movies, we could put on quite a little hurricane party, toivo…
Dammit. I forgot to get buns for my bleu cheese burgers.
But I am set for Dos Equis and limes.
LMAO!
ms.c: I have just decided that it is a life goal of me and Wife in NY to party with you and your DH.
That’s awesome.
Skip the bun and just wrap the thing in lettuce. Low carbs!
Skip the bun and just wrap the thing in lettuce
ew.
Must be a CA thing.
I’m pretty sure The Don can call us whatever he wants
I agree. The Don is always correct.
Heh, yeah you can get it like that at In-N-Out.
Sissy!
I like Russtafarian.
I’m getting hungry.
I wondered why we didn’t see her this year. She was in 102? She did add life if it is the one I am thinking of–blonde, pigtails.
NiNY, tried a little Grey Goose Pear the other night–not bad.
LOL Nick, I’m afraid we’d sorely disappoint! We’re so low key and square, it’s not even funny (and DH doesn’t have more than about 10 drinks a year… I do the drinking for both of us, though that still means it will take me a month to get through this 6 pack of Dos Equis).
But if you ever want to come down for a little Aeros home stand and see the kids up close and personal, pack your shorts and flip-flops and come on!
I’d be on the look out Hockeydad; that was a pretty direct challenge to The Boss.
A calculated risk - The Don’s on vacation, and I’m guessing No. 2 isn’t on watch in early August. So chances are good the comment went unnoticed.
Ugh. Low carb. I’ve tried low carb diets twice and both times I was nearly homicidal AND didn’t lose anything (other than my mind). But if I hadn’t forgotten buns, I would have bought wheat buns. So, ya know, that’s something.
This sucks. I wish someone would start a southern hemisphere league so we could watch something during the summer months.
I just can’t get into anything else, and all we have during the summer is baseball and golf. Try watching either - live or on TV. ZZzzzzzZZZzzzzzZZzzZzZZZzzZ.
Wake me in mid-September.
wood: really? Do tell.
ms.c: pack your shorts and flip-flops and come on!
Listen, I don’t have to pack my shorts, okay? My wife loves me just the way I am….seriously, though…that would be awesome. One of our money managers is located in Houston (though they have nothing to do with munis).
“Heh, yeah you can get it like that at In-N-Out.”
In-N-Out is the best. period. end of story. Too abd they don’t seem to be expanding from the west… I must visit Cali again soon.
NiNY, yeah, I struggle with summer drinks being a Scotch or other types of whiskey guy or Manhattan or Gibson man. So G&T’s or vodka & tonics never quite do it for me. So, I keep searching.
Oh Nick. It’s sad how long it took me to get that joke. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could boondoggle your way down here? We’ll get some excellent tex-mex in you and take you to the Maple Leaf Pub (the one and only hockey establishment in Houston that doesn’t have a sheet of ice attached to it).
DH just called from NY asking if he needs to fly home tonight. His two female coworkers were in his office apparently leading the charge, worried about me being here alone. I guess folks don’t understand how jaded you get about this stuff living down here, especially if you’re not near the coast and are on relatively high ground. Not to mention our Rita evacuation experience. One word, kj-style: Never. Again.
wood: I’ve fallen in love with gin Gimlets this summer. I live Tanqueray if I’m in a more mellow mood, Gordon’s if I’m in a spicier mood.
NiNY, Mrs. Woodcock kind of likes those. We generally make them with Gordon’s. For the Gibsons, I like Plymouth.
In-N-Out is the best. period. end of story. Too abd they don’t seem to be expanding from the west… I must visit Cali again soon.
Yeah, looking at those pictures of burgers made me very hungry, so I went out on a foraging run and got me a nice…
salad!
At my age, it helps to keep the burger intake regulated, especially if I want to keep playing beer league with those ungrateful little punks.
BTW, there’s this new burger place by my office that is also pretty fantastic. Best-O-Burger!
Sorta like a cross between White Castle and In-N-Out. Delicious little grease bombs and then you’ve got Strings and Rings on the side (Very skinny fries and onions rings), and then gelato for desert… Oh man, I’m getting hungry again. Stupid salad.
I’m a Bartles and James kinda guy in the summer.
(just checking to see if anyone’s reading)
On the hockey front, apparently Sundin still can’t quite decide what to do.
toivo, better stick to the burgers. Do they even sell Bartles and James anymore?
We thank toivu for his support…
Do they even sell Bartles and James anymore?
I had to Google, but yes! And I learned that it’s actually Bartles & Jaymes.
I think I’m getting a Best-O-Burger tomorrow for lunch. Double cheese bag!
sorry, toivo, I figured, California, burgers in lettuce wraps kind of health food nut, Bartles and Jaymes was just par for the course.
Have you tried their wheatgrass and tofu wine cooler yet? I hear the kids are crazy about them…
California Cooler was the original and the best (also the highest proof), and then it was Bartles & Jaymes, but the youngens always went for the 2-litre bottles of Sun Country! How’s that for your Wine Cooler flashback trip!
Ugh. I’m getting heartburn just reading about wine coolers.
Speaking of blogs, the Calgary Herald thinks the Wild has the goods to repeat as division champion.
Did anyone catch this on Gaborik?
Wheatgrass and tofu is like sooooooo 2005, NiNY, but an EC trog like yourself wouldn’t know. The kids are now going for the barleygrass, dark chocolate, and fish oil red wine cooler now. And let me be the first to tell you, it is, uh, special.
Your link isn’t working, toivo
heartburn from wine coolers, I don’t get.
But I am getting heartburn from thinking about Cossetta’s (sausage and pepperoni), Bona (really anything), beef and potatoes from Vina in HP, Izzy’s and that beautiful windmill pack adorning shelf after shelf in SA.
!!
Home, where my food lies waiting, silently for me…
barleygrass, dark chocolate, and fish oil red wine cooler now.
so, that’s what a buffalo chicken finger wrap looks like, revisited.
Thanks for that, toivo.
;P
The first (and last) time I ever had a wine cooler was when they first came out. I reached into the bucket of ice thinking I was getting a beer. It was a hot summer day; I took a big drink and gagged. Spit it out and found a beer.
NormieK - Thanks for the link - I guess I have my July 1 blinders still on because, for me, CGY has been the clear favorite. However, one thing we Wild fans sometines lose sight of is that if Mikko and Burns continue to move towards All Star status, the team will move with them.
Ugh. I’m getting heartburn just reading about wine coolers.
Thanks for that, toivo.
Take a week off, and I’m back in fine form already!
True story: Took some wine coolers, added vodka. Went tubing down some river. Not the smartest idea we’ve had.
Fuzzy Navel me ASAP.
Like riding a bike, eh, T?
Yeah, found that whole Gabby thing pretty curious but not alarming. If you read the comments where I probed a little more, Stu gives a little more useful information on the subject.
Huh, is it weird that wine coolers give me heartburn? Tomato sauce/soup and wine coolers. Ugh. Pass the Tums.
toivo: hopefully you rode out the aftermath of that one in a room with low ceilings and no exposed cross beams.
See, NiNY, you need to be partying with toivo…
You okay, AiH?
I have to admit, I haven’t been tubing since I was a wee little brat, on the Apple River.
Back then I didn’t even know what booze was.
if Mikko and Burns continue to move towards All Star status, the team will move with them.
This is right on the button. Not sure where the ceiling is with these two, but they are already playing at an all-star level IMO. Actually getting on the team isn’t necessarily a confirmation of that. Give me those two over probably 90-95% of the players at their positions.
I have no idea whose going to win the NW, though. I’d say the Wild have a decent shot though. It’s almost surely going to be tight though, top to bottom.
Ah yes, the Apple River - how I miss thee.
I took a wrong turn somewhere in my life. Instead of Fuzzy Navels and the Apple River mixing together like a beautiful fruit cocktail I’m on the Gulf Coast in a Hurricane Watch.
toivo - thanks for that link, it will be interesting to see if Russo has anything on this. Based purely on intuition, I think Hossa plans to try to win the cup with DET before moving to the KHL next year (assuming that the KHL continues to demonstrate that it is viable). Could Gabby be interested in doing the same thing? It definately seems possible.
See, NiNY, you need to be partying with toivo…
Let me move back to Da Range for a while first for some training. I’m way out of shape.
a beautiful fruit cocktail
LMAO.
JMO, folks…
flip the bottom three in the NW division and keep the top two where they are. That’s how it will go, Edmonton third, Colorado 4th (especially if Floppa doesn’t come back) and the ‘Nucks last.
Go back out and get the buns, Ms. C. …
Maybe I spoke too soon about this wrong turn in life, my company just closed until Wednesday!
If I keep getting work off I’m all for a hurricane rolling through every Tuesday for the rest of the summer.
See, Aaron? It’s not so bad. My friend who works for Lockheed got sent home at noon (and had to put her computer and monitor in plastic bags before she left).
WRT, I decided too much grey hair was showing and we have too few Doritos in the house, so I picked up some buns while I was at the drug store. The Coke guy was there with his big truck FULL of Dasani water. Dropped off a full pallet of water in the store and I think every single person in line in front of me bought some. I swear the hysteria around here amazes me. I feel like such a rebel for just filling up a few sports bottles with water and sticking them in the fridge.
I went thru Hurricane ‘Gloria’ when it slammed into southern Connecticut in 1986. I hate everything about hurricanes, because of what they are designed to do: Disperse hot, humid air over cooler, drier land masses. After the storm passed we (I was at a friend’s house at the time) went outside and the neighborhood was basically trashed, although they restored electricity the same day. But the thing I still remember as being the worst was the stifling heat and humidity after it went thru. I could barely breathe after that.
Ms. C: I would be first in line for that Dasani water if the Coke guy had pulled up when I was at that drug store. Even if I didn’t need it, I’d still buy a 12-pack.
Interesting blurb on JL on ESPN, considering the complaints some have about him.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=frei_terry&id=3515195
*I cannot remember how to embed the site, so the low-tech way must suffice.
Yeah, I can imagine the humidity and heat it would bring would feel pretty crazy in CT. But I know very well the feeling you’re talking about. It’s like wearing a lead vest. Almost makes your knees weak, the air is so heavy and it saps the life right out of you.
I’m mostly concerned that this doesn’t damage my lime tree. It’s loaded right now.
You could make a HUGE batch of margaritas and use all those limes.
Now I’m getting thirsty.
That’s the thing… they’re not ripe yet. They should be ready for the start of pre-season, I think. And that’s precisely what they’ll be used for (though I might try a key lime pie, too).
Can you put some kind of cover over the thing so the limes don’t all blow away? That would be a terrible loss.
I’m really more worried about branches breaking. The fruit is pretty well set on the branches. Really not much I can do though because it’s sort of a crazy shaped tree that’s flopping all over. I’m pretty much just leaving it to the margarita gods to take care of me.
ms.c - better say a prayer to St. Jimmy Buffett.
At least you don’t have feral children killing the trees in your yard. I think the next time the Mr finds a kid climbing our young (and still kind of fragile) boulevard tree he’s getting out the BB gun. I think the hoodlums just killed the tree by yanking a large branch off, it created a huge wound on the tree. At least hurricanes don’t have brains that should know better than to swing from trees when the cranky lady that lives in the house the tree belongs to keeps yelling at them to get out of the tree. *** deep cleansing breathes*** Ok, still pissed, need hockey to start, I’m more mellow when hockey season starts. MsC I hope your limes survive the storm….. Freakin’ Feral Children……
Blessedly, we live in an area of town with bad schools, so it’s mostly DINKs and SINKs who don’t tend to be fruit thieves or tree breakers. Of course, that just means the ferals are adult crackheads who kind of wander around and pick thru the trash and stuff. I prefer my crackheads to children.
Six Goalie System at 3:48 … very good point on Koivu and Burns, add Schultz Gabby, Shepard and PMB and there is a six pack, a solid bunch of youngens.
Crackheads have no reason for limes.
But crackheads don’t really know that. They’ll just take anything that isn’t nailed down. I do have a very small lemon tree out front that had 4 lemons last year, and I ended up with one. I’d love to see what they did with the lemons. *pucker*
Bandgeek,
I think this is the hardest stretch for hockey lovers. From August until mid September. Kind of feel bad rushing Summer but I’m itchin’ for hockey…
No crackheads in our neighborhood. Some old people, a few younger couples who don’t have kids yet (like myself and the Mr), some people who act like they’d be more at home in a trailer park (hence the feral children), some Mexicans (they have the children who behave well, but like fireworks a little to much for mine and my dogs sanity), and a few chubby blonds with little black children and babies daddies who roll up once a month and then disappear the rest of the time. But no crackheads. Of course I also don’t have lime trees in my yard.
Have you guys seen these commercials for the ShamWow? It’s not even a real commercial, it’s just a weird guy who does the State Fair pitch, he even has the head set microphone. It’s scarey.
If my calculations are correct we only have 68 days till the regular season games start. I will be much more sane and centered once the season begins… well, I can hope I’ll be more sane and centered once the season begins.
51 days to pre-season. I bet the Aeros even have a scrimmage at SLICE before that. Mmm…. fresh hockey at a non-novice-league level…
so band, are you still seeking gainful employment?
Ms. C: I love Key Lime pie…probably even more so with fresh limes!
Nick, unfortunately yes, I’m still looking. I guess there isn’t much call for unemployed historic site supervisors. I’ve picked up hours here and there at my part time job, but that will only cover the bills for so long. I’m feeling a little pessimistic and pissed off at the moment. It doesn’t help that I’m hockey deprived. It also doesn’t help that I drive past the X on my way to said part time job and knowing that my boys have been forced from their home by pyscho conservative RNC people makes me sadder. I think I need some ice cream and chocolate to cheer me up. Dessert items are my booze; I only drink when things are really bad, and then only enough to get a buzz. No use making things worse by spending the next day hugging a toilette. Man!! I’m feelin’ really morose tonight.
that stinks. Job hunting is no fun - and is very, very hard on the psyche.
Toss me an email if you get a chance.
myscreennamehere at hotmail dot com
I’ll save you a slice, WRT.
Sending jobby vibes your way, BG. Job hunting is such a drain.
Let me just say you people are weird(er) in the offseason.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Let me just say you people are weird(er) in the offseason.
I think you mean intense! And whaddaya mean “you people”? Gabba gabba, we accept you, we accept you, one of us!
Weird! Pfft!
we accept you, we accept you, one of us
Pfft, not when you get all weird!
Weirdos.
I mean, turn the Weird-O-Rama down a few notches.
What’s weird?
I’m starting to think my standards for weird are different from other peoples.
I really don’t know if we’re that weird, KiPA. After all, you’ve made a conscious decision to join us on this blog…
Ed Gheen: Weird.
Jeffrey Dahmer: Really weird.
Unabomber; Beyond Weird.
Russovillians: Not weird. Hockey-starved, yes. Not weird.
I see the lack of ice time has caused the Russotania to run aground… 
Don’t forget…the one-and-only Russoville house band is finally working again this Saturday. The Mainstreet Bar in Hopkins is the place. Email me if you think you’ll be there…
Ms.C…you do not want to derive your mathematical equations from me. But I can tell you appreciate good komedy.
WRT…I am a bad monkey. With the madness around work (and my rapidly approaching departure) when I get home it’s two tin and gonics and sleepytime. I will make a conscious (and subconscious) effort to phone you today!
NiNY…send me your itinerary and I’ll reserve some space at Reid’s so we can do a little Fat Tire worship.
Bandgeek…ever worked with C#? (and no, it isn’t the same as D flat).
KiPA…weird is Marian Hossa going to Detroit for a season…
No news is - well, no news…
From links above. Glad to see various people think the Wild could repeat as division champs. Not so glad to see it is more because they see the other teams as having weakened more than the Wild. I’d rather be picked for our strength rather than the other teams’ weakness.
Interesting notes on Radio in one of them. Evidently, he skipped surgery and says his knee is good to go. That’s suprising. I wonder how long into his season he’ll make it before it acts up.
Gaborik to Russia after his contract expires? Interesting. Can’t say I’d be suprised if he did that.
Gaborik to Russia after his contract expires? Interesting. Can’t say I’d be suprised if he did that.
I would. As one person who commented there, he probably wouldn’t have much motivation in Russia. And aside from a few mega-oligarchs, there’s way more money in the NHL.
Goody, I had the same reaction to Radio’s knee: “Yeah right. Glad MY team isn’t counting on him this season.” I mean, I wish him well, but…
Where’s that storm, eh?
It just made landfall… and on a non-weather related noted….since we are not storming at all, most of st. paul and some of its surrounding lost electricity. don’t know why.
I went a little crazy because I was worried I wasn’t able to hang with you guys this morning.
Sympathy outage? Strange.
So if Gabs won’t re-sign and DR trades him, where should he go? I was thinking maybe Toronto would be a good place, as a sort of FU to him, but Toronto’s got nothing I’d want. Carolina and Ottawa have some talented players that might be nice to have on our squad.
VoR, and do you go big name replacement or do you do several smaller names and some picks/prospects?
At this point, I don’t think it’s very likely we’d land a big name for him. We also don’t really have room for several smaller names unless we ship others with Gaborik. Picks would be nice but well, some think our track record in the draft isn’t very good.
We’d definitely need to replace his pts. with comparable immediately - not 2-3 seasons down the road.
Okay, so I only got 3 hours of sleep and my logic brain is working with a skeleton crew… but if re-signing talks broke down and DR dangled a trade situation he KNOWS Gabby doesn’t want, perhaps that would push him to sign? Not sure how DR would pull that off with the other team unless he presented it to Gabby prior to finalizing the agreement with the other team. Then again, if they’re way off his mark, it might be worth it to him to play someplace rotten for a year in order to reach FA.
I dunno. Just a thought, knowing that Riser is willing to play games a bit.
Goody - If we were to unload Gabs (40 goals, 80 points), I’d want at least a 30/60 guy and a prospect or two, but obviously it depends on the name(s) being tossed around.
ms.C, easy, DR could say “Well, I know that Toronto and the Islanders are interested in your services, and I’m prepared to gauge their interest more thoroughly. Then see if Gabs blinks.
I don’t see riding out the last year of his contract in NYI, TOR or the like being a problem for Gabby - he would have all the offensive freedom he would want as those teams beg him to sign an extension with them.
At this point, and seeing what happened with Pittsburgh in terms of giving up prospects for a guy at the end of his contract who eventually went elsewhere, I doubt any team would be willing to take Gabby unless there was a sign and trade situation, or that the other team has a contract in place that Gabby is willing to sign so he would be under contract for a few seasons; or, if another team is able to absolutely fleece Dougie Ballgame to get him. I don’t see the latter happening, so if Gabby is moved, which I hope he is not, I would suspect you would here immediately after the trade that team “X” has agreed to terms for a 5-yr, $42.5 million dollar deal with him. Let’s just hope that Gabby signs his 6-yr, $51 million deal here so we can get back to the business of preparing for Oct. 11.
Ed Gheen: Weird.
Jeffrey Dahmer: Really weird.
Unabomber; Beyond Weird.
So, WRT, by your estimation a letter bomber is weirder than a cannabalistic necrophiliac and a guy who used human body parts as clothing, upholstery and decorations?
It is getting weird in here.
I don’t recall sign and trade deals in the NHL but I could see DR giving permission to a team to negotiate with Gabby, particularily at this point of the off season. Also, when we are talking about the Wild dealing Gabby because an extension can not be worked out, we need to keep two things in mind:
1. DR does not seem like a guy who wants the Gabby contract hanging over the team during the regular season.
2. If Gabby is not exteneded before the season starts, the risk factor to his trade value goes up once training camp begins due to that now famous groin issue.
The Gabby situation will be worked out prior to the middle of September, latest. Not going into the season with this elephant the room. Gabby has said as much, as has Ballgame. If the numbers from Russo are accurate, $8.5 per season, that puts Gabby 4th in the league behind Heatley, OV and Sid. If he does not sign that deal, it is obvious he simply wants to play elsewhere, which is better to know now because his trade value is going to be much higher in August than it would be in February ‘09 when teams know that he is available for the paying on July 1.
DB - I concur with the analysis and hope you are right that there is resolution prior to mid September! An interesting twist would be that Gabby declares his interest in exploring the KHL after this season meaning the Wild could keep him for one year with likely no return or trade him now to another contender with that team also knowing that it would be probably be for one year. Such a trade would seem difficult given that such a team would have to trade out enough cap space to add #10.
My guess is that if Gaborik doesn’t re-sign here, he is KHL bound.
Although, if he has a significant other and she is from the U.S. of A., she’d prolly put the kibosh on Minsk or some other KHL destination.
We have the Pronger Precedent to tell us how all that will work…
Don’t forget, there are many different ways to build a successful team. It can be based on scoring or strong D or some combination.
Also, recall when Forsberg was traded for Lindros? The unknown is not necessarily bad.
Goody, I will pick an argument with you that our drafting is not good … if tyhat was true we would not have Gabby, Schultz, Koivu, PMB, Shepard, Harding, and with more on the way.
If you focus on their successes instead of the misses, it is impressive.
Ice: Aside from the 2004 fiasco, I don’t think anyone will say that the Wild has done poorly in the first round. That arguemnt simply does not have any basis. The problem the Wild has found itself in, is the fact that only 3 guys the Wild drafted after round 2(Sekeras, Boogie and SRV) have played serious minutes in the League. That is simply the main reason the team does not have many chips in the minors that can be used as legit trading pieces.
I don’t agree that Gaborik has more trade value now than at the deadline. Barring injury or an absolutely terrible season, I believe the trade value would be higher for a couple of reasons: 1. The cap hit would be much smaller because it is late in the season, and a lower cap hit is more conducive to trading. 2. At that time of year, teams have a better understanding of where they can go with their team that season. It’s hard to gauge at the beginning of the season whether one player can get you over the hump.
The Gabby situation will be worked out prior to the middle of September, latest.
Exactly. And I agree with the rest of your analysis.
kj, I disagree about the KHL angle. I think he wants to be in the NHL and scoring 80 goals a season. That’s why I say ship him to a bad east-coast team and let him see how hard it can be without a competent center (oh wait, ZING).
The cap hit would be much smaller because it is late in the season, and a lower cap hit is more conducive to trading.
While true, the Wild would be in a much better position to take an albatross from another team if that’s what it took.
While true, the Wild would be in a much better position to take an albatross from another team if that’s what it took.
Why would they want to do that?
Say that Eric Staal plays for the Leafs at 2.5M/y. And they covet Gabs. The only way for the Leafs to make space to take Gabs’ salary is to also unload Jason Blake, also at 4M/y. So they force us to take Blake to get the player we covet.
It’s the same concept as the talk of the Wild having to take Glenn Murray off Boston’s hands in the Manny Fernandez deal. Sometimes you take the bad with the good.
Iceman, I don’t disagree on the drafting. As I said, some would argue that - not necessarily me.
Keeping Gaborik until the trade deadline presents the following:
1)If we aren’t going to make the playoffs. Some team that is might want him bad.
2)If we are going to make the playoffs, you can’t trade him (assuming he’d been good).
3)Teams that don’t need him for the playoffs would only trade to gain negotiating rights - not likely they’d part with much for that right.
4)A little groin tweek in game 2 and we might not get anything for him.
So, there’s only one possible scenario I can think of where holding on to him until the trade deadline and then trading him gives a good return.
Trading him before the season starts almost guarantees a good return.
To add: We took less than market value for Fernandez because we were unwilling to take Boston’s albatross in exchange for ours.
And I’m not advocating that scenario, merely explaining the mechanics of such a deal.
Another thing that concerns me about trading Gabby is the draft pick factor. This organization has proven that it does not do well with picks after round 2. If picks are involved, would we expect a 1 or 2 in return? If not, anything past round 2 has been very unproductive for this team. Sad But True.
(always looking to work in Metallica)
Say that Eric Staal plays for the Leafs at 2.5M/y. And they covet Gabs. The only way for the Leafs to make space to take Gabs’ salary is to also unload Jason Blake, also at 4M/y. So they force us to take Blake to get the player we covet.
This wouldn’t really be any different at the deadline. It would still be the same cap hit going both ways.
As a side note for The Boyz, “Death Magnetic” is being released Sept. 12.
Can’t be much worse than their last CD, which sounded like it was recorded in a garage with a fisher price tape recorder.
not to split hairs, but I’d say there really wasn’t much market value for an injured goalie with a $4.33M cap hit.
Manny (and his contract) was the albatross. The fact that we got ANYTHING back in the deal (even Kalus) makes it a total steal by DR, IMO.
Deep, perhaps we could trade him to Tampa Bay. I’d bet they’d give up a 1st or 2nd round for him. DR should get on the phone and ride the (insert team name here) and see if he can get it done.
Manny (and his contract) was the albatross. The fact that we got ANYTHING back in the deal (even Kalus) makes it a total steal by DR, IMO.
But there’s the possibility that we’d have gotten more if we’d taken Murray (their albatross) off their hands.
And then we’d be stuck with Murray and have to buy him out just like Boston did this year. No thanks.
This wouldn’t really be any different at the deadline. It would still be the same cap hit going both ways.
My bad for changing the numbers at the last second. By taking 8 (4+4) mil off their hands now in exchange for 6.5, it gives them more space to use over the season. It’s in the interest of the buyer to unload bad contracts now.
And then we’d be stuck with Murray and have to buy him out just like Boston did this year. No thanks.
Agreed. What’s your point?
VoR: sure, that possibility exists. But my *guess* is that DR’s position was that the trade - as it went down - satisfied his criteria for success for rectifying that particular situation.
He probably didn’t want Murray, and Chiarelli was willing to accede to the deal DR did want.
I can understand that from the buyer’s perspective VoR, but my question still stands as WHY would we want to hamstring our own payroll with someone else’s problem? It does not sound like a good idea, and I would consider such a trade a failure on DR’s part.
Goody: honestly, if picks have to be involved in any deal for Gabby (remember that I hope he signs here) it almost has to be a 1 or 2 simply because this organization has proven it accomplishes very little with picks later than round 2.
Nick, I’m NOT saying he SHOULD have done that, but that he COULD have. Given the circumstances, I agree with the way he handled it.
Iginla: I grew up on Ride and Master. I’m not so much excited about a new album, but for the fact that a U.S. tour will follow and I can watch The Boyz do Creeping Death in person, which is right at the top of my list.
FYI, here’s that USAH Mag blog story online:
WHY would we want to hamstring our own payroll with someone else’s problem?
Because sometimes you take the good with the bad? Or sometimes you want to take all your lumps at once. I’d be willing to take an overpaid, underperforming team for one season if I thought there was a good chance for a better team over the next 5.
Again, I’m not advocating such a move, but I do understand that sometimes you swallow your pride, and accept something you don’t like to get what you want in the future. Clearly, every situation is different.
Now, back to the original question: If you were in DR’s chair, what deal would you put together?
Deep: HOW WAS THE TRIP?!
I’ve been to many Metallica shows myself, DB. They always seem to but on a great show, but I’m pretty sure I’ve lost a good deal of my hearing from them. 
I’m curious as to what the next album will sound like though.
Nick, I’m NOT saying he SHOULD have done that, but that he COULD have. Given the circumstances, I agree with the way he handled it.
VoR: that’s fair.
but I’m pretty sure I’ve lost a good deal of my hearing from them.
I’m curious as to what the next album will sound like though.
muddled, apparently.
I’ve been to many Metallica shows myself, DB. They always seem to but on a great show, but I’m pretty sure I’ve lost a good deal of my hearing from them.
Metallica: Live, outdoors, IA stop of Lalapalooza tour, 19XX.
Best.
Outdoor.
Show.
Ever.
…and I loss a whole lot more than some of my hearing at THAT show, lemme tell ya’!
loss=lost
Here’s a take on the Parrish buyout / free agent signings that I think is pretty sharp.
I went to a Metallica show long ago in Duluth when they toured with the Cult. Not a big Metallica fan. The bass solo bored me.
I can always ask someone else…
OK, Deep, I’ll buy that bit about no bargaining chips from lower draft choices.
And, NiNY, I was going to make the same observation. Manny has not played a game in a year has he? Hard to criticize what we received for No Games Played.
Isn’t Gabbys brother still employed by the Wild? I realize any deal is a business deal and viewed so from both sides. But, if Gabby’s brother is a scout then there must be some emotional attachment for him to be here.
toivo - thanks for the link. So if we should be wary of players that score a lot of goals for bad teams (i.e Parrish in FLA, NYI and LAK), we should be pumped for AM as he didn’t score a ton of goals for a good team
Good find Toivo.
I can watch The Boyz do Creeping Death in person, which is right at the top of my list.
I was hit in the back of the head with a chair during creeping death at the and justice for all tour stop at the met center. good times.
The bass solo bored me.
Agreed.
bass solo = beer/p!$$/barf break
Here’s a take on the Parrish buyout / free agent signings that I think is pretty sharp.
Definitely on point.
I don’t see Mittens as an offensive signing. I see that as a complement to SRV.
Brian Campbell broke out last season with 62 points, but was essentially a 10-goal, 45-point guy prior to that. People should remember that when they wonder why the Chicago Blackhawks gave him $56.8 million over eight years.
+1
I think malone is a better example but Campbell is in the ballpark.
.I was hit in the back of the head with a chair during creeping death at the and justice for all tour stop at the met center. good times.
HS!!! I lolled on that one in spite of myself, sorry. 
That’s one helluva visual though, haha. Good times indeed.
VOR - I see AM as a combo guy - they want him to bring the PK and shutdown skills Branko had when he was at his best but also flirt with the 20 goal mark.
flirt with the 20 goal mark.
If those bitter Stars fans are on to something, that’s going to be some long-distance flirting. Hope they’re wrong.
—-
NiNY: You have mail.
“But, if Gabby’s brother is a scout then there must be some emotional attachment for him to be here.”
It might be just me but I have sensed ZERO emotional attachment from this euro. Anytime he speaks about the Wild and his future he just shrugs and says well they are my FIRST team and the team that drafted me. When the press asks what he thinks on any moves the Wild make he just gives them an answer like “It’s their team, whatever they want to do to it.” I think he is the typical euro sterotype - no loyalty.
I honestly hope I’m wrong. I’m praying we can re-sign the guy but he just seems like he’s itching to hit free agency. Like MN has been his prison sentance.
But, if Gabby’s brother is a scout then there must be some emotional attachment for him to be here.
Ice, think of the Brother of Gabby (BoG) item as employment benefit.
As a UFA, Gabby can seach employers with a comparable BoG benefit, so in that regard, the fact that he has it (BoG) here already, has no impact (think: no emotional attachment).
Agreed?
That’s the sense I get as well Lucky. He seems like a guy who has charged the same hill a few too many times for his liking. Like if the Wild were his wife, he’d be cheating on her.
And I think his gal is a Euro as well, so no loyalty from that direction.
Maybe bfw, but if there are thirty factors he would consider, that is one and probably not the bottom one either.
Ultimately, preferences, unless they are very strong, do not determine the outcome of a contract signing anyway.
Very good points, WRT and kj from very early this morning on the subject of weirdness.
Maybe bfw, but if there are thirty factors he would consider
Short version: Others sign Gabby, AND hire his bro’.
=
push.
Agreed?
Mittens
Hahaha. I love that nickname.
Mittens
Hahaha. I love that nickname.
I like that one too. Better than “Metal Hands” on that one Stars blog.
AND hire his bro’.
Come to think of it, this could be a factor, IF his bro’ has a NCC in his contract (assuming he’s a contract worker).
Mittens
We did pick up some good nicknames this off season didn’t we.
Mittens
Lickey
I haven’t heard Weller speak but if he’s like a lot of people and pauses a lot, Well…er… might be a good one!
Nolan - anyone got a good one for him?
Bruno - how can you go wrong with Bruno?
Mittens
Hahaha. I love that nickname
I like the nickname KiPA snacks as well, do you? heh heh.
KiPA Snacks!
And, NiNY, I was going to make the same observation. Manny has not played a game in a year has he? Hard to criticize what we received for No Games Played.
I agree…but…how many NHL games has Kalus played for the Wild???
If Gaborik stays in the NHL, it will either be with the Wild or he will join Demitra (with Hossa) in Vancouver.
They’ll have lots of cap room after not signing Sundin…
Man, I almost got outed on my conference call with the “Well… er” bit… Funny.
ms.c, you should know better: COMC is NOT recommended for use with Conference Calls.
*I agree…but…how many NHL games has Kalus played for the Wild???*
Yeah, but he’s NOT played for us for a lot less money.
I should probably hit Mute…
Mute Is Good.
Nolan is the Irish God of War.
IGoW Is Good.
(Is that the same as the Irish Kratos???)
NiNY, can we shorten that to IGoW - not to be confuse with GOW.
Goody: Jinx!!!
How do we pronounce IGoW? Or do we have to say all the words every time?
I agree…but…how many NHL games has Kalus played for the Wild???
kj: that’s not the point. How much salary cap did Kalus take up this season? Would our goaltending have been any better if we’d kept Manny?
I don’t even care about Kalus at this point. Maybe DR told Chia Pet that he wanted a 1st rounder for Manny. And then Chia Pet told him to get bent, that he’d give him a 3rd round pick. So DR said he’d take a fourth and a player, and Chia Pet said what about Kalus and DR said, great, I’m looking for another puck moving defenseman and Chia Pet said done deal, nice working with you.
Nolan
This name comes from Nuall, which means a nobleman, and is a name that goes back to the mists of early Irish history.
http://www.irelandseye.com/irish/traditional/names/family/nolan.shtm
Since Nolan is now the oldest Wild player (I think), “The Nobleman” would fit.
NiNY:
Trip was great. Yankee Stadium is a toilet. Can’t argue with the history of the stadium, but it is a real dump. Saw a barn-burner of a 1-zip game. Typical. Every other game of the series is like 54-47, and we see a 1-0 game. Cool to see Torii Hunter get the game-winner off the Sandman in the 9th. Got some really cool pictures. After the game, we stayed in our seats until the place started to clear out and then we were able to get down by the field behind home plate, (not on the field, of course) and took some pictures of each other at field level with the stadium in the background. Good stuff. We stayed at the Helmsley across from Central Park. Nice hotel. Saw as much as possible in the little time we had. Ate lunch on Friday at Mickey Mantle’s and then walked around the city for a while. Went into some cathedral where the Kennedy’s, etc have been married. Didn’t interest me too much because I avoid church religiously. Took the subway to the game and then hung out at Billy’s before the game. Right across the street so that was easy enough. After the game, we got back to Manhatten and just started walking around and hitting as many bars/places as we could. Our last stop was aplace called 3 Steps. We were there until a little after 5 in the morning. Got our 7 am wakeup call at the hotel; got to LaGuardia by 9 and then sat in the M-Fin’ airport until 4 because the flights kept getting delayed because of lightning. Didn’t get back to Maple Grove until 6:30 Saturday night. Missed my 20-yr reunion on top of it, but I was exhausted. Next year the same group is going to go to the new Stadium to see a game. Should be fun. Same group is going to Montreal in January for a hockey game. Looing forward to it.
Sounds like a good, full trip, DB! The thing I remember about Yankee stadium is how effing STEEP the upper deck is. Ugh. I still feel a little queasy thinking about it.
DB - Maple Grove? Nice. I currently reside there while school isn’t in session.
ms: The upper deck is steep. We were in the section right behind home plate ni row “X”, which is the row up against the back of the stadium. It was good because we had a fabulous view of the entire stadium; bad because we were sitting in a different area code.
zig: been in Maple Grove since ‘95. Live just off Bass Lake Road a half-mile west of Vicksburg (that’s as much address as I can/will divulge. Don’t want my Rosie O’ in ass-less chaps poster to fall into unwanting hands).
Since Nolan is now the oldest Wild player (I think), “The Nobleman” would fit.
Olden Nolden.
Deep…one of my coworkers was at that reunion. You missed seeing Brian Setzer…
Owen Nolan = Old an’ Moldy
ZOMG, kj, that’s almost exactly what I call him in my head. Olden Nolen.
I didn’t grow up in Maple Grove. Grew up in Norwood (an hour south). Sux. I gave up a day in NYC to come home early to hit the reunion and the delays made me miss that as well. Nothing better than 7 hours in the airport when you’re working on 2 hours sleep.
ms.C…great minds and all that.
We’re sympatico.
If he was Norse/Irish he could be Odin Nolin.
Norwood
My wife is from Arlington. Can’t say I enjoy going through NYA on the way out to the farm.
VoR: scary, but MY wife is from Arlington. her folks still live there.
Wow, small world, huh?
My wife’s brother still runs the family farm just south of town on 19.
DB- nice, “The Grove” definitely is a thriving little town now, been there since ‘90, when it was nothing but some fields and the library. I’m near osseo/grove border off of 81.
VoR: wow, we keep this up and we may find out we’re related. My wife’s folks live on a farm that they rent out just south of 19 off of county road 9. My wife’s sister has a house in New Rome.
Deep: sounds like a great trip. My wife (big Yankees fan) thinks it would be hilarious if, when the Yankees bring in Mo on the road, the home team plays “Mr. Sandman” (as in: bring me a dream…) to counter the use of Metallica’s little ditty when the Yanks bring him in at home.
I have to admit, sitting in Yankee Stadium, during a playoff game, cold nose, hopped up on $9 beers and NY chutzpah, hearing the open bars of Enter Sandman and seeing the bullpen door open and Mo start the walk to the mound….is one of my personal favorite things in sports. It just builds and builds, and is just a perfect little moment.
IIRC, that cathedral is St. Pat’s. Among other things, Nelson DeMille wrote a book that takes place there.
DB, that’s a miss, because my brother in law is on the SW corner of Hwy 19 and CR 17.
Now I have Mr. Sandman stuck in my head. Time to bust out the iTunes…
G*,
Here’s a little something to help you break your Marney fix once and for all.
Hazel Mae - http://www.hazelmae.net/hazel_mae_pictures/Hazel_Mae_in_Boston/index.htm
And she actually knows a little about sports too.
Iginla50goals: re your 10:58AM post re: Weird…
Both Gheen and Dahmer were Wisconsinites. That explains pretty much everything. To real Minnesotans, everything in Wisconsin is somewhat weird.
The unabomber is beyond weird because if he’d have kept his mouth shut, law enforcement may never have found him. As smart as he supposedly was, the guy never figured that out. (Thank God.)
I know I’m late to this party but I’d just like to throw in my $.02 on the Manny Fernandez trade.
I for one tip my hat to Risebrough on this trade. The man unloaded $4M off our cap and found someone to give up a prospect and a pick! We’re talking about Moody Manny people. I’m very happy for his years of service with our team and I’m not here to bash on the guy but he is a freaking headcase. When a goalie blames his teammates for a loss or says people are in his head… you’ve got a headcase! He also went to the press and said at the end of the ‘06 - ‘07 season that he fully expected to be traded in the offseason.
Let me ask you this - What did Anaheim get in return for Illya?
IMO
Illya>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Moody Manny
Hazel Mae
she was discussed when I trying to talk people into directv because you get NESN HD and the blond dolly and ms mae. i became somewhat of a closet bruins fan but more so for the intermissions.
The blonde is Kathryn Hannan, who anchors the Bruins’ between-periods coverage on NESN. She could out-run most anyone; she was All-Big East at Rutgers in the 3,000-meter womens’ steeplechase…
She DEFINITELY could out-run either of us, GreenStar…
Wrt: i think you mean Kathryn Tappen.
Gaborik only speaks in cliche. You get no sense of his true feelings unless its through a third party a la unnamed teammates or Gaborik’s close friends willing to dish to Russo. It came as a complete surprise that Gaborik and Bruno are very close friends. We only know because Gaborik’s friends told Russo.
You would think they were good friends because of being teammates but not “close friends.”
Hockeydad You’re correct. Kathryn Tappen is her name. She could STILL outrun all of us, however…
Dang!
Every morning I open up the Wild page hoping for Gaborik news (or any Wild news for that matter) - Nothing! It doesn’t help that I had to skip hockey last night. Stupid national night out.
Gaborik only speaks in cliche.
Sorta like The Sphinx in Mystery Men? The Slovakian Sphinx??
(I’m sorry, it’s 7:25 and I’m at work…)
A brief tangent from hockey talk.
Denver hosts the DNC and is one step ahead of Saint Paul. With apologies in advance for possible techno quirks:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/04/protesters-plan-be-there-when-council-considers-ur/
He’s a mystery. Wrapped in an enigma.
Covered by Ian Laperrier…
Larry Brooks with more on the Boots Del Biaggio snafu, and our pal Mr. Leipold.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08032008/sports/sportsshorts/switches_brew_122765.htm?page=0
Brooks: Finally, this just in. Green Bay is offering $20M to Mats Sundin to stay retired.
Funny!
Stupid national night out
I’ll agree with this. thankfully I’ve avoided it.
She DEFINITELY could out-run either of us, GreenStar
that is a problem…and why marney is still #1 with me. I think I could keep up with her.
Yippie!! My internet is working properly again!!! Every time I’ve tried to post something I’ve been kicked off. MsC it sounds like your just getting a bunch of rain on your Lime tree. Thats good, wouldn’t want you and the other members of the Texas branch of Russoville blown away. That would be bad, and rain is good for your lime tree. I should go find breakfast, breakfast is sneaky and likes to hide, so I have to go find it… yes, I am slowly going crazy.
G*, the Mr dislikes National night out as well. Our neighborhood doesn’t do anything but the apartment complex he works at has a block party and he has to stay after work and cook hot dogs for them. Staying at work late makes the Mr cranky. I hear a lot of “… not my neighbors… I don’t live here… don’t care if I meet them all.. stupid night out…”
I don’t know if anyone’s seen this yet, but its got me fired up for the season to begin.
Bring on the Octagon - are they doing that again this year?
Thanks for the link NiNY - for all the debates MN sports fan have had to watch over the years regarding arenas and stadiums, I never fully understood how/why KC built a facility without an NBA or NHL team.
Ballgame, she does a really great job with her videos, doesn’t she?
Nice one, kj, at 6:57.
Good article on Chris Snow on Puck Daddy today:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Puck-Daddy-chats-with-Chris-Snow-about-what-make?urn=nhl,98820
Or at least it was interesting to me, not knowing his story.
ms.c - absolutely. Gives me the shivers & I want to go skate after I watch one. I post her videos on the blog constantly.
She’s a video student too, so if anyone’s in the business & needs a good editor…
Totally OT:
Any of you guys know anything about CDs? I’m buying some, but the higher yielding ones pay interest monthly and the lower yielding ones pay interest at maturity. Is there some advantage to one over the other?
ms.c: it’s all about the rate. Doesn’t really matter when it’s paid out.
However, if you are planning on reinvesting the interest, then go with the higher yielding one anyway - the fact that you get some money sooner (which you would then theoretically reinvest - compounding more interest, faster) is gravy.
IMO, a CD is a loan you give to a bank.
As with any loan, the best you’re going to do on your principal is to get it back (in the case of a CD at a near-guaranteed 1:1 ratio).
So if you don’t stand to make any money on the principal side of the investment, then your entire return is going to be from the interest.
Thanks Nick!
Yeah, we were just looking to do a little better than the 2% we were getting with some of our under-the-mattress money. 3.85% is a little better.
Ms.C, we’re in the same boat. We’re thinking about stashing some of our savings account money into an ING account that earns something more than 0%
I think ING and I know e*trade has online savings accounts that are around 3.85%APY with no minimums. e*trade is FDIC insured, i assume ING is. with e*trade you can connect your bank account and do online transfers although if you do too many withdrawls in a month they convert it to a regular checking account.
might be an option other than a CD.
ms.c: make sure you get the fee structure for the CD up front before you do it. 3.85% is certainly better than 2%, but what if the bank is taking xx bps off that, or a flat fee?
Ms.C,
With all due respect — and I do mean all due respect — I think you could do a little better on that CD rate.
Plus, if you need liquidity, have you considered something along the lines of an ING savings account (at 3%)?
I mean, if your time horizon is long term - and you really, really mean that - then there’s a very compelling argument to be made for investing in equities or bonds right now.
I mean, buy low/sell high only works if you actually buy LOW - and everything (other than gold and oil) is low right now.
But you have to be honest about your risk tolerance. What if your principal is down a month from now? A quarter from now? A year from now?
NiNY, I own the same type of bowling ball that ‘The Bowler’ (Jeanine Garafalo) uses in ‘Mystery Men’ (clear plastic with a skull inside). I use it to pick up the ten pin. The Sphinx sounded too much like Denny Green, I wonder if that character was based on him? Great comedic cast in that movie but the editing seemed a bit choppy.
El G: agreed. I thought it was an underrated comedy, with some great moments (William H. Macy cracked me up every time he was on the screen.)
The scene with Stiller busting on the Sphinx was hilarious.
The Naked Economist was on MPR this morning trotting out the old (Warren Buffett?) nugget to be greedy in a downturn.
While I generally like the sound of that, my risk tolerance is a bit higher than my wife’s, and I don’t think she’d go for jumping into the stock market.
“Buy when there’s blood in the streets - even if the blood is your own.”
-Baron Philippe de Rothschild
G*, we considered one of those savings accounts, but didn’t like the notion that they can change that rate any time they want.
It’s a fairly small CD since we’ve never bought any before. Just testing the waters to see how it goes. I looked at all the details of it and didn’t see any fees or anything.
We’ll see! It’s a done deal anyway.
I just checked e*trade and the rate is 3.3% no minimum. just need to enroll in paperless statements.
I have an e*trade account. it was 5% when i opened it but with the rate cuts, it has fallen.
I also have a brokerage account there for my IRA as well.
“Buy when there’s blood in the streets - even if the blood is your own.”
ISTG, I read that to fast, and misread “streets” as “SHEETS”!
*ugh*
Really, BFW? For a year-long term?
ms.c: if it’s a small amount, then REALLY check the fees. I honestly don’t know how they work, but I’d hate to have your interest take a good hit because Wells Fargo is greedy on a $1000 CD.
VoR - take your stake and make investments with her approval for risk tolerance but agree that you get 25% to make some plays that have more risk.
MsC - My experiance is they don’t change the rate on a whim. It’s come down but only because of the fed rate cutting. And, if they drop the rate and you don’t like it, pull it out that day and buy the CD then. Thing with a CD is one your are in, I think you are in and can’t touch the funds. There are pro’s and con’s to that.
I haven’t checked what money markets are yielding these days. I used to have one with T Rowe Price.
PURE SPECULATION: But I’d be more worried about the Fed going up than going down over the next couple quarters.
bfw*’s point about liquidity is huge. Now, if this is really “under the mattress” money, then hopefully you won’t have to touch it. But, if Francisco (or whatever the next Hurricane is called) does have more of an impact in Houston…
but I’d hate to have your interest take a good hit because Wells Fargo is greedy on a $1000 CD.
buying well fargo stock might be a better option. yields 4.46, and it is acutally up 1.13% YTD.
some local (and some not local) money market account rate info:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/rate/mmmf_mmaratehome99.asp?params=TX,16&product=33
usbank is up .4% YTD and yields 5.33%
except for the volitility in july where it went from 33 to 20 to 20 in about a week, it trades between 30 and 35 mostly.
33 to 20 to 20
should read 33 to 20 to 30
Financial Advice +1
RIAC 0
NiNY’s point regardings WF, et.al, is valid. However, the “risk” is in the unforseen event that would require you to remove the funds prematurely, thus incurring a (sometimes very large) fee/penalty. THAT is exactly what one should check before signing.
Bankrate is an excellent resource, imo, and shows a number of 1-yr CD rates at or above 4% right now.
Thanks for the links. Looking at that, I’m actually okay with the direction we went. There’s a convenience factor with buying the CD from the company I work for, invest with, and bank with, so for this small amount, the difference isn’t worth the hassle of having to set up another account somewhere and all that hoo-haa. I transferred the money from checking, to brokerage, and bought the CD in about 1 minute (not including research time).
And really and truly, this is not money we’ll need any time soon. And if it’s so bad that we need it, this won’t be enough to help anyway.
it took me about 5 minutes, if that, to open my etrade accounts.
I’m now allowed to have an e-trade account, or any other brokerage other than the one I work for.
now=not
So did you all start reading the WSJ before or after the Wild went on their WSJ streak last season?
money is overrated anyways. Up in NoDak fur trading still reigns king.
HSBC also offers online savings accounts with good rates that also allow bank-to-bank transfers.
Agree with NiNY, though - if this is long-term money, consider equities. It can be dangerous trying to time the markets. Nick, you probably know this better than me, but there’s a stat about over the last several decades, if you weren’t in the stock market on a handful of huge up days your return is next to nothing. But you need those very small number of huge days to make the overall 10%-ish historical returns.
Oh, we have a sizable fur portfolio as well, zig. Diversify diversify diversify!
Diversify diversify diversify
5 largest positions
Headwaters Inc HW
Walt Disney DIS
Microsoft MSFT
Philip Morris International PM
DuPont DD
hockeydad: We quote some data from a study by Dalbar, I believe it is, when we talk about that statistic. I’ll see if I can find the actual numbers. It’s pretty compelling.
Oh no, the Wall Street Journal has taken over my favorite hockey blog! The end is nigh.
That sounds like an interesting statistic. No, our long term bucket is being well tended. We spend quite a bit of time and energy on that side of things. The emergency/mid-term side doesn’t get as much attention, which is what we’re trying to rectify now.
Is that the G* mutual fund?
Is that the G* mutual fund?
LVLT used to be up there but I sold some off on the latest rise. NVDA was there too until it was hacked and slashed.
I’m sorry Iggy. Just so many smart financial dudes here, I knew I’d get the info I needed (plus some). Didn’t mean to be a blog hog! But that’s it. I’m done. I promise.
I’d MUCH rather be talking about Gabby’s new 5 year $45MM deal!!
once there is hockey to talk about, the financial stuff will slow. i won’t stop talking about marney or the babes from NESN though.
Is that the G* mutual fund?
I’m also looking at selling msft as that stock just doesn’t move. They need to start doing something with the mt everest of cash they have. even thought the stock tanked, I think the yahoo bid was a good move.
there was a rumor 5 to 10 years ago that they might aquire disney which may have been pretty cool but now with DIS headed in the right direction and Jobs on DIS board. probably will never happen.
More speculation “for your reading pleasure.”
Yeah, we held on to a bit of MSFT for a few years and it just sat there. Finally gave up on it figuring we could do better elsewhere.
I tell ya, the more I read about Gabby being traded, the more I realize I have a classic case of “don’t know whatcha got ’til it’s gone”. Makes me downright queasy to think of trading him. And it’s not like I’m some kinda Gabbyfreak either. I really don’t even like the guy on a fangirl level, but the alternative all just seem pretty paltry to me.
Iggy: Thanks, that was entertaining, mostly due to the fact that if the poster can’t even get Gabby’s salary for this year correct, how credible can it be?
Food.
You looked didn’t you?
Sorry, that was mean, I couldn’t resist.
2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct to Goody.
(yes, I looked)
Not only did I look, I was reaching for the phone to call IT and complain about my connection to the Internets.
How great would it be if Erin Andrews started to cover the NHL?
I don’t think credibility is really a prerequisite for speculation, and I don’t think that posting is anymore than just that.
I would try for Pominville if I was going to trade with Buffalo.
Sure… everyone is excited talking about mutual funds and CDs and so on, and I start talking hockey and *CRICKETS*
Pommerdoodle! YP!
Well, Iggy, like Suze says, “Money First. Then hockey, then people.”
Or something like that.
Whose more valuable to the Flames…Dion or JI?
What does it say about Gaborik if decides to re-sign with the Wild?
Will they say that he gave up being a 50 goal -100 pts player to stay in the most defensive team because he believes that this team will bring him a Stanley Cup?
Or will they see it as someone willing to stay in a defensive team because he will be getting $8.5 million and be the 4th highest player in the league?
JI * infinity…
Sunshine, that’s the *thing* about Gabby. What kind of guy is he? I mean, how do you even know two years from now who the teams will be that have a strong chance at a cup? Parity has made that kind of a crap shoot when you’re trying to look out past the year directly ahead of you.
Iggy50 - Give Puck Daddy a read today. It’s about Chris Snow, the Wild Director of Hockey Ops. P.Daddy refers to that same post at bleacherreport - and not in a flattering manner.
Whose more valuable to the Flames…Dion or JI?
That is a funny joke…
Will they say that he gave up being a 50 goal -100 pts player to stay in the most defensive team because he believes that this team will bring him a Stanley Cup?
Who is to say he would really put up those kind of points with another team? I’m not convinced the system/team hinders him all that much. Although lining up with Fedoruk might have done so a bit.
The only thing that Gaborik and the fans know for sure is that Koivu, Burns, Sheppard, Schultz, and likely PMB will not be going anywhere for the next three years.
Does he believe this core will take the team to the Stanley Cup? Do they have it in them? Veteran FA will help round them out but the heavy load will be carried by the core.
If he doesn’t believe this core can, then he should move on.
I’ve never been one to think that playing in JL’s system was a great suffocator. Somebody please look up Brian Rolston’s yearly production BEFORE he came to play with the Wild and what he did WHILE he played with the Wild. Also, does being the third-highest goal scorer in the Conference equate to playing in a suffocating system? I think not. It’s a responsible system, not suffocating.
I hope he does believe it, sunshine. I think that core looks pretty paltry without Gaborik or someone of his caliber. Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of Burns and Koivu! But if I have to consider that that is the top of my lineup, it doesn’t sound intimidating.
Also I think Sheppard has a lot to prove yet before we can say he is part of the “core.” Just my opinion though.
I’m with you on that, DB.
One thing about the “speculation” on Gabby going to Buffalo. That article was REALLY well written. I could totally see the Wild dumping Gabby for three players in the final year of their contracts. That’s quite an insider they’ve got in Buffalo. He/she keeps it up and guys like Russo will be out of job.
People, as the name suggests, take a Deep Breath and relax. Once PMB signed, the final piece of Dougie Ballgame’s summertime puzzle was getting Gabby signed and they are just taking their time to make sure the eyes are dotted and the tease are crossed. The 6-yr, $51 million deal will be announced sometime around Aug. 21.
By the way, ballgame - thanks for the link to that article, it was an interesting read.
DB, I thought over a week ago you said it would be signed on 7/31? If it’s not signed 8/21, then will it be pushed out to after the RNC?
Just giving you grief, at least you’re trying to predict something Wild related.
food
Hill to Switzerland.
Parish signing soon.
[…] Originally published by Russo’s Rants […]
