Non-Key Tweets

[DarthGrumpy]

Mmm, disagree somewhat Coney. I think we are the very beginning of a turnaround for RU. As I've posted elsewhere, anecdotal evidence suggests that interest/school pride is increasing. There are plans for a build out to reconnect the campus to the Raritan and generally give it a more connected feel. When they receive their full B1G share that will certainly help their finances. Faculty would be wise to realize that athletics got them into the CIC. Too early to tell but B1G membership may be something that even Rutgers can't screw up. (Although the Herman hire is a first class effort to do just that.)

They are trying and a recent major uptick in donations looks good. My concern is a lack of good leadership on top and the debt load taken on due to the UMDNJ merger. For example, this athletic campus renovation looks good; but, it doesn't even include an indoor field for football, which 'everyone' is doing right now (saving my argument over the athletic arms race for another day) or providing a basketball practice facility without addressing the dump that the RAC is today. It comes off as half-arsed.

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ok_at_the_rutgers_football_hale_center_f.html

And while I am nota Rutgers fan, my tax dollars go there, so I want it done right .

 

[CL82]

They are trying and a recent major uptick in donations looks good. My concern is a lack of good leadership on top and the debt load taken on due to the UMDNJ merger. For example, this athletic campus renovation looks good; but, it doesn't even include an indoor field for football, which 'everyone' is doing right now (saving my argument over the athletic arms race for another day) or providing a basketball practice facility without addressing the dump that the RAC is today. It comes off as half-arsed.

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ok_at_the_rutgers_football_hale_center_f.html

And while I am nota Rutgers fan, my tax dollars go there, so I want it done right .

They are going to expand seating and fix "qualitative issues" at the RAC. I agree though that they don't seem to have a big time mentality in that much of the changes are cosmetic. Putting the best spin on it possible, perhaps they are waiting for their B1G full share before tacking those bigger issues.

 

[FDNY99]

They are going to expand seating and fix "qualitative issues" at the RAC. I agree though that they don't seem to have a big time mentality in that much of the changes are cosmetic. Putting the best spin on it possible, perhaps they are waiting for their B1G full share before tacking those bigger issues.

The problem with that theory is that construction and construction labor costs in the tri-state area are going to put the dollar amount on those projects 2-3x the cost of what they are now minimum. I want to see RU succeed in the B1G, and I hope that they do....but the tasks facing them facility upgrade wise are pretty daunting right now.

 

[CL82]

The problem with that theory is that construction and construction labor costs in the tri-state area are going to put the dollar amount on those projects 2-3x the cost of what they are now minimum. I want to see RU succeed in the B1G, and I hope that they do....but the tasks facing them facility upgrade wise are pretty daunting right now.

I don't disagree but if they don't have funds in the near term there's not much that they can do. Long term, the annuity coming from the B1G will position them to better able to afford taking them on.

 

[FDNY99]

I don't disagree but if they don't have funds in the near term there's not much that they can do. Long term, the annuity coming from the B1G will position them to better able to afford taking them on.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Christie leaves the Gov office. If you get a pro RU supporter who replaces him..the $$ could start to show up for some of the project upgrades. I'm was surprised that there wasn't enough donations and donor support to al least build a new hoops practice facility or an indoor football practice field after they were invited to the B1G. My reason for that...once UCONN had a AD that was good at raising money and didn't keep donors away the hoops facility went from drawings to shovel in the ground in 18 months.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

It will be interesting to see what happens when Christie leaves the Gov office.

I wonder if Christie even remembers where the Governor's office is? He just signed that asinine 'no tax pledge' from conservative love-child Norquist. Which means that NJ is stuck with that 'pledge' when Christie's presidential run finally comes to an end next spring. Thus, the gas tax, currently the lowest in the country, will not be increased. Which means, money is going to have to be pulled from somewhere as the transportation fund is broke and the Hudson River train tunnels have to be fixed or else. Rutgers is not getting any new money any time soon. In fact, I would not put it past Christie to alleviate Rutgers of a portion of the B1G money to fix state budget issues. It maybe illegal to do so; but, it wasn't legal for him to raid the Port Authority fund to get the Pulaski Skyway fixed either.

 

[FDNY99]

I wonder if Christie even remembers where the Governor's office is? He just signed that asinine 'no tax pledge' from conservative love-child Norquist. Which means that NJ is stuck with that 'pledge' when Christie's presidential run finally comes to an end next spring. Thus, the gas tax, currently the lowest in the country, will not be increased. Which means, money is going to have to be pulled from somewhere as the transportation fund is broke and the Hudson River train tunnels have to be fixed or else. Rutgers is not getting any new money any time soon. In fact, I would not put it past Christie to alleviate Rutgers of a portion of the B1G money to fix state budget issues. It maybe illegal to do so; but, it wasn't legal for him to raid the Port Authority fund to get the Pulaski Skyway fixed either.

My wonderful Senator Chuck Schumer is trying to get federal money for that project now...since the state and city are rebuilding LaGuardia for $8 billion. Tell me if I'm wrong but when Rutgers finally gets their full share of B1G $$ the athletic dept subsidy will be over and they will be forced to operate on what they take in in conf $, revenue and donations

 

[DarthGrumpy]

My wonderful Senator Chuck Schumer is trying to get federal money for that project now...since the state and city are rebuilding LaGuardia for $8 billion. Tell me if I'm wrong but when Rutgers finally gets their full share of B1G $$ the athletic dept subsidy will be over and they will be forced to operate on what they take in in conf $, revenue and donations

My jaw dropped when I saw the plans for LaGuardia.

In Jersey, the focus has been on two key transportation issues.

First, fix the rail tunnels, which were badly damaged by Sandy and will need to be closed in the next 10 to 15 years for major repairs. If a new tunnel with 2 new tracks is not open by then, it will be a disaster if one of the tunnels is closed. I have heard that current capacity is 24 trains an hour. Cutting back to 1 tunnels, reduces capacity to 6 per hour. North Jersey especially needs the tunnels as the job market sucks in the area forcing poor fools like me to undertake a 1 ¾ hour commute each way each day.

Second, rebuild or replace the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, which was opened in 1950 and is now at 125% capacity with over 8,000 buses and 225,000 riders using per day. Supposedly the largest bus terminal by volume in the world. The Port Authority put an addition on it in 1979 and has basically ignored it for the last 25 years. Thus, it, too, is falling apart. Of course, it would have helped if the needed upgrade was done 10 years ago before the real estate prices west of Times Square skyrocketed.

Basically, we’re all screwed.

AS for Rutgers, I do not know what the deal is outside of the fact that the faculty union would shut-off the athletic subsidy today if they could.

 

[FDNY99]

My jaw dropped when I saw the plans for LaGuardia.

In Jersey, the focus has been on two key transportation issues.

First, fix the rail tunnels, which were badly damaged by Sandy and will need to be closed in the next 10 to 15 years for major repairs. If a new tunnel with 2 new tracks is not open by then, it will be a disaster if one of the tunnels is closed. I have heard that current capacity is 24 trains an hour. Cutting back to 1 tunnels, reduces capacity to 6 per hour. North Jersey especially needs the tunnels as the job market sucks in the area forcing poor fools like me to undertake a 1 ¾ hour commute each way each day.

Second, rebuild or replace the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, which was opened in 1950 and is now at 125% capacity with over 8,000 buses and 225,000 riders using per day. Supposedly the largest bus terminal by volume in the world. The Port Authority put an addition on it in 1979 and has basically ignored it for the last 25 years. Thus, it, too, is falling apart. Of course, it would have helped if the needed upgrade was done 10 years ago before the real estate prices west of Times Square skyrocketed.

Basically, we’re all screwed.

AS for Rutgers, I do not know what the deal is outside of the fact that the faculty union would shut-off the athletic subsidy today if they could.

The Port Authority bus terminal is right near my firehouse....if you look the PA still has plots of land that they can put that place. They were actually smart the way they built the skyway in and out of that place. NYS screwed the pooch on the new Tap when they didn't put rail access on it. But that's for another day. I think in the end Schumer will get the Federal funds for the tunnel projects..especially with the LaGuardia rebuild being done. It will still cost NY/NJ but it will be doable.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

The Port Authority bus terminal is right near my firehouse....if you look the PA still has plots of land that they can put that place. They were actually smart the way they built the skyway in and out of that place. NYS screwed the pooch on the new Tap when they didn't put rail access on it. But that's for another day. I think in the end Schumer will get the Federal funds for the tunnel projects..especially with the LaGuardia rebuild being done. It will still cost NY/NJ but it will be doable.

I hope it gets done and for the most part, it has to. But, politics are at play, especially during a Presidential Election cycle, so who knows.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/ana...s-popular-but-no-one-wants-the-bill-1.1391222

 

[CL82]

I wonder if Christie even remembers where the Governor's office is? He just signed that asinine 'no tax pledge' from conservative love-child Norquist. Which means that NJ is stuck with that 'pledge' when Christie's presidential run finally comes to an end next spring. Thus, the gas tax, currently the lowest in the country, will not be increased. Which means, money is going to have to be pulled from somewhere as the transportation fund is broke and the Hudson River train tunnels have to be fixed or else. Rutgers is not getting any new money any time soon. In fact, I would not put it past Christie to alleviate Rutgers of a portion of the B1G money to fix state budget issues. It maybe illegal to do so; but, it wasn't legal for him to raid the Port Authority fund to get the Pulaski Skyway fixed either.

Mmm, maybe take this discussion to the Cesspool?

For what it's worth, in my opinion Christie was right to pull out of a deal that would have left NJ taxpayers on the hook for any cost overruns on the Hudson Rail Tunnel. His predecessor Corzine agreed to a extraordinarily unfavorable election year deal to try to have some claim to competency. When Christie asked that NY and/or the Feds share in the cost overruns, they refused and Christie pulled out rather than taking expedient measure of leaving NJ taxpayers on the hook. The fact that he tried to use the money to repair the Pulaski Skyway, which if you ever driven it desperately needed it, is reasonable. I believe that the Port Authority agreed to the project, since it would improve a heavily used roadway to New York City.

There's tons of stuff that you can be critical of Christie for. I think you are reaching on this.
If you want to discuss start a Cesspool thread and tag me.

 

[NYUConn]

Mmm, maybe take this discussion to the Cesspool?

For what it's worth, in my opinion Christie was right to pull out of a deal that would have left NJ taxpayers on the hook for any cost overruns on the Hudson Rail Tunnel. His predecessor Corzine agreed to a extraordinarily unfavorable election year deal to try to have some claim to competency. When Christie asked that NY and/or the Feds share in the cost overruns, they refused and Christie pulled out rather than taking expedient measure of leaving NJ taxpayers on the hook. The fact that he tried to use the money to repair the Pulaski Skyway, which if you ever driven it desperately needed it, is reasonable. I believe that the Port Authority agreed to the project, since it would improve a heavily used roadway to New York City.

There's tons of stuff that you can be critical of Christie for. I think you are reaching on this.
If you want to discuss start a Cesspool thread and tag me.

Tag me too. I got some strong opinions on this tunnel deal.

 

[lne001]

The only thing I'd want (and would not forego a testicle for) is an on-campus stadium. I've been to Rutgers Stadium (most recently in 2008, not since any recent expansion), and let's just say that I'd much, much rather have The Rent. It's not close, either.

I've been to both Rutgers and Rent much more recently. We will have to disagree on that one.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Mmm, maybe take this discussion to the Cesspool?

For what it's worth, in my opinion Christie was right to pull out of a deal that would have left NJ taxpayers on the hook for any cost overruns on the Hudson Rail Tunnel. His predecessor Corzine agreed to a extraordinarily unfavorable election year deal to try to have some claim to competency. When Christie asked that NY and/or the Feds share in the cost overruns, they refused and Christie pulled out rather than taking expedient measure of leaving NJ taxpayers on the hook. The fact that he tried to use the money to repair the Pulaski Skyway, which if you ever driven it desperately needed it, is reasonable. I believe that the Port Authority agreed to the project, since it would improve a heavily used roadway to New York City.

There's tons of stuff that you can be critical of Christie for. I think you are reaching on this.
If you want to discuss start a Cesspool thread and tag me.

FYI...as requested, just creaked a new thread in the Cesspool; but, did not see how I can tag anyone.

 

[Husky25]

FYI...as requested, just creaked a new thread in the Cesspool; but, did not see how I can tag anyone.

Ampersand (@) before their username, similar to Twitter.

 

[CL82]

FYI...as requested, just creaked a new thread in the Cesspool; but, did not see how I can tag anyone.

Just use the @ symbol before their handle as in @Mr. Conehead

 

[CoastAtlantic]

G R E G S W A I M SHOW ‏@GSw aim 9h9 hours ago
Quiet whispers from OU media about #Sooners going to #SEC, and taking #Bedlam buddy #OKState, getting LOUDER!!


ME: that changes things a lot. Those who are pro-B1G might look at it as good news because without Oklahoma they may be forced to look at an Eastern school to go along with Kansas. Texas would go to either PAC or ACC.

 

[pj]

That seems like a logical outcome that benefits the big players. Kansas and UConn to B1G and Fox+others, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to SEC and ESPN, Texas to indy-ACC and ESPN. Nobody gets hurt except the B12 leftovers; the networks save money and increase the value of their marquis properties.

 

[Stinger92860]

Should OU, OSU and Texas leave the b12 the top of the AAC may likely merge with the B12 which has consider going to 12. That makes for a pretty good conference, better than what the AAC is now. KU and UConn to B1g would be great, but I would think they need to have one top brand football program in the group.

 

[CallMeBruce]

If people are poaching teams again, I'd think the B1G would rather have UVA than either Kansas or UConn, which means we'd be competing with KU for that spot. I think that could still work, and I'd imagine that, if the B1G takes UVA, the ACC would add whichever team of Kansas/UConn that the B1G left on the board.

 

[NYUConn]

If people are poaching teams again, I'd think the B1G would rather have UVA than either Kansas or UConn, which means we'd be competing with KU for that spot. I think that could still work, and I'd imagine that, if the B1G takes UVA, the ACC would add whichever team of Kansas/UConn that the B1G left on the board.

In this scenario I don't see how a OU/OSU move to the SEC causes UVA to jump from the ACC.

If anything an OU/OSU departure to the SEC probably pushes Texas to the ACC, stabilizing that conference for years to come.

 

[whaler11]

Why in the world would the SEC want Oklahoma State AND Oklahoma?

You know before moving the next set of dominos ya might want to figure out why the SEC teams would want to take less money each to add those teams.

 

[CallMeBruce]

Why in the world would the SEC want Oklahoma State AND Oklahoma?

You know before moving the next set of dominos ya might want to figure out why the SEC teams would want to take less money each to add those teams.

Oklahoma probably has enough value as a brand to justify bringing in both, and it may be a condition of bringing Oklahoma in.

In this scenario I don't see how a OU/OSU move to the SEC causes UVA to jump from the ACC.

If anything an OU/OSU departure to the SEC probably pushes Texas to the ACC, stabilizing that conference for years to come.

The B1G has a network, and the ACC doesn't. Getting Texas's non-football sports isn't going to change that, so there's more money (and more prestige) in the B1G.

 

[UConnJim]

Why in the world would the SEC want Oklahoma State AND Oklahoma?

You know before moving the next set of dominos ya might want to figure out why the SEC teams would want to take less money each to add those teams.

I don't think it would mean less money. Adding OU and OSU to the SEC with Texas A&M, LSU, and Arkansas would really solidify the SEC's position in Texas even without bringing in University of Texas as all of the schools have large number of alumni in Texas. And, it would add more marquis matches to the SEC, which, down the road with cable unbundling, will become even more important for conference financials.

Personally, I don't think OU and OSU are going to the SEC, but crazier things have happened in conference realignment.

 

[jlarson]

G R E G S W A I M SHOW ‏@GSw aim 9h9 hours ago
Quiet whispers from OU media about #Sooners going to #SEC, and taking #Bedlam buddy #OKState, getting LOUDER!!


ME: that changes things a lot. Those who are pro-B1G might look at it as good news because without Oklahoma they may be forced to look at an Eastern school to go along with Kansas. Texas would go to either PAC or ACC.

Well, considering his "radio" show is from a town of 800 some people, and he has zero connections to the University of Oklahoma, and is known to outright lie to get ratings, you guys shouldn't post his stuff anywhere. He is just posting stuff on twitter about conference realignment stuff to try and get a couple of more people to listen to him. Isn't going to work since people in Oklahoma know he is a fraud.

 

[whaler11]

I don't think it would mean less money. Adding OU and OSU to the SEC with Texas A&M, LSU, and Arkansas would really solidify the SEC's position in Texas even without bringing in University of Texas as all of the schools have large number of alumni in Texas. And, it would add more marquis matches to the SEC, which, down the road with cable unbundling, will become even more important for conference financials.

Personally, I don't think OU and OSU are going to the SEC, but crazier things have happened in conference realignment.

They need to generate another ~$120 million minimum annually for the other schools to break even.

Rounding for ease. Schools get 40 and ESPN get half of the network money which is about 20.

$12 a year per OK cable subscriber (if they can get the increase) and the additional tier 1 and tier 2 money is going to be over a billion dollars over a decade because that is about what they need to generate to keep everyone whole.

Hard to see anyone making the math work to add both of them.

 

[whaler11]

When you think about how much revenue a new school needs to bring to the Big Ten or SEC to join it really narrows their options.

The list of schools they can pick from outside of those two leagues is pretty small.

SEC: Oklahoma, UNC, Texas, ND, VPI/UVA maybe Kansas

Big Ten: Florida State, Oklahoma, Texas, ND, UNC, Virginia/VPI, Georgia Tech, maybe Kansas

 

[UC1995]

Well, considering his "radio" show is from a town of 800 some people, and he has zero connections to the University of Oklahoma, and is known to outright lie to get ratings, you guys shouldn't post his stuff anywhere. He is just posting stuff on twitter about conference realignment stuff to try and get a couple of more people to listen to him. Isn't going to work since people in Oklahoma know he is a fraud.

I think you are forgetting what a non-key tweet means. This is exactly the kind of nonsense we need on this page!

 

[pj]

If people are poaching teams again, I'd think the B1G would rather have UVA than either Kansas or UConn, which means we'd be competing with KU for that spot. I think that could still work, and I'd imagine that, if the B1G takes UVA, the ACC would add whichever team of Kansas/UConn that the B1G left on the board.

Poaching the ACC is not feasible before 2025. It's not only the GoR, the B1G wants ESPN participation in its new contract, which won't happen if the B1G tries to poach ESPN properties. If ESPN dropped out as a bidder the bid from Fox/NBC/CBS etc would dry up.

 

[CallMeBruce]

Poaching the ACC is not feasible before 2025. It's not only the GoR, the B1G wants ESPN participation in its new contract, which won't happen if the B1G tries to poach ESPN properties. If ESPN dropped out as a bidder the bid from Fox/NBC/CBS etc would dry up.

LOLwut? You think that the B1G isn't going to get bidders if they make ESPN mad? That's lunacy. They're much too valuable to not get a ton of money from FOX on this. In fact, if anything, FOX is going to reward them for poaching from the ACC.

And if the B12 starts hemorrhaging teams, that would be pretty good evidence that the GORs don't have a lot of teeth, wouldn't it?