VIDEO: MY PERSONAL PLEA TO ALL READERS
No more talk of IPB. It’s all about the Lighthouse.
I recorded this Friday night on the pier in Freeport. With the Point Blank story growing longer legs than I thought it would (or ever intended), it was time to speak from the heart and urge everyone to get the focus back where it belongs.
Please watch the video, consider what I have to say and do me the huge favor of keeping to its message. Pass it around to your friends with blogs, message boards, Twitter pages, anything so as many people see it as possible. I can handle the cracks about how goofy it may be. Just please get the word out.
The Point Blank story must be put aside for a while. As I say in the video, if you want to help me and Point Blank, the best way is to make this week about the Lighthouse, leave the Islanders out of the PB discussion and let me figure out a solution by the end of August. My sincerest apologies for derailing the priorities.
The future of Point Blank is on me, not the Islanders. The future of the Islanders - an infinitely bigger story - is something you can take a leadership role in this week.
I’m attempting to line up a few promotional interviews on the Lighthouse rally-march-hearing and will keep you posted on a schedule.
If you have any questions for me about this video, drop me an email. Thank you for the consideration.
CB
Comments.
131 Responses to “VIDEO: MY PERSONAL PLEA TO ALL READERS
No more talk of IPB. It’s all about the Lighthouse.”
Please Wait
CB:
Non-traditional is what makes you successful my friend! GO LIGHTHOUSE!
You’re the best CB!!!
Hi Chris,
it’s Derek from NYHR and of course Battle. You have done a tremendous job here and are handling this properly.
Wish ya nothing but the best.
Derek
Well said. Good luck.
very well said and your totally right about tuesday. i cant make it but i will send an email showing my support. thanks CB
You really are the man CB.
i think more goofy would have been if you started singing “meet me to the lighthouse.”
but either way-the message has not been lost
and for us fans, go check out this link from islanders independent
http://islandersindependent.com/2009/07/28/august-4th-where-will-you-be-on-the-most-important-day-in-ny-islanders-history.aspx
to be reminded by we, as islander fans, have so much vested in this process.
tuesday is the culmination of it all-the phone calls we made-all chronicled right here on this board, to the meetings and rallies we spontaneously attended.
if we can do so much w/out any organizing-imagine what we can put together with weeks notice.
it really is now or never for the project and our islanders.
lets get on our feet bring this thing home, like the last minute of any winning islanders game.
i look forward to seeing all of you there tuesday
sincerely,
your rabble rouser
and p.s. make sure you bring a friend or two
Very classy CB, your right its time to shift our attention towards the lighthouse
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
Well said…OK Islanders Fans near and far make our voices heard! Lighthouse or Bust!!!
Well said CB! Wish I could be there, but can’t get off work. I hope alot of you guys (and girls) can make it there on Tuesday. Bring your parents and grandparents if you can. The more of the medicare generation that can get behind this as well will sway the TOH to get this approved. So stick grandma in your brand new Tavares 91 jersey and get over to Hofstra.
CB, I don’t get it at all. Of course I will be there 8/4/09. But how did you possibly think that you would not receive the support thst you have after essentially saying you were shutting down the blog to move to your “second career”. To me, there is obviously something more to the story? Did Charlie promise you more money if you did this or is it truly from the heart? Your readers deserve to know the reason behind the video and new message. We will all be there to support the Isles. We want to know if we can also support you. Please e-mail me directly or take this post down if it strikes a nerve. But it is what I feel. I mean you went from dejected to take all the attention away from me? Were you going to burn any bridges? Something happened what was it?
Rich: It’s nothing more than the right thing to do. To take these next few days to talk about the blog when Tuesday is such a big day would be a monumental error. I think the reasons for the video are given in the video. There’s no reason to look any further. More money? C’mon…CB
Class act CB…….You know you have our support when you need it. However, the focus right now is Tuesday.
Class act
I will post it on savetheisles.com and message boards as well
Thanks CB, doubt that was easy. I’m still selfishly looking for some kind of update on the prospects and such but I trust you that you’ll make it your business to find a new home and keep the connection between you and us supporters alive.
I will be out of town on Tuesday but will prepare my email tomorrow. I really urge that people go out strong in support of this. It means so incredibly much to the team and long island overall. This really should be a huge day in turning things around for the better.
THE PROPHET IN THE FLESH… SPEAKS!!!!
WE NEED MORE
CB doing his best Omar Minaya
Any word on why John Tavares isn’t attending?
I will be there on Tuesday….I will make it happen.
Btw Chris, how much are you asking for the boat? Things can’t be that bad!!!
Chris, get rid of this video because YOU LOOK LIKE A HOSTAGE; ASAP… looks like Chris Dey has a gun to your head….(CHRIS DEY’S BOY..)
YOU HAVE THE BEST COVERAGE OF THE ISLES PERIOD!! Everyone is trying to support you, the print article was enough, this format makes looks like you have been threatened… and makes you and the Islanders look weak. (You for being threatened, and the Islanders for getting you to this state.)
Not everyone that loves your blog are convinced we want to jump in with two feet and support the lighthouse, (we all know the Isles need a new stadium)…. but you were influencing me to do so because or your passion for the team, not because you were paid to do it. This makes you seem subservient and takes credibility away.
Be that as it may, THIS IS THE ONLY TIME IN THE ENTIRE COVERAGE OF POINT BLANK THAT YOU LOOKED LIKE A LACKEY AND A TEAM SPONSORED BLOG…; even though in the past I knew you had an agenda to promote for the team it never seemed to get in the way. Even though I subjectively knew you were biased you tempered this very well.
PLEASE GET RID OF YOUR VIDEO PLEA, ASAP.
I have no problem with a team sponsored blog if you continue to run it. And really, how else would a quality blog be done and supported without the team sponsorship. The Islanders are not exactly as popular now as they were in the glory years. They need you and it’s stupid for them not to spend a little money to keep this blog going. It’s their best P.R. But this video looks degrading, and actually takes away from the argument to build the lighthouse. Makes me feel Nassau County is going to be the next hostage!!
Get rid of the Video.
GJK
Sounds like CB pissed off some Islander brass.
Wheres the Margarita?
They must have gotten a bunch of threatening emails from us. Lol. Poor CB… but if thats the only way to get through to them, then so be it. I dont think may people are gonna show up on tuesday anyway because its a workday.
Thank you, Chris.
I’ll be watching for Lighthouse news from here in Utah. Best of luck to you guys.
CB - It may be the right thing to do about the Lighthouse and I will give in to your wishes. Come Wednesday though I’ll have a lot to say about IPB - but I’ll hold off till then. If I can’t make it I’ll certainly send an e-mail that would do you proud.
BTW - not goofy at all, just a classy use of the media available in this high tech age to get your point across to all your fans. How you aren’t running the Islander’s pr is beyond me.
Is that the S.S. Minnow you are sitting on?
I live in Jersey…..got into an accident on Monday…..can Charles send a car????
OK CB…..lighthouse, lighthouse, lighthouse.
Will you bring Raimo’s to the rally?
Ur my hero CB
I feel like what # 12 Rich said,
This is Crazy CB, what does one thing have to do with the other?
We are fans, we support the lighthouse and will show! But what does that have to do with IslandersPointBlank.
It is clear that you pissed them off again and they cant control it!
I hear you, and see your video and it just gets me more mad!
Look it was not your fault it came to this point because of thier bad timing and with your back to the wall,and YOU ARE STILL HELPING THEM!
Again it is about the LightHouse, and the fans being used to help Wangs cause.
If the Islanders cared about the Fans they would support Point blank and realized this before Dey and Wang did the reverse screw on you.
With that said i will help your cause here and go to the rally with the Hope that Dey rethinks his stupid Decision!
And please dont delete an honest fans opinion for their cause.
Class personified. You are 100% correct. The focus needs to be on the Lighthouse project. One of the things that we readers of your blog like so much is your ego - or I should say lack thereof. The support we have all shown for PB comes from your candid and honest way of approaching every post here. It’s what makes this blog so attractive. I’m sure all your readers will adhere to your wishes and keep Tuesday about the Lighthouse, but I am also sure that we will not rest until we know that PB lives!
Thanks, Chris.
CB for GM…that my friends is a team player
Guys lets go…respect Chris, attend the rally, and talk Lighthouse. He is right. THIS is the time. THIS is the topic at hand. Lets save our Islanders.
Great video, and you are right. I think we all lost sight for a minute. Not Lighthouse= No ISLES= no blogs PERIOD!
I’m in! Go LIGHTHOUSE! GO ISLES!
Well said, CB.
Some of you don’t get it. Tuesday is about the Lighthouse, and it’s important that the focus be on the Lighthouse.
G Kelly, not only is your comment overly harsh, you apparently don’t listen. He said the Isles made him an offer of support for the blog if he chose to continue it on his own. And why would you call him a lackey for simply trying to divert attention away from the blog and back on the Lighthouse? He’s supported the Lighthouse all along. He’s not changing his stance now and becoming a “lackey.”
this is all getting really bizarre. i wonder if anything like this has happened before, anywhere.
it’s clear what chris wants - the man is an honest guy - my two cents is everyone should take a breath, take a break, put the IPB stuff aside for now, and point ALL energy and feeling to tuesday and the LH, just as he asks. if the man says that’s the best thing do now, i believe him. and, he was there for us through a lot of …stuff. we should be for him now by following his lead on this, even if we don’t agree or understand.
ill try my best to be there. very classy chris, nice job.
The video worked. Please consider doing more of this type of thing in the future when all the dust settles. It might be a powerful way to supplement what you are already doing.
Cb, of course your points are valid and well-spoken. First, things first. Save the Isles, then save IPB. I can’t make it Tuesday, just returning from 2 week vacation and can’t take off 1 day later. Maybe sick? … cough, cough. Sent an E-mail last night in support of the Lighthouse. Also sent an E-mail to Chris Dey prior to your plea - but it wasn’t harsh, it was respectful.
best of luck to Islanders, yourself, IPB, and all Islanders Country!
CB i just sent out some emails supporting the cause, live in Canada so obviously can’t be there but i think all Canadian Islander fans will be glued to pointblank on tuesday.Lets hope we have some good news by then
I will not be able to attend the meeting on August 4th, as I just started a new job at Stony Brook University Hospital. I will definitely continue to send e-mails in support of the Lighthouse project.
Your an innovative and intelligent guy. I have no doubt at all that you will land on your feet, and will continue to be successful at whatever you do.
If only other teams had someone like you to support and inform about their favorite team,it would be a better NHL.
As for the lighthouse project, we must continue to support it as much as possible.
Barry Richmond(yes formerly from Richmond,VA)
Unfortunately the Islanders decision to no longer pay for a blog that they do not control has given the fans who love to hate their team an excuse to rip them some more. A flimsy excuse that’s based on assumptions and made up conspiracies, but an excuse at that. I appreciate CB as much as the next fan but to go as far as threatening your own team with abandoment if they do not pay for this blog is absurd to say the least.
#28,,,,,,wow. A little dramatic and way out there. Apparantly you and Wang are close friends.
Out of respect we should follow his request not to make this an issue any longer.
CB, I know I am in the minority, but I am an Isle fan, a PB fan, a CB fan…I drive 90 minutes to get to games. But I am not a Lighthouse fan. 4 billion is a big nut and my honest opinion you shouldn’t ask us to be a foot soldier for Wang here. I support the Isles by going to games, buying jerseys, watching on TV.
The Isles want us fans to drum up the support , make it look like Long Island demands this. If this gets built and becomes a sucess, we will be dropped for fans who can afford full seasons, luxury boxes, premium seats, etc.
Between the Jets/Giants PSL debacle, the yankees/Mets pricing out everyone, the Rangers forcing out all the real hockey fans, I don’t trust any sports owner. We are a means to an end. I hope it gets done becuase I love the Isles, but I am not spending my time/money/vacation to help a billionaire out
I challenge the Isles to do something like this; support the team in NVMC, and they agree to lock in your plan type and price when the new arena opens for a couple years.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but Chris, I am more than a little PO’d at you right now.
You have a boat and never took us for a ride.
Important—check out this link to the local Garden City paper:
http://www.antonnews.com/gardencitylife/news/1869-lighthouse-project-could-give-\
garden-city-run-for-its-money.html
This is what we’re dealing with. In my opinion, the Lighthouse Project’s Public Enemy Number 1 is Garden City. Someone should be prepared to rebut each and every bogus point laid out in this article.
Chris, is this a cry for help? Are you really in Freeport? Are you still in the country? In your next message please hold up a current edition of Newsday while standing in front of the NVMC so we can verify the date and your location.
CB great job and I wish you the best in whatever you do… ( but your coverage of Isles is the best I have ever seen in any sport or blog and I honestly look forward to see what is going on in Islander land from your take
)
Lets go Lighthouse!!!!!!!!!!
viva e` lighthouse
Cb i know youll do what you can to save pb. The readership has now done its part voicing their support of the blog.
Ur right this week is important for the team. Its bigger than the blog or anything else. If the lighthouse isnt built there will be no team. GO ISLES.
#44 - If you click on my name and head over to Let There Be Light(house) I just posted a rebuttal to what they’re saying.
These people want to stop the Lighthouse at all costs, and since they’ve admitted there is an “air of inevitability” they may get desperate. We have to show up on Tuesday.
Stan Fischler tweeted earlier today that we could permanently tip the scales in favor of the Lighthouse with a strong-enough showing…So let’s do that!
LouD… don’t fret… islander fans will always find something to complain about. all sports fans are like that with their teams. at least we have cb for the time being.
Yeah interesting article I find it amussing that they are concerned with the retail that’s planned for the lighthouse. What made me laugh as I read the story we must stand up for ourseleves and take a stand, we don’t need anymore retail that’s a joke everytime you drive past roosevelt field mall and the old raceway site the building more and more. The bottom line is the project must get approved and started for the team’s sake and survival here on Long Island and also for the job’s that it’s going to create as well as the tax revenue that wouild be genarated.
JUST APPROVE IT AND LET’S GET A SHOVEL IN THE GROUND IN THE SPRING.
LETS GO ISLANDERS.
Can’t make the hearing on Tuesday my son is going and I may stop by in early afternoon if it’s still going on
I agree with CB. As much as I want to see IPB stay, this event on August 4th HAS to be about the Lighthouse and ONLY the lighthouse. I am one of the many people who joined the Save the IPB group on Facebook. I thought it was a really bad idea though for that group to send out a message to it’s members urging them to rally for IPB on August 4th when they were originally supposed to be there to rally for the lighthouse. As much as I love IPB, if the rally on August 4th is divided in half(half lighthouse and half IPB) then it’s a lose-lose situation.
Im pretty sure the last thing that CB has done is piss off the Islanders. The publicity he’s brought in the past few months has been phenominal. Don’t blame the team, don’t blame anyone. He’s clearly trying to say that August 4th is a greater priority to everyone, the fans, himself, and the Isles, than IPB. This is because August 4th could potentially decide if the Islanders will still exist here in a few years. What good will Islanders Point Blank be without Islanders?
Very well done Chris and correct of course. I will not be at the rally as I live in North Carolina now (what was I thinking?) but I will support the project in any way that I can. As someone who misses the Island like mad and knows how people can take its blessings for granted, I just want to add that the Lighthouse project is not just necessary for the Islanders but for all of Long Island.
I do want to add though that you should not put it all on yourself to find a solution to the IPB situation. The passion and support you have received in these last few days should tell you that there are a lot of people willing to help and perhaps they can. Take them up on it if possible.
btw - Did you know that Jack Hillen signed with the Islanders? That is the latest news available at the one major media source that “covers” Charles’s investment. Far be it from me to tell a billionaire how to make a buck but the Steinbrenners can command the back page of every local paper with baseball in February. And interestingly, the Yankees are the world’s most valuable sports franchise. Controlling the flow of information can go a long way towards paying dividends. Islander fans deserve and NEED what you provide with IPB and so do the Islanders themselves. Wake up Mr. W.
Thank you for hearing me out, for the support and for the feedback.
(52) I have asked the Facebook Group to not make Tuesday about IPB and I’m confident that’s no longer an issue.
(43) Not my boat, Ed. The pier was across the street from the bar.
(21 and 45) Funny stuff. I have not been held hostage. Although there have been times the last few days where I wish I was. I could maybe get a good book deal out of it…CB
Thanks CB - Let’s Go LIGHTHOUSE — “If you build it, they will come..”
Goofy? No. A bit bizarre? Yes. Point taken though. Its all about the Lighthouse Project until Wednesday. Then yall can focus on saving IPB. I love this site because of its unique way of fans being able to really keep in touch with their team and know almost every move that is made in almost every aspect. I would miss this site tremendously if it were shut down, even though you dont post some things I write. Best of luck CB with IPB and of course BUILD THE LIGHTHOUSE AND WE WILL COME!!! Thank you Charles Wang for all youve done and all that youll keep trying to do!
Lets go Islanders!
Chris;
I will send my letter off to the town of Hempstead. I feel a little dirty about telling a municipality what to do even though I don’t live there. I live in MA. I will explin to them that Islanders are the only thing that keeps me coming back to long Island and spending money there. I have no more family living in the area so I don’t have reason to come back.
I did have my wedding in the TOH though.
I think it also important that the message be sent to people involved in this to vote in their local elections. Folks in your state, town and federal goernment look at things like this when you send off a letter or raise a complaint.
Doesn’t matter who you vote for is just matters that your a citizen that casts a ballot. So no matter who you plan on voting for this year it is VERY important that you go out there and cast a ballot. Even if you are writing in Mickey Mouse.
No matter what side of the debate you are on, things like this come up where both sides agree on it. That’s why it’s important.
My 2 cents. Sending off my Email now.
great video chris … we love you and i think 99% of your readers will follow your advice on the 4th…..BUT WE NEED YOU …. IPB has to survive somehow. If today Sun mon and tues will be about the lighthouse then the rest of the summer has to be about YOU. You dont know (well maybe now you do) how much you mean to us. I have scars, huge scars called, Scott Scissons, Dave Chyzowski, Mikko Makela, John Spano, Gordons fisherman, the 90’s, Don Maloney, Ron Hextall, The Ziggy trade, the Turgoen trade, Neil Smith, a dead last place finish, I could go on and on and on ….. Chris, in 10 months you have healed those scars for me and others. YOU AND YOU ALONE have made a last place season one of the most enjoyable for me …. please, we need you !!!
Chris unfortunately used poor timing to announce the abandonement of Islanders sponsorship for this wonderful Blog,as poor as the timing of Dey’s decision was. We all know this is the fans REAL LIGHTHOUSE and BRIDGE to Islanders COUNTRY. Shutting off its lights and destroying the bridge put us all in the dark and denies us access toward the Organization and its happenings. That said,this Blog will mean nothing if the Project doesn’t come to fruition. In terms of anatomy,the Project is the brain and the blog the heart. If the brain shuts down the heart will soon stop beating. Tuesday means everything. If resounding majority support doesn’t occur at the end of that day,the Isles death could be imminent. Remove Pointblank from your spirit and passion and fill it with whatever space is left for the Project until victory is all but clinched. Wednesday,Thursday or Friday are available to shift our mindset back to the survival of The Lifeline Of NY Islanders/Fans Communication,which is this Blog. Anything short of focusing your entire attention toward the Project between now and the end of Tuesday The 4th will be contributing toward the inability of the most important issue to succeed. That being the survival of The Franchise!! Again,without it this Blog is irrelevant and meaningless. So lets not build up a lather of negativity NOW and talk about hostages. Lets all tug on the rope together and yank all of those Development dissenters into ‘The Sound’!!! A House divided is a House that falls!!!
I think we should ask for a NYIPB Pavilion at the Lighthouse. That way, everybody wins!
Point blank just build it
#61 and 62! Why divert any attention from the matter at hand and weaken it. Understand the order of importance here: 1) The survival of the Franchise; 2) The survival of Pointblank which entirely depends on point 1 !!!! Pointblank protests can begin once the future of this Franchise is safety landed on LI!!!
it may sound crazy but in a world full of ridiculous media and so many other tainted aspects of sports i truly think you are one of the classiest and most real people in sports today CB. im more than focused on the lighthouse, unfortunately i cant be there tuesday, but still i genuinely hope that this blog goes nowhere.
Al you took my comment the wrong way…Just Build It!!!!!!
Sorry,Mike! I thought you were alluding to a PB rebuild,which we all want,but for attention being be paid to it another day.
Chris, from the bottom of my heart…the only thing you did wrong was underestimate what you mean to Islander fans.
We don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but your willingness to hear other viewpoints and dedication to our Islanders..you don’t and never should have to, apolgize for snything
On behalf of all of Point Blank….THANKK YOU!
As Wang films and milbury stands over intimidating, while smacking some reporters shoe on his hand…..Hang in there CB.
I certainly agree about supporting the lighthouse and respect your wishes CB. But seems like the franchise is trading off here!!!!! OK so we get the Lighthouse and the team stays…but what good is a team who keeps pissing off there fan base and keeps taking away the things we love and the best PR they could possibly have(IPB)!!! Without you Chris and IPB there PR and the ability to promote this team is terrible and moreso non existent.
In Parallel to that there promotion of the LH is even far worse!!!! Half the people on Long Island and NC for that matter don’t even know about the project!!!
If it wasn’t for IPB most of the people on this blog wouldn’t even know about the Rally or the progress of the LH!
I will be there on the 4th in support of the LH with the rest of the Islander Fans from this blog…….too bad nobody else from around Nassau County even knows about it. If you never attended an Islander Game than you don’t know about this project……period! Make no mistake about it, this is a fight between Islander Fans alone and the People who DON’T want the project!
Terrible PR Mr.Wang!
REQUEST GRANTED CB!!!!
CB, for what it’s worth, I don’t think that was goofy at all. I also don’t think that you owe an apology to anyone. You may have underestimated the depth of the reaction (it surprised me too) but most people in your spot would have done the same thing. I called in to a radio show in Saskatchewan, Sportsnite with Jamie Nye and Drew Remenda (I know you’ve met Drew, he’s the Sharks TV analyst) because I like to keep them up with stuff from around here. I described Tuesday as the single most important day in the whole Lighthouse process and the day that worried me the most. All of the other meetings (which were basically cheerleading sessions) combined do not add up to the importance of Tuesday because we’ll finally face the guns of the opposition. Tuesday is a must to show support. That is why I requested the day off from work and will be at the meeting and will probably sign up to speak. If we’re not focused on the Lighthouse, if WE let the ostriches of Garbage City kill Charles’ vision, then shame on us. I didn’t switch from being a Raggies fan to being an Isles fan to let those people kill the dream. “NIMBY” is the last refuge of a loser! If we don’t all stand tall (or at least as tall as a 5′8″ fat guy can :D) nobody will be meeting anybody @the Lighthouse and that’ll be our own damn fault. Chris, I’ll see you at the rally.
Lighthouse all the way … and I’m thinking with such a fantastic on air personality, let’s get CB a job in the studio or even the booth …. watch your a$$ Howie Rose…
Isles PR dept. definately misses having you around, you wouldn’t have bumbled as many things as they have…
As always, Good Job CB, Nassau needs this, LI needs this, Islanders & their fans need this, the NHL needs this. Get it done! Ride the LightHouse Project, from the basement to the Penthouse.
Chris … although I don’t believe you owe anyone an apology for posting the truth … I appreciate your above and beyond effort to direct the attention back on the Light House.
I’m with ya!! I’ve been trying to brain storm a brief yet descriptive letter of support for the Light House to forward to the TOH … I’m on my fourth draft … I hope to send it to Nick tomorrow … I’ll send to you also for your feed back if you don’t mind.
We’ll ALL I’m sure get back to saving IPB in a couple of weeks. I’ll be standing shoulder to should with my fellow IPB fans when the time is more appropriate.
GO LIGHT HOUSE!!!
What this does more than anything else is set up an even bigger outcry for NYI PB after the Lighthouse is approved.
Because it will be approved.
And then all hell will break loose on this site.
Of course, CB, we’ve got your back on this. Go Lighthouse!
I’m in full support of the Lighthouse project for the Islanders and for Nassau County.
POINT BLANK 4EVER
I personaly hope the Lighthouse does not get aproved, wang sells, a new owner gets a new building, a new GM, and a normal budget to spend on players and coaches, instead of having the lowest paid coach, GM, and players in the whole NHL
CB:
You were right to apologize. The timing of your blog news was not good given the lighthouse event and the fact your blog is so influential. You are almost a victim of your own success here in how we pointblankers are fanatical
Can’t wait for the good news about where this blog ends up. C’mon SNY show CB some $$.
CB: Nice job, you’re a class act all the way. Can’t say that about too many PR guys ;).
I have a feeling that you’ll be back (E3), and all will be right with the world. The shovel ceremony will occur on opening night (E2). And the Islanders will lose to the Penguins (E5).
I can’t wait for your blogs from training camp, chief.
I didn’t find this goofy at all, but yet another reason why the fans feel connected to this blog.
But, as you are imploring, enough about that. From today’s Larry Brooks article in the NY Post:
There is, we have been told by two individuals at the Board level, a southern-based NHL team that’s indicated some preliminary interest in moving a handful of October home dates for 2010-11 to Quebec City.
Also, remeber how Islanders fans felt when the game in KC was announced?
That is why the Lighthouse is so important to this franchise. Tuesday is THE day. Let’s make it count.
The Lighhouse Project is Corporate Billionaire Welfare, plain and simple.
#82 - please explain to me how negotiating a lease with a development company that seeks to privately finance the whole thing is corporate welfare.
People who oppose this can yell about that all they want - but it’s not true, no matter how much you say it.
#78 - in the real world that’s just not possible. If you really don’t like Charles Wang, that’s fine - then you should hope the Lighthouse gets built so there will be no question that, if he sells, the team stays here.
Well done CB. Your commitment and support of the Islanders franchise is so refreshing. I don’t feel you made an error at all with your post regarding the end of IPB. But the fact you reached out to the fans and asked them to support the Lighthouse meeting on Tuesday was in my opinion very smart. You have essentially rallied the troops. CB you will always be succesful if you continue to practice such basic principles as hard work, honesty and integrity.
Botta, you’re a true Islander and I am behind you and the Isles…Im gonna do all I can to try and make it to the march and support the LHP….
Super job, Chris…This is like when A-Rods agent announced he would opt out of his contract during game 7 of the world series, lol…Just kidding, we all know you’re a passionate Islander and you have the best interests of the Isles in your heart…
During what has to be a tremendously difficult time for you CB, your selflessness is truly admirable. Thanks for everything you do for us. Class act.
eastonhockey on Aug 2nd, 2009 00:16:01 said:
I personaly hope the Lighthouse does not get aproved, wang sells, a new owner gets a new building, a new GM, and a normal budget to spend on players and coaches, instead of having the lowest paid coach, GM, and players in the whole NHL
huh? sarcasm? the LH will mean all the stuff will follow. new owner? without the LH, the new owner will be in another part of the country or another country entirely. you must be new yourself.
Well I sure as heck support the Lighthouse but the lack of hockey updates on this site and Logan being on vacation has taken us back to the miserable times when the summers were so long and boring with no news of our team.
Chris you say Take That Hill! We are DAM WELL GOIN’ TAKE THAT HILL! Plus the 10 behind it! Everyone who can show Tuesday GO! If you can’t make it, make your voice heard via phone calls,letters,e-mail,or any reasonable means to have these politicians here us. A squeaky wheel will get oiled. Thank You Chris for being here for us.
Strummers Army - we may be running into a lack of hockey updates because it’s possible that this site is no longer really in operation. The plug could have been pulled with CB’s obligations ending on July 31. It’s too bad because this site everyone knows what CB and this site meant to Islander country.
CB - when would you expect to no longer post the updates on this site? I think we all need to mentally prepare ourselves for it…
If Wang doesn’t get his lighthouse n sells the team he will find a local buyer if he wants to. If Wang wants to sell to another pert of country for n extra 20 million out of spite then that’s on Wang. Wang can get a new coliseum. He doesn’t want a new coliseum. He wants to build a mini city. That’s why he bought the team w his buddy who want to prison. Since Wang bought the team he has been a disaster. Allways lowest paid coaches. Only 3 years of a eaveg payroll team. Otherwise at bottom. No playoff success. No attempt to hire a profesional gm. Wang has been a failure. I have no confidence that the next ten to fifteen years will b any better even w wangs mini city “lighthouse”. If I’m not Gina get what I want as a isle fan I hope Wang doesn’t get what he wants.
#92 - you are so wrong you can’t even see right on the horizon.
If “Just the Coliseum” works - and we’ve discussed to absolute death why it doesn’t - why didn’t anybody propose it?
If there are local buyers lining up to buy the Islanders “if Wang wants to,” why were there none the last time? Why did Al D’Amato have to beg Wang to buy the team?
The idea came from Suozzi, not Wang, because the County doesn’t have any money to put toward a new arena. Any new owner would face the same economic reality - Wang is a rich guy, but he’s not Santa Claus, and if you owned the team you wouldn’t want to throw $400 million down a sinkhole either.
At least try to learn the facts before spouting off.
Also - if you’d like the Lighthouse to go away in favor of “just a building,” here’s what you do:
1. Call Tom Suozzi’s office
2. Tell him to slash $300 million in County services, especially the police and senior services, and use the money for a new arena.
3. Then tell him you want him to do this because you hate Charles Wang and oppose the Lighthouse out of spite.
That was painful to watch, you obviously got some calls from the Islanders about the timing of your post. I want the lighthouse but who talked you into that video?
nobody is giving wang anything. hes putting 3.4 billion dollars into a part of the country that is hemorrhaging.
Make sure you stand up loud and proud Eastonhockey on tuesday and make your views heard clearly to all the people there. Make sure to elucidate on your points just as cogently as you have in this post.
Srrry not 3.4 billion - but over 1 billion.
probably when all is said and done
CB You obviously have been asked by mgmt to mobolize your base and ideally get them to attend tuesdays’ event. Thats OK but I wonder whether they have also enlisted your PR skills and many media contacts all over to publicize this event and its importance off the Island in NYC [the media capital of the world as well in cities throughout the league? You may ask why? Well politicians read the papers also and may be influenced when they read what a big deal the LH is in two countries! Long Island spends lots of dough promoting itsef as a great place to live,work and vacation well the LIght House is an important part of that story and I hope Wang appreciates what you have done directly and indirectly with both your contacts and your blog.
Eastonhockey-this project is not just about the Islanders….
You need to become familiar with the moves Snow has made…because your lack of confidence is due to lack of knowledge.
Also-this sucks. We have no hockey info….CB you spoiled us.
Eastonhockey…one question, why do you hate successful people so much?
If you like The Trump Project at Jones Beach,you’ll love the Wanghouse Project.Wake up Long Island , twice fooled shame on you.
Also don’t forget a new arena means higher prices for the peons while the banksters and billionaires sip champaign in their sky boxes higher taxes for everyone else.
We are behind your leadership 100% CB. If you could supply us with the email we should be sending a support message we will.
Chris I respect you as a journalist and for the coverage you have given to the islanders. I have to disagree with your support for the Lighthouse as I always have. The bottom line is that even with the lighthouse project, the isles aren’t even going to get a new arena they are going to get a refurbished one, which Kate Murray has already told Wang he can do. Wang refuses to do the building without the rest of the project.
The Lighthouse is not for Long Island or the Islanders, it is for Charles Wang.
The only people that understand the consequences of this project for Nassua County that are still in favor of this project do not live in the area. Wang wants to put in more housing when people are selling. It’s going to create a housing surplus that will drive property values down even more. The jobs that will be created will be mostly busy work. These jobs won’t pay enough to support a family living on LI. Manny of the strip malls in the area are unoccupied because of the econemy, putting more shops in is not the answer. I live right by the southern state, and traffic is already almost at a standstill now. If you add 10,000 cars to the commute it will create gridlock like you see around christmas at roosevelt field every day. Do not think that Wang is a Saint, he is not. He is a truely selfish man who has no reguard for Islander fans or the People living in the Town of Hempstead. I would rather see the team that I have loved for all my life leave than see Wang get his Lighthouse becuase it will do nothing but destroy Long Island.
Bottom line is that if you support the project and you live in the Town of Hempstead you are uninformed or you are an idiot. If you live on a farm in “suckit” county you should realize that your opinion actually means nothing.
Milbury has traded CB to TSN, for Eklund and his dog. Another horrible deal, when will this end!!!
-WE NEED SOME UPDATES! BUILD THE LIGHTHOUSE!
Whatever your opinion of the video is, honest & classy or Wang lackey, it doesn’t matter. We need to keep keep the Isles on Long Island by supporting the Lighthouse - thats the only thing that matters for now. Let’s keep focused and united for Tuesday.
This blog will have its day in court at an appropriate time, but just not now.
For the record, my vote is honest/classy.
Best Wishes CB!
CB please keep this blog alive
103 - I live less than 10 minutes from the site and am firmly behind the project. You’re entitled to your opinion but the facts don’t back up anything you’re saying.
Also, Brad, it’s true that Kate Murray made that disingenuous offer, now I’m going to make the exact same offer to you:
I, Nick, hereby give you, Brad, permission to spend your own money to renovate your house.
See how silly that sounds? She doesn’t own the Coliseum, she has no authority to say something like that, and it’s a smokescreen.
As for traffic - you’re right, it’s bad now. Please answer me this - how will traffic get better if we ignore it? Don’t you think a project that would bring billions in investment to a neglected part of Long Island could also bring investment in better infrastructure that might make traffic a little better?
It amazes me, and I’m writing a blog post about this to the same effect, that people who oppose the Lighthouse can’t do anything but yell about traffic, make ad hominem attacks against Charles Wang, and accuse all of us of being “brainwashed.” Why are you so afraid of talking about the project on its merits to the community?
Enough is enough Chris… Get your mug off the blog and get back to the story at hand.
Lighthouse… not Bottafest.
Pretty sad…
Diva…
Anyone opposed to the Lighthouse need only to go to http://www.arenadistrict.com to get an idea of what is trying to be done here.
GO LIGHT HOUSE! GO ISLEANDERS!
Sorry - GO ISLANDERS!!!
Nick, Thanks for trying to inform the ignorant/uninformed of the benefits of this project. Good luck tomorrow. Any project of any size is going to have its opposition, some based on opinion and hearsay. As for Brad and his traffic concern, every single resident of Nassau and Suffolk has seen its congestion increase over the years. Just a fact of life to deal w/down there. I’m pretty sure I read that traffic patterns/flow is addressed in the plan. As for the jobs created being mostly busy work, now you are grasping at straws to make points.
Is this all a PR stunt so that we see your boat is for sale?
Chris, So you can’t write anymore stories about the Islanders? Even though they pulled your sponsorship we need you more than ever to get us excited as a fan base. I told you awhile back that you have heavy influence in Islander Country. Your response to that e-mail was Nah I am not that powerful or something to that effect. Now you haven’t written a story in 4 or 5 days. Why? Your blog will be picked up but you said ti yourself. 400,000 hits on the days leading up to the draft. You can swing momentum. I personally think you are very sensitive and a little thin-skinned. Who cares that the Isles won’t sponsor the blog, that means you stop writing. No, that means you continue to go 110% writing more than ever. The perplexing video aside, get out there and post. We need you stop feeling sorry for yourself otherwise nobody will come to this site. If this is all a publicity ploy to gain more attention for this weeks most important Islander day. Then my friend, I am sad. If not where are the articles.
Nick and others…don’t waste your time arguing with Brad (#103) and others like him. That attitude comes from a combination of ignorance (the worst kind, refusal to understand) and deep hatred for those who have achieved more than them in life. You can just feel that in his post. Let;s all keep focused on the what’s important, debate with those that have open minds and politely walk away from those who can not and will not see what is right in front of their eyes.
“I would rather see the team that I have loved for all my life leave than see Wang get his Lighthouse becuase it will do nothing but destroy Long Island.”-Brad
Hahaha. Brad-you should be a shamed of yourself. Please-I hope I speak for many Isles fans that visit this site-dnt call yourself an Islanders fan….your a disgrace, if you would rather see this team leave, to our fanbase.
Think of it like this-if Wang doesnt develop the area…the Isles leave…someone is going to develop that area. There is no getting around it. Sooner or later that area is going to change.
CB, are you going to be there on Tuesday?
Nick (110) - Look at it a different way … you RENT a house, the roof leaks and the walls are falling down, your landlord tells you to put your own money up to renovate the house which will cost you just as much buy a new house.
@Jimmy Mac (110)… Get a clue, jackass.
I love this site- full of out of towners & a few local diehards kissing Wangs bee-hind with LH support. You know, if more than 10 thousand fans showed up on a regular basis & supported the team, he would not need to build this monster. I just hope there is a silent majority of local Nassau residents that will voice their opposition at this hearing on Tuesday. Brad, I am in your corner, I hope you attend & show your concerns to the TOH.
Brad and NYI FAN if people like you get their wish then picture this an abandoned rotting coliseum surrounded by acres of broken pavement, with blowing refuse getting caught in the barbed wire. The only thing missing from this picture are snarling, barking, viscious junk yard dogs,!
121… Very sad. Yes, let’s keep Uniondale the beautiful place it is. And , if you really believe 10,000 fans a night would make this a money maker, well, can’t fight ignorance that won’t see the truth. But, hey, with no Islanders around, and no destination spot to visit, we can reduce traffic… Great!!
CB, they had no idea what the repercussions of their early decision would be until mr.Deys inbox was over loaded and others as well.
You CB have such Class to go over the edge like you have with the video to get the focus back. I salute you, however the damage is done. This is what i meant about you being more of a problem than a solution. They were angered by the overwhelming response to your posting of IPB.
Dont let it stop you CB, when cooler heads prevail you might have some more support from within. I sense some things might break after tuesday. The show up of point blank readers will be seen and dey is feeling the situation out. Thats the feeling i get. You see, a problem has been created with this, which is good.
I will be there tuesday for the event, however after that your readers should continue the IPB support.
NYI Fan - come on, man, we debated this on my site 2 months ago, and you’re still on this? Due to the structure of the SMG lease, they could sell out every game and lose money. Unless the County deeply slashes spending on vital services (which I oppose), there is no money available. This is the only solution, and it does something good for the community.
You keep talking about a silent majority, and that’s fine….but why have I never seen more than 2 or 3 opponents (out of hundreds) at every public hearing? Why have they not come to the outreach meetings?
The fact remains that Long Island needs a shot in the arm and a majority of residents see the Lighthouse as a perfect place to start.
Also, this is what I seriously don’t get, and I’d honestly love an answer here: Why can’t the Lighthouse opponents separate the content of the idea from the person who proposed it? Why is thinking the Lighthouse is a good idea automatically kissing up to Charles Wang? I’d think it was a good idea if either of you proposed it, too, so why the hate?
I wonder if Brad and NYI fan have the intestinal fortitude to go to the rally and dessent against the project. They both seem like keyboard loudmouths with no balls…….or brains for that matter.
I will be there at the rally and meeting tomorrow.
For all those in opposition of the project, please go to hearing and voice your concerns. Acting like a NIMBY or saying a rich man is trying to get richer will only make you look crazy and will not support your cause. Please give detailed concerns so that Wang, Rex and those involved in the project could try to rectify and build upon those concerns.
I have moved away but have sent many letters to Gov’t Officials with my concerns. There is no hate or attacking in my message, just opinion & observations, Good luck to everyone.
Sorry if that made it sound like you specifically were the target. I was speaking in generalities there - and all the best to you too. You’re a fun sparring partner.
Am I funny to you? Do I amuse you? What is funny about me, what do I do that makes me funny? -Joe Pesce
(quote from ‘Goodfellas’)
Eastonhockey #92,you say that if Wang decides to take another 20mil and sell to a group outside the Country it is on Wang? That may be true,but it is also on you since you will no longer have a team on The Island or Metro area to root for,unless you actually root for another team of course. So Brad,let me understand this! Your hatred for Wang is such,you would rather have the Franchise leave LI than he develop a County and retain his ownership? Your talk of existing strip malls and lack of development being due to a poor economy is inaccurate. This talk of development has been stonewalled for over 9 years now,of which 7 were in a healthy economic climate. Charlers Wang took over this Franchise knowing he was going to lose a s–t load of dollars without his vision coming to fruition. So what if he would benefit from it financially and he was ambitious. Isn’t that what Capitalism is all about? Why begrudge the man from operating a solvent Franchise? Everyone benefits from development in that property into an atteactive Hub! You as a resident of Nassau County if you are,would have imminent property tax relief,since the Retail and other entities borne on that site would create revenue streams and would pick up a significant chunk of your tax burden. Young families are leaving the Island in droves because they cannot afford to be strangled financially any longer. Aside from The Beaches and Westbury,what entertainment value exists for young people here anyway. The Hub will change that, create jobs and rejuvenation of Island pride and spirit!! Give that some serious thought before clouding your head with such hate for Wang and making it a priority!!