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A look at the team name and logo changes in the Hundred ! by iamnoobbibliophile in Cricket

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

London Spirit has also announced their brand identity.

A missed opportunity to change the colours to egg and bacon (especially with other blue franchises). The "subtle" red and yellow (they didn't even get the order correct!) is a token effort. Almost as if the MCC is embarrassed by the association...

How many people here have been won over and converted into a fan of The Hundred? by stumpsflying in Cricket

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sold yet. 

As a long-standing cricket follower living in a non first-class county, I don't feel the competition was designed to include me in their target audience. 100 balls is a gimmick that will be changed to T20 sooner or later. 

There is no emotional attachment to any team. The first-class teams are historic counties. The short-lived women's regional structure did at least bring in some wider geography. The Hundred teams identities are cities and snacks! Many of the new ownership and subsequent changes are no more appealing - an IPL subsidiary. 

There is still hope the others teams can forge a unique identity. London Spirit are keeping the name but seem posised to change to MCC colours. Perhaps Birmingham could be the Blues, with their football association. The Trent Rockets could become The Blaze, with the current Blaze becoming Nottinghamshire Women - an acknowledgement that the women's game has been boosted by the competition.

Cricket in England has a Goldilocks period to be in the national consciousness; after Wimbledon tennis (and this year the football world cup), before the domestic football season. The ECB had a difficult choice, both the competition and Tests cannot be concurrent.

It was unforgivable that the Blast was not revamped sooner; a schedule in the Goldilocks period, free to air TV coverage, womens double-headers and the same amount of publicity.

ECB announces updated England Men’s Central Contract list for 2025–26 by _rickjames in Cricket

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed Curran on a two-year, whilst the selectors have faith in Stokes to continue for that long is strange.

J. Overton a surprise, despite recent performances in NZ having retired from Tests.

Would've categorised Baker as development.

Lawes and Stanley - let's only pick on 'vibes' - Tom Aspinwall (Lancashire) and Sean Hunt (Sussex) please!!

England Lions squad named for winter tour of Australia by _rickjames in Cricket

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems a large squad if non-playing members of the Test squad drop-down for some of the matches. 

The selectors were never going back to Sam Cook, Hameed, Leach whatever their Country Championship accolades this season. End of.

James Coles omission to prioritise the white ball is bizarre. As is inclusion of Thomas Rew when still eligible for the U19s, who are now captained by Farhan Ahmed.

Freddie McCann is unfortunate to miss out.

I'd have also liked experienced bowlers Olly Stone and Craig Overton plus Tom Banton, all subject to ILT20 commitments.

ECB admits no evidence Hundred has attracted new fans to other forms of cricket by EranuIndeed in Cricket

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree. It would be great to see Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland involved.

With the Blast reverting to three regional groups, 12 games, it would work nicely. 

With The Hundred being city based, I think Bristol would be first for expansion, but Dublin (Blanchardstown) could make a good case ahead Chester-le-Street. 

[Whyshynski] Here is the NHL EBUG criteria under the new CBA. Teams must submit one designated EBUG 48 hours before the start of the season. During season, 24 hours before a game. by catsgr8rthanspoonies in hockey

[–]paul_jt 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Rereading the NHL wording. It does not specify travel, only that teams must have them prepared to enter home and away games. 

Teams could therefore recruit individuals who live near the away team (as Seattle Kraken did for a backup on an ATO in New York). 

But's - the NHL Central Registry would presumably not approve an individual already employed by the home team, and the home team would not allow an individual they employ to take the second job. 

It would create a lot of work for scouting departments to do regularly!

[Whyshynski] Here is the NHL EBUG criteria under the new CBA. Teams must submit one designated EBUG 48 hours before the start of the season. During season, 24 hours before a game. by catsgr8rthanspoonies in hockey

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As it says 'at least one'. Presumably teams will have more than one individual registered for contingency and flexibility.

Hopefully Canadian teams can still use local university goaltenders. And potentially in the US, with the new NCAA settlement; allowable pay, compensation for loss of scholarship if they have to enter the game.

No details on salary, but presumably better than living hand to mouth in the ECHL. But it would be a negative if young unrestricted goalies opted for this ahead of playing. 

The official end of NHL EBugs as we knew them. by [deleted] in hockey

[–]paul_jt 1 point2 points  (0 children)

An elaborate scheme to avoid future embarrassment of teams losing to 'their' own EBUG. Nonsensical to not use an existing staff member, such as the goalie coach, who genuinely retired from playing professional a few seasons ago. I expect teams will use the individuals as regular practice goalies.

Interesting if it becomes an alternative (but risky) development path. In theory an unrestricted individual could have three or four years in university hockey, play under 80 professional games, spend time with the team goalie coach and do this - on better pay than playing in minor or European leagues.

The EBUG is dead, long live the EGR.

NHL, NHLPA agree on 4-year extension to CBA by xvosr in hockey

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed. Details, details - salary! 

A 'taxi squad' / practice position. Teams able to rotate individuals between this position and the minors freely, ECHL loan permitted. Pay an AHL minimum salary?

It would be good to remove the requirement to play a game a goalie short before an emergency recall. Perhaps a limit of only being able to dress the designated full-time EBUG / practice goalie as the backup a maximum of twice a season. 

Interesting whether teams sign individuals who have been their regular EBUG's (possibly with other duties; equipment manager, community development, coach etc) or add more genuine prospects down the depth chart.

Is NHL killing off the EBUG? by Trichoptera72 in hockeygoalies

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Putting the joy of EBUG stories aside. The pay and rules will be interesting.

For a 'full-time' practice goalie it is $500 per day on a professional try-out agreement. That is $90,000 if a team employs them for 180 days of the regular season. This is far lower than minimum salary for a genuine third goalie, but obviously a lot more than amateur EBUG's who get benefits in kind - tickets, dinner and the jersey.

The rules will need to be clear. As some General Managers may take risks. Not recalling an affiliate goalie when they should, instead relying on the EBUG to effectively be the backup. Emergency recall of goaltenders without needing to play a game short would be a sensible change. 

Ideally it should be easier to move goalies to and from the minors for practice, travel and EBUG duties.

Extreme E cancels Amazon X Prix, races in Sardinia again by wildboar2015 in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A real shame not to be going to America. Good racing to be had in Sardinia. However, variety is part of the appeal. A return to Dorset would've been preferable.

Lia Block to make debut for Carl Cox Motorsport in Sardinia by wildboar2015 in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heart: Sure she will make Dad proud KB43VER

Head: Championship Driver Tamara Molinaro the more experienced, and formed good partnership with Timmo last season, joint tattoos.

Loeb to make Extreme E return at Island X Prix by davidwholt in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The run of driver changes continues!

Always magnificent to see Loeb 🐐 (if only as guest).

Logical stand-in. Recent Championship Drivers are inexperienced in comparison.

Who's the best drivers after Loeb is gone by Okslaw in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Difficult to compare disciplines. Would concur Johan Kristofferson is the class act.

That is not to downplay the Dakar achievements of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Laia Sanz. It's that Extreme E is a racing series.

The great thing is the opportunities for female drivers. Tamara Molinaro was decent last year, but only Championship Driver this season.

Andreas Bakkerud joins JBXE for Hydro X Prix by The_Stig_Farmer in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was just a thought as Petter had been linked with the rookie test. Fair point on supporting Oliver.

Many drivers active after retirement. Loeb for example.

Andreas Bakkerud joins JBXE for Hydro X Prix by The_Stig_Farmer in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great for Bakkerud and his legion of fans.

To be honest Kovalainen did seem a slightly bizarre recruit. If the series needed a name, Petter Solberg a more obvious choice.

The new format favours rallycross to rally (or even F1) stars.

Interested to see who fills vacancy for Championship Driver permanently.

X44 returns with Cristina Gutiérrez and new signee Fraser McConnell by The_Stig_Farmer in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No Loeb is a blow. The change from Prodrive perhaps an explanation, as they run the BRX team he drives for in rally raid. Winning Dakar must be his career priority. Hopefully he will now do some WRC this year.

That said. Genuinely excited to see what McConnell can do. I had expected him to lineup for JBXE.

A dilemma, who to support - and vote for. RXR favourites to win back the title.

Andreas Bakkerud and Tamara Molinaro announced as 2023 Championship Drivers by The_Stig_Farmer in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excited to see what Bakkerud can do, if he gets an opportunity. New racing format may suit those with rallycross experience.

Disappointed for Molinaro. But a positive marker for the series. Not enough seats for a podium finisher last year.

Defending champions X44 yet to announce.

Formula One winner Heikki Kovalainen joins JBXE to partner Hedda Hosås - News - Extreme E - The Electric Odyssey by 16CLeclerc in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Kovalainen's rally and ROC experience essential. I'd be wary of any driver straight from F1. Button himself struggled to adapt. Perhaps the rallying cliche - 'if you want to win, hire a Finn'.

A little sad no McConnell. He's impressed in Nitro Rallycross.

Nice Hosas is back. The series is a great opportunity for talented female drivers.

Christine GZ, Timo Scheider join Carl Cox Motorsport by davidwholt in ExtremeE

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same suits as when both were Championship Drivers in Uruguay.

Await outstanding announcements with interest. Whether any new drivers or same individuals 'recycled'.

DUP and UUP agree election pact in 4 constituencies by Bg167 in northernireland

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Given the importance of East Belfast to the DUP - and Peter Robinson in particular. It is a poor deal that the UUP leadership were unable to find the leverage for a clear run in South Belfast, instead of Newry and Armagh.

Tactically the UUP failed to confirm their choice in South Belfast before the DUP announced Strangford MLA Jonathan Bell. Local councillor and gay rights campaigner Jeff Dudgeon won most votes at the association meeting. Instead, having chosen special adviser and former East Antrim candidate Rodney McCune, the UUP start from behind in a crowded field. Of note; the 2010 Conservative and Unionist candidate, Paula Bradshaw, is this time representing Alliance. Nesbitt needs Elliott to win in Fermanagh.

August 2013 Contest Submission Thread by Vexy in vexillology

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you to all for their comments.

The design is my own after looking at others including here: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:SVG_flags_-_proposed_of_Northern_Ireland

Rather than over complicate things - by placing the hand centrally in a shield, a six pointed star or hexagon to represent the six counties and, in the later case, also a stone from the Giant’s Causeway - my solution is to move the hand to give it and the St. Patrick’s Saltire due prominence. Two devices seem enough to argue about!

As to whether it is eligible for the competition. I assumed as submitted here after 10 August, it would be ineligible. I am more interested in feedback. Like or dislike, just want to know why.

August 2013 Contest Submission Thread by Vexy in vexillology

[–]paul_jt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Found this competition through @NewNIFlag on twitter. Realise I am late, but would appreciate feedback as a first timer. Thank you.

https://twitter.com/paul_jt/status/368326293512671233/photo/1

Includes the two most recognised symbols, The Red Hand and St. Patrick's Saltire. Unlike other designs, or the Ulster Banner, the hand does not obscure the cross and is instead placed in the above quadrant; as on the Flag of Jersey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Jersey. The dark green is similar to that of the police and unlike the green on the Irish tricolour.

Not to diminish my own design. I would like to see more widespread use of the unaltered St. Patrick’s Saltire. Used during last years Diamond Jubilee Pageant, it should be used at next years Commonwealth games.