Terror Vision

Six weary figures rose from their chairs early Saturday morning, their expressions telegraphing the conclusion to the NBAs five-month labor crisis: Basketball is back in business, with a new labor deal that heavily favors the owners, despite some last-minute concessions.

The league wanted an overhaul of its $4 billion-a-year enterprise, and it got it, with a nearly $300 million annual reduction in player salaries and a matrix of new restrictions on contracts and team payrolls. The changes mean a $3 billion gain for the owners over the life of the 10-year deal.

Before finally agreeing to those sacrifices, the players negotiators won a handful of concessions that will allow the richest teams to keep spending on players, ensuring a more competitive free-agent market.

A truncated 66-game schedule (from the original 82) will begin on Christmas Day with three nationally televised games. For that, officials on both sides were grateful as they announced a resolution at 3:40 am EST, on the 149th day of the lockout, after a final 15-hour bargaining session at law offices in Midtown Manhattan.

We look forward to opening on Christmas Day, Adam Silver, the NBAs deputy commissioner, said during the brief news conference. Were excited to bring NBA basketball back. Thats most important.

A little more than two weeks ago, the talks appeared dead. A federal mediator had intervened twice, failing both times to bridge the divide. Commissioner David Stern had tried threats and ultimatums before declaring negotiations over on Nov. 10.

Four days later, the players dissolved their union and filed a federal antitrust lawsuit. Stern promptly predicted a nuclear winter for the league, amid widespread predictions that the 2011-12 season would be canceled.

The new agreement calls for a 50-50 split of basketball-related revenue between the owners and the players, about $2 billion for each side in current terms. The players had been earning 57 percent.

The loss of 16 regular-season games and the preseason cost the owners and players about $400 million each. The parties had already resolved the biggest issues, including the $300 million salary reduction, weeks ago, but were hung up on fairly minor details – mostly rules restricting the top-spending teams from adding players.

For myself, its great to be a part of this particular moment, in terms of giving our fans what it is that they so badly wanted and want to see, said Derek Fisher, the president of the players union.

Billy Hunter, the longtime executive director of the players union, sat stoically next to him. No one on the players side praised the agreement.

League officials achieved their two broadest goals: reduced costs and a system that evens the playing field between the richest and poorest teams. The reduction in player salaries should offset the NBAs reported $300 million in annual losses, and provide total savings of about $3 billion over the 10-year agreement. Each side has an option to terminate the deal after six years. It addition to the significant pay cut for players, the deal includes shorter contracts, smaller raises and a more punitive tax system to rein in the top-spending teams.

I think it will largely prevent the high-spending teams from competing in the free agency market in a way that they have been able to in the past, Silver said, adding, We feel ultimately it will give fans in every community hope that their team can compete for championships.

Training camps will open on Dec. 9. The schedule will be reconstructed and released in the coming days. The regular season will be extended into late April, pushing back the playoffs by a week.

Negotiators must still settle myriad so-called B-list issues, including drug testing, the age limit and use of the Development League.

This article appeared on page B – 2 of the San#xA0;Francisco#xA0;Chronicle

Players honor loved ones

Bohemia Manor High will participate in two sporting events this
week as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Tuesday,
the Eagles volleyball program welcomes Perryville to Chesapeake
City for Dig Pink! with JV starting at 3:30 pm, and varsity to
follow. Players will wear pink and dedicate the matches to loved
ones who have suffered from the illness. The event, which features
raffles and prizes, benefits the Brenda Reynolds Scholarship
Fund.

The Arab League announces sanctions against Syria. Link to this video

Syria is facing stiff sanctions imposed by the Arab League after President Bashar al-Assad refused to allow observers into the country to monitor violence that claimed dozens more lives at the weekend. Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo on Sunday agreed a package of measures designed to force Assad to end his security crackdown, free prisoners and launch reforms to find an end to the eight-month uprising.

But there was no sign of any flexibility from a defiant Damascus regime, with opposition sources describing columns of Syrian tanks preparing to advance on Homs, the centre of recent heavy fighting.

The league decision halts transactions with Syrias central bank, freezes Syrian assets in other Arab states and Arab investment in Syria. It also imposes a travel ban on senior Syrian officials. Earlier, Arab finance and economy ministers stressed the need to avoid measures which would harm ordinary citizens. Basic commodities and cash remittances from Syrians working in other countries are to be exempt.

Announcement of the landmark agreement came from Qatars prime minister, Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al Thani, who chaired the Cairo meeting. Bin Jassem said the decision, which is to take immediate effect, was backed by 19 of the leagues 22members.

The Qatari leader had warned earlier that Arab failure to agree could lead to Libyan-style intervention by the west. All the work that we are doing is to avoid this, he said, adding that if the international community did not see that Arabs were serious he could not guarantee that such action could be avoided.

Turkey, which is not a member of the league but is encouraging Arab action, said it would implement the sanctions as well.

Opposition to sanctions seemed likely to weaken their impact. Iraq, Syrias largest Arab trading partner, abstained after making clear that it would not back punitive measures, partly in the light of its own experience under Saddam Hussein.

Lebanon, still dominated politically by its larger eastern neighbour, voted against. Both countries also opposed the leagues recent decision to suspend Syriasmembership. Still, combined with recent calls for Assad to step down – from immediate neighbours Jordan and Turkey as well as the US and many western countries – the measures are certain to add to the sense of isolation in Damascus.

Economists say the most damaging element is likely to be the freeze on assets in the Gulf.

Western governments are quietly monitoring the movement of capital out of Syria as a way of gauging the resilience of the regime and the big businessmen who are closely linked to it. EU and US sanctions are already in force.

The league said it had postponed a proposed ban on Arab civilian airlines from and to Syria but will impose it at a later date.

In Damascus, the state-run Al-Thawra newspaper slammed the proposed sanctions as targeting the Syrian people. Pro-Syrian voices on Twitter and other social media sites suggested that only Israel would benefit. Others noted that the league action against Syria was more severe than against Egypt when it broke Arab consensus and signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979.

The latest diplomatic moves had no discernible effect on the situation on the ground. By late afternoon the Syrian Revolution General Commission was reporting 28 dead, including 15 in Homs and six in the Damascus area. The Local Coordination Committees gave a figure of 26 deaths. Opposition sources reported 27 dead on Saturday while the government reported the burial of 22 armed forces personnel, including six pilots who were ambushed near Homs.

Sana, the Syrian state news agency, reported on the funerals on Sunday of nine members of the security forces who were killed by armed terrorist groups.

In another move that will likely deepen Assads sense of isolation, the governments of Qatar and Bahrain both advised their nationals to leave Syria. The UAE issued a similar call last week.

Our great Napa friend, Chic Roach, recommended this stunning
trip across the Andes based on his experience 30 years ago. The
Cruce de Lagos — “lake crossing” — route would take us from
Bariloche, Argentina to Puerto Varas, Chile. The actual crossing is
accomplished by a combination of bus and boat passages through
several lakes and mountain passes, which provide great scenery
while passing through the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi in Argentina
and the Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales in Chile.

The distance is better measured in views than miles.

Before boarding our flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, we
slipped a couple postcards in an airport mailbox. They arrived in
Napa two months later.

Bariloche is at the eastern end of the Lake District, at the
northern end of the Patagonia region spanning the Chile and
Argentina frontiers. To the east, the land appears more arid, but
the town is close enough to the Andes to get soaked without advance
notice.

We began in Bariloche, where the forecast was promising for a lake
and hiking excursion the next day. The weather did start out mostly
clear, but it turned to a downpour after we were on the bus heading
to the pier — our first lesson in fast-changing Patagonia
weather.

We scratched the hike and explored the downtown between
squalls.

Bariloche, a popular year-round outdoor recreation area on the
beautiful Lago Manuel Huapi, tries for a Bavarian feel and succeeds
after a fashion, although it can’t compete with the real thing in
terms of infrastructure and tidiness. Still, we had some of the
best chocolate and coffee in memory.

A bus ride to the pier at Puerto Pañuelo was the first leg of the
Andes crossing, en route to the Chilean border and the next
overnight stop at tiny Peulla, Chile. It was supervised by a
skilled Argentine guide proficient in several languages, who
educated us on our surroundings along the way.

A voyage by boat took about an hour, past steep mountainsides and
several waterfalls. Arriving at Puerto Blest, we connected by bus
to the next, smaller boat to cross Lago Friás. Once across that
small lake, we boarded another small bus for a twisty climb on a
gravel road up to the border.

Our guide was careful to convey explicit warnings to not carry
fresh fruit or other produce or cheese across the border, as Chile
is stern about that prohibition. He repeated it patiently  for the
mixed group of passengers from France, Israel, Brazil, Guatemala,
Poland, the US and Holland. We ate our bananas as we filled out
our customs and immigration paperwork.

The border turned out to be a rusted sign along the road.
Formalities were reserved for Peulla, about half an hour’s drive
farther down a gravel road. To our relief, the whole process was
quick and easy, taking only a few minutes and conducted by relaxed
officials in a shed next to the road.

After lunch, there was time for a short stroll, escorted by a
family of pigs. The next rain soon sent us back to the warmth of
our room.

The next day, the skies were kinder and we hiked for several hours,
escorted by a curious hawk as we watched a farmer harvesting hay,
and then continued uphill on the Canopy Trail to the Cascada de la
Novia waterfalls.

The cruise across the larger Lago Todos los Santos took about two
blustery hours, which included a pause at a stunning waterfall and
a mail and supplies drop to lakeside residents whose primary
contact with the rest of the world is the ferry.

The perfectly shaped Volcan Osorno coyly revealed part of its
snowcapped peak and eastern flanks when its cloud skirts lifted. We
boarded our next and final bus of the trip at Petrohue, stopping
for a tour of the churning Petrohue Fall before traveling on to
Puerto Varas, on the southern shore of giant Lago Llanquihue.

Puerto Varas is a tourist and recreational town and also an
agricultural hub. It’s a popular, easy getaway from Santiago’s heat
and crowds and offers many choices for lodging, dining, shopping
and excursions.

Several miles over bad gravel roads led to the impressive Casa
Molino Guest House on the western shore of the lake. The location
is a stunner, looking directly across to the Volcan Osorno. It was
a fine vantage point to gaze on an incoming storm.

The storm continued unabated the morning of our anniversary, and we
toured the town of Frutillar, settled by German immigrants in the
late 19th century. Residents are proud of that heritage.

More wet weather the next morning called for a soothing spa
treatment in Puerto Varas at the Hotel de los Volcanes, a five-star
place with its own casino.

The afternoon weather permitted our most-difficult-ever bicycle
ride (described as “moderate”) — several hours of up and down on a
mix of paved and gravel roads through dairy and farm country. It
earned us another excellent latte in Frutillar.

Thanks, Chic!

Patriots beat reporter Ian R. Rapoport joined the Herald in July of 2009
after three years covering Alabama and coach Nick Saban for The Birmingham
News. Though sad to see him go, Saban takes comfort in knowing Ian will be
covering his buddy, Bill Belichick. A Boston-born Columbia graduate who grew
up in New York, Ian emerged from a trek into the Deep South that lasted five
years, the first two of which he spent covering Mississippi State for The
Jackson Clarion-Ledger. Along the way, he picked up blogging, Twittering,
and a funny accent. He also met his wife, known as The Banktress, who moved
to Boston without ever having seen snow.

Karen Guregian has been a member of the Boston Herald sports staff since 1984, covering the Patriots beat full-time for the past two seasons. A Chelmsford native and Northeastern grad, she followed the Bruins for eight seasons, has been a regular in the papers Red Sox coverage and has covered nearly every major sporting event during her Herald career, including the World Series, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup finals, NBA Finals and numerous professional golf majors.

A group of bird lovers in South Carolina sent a box of bird food and toys for Treasure Valley residents who are caring for some of the 59 animals seized at a Meridian home Friday, local animal advocates said Wednesday.

Investigators say the trailer home on Cherry Lane where the animals were housed was covered in feces. Some animals were in cages, but others were roaming about the house. The Ada County Prosecutors Office will decide if the woman with the animals will be charged with animal cruelty.

Twenty-seven of the animals were cats. Simply Cats is caring for those animals, and hoping to find foster homes for them. Simply Cats Director Patty Cutler said six to 10 people have called or e-mailed to express interest in providing the cats with temporary homes, once the animals are checked out by veterinarians.

The cats are being treated for fleas and some are suffering from respiratory problems. Cutler said the cats probably would not be ready for foster homes this week, but Simply Cats is collecting names and contact information from those willing to help. Donations of food and litter also are welcome.

The rest of the animals are being cared for in homes of volunteers with the Meridian Valley Humane Society. The groups shelter only houses dogs.

The group is asking for donations of food for the variety of animals in their care, including cockatoos, parrots, love birds, rats, hamsters, a rabbit and a blind squirrel. Shoeboxes and cedar shavings are needed for the rats.

Sharon Whaley, a spokeswoman for the Meridian Valley Humane Society, said the woman who housed the animals has relinquished custody of all but 12; no information was immediately available on which animals.

If youd like to foster a cat or donate money, food or supplies, call Simply Cats at 343-7177, or e-mail info@simplycats.org. To donate for other animals, e-mail the Meridian Valley Humane Society at meridiananimalshelter@hotmail.com or call 794-0944.

E and J Reptile RescueJeanne and Ed Skuza will be able to keep their Burmese python if House Bill 352 passes. It would ban Ohioans from acquiring more dangerous exotic animals, like this constricting snake.

HARBOR SPRINGS Two Harbor Springs residents were ordered Wednesday to spend 30 days in jail as part of their sentences relating to damage that occurred at an unoccupied residence in their hometown earlier this year.

Judge Richard May imposed sentences for Dean Leonard Carpenter and Marilyn Gardener Laffoon in 90th District Court, a little more than a month after the two took plea deals in the case, which involved placement of crickets and dead animals in the home at 30 Sayan Drive. They each pleaded guilty to illegal entry and malicious destruction of property, $200 or more but less than $1,000. Breaking and entering – illegal entry (without owners permission) is a 90-day misdemeanor offense, and malicious destruction of property, $200 or more but less than $1,000, is a one-year misdemeanor, Carpenters attorney Bryan Klawuhn said last month.

Employees may be putting their employers’ businesses at risk with their online activities, including shopping on the Internet, while using work-issued computers, according to a new report just released.

ATLANTA, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
The Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel invites guests to celebrate the season in style with a deluxe holiday shopping package. The chic and newly renovated hotel, located in Atlanta’s premier Buckhead shopping district across from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, has partnered with Macy’s for the ultimate shopper’s getaway.

Guests visiting the hotel from November 24 – December 30, 2011 can book the Macy’s Holiday Shopping Package and enjoy deluxe accommodations, a Macy’s Welcome Savings Pass, Macy’s signature shopping tote, $25 giftcard to Macy’s, complimentary shuttle to Macy’s and complimentary hotel self-parking for one vehicle.

The holiday package starts at $149 and is valid Thursday – Sunday nights. Reservations should be made online at
www.atlantamarriottbuckhead.com .

The Atlanta Marriott Buckhead offers guests 349 newly renovated deluxe rooms and suites featuring Revive Bedding with 300-thread-count sheets and 32-inch flat screen TV’s. All rooms come equipped with Jack Pack technology featuring portable device connections that allow iPods, lap tops, video games and more to transmit directly onto TV screens.

The “Lobby Re-invented” offers 24-foot ceilings, street front glass windows and an inviting living room setting where guests are able to connect to WiFi and enjoy Starbucks coffee. Anchoring the lobby of the hotel is Atlanta’s first Shula’s 347 Grill, a signature restaurant from legendary Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula. Additional amenities include a new outdoor pool and whirlpool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and two concierge floors with private lounges serving continental breakfast and appetizers in the evening.

For more information about the hotel, visit
www.atlantamarriottbuckhead.com .

The Atlanta Marriott Buckhead is owned and operated by Pyramid Hotel Group. Pyramid’s portfolio of properties includes 35 premier hotels nationwide from among the most well-regarded hotel brand names. To book a stay or to see a list of all of the hotels offering this promotion, visit
www.pyramidhotelgroup.com .

SOURCE Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel

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