ChiSox_Sonix

QUOTE (Soxy @ Jun 26, 2009 -> 12:20 PM) And kwok and Morte Subite. And I won't even get started on Belgian and French chocolate. Or Spanish wines. Belgian wheat beer, swiss chocolate, german pretzels, french pastries etc...

QUOTE (FlaSoxxJim @ Jun 26, 2009 -> 12:32 PM) Damn you, this site will now consume me for hours. I already wasted 2 hours of my morning because of it...hahaa

msn.com has a breaking news headline that the LAPD are looking for the doctor at MJ's home at the time. TIFWIW.

QUOTE (BigEdWalsh @ Jun 26, 2009 -> 01:54 AM) There's a chance I might move to Seattle. I'd like to move to Alaska, but christ....no baseball!! Seems like it would be otherwise a cool place to live. Alaska Baseball League

Strange, strange individual. Growing up I loved his music but then he transformed into a sideshow, a joke. News coming across yesterday was shocking but based on what his life evolved into I guess it wasn't too surprising to have ended so suddenly.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 09:13 PM) I wonder why they won't let you keep your harddrive... what are they gonna do with it? When they fixed it the hard drive got wiped out because you had to do a re-format and all of that before it would work.

QUOTE (danman31 @ Jun 26, 2009 -> 03:07 AM) Time for Brazil. Should be exciting. A US win would have to be their biggest ever. The Spain win is top 10 as Lalas said, probably top 5. The Gold Cup roster was released. Click here for it. A lot of young guys, but also a lot of MLS guys on it. Not that the Gold Cup is all that important, but it's a new mix of players. Doesnt the Gold Cup qualify you for the Confederations Cup or no? That roster is awful. The forwards are pretty decent and having Adu in the midfield is good but the rest of the roster yuck. I would have liked to have seen players like Kljestan, Edu, Torres, Clark and even Eddie Johnson get some work. As for the Spain game, just wow. Spain was the better team but we got the result. The defense did a tremendous of job of not letting the Spanish strikers get good looks but when they did Howard was great. What's awesome is how much coverage the MNT is all of a sudden getting in the media. Nice to see for a change.

There's Dennis

I kinda like that last one but I'm not a big fan of other countries' rainbow colored paper money that looks like it should belong to some board game, so i'm pretty content with what we have. I prefer multiple designs on coins.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 03:24 PM) You can't just blame that on poor people. Rich people take advantage in other areas (i.e., taxes). I didnt. I said "in our country", which applies to everyone across every spectrum in life, including the rich and the poor.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 03:21 PM) So now we're blaming millions of uninsured on laziness? I bet millions are uninsured through no fault of their own. I also bet millions are uninsured and it's their own faults. People don't like to say it, but come on.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 03:17 PM) We definitely wouldn't have been one of those families. Cable was the first thing to go, then the gas, then the electricity. We only lost our electricity twice that I can recall though and it was just for a couple of days. We kept the phone though but without long-distance, in 2009 you probably really do need the internet so I'd say that's a priority thing. I did have healthcare though, usually. At least enough to get occasional checkups. Look I just wanna make clear I understand some people just get f***ed over and really need help and support. I fully support helping them if they need help in any way. I just feel it should not be easy to receive free support. IMO, there are a lot of people in this country, and mostly in our generation, who would rather do the minimum because they can get away with it and will be helped rather than do extra to get ahead or be on their own. And although it doesn't go with your post I do believe minors should have some sort of funded healthcare.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 02:49 PM) Are you saying only people who dick around in HS and come to class high are the ones that end up having trouble staying employed? Cuz that's kind of a massive strawman. It was just an example, I'm aware that is not true. QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 03:09 PM) My father was a broke ass immigrant, who worked 2 to 3 jobs most of our lives and preached education is the way out of our mess. I remember garbage picking to get a bike because we couldn't afford one. My generations success is based on the back breaking effort of my father and my mother. I appreciate hard work, I appreciate those who can and try and are unemployed due to unfortunate circumstances like your father. I have a huge problem with those who can, and don't because of selfishness or laziness. I don't mind helping out those who need a helping hand in the time of need. I have a huge problem helping those who are lazy, and f***ed off and are a burden on society. I couldn't have said it better. And that's kind of what I've been trying to get at

QUOTE (Y2HH @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 03:00 PM) I wouldn't call it "discretionary", as having that health insurance was a priority. I would have loved to have had that extra 100+ per month in my pocket, but I went without it so I could have the insurance. I would have paid 300$ for it, and found a way to make do without that 300$ if that's what it took. The issue is, a lot of people CAN afford health insurance, but since they aren't "forced" to get it they don't bother trying -- nor will they do without that extra 200$, even if they could, they choose not too. I wonder what the percentage of uninsured are who claim they can't afford healthcare have cable and internet in their house/apartment? Like you said, it is often about decisions. The system isn't perfect but there ARE affordable health care options if you look hard enough.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 02:49 PM) Just to play Devil's advocate here... What if you had gotten very sick during that 6 months? Or some whacko hit you while DUI? If you had only gotten ER treated and streeted, had to live 6 months (or a year or more with a pre-existing condition) while suffering through something and acquiring 10's of thousands in debt, do you think that's a good situation? I'd have been screwed. If it was the DUI well then I would have sued him and his insurance for damages but I see your point. But what I am saying is, is that I made that decision. I weighed the risks and that was the path I chose to take. As I said, I could have gotten a second job but I decided to spend my time doing other things. My brother has a very affordable health plan he pays every month. He finally got a teaching job so he can drop in August but he paid his own way. There are cheap options available if you look. And I;m not saying the system is perfect but I just feel a lot of people who don't have healthcare could do more than they do to do something about it. Obviously that isnt the case for everyone but I would bet on it being prevalent. One thing I would support is a government sponsored "safety net" type system like unemployment where if you get laid off you can apply for a free or very cheap plan for say 6 months while you try to get back on your feet. I understand you can't snap your fingers and get a good job but a lot of people also feel certain jobs are "below them" and refuse to do certain things that are easy to obtain jobs in.

QUOTE (chisoxfan09 @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 02:37 PM) Sonix, that was part of my reasoning (They picked up 6 prospects for Willis/Cabrera). But the agent is forecasting a Sabathia payday for 2012 when they open the stadium. He is a health risk as a previous TJS pitcher. You say they are not the Marlins of 1998 but as noted they have traded away their best players to avoid huge paydays. I am convinced that present ownership won't continue to follow that line. The Yankees were pretty adamant not to trade away either Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Melky Cabrera, etc (as an example of a team with a solid farm and a ton of $$$). But they may be tempted to chase Johnson after 2011 if not sooner. Just can't imagine the Fish paying massive arb bucks in the coming 2 years. I could and might be wrong. Well I've followed the Marlins since their inception into the league as my NL team so I know a lot more about them the average baseball fan (not saying you specifically, just pointing out where I'm coming from). That was their M.O. in recent years, yes. But, the management and ownership have begun to take a different approach to things. They will never be big spenders but they know that they can't keep relying on young players all the time. They are convinced moving into their new stadium will essentially rescue their team and allow them to sustain a middle of the road payroll. They should have the payroll felxibility in the coming years to afford a few contracts like the one JJ should command. (And if they are wrong about the stadium - which is in a much better loaction by the way - helping them out then there becomes a decent chance the franchise moves eventually anyways.) Their pitching staff right now is so young and just LOADED with potential. A couple guys are injured and since his surgery JJ has been awesome. Couple him with Volstad/Badenhop/Van Den Hurk/Nolasco/Sanchez/West/Miller and you'd like to think they could have a killer 1-2-3. They are a year or two away from being legitimate contenders. I really don't foresee them trading away Johnson before getting to 2011 season and robbing them a chance at a very talented team. They just ponied up for Hanley so that was a good first step and retaining players. They traded Miggy/Dontrelle because they had legitimate concerns about them in addition to the money they were going to need. And, the return on them was ridiculous. If they trade Johnson they will fleece whoever makes that trade. If this were two years ago I'd feel differently, but I really don't see them moving Johnson or Volstad for a while, if at all.

QUOTE (Y2HH @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 02:13 PM) Well, I am ok with that and I'll openly say so. I didn't sit on my front porch drinkin' 40z with my boyz when I was younger, I went to the free public school system so I could learn something and get a job, then worked 2 part time jobs when going to college full time so I could build a future I may have never seen -- and now I'm not f***ing apologizing because my family is covered. I definitely agree with your line of thinking there. I'm just a couple years removed in college and they job I have today is a result of my hard work in school to get said job. However, for about 6 months after college I did not have health care b/c I didn't have my job yet. Did I b**** about it or complain? No. I was a little careful not to do stupid s*** for a while but that was my decision. I always could have bought coverage but I didn't. I chose to work part time so I didnt feel I had the money. If I really wanted to buy health insurace I would have gotten another job (or two) to help finance it. And I agree with your last line. I'm not sorry for doing things the right way growing up and I don't feel too sorry for some of my friends who dicked around in HS and came to class high and have still yet to get a college degree. It's their own fault.

QUOTE (chisoxfan09 @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 02:15 PM) Hey all, been pokin around looking at power righties who would rock pitching for us at the Cell and on the road. I came across Josh Johnson from the Fish who is dominating. He has a huge fastball (He can bring it at 97-99 from the video I saw on MLB.COM) and a nasty biting slider (really dips down and away to right handed hitters and he can bring that up to 89-90!! The point of this post is twofold: 1. Albeit the Fish have a huge track record for trading away their best MLB players once they are about to hit Free Agency or Arbitration (Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabreara, Josh Beckett to name a few) Josh Johnson had Tommy John surgery in 2007 and missed most of 07 and half of 08. I admit he has been lights out since then (15-2) and I will put up peripheral stats if anyone wants them. Would it not be very risky to ask for this kind of payday so early? The link below states in the article that Johnson is getting to the point (will come pretty soon) that the Fish will have to seriously consider trading him (May not be until next year when his 2nd and infinitely more expensive arb year kicks in). He signed last Dec for 1.4 million which is an absolute bargain. So just supposed the Fish cannot agree on an arbitration figure and their management (Very likely with next arb hearing and the Fish's history) panick and decide it is time to ship him. Would it not be worth KW at least exploring a trade for him or working a deal much like Santana did with the Mets once he was traded (Not sure if you can do that with contracts that are in the middle of arb). I know the team can buy out the arb years so I was wondering what kind of payday Johnson would want if he had a Cy Young type year which he is having (7-1, 2.66 ERA). 10-12 million for his 2010/2011 contract years? 2. Doesn't it seem that his agent Matt Sosnick is grandstanding a bit too early? He only really has had one decent year out of 4 pro year and that was his rookie year 2006 when he was 12-7? I mean he has not even compiled one great year yet and this dude already wants a Sabathia type payday. And he is playing this in the media cuz he know the Fish are in a bind when they have starters (Pitching or otherwise) that have 1-2 good years and are ready for arb or free agency. I would certainly expect Scott Boras to use his clown antics in the media but this guy? This whole asking for the world without even having proved yourself for 2-3 years is getting out of hand. But I bet he is (as the article highlights) already showcasing his player to the Yankees. It is always about money with them. http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/baseball...ry/1108059.html Just worried because Johnson has had Tommy John surgery. Anyone agree? The Marlins will not trade Josh Johnson any time soon. He made his debut just a few years back so he's under their control for a few more years. They are scheduled to move into a new stadium in 2012 which they feel will help attendance and thus drive revenue. Unless they get absolutely blown away with a deal he won't be going anywhere. The Marlins arent the Marlins of 1998 anymore. They trade players away to get better now or in the next 1-2 years. the days of them being everyone elses farm team are over.

QUOTE (Y2HH @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 09:21 AM) The room fees will probably be the expensive part, if he was planning on staying at a hotel in Vegas on or near the strip, anyway. I got a suite at the Monte Carlo for 109/night the weekend of the Pacquiao/Hatton fight so room rates really arent that bad considering.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 22, 2009 -> 09:20 AM) Albuquerque or Santa Fe, NM Possibly Denver area Possibly Oregon If I had to move overseas... New Zealand, no contest. You just want one of these dont you?

Was in Long Island this weekend about a half hour from the Hamptons. An annual Beer Olympics event. 6 teams of 8, 7 events. Lasted from about noon to 6 or so. So much fun. Favorite event was dizzy bat, got some hilarious footage of a couple of my friends completely wiping out after the spin and attempt to hit whiffle ball thrown to them.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 20, 2009 -> 02:13 AM) I think my PS3 died... I searched the problem online and it's called the yellow light of death Looks like I will now be ps3-less cause I think my warranty is out and sony wants 150 bucks to replace it I got that 4 or 5 months ago. They said it was something to do over heating but it wasnt my fault. Fortunately, I had about 2 months left on a 2 year additional warranty I bought at the time for $75 so the fix and shipping and handling were free. The s***ty part was all of my data was lost.

In the US: Boston Providence New York City Internationally: London Tuscany Geneva

QUOTE (chwhtsox @ Jun 20, 2009 -> 01:34 PM) Anyone got any promo codes for a flight to Vegas? Or anyone know how to get a cheaper rate? I want to leave Thursday July 2nd (7PM or later) and come back Sunday July 5th (around 7PM). If anyone can help I'd appreciate it. www.kayak.com

Wow, just completely unbeliveable. The US finally played a complete game and it should have been (at least) 4-0. Still, there were a few great chances they failed to capitalize on. Donovan has been phenomenal and Dempsey had a big goal. He's so much better when utilized up front and not asked to do too much on the defensive side of the ball. Spain is going to be an incredibly tough match, but South Africa should be beaten by us as Egypt is a vastly superior team and the US seemed to control that game pretty easily. And if you're Italy, just wow. Completely inexcusable. Those fans back home can be none to thrilled.