Chisoxfn

I want to point something out...if you got new ideas for awards throw them out there. I know we plan on rolling out some more to this list and if you come up with a cool idea we'll definitely add it (afterall, I think by now you've realized that we run this board with the idea of making all the members happy so if you every have suggestions you should all know by now to throw em out, whether on the board or via PM).

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 06:14 PM) I'd say Halo and Gears are still the only ones worth anything. I have both systems, bought them a day apart from each other. I haven't heard anything about the Xbox 360 getting a DVR, but I know the PS3 is supposedly getting that capability. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155888 BTW, HDMI cables only costs like 20 bucks at the most on monoprice.com Also, MLB2k7 sounds awesome for the PS3 and looks awesome. The old MVP Baseball developer is the lead developer on this one. http://ps3.ign.com/articles/757/757057p1.html If you dont feel like waiting for the PS3 to release the Tivo like features on its own, http://www.ps3-hacks.com/ is a place which will show you how to do it on your own. Also you could already copy games and Blu Ray movies to the HD of the PS3. Those graphics are freaking unreal.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 03:43 PM) Son of a b****, there's nothing I hate more than when my sports world is brought to a screeching halt due to some f***ing exclusive rights contract. You got to be freaking kidding me. I can live without the ability to get the NFL (and to be honest Its cheaper for me to go to the bar) Ticket but I have no other option for baseball (because watching it on a computer blows balls...its not bad as a rare alternative but I would never be able to watch all of the games on line because the quality is so shady). FUDGE...this really blows cause I got a sweet deal with cable and I'm not a fan of actually having to buy equipment. Is this going to start this baseball season or do we at least get another year? God this blows. I f***ing hate DIRECT TV

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 01:40 PM) Some patriots players did congratulate and talk to Manning after the game. I was specifically saying Belicheck did not. REdandwhite seems to disagree and say that Belicheck did congratulate manning right after Dungy and Belicheck spoke. We must have had different feeds in Chicago. But whatever the case, Manning went up to Belicheck and Belicheck did not have the time of day for Manning. I cant imagine Lovie, Dungy, Sean Payton, doing the same type of thing. I didn't see any feed of the two of them talking. I just know Manning (in one of his post game interviews) talked about how Brady, Belliceck, Bruschi and a few other guys congratulated him about the game and how classy the Patriots organization was. He specifically said Bellicecks name.

QUOTE(Al Lopez @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 01:38 PM) Does anybody know why it was moved to the Palmer House? I think they wanted it to be in a more intimate setting due to the fiasco of last years. I am sure there were other reasons, but I also thought that there were issues with the hotel having too much say as well.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 01:37 PM) Why do people keep saying this isnt the NBA in reference to getting draft picks for Lovie. Last I checked the Raiders got a boatload for John Chucky Gruden. I believe it included 2 1st rounders and 2 second rounders. Not sure why Lovie would not command atleast half that deal if some one is hell bent on him coaching. They are commenting that a 1st round pick (late first rounder) is still very valuable in the NFL while in the NBA a late first round pick is pretty worthless (for the most part).

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 01:28 PM) Well you can go back and watch it with your own eyes if you dont believe me. I have no reason to lie as I dont care either way, and I know what I saw because I remarked about it immediately. The game was over, Dungy and Belicheck met in the middle of the field, Manning is waiting outside of the group of reporters. Once Dungy and Beliechek stop talking Manning immediately goes to Belicheck. Belichek does not even raise his head in acknowledgement. ::shrugs:: So as for "nobody really knows" your right, no one knows what happened after the field. But I do know what happened prior because I was actually watching the game, and watched manning/belicheck from the minute the game ended because I wanted to see what would happen. Maybe Belicheck congratulated Manning before the game ended? I dont know, but I do know what I saw. So you can believe me, or you can believe whatever you want. Wont make any difference in my day. I agree, we can only go by what happened. I have on idea why Bellicheck didn't say anything to Manning at the time. All I know is at somepoint he must have said something becuase Manning commented on the class of the Patriots in the post game interviews. Maybe Belliceck was focused on talking to his guys and than going over and talking to Manning (one on one without the media in his face because its quite evident Belliceck haates the media). But somewhere and at some point the Pats obviously did something to garner Mannings comments. He didn't have to say anything about the Pats but he did and he said nice things (had they not congratulated him he could have just ocntinued to talk about the game making no mention of it so I see no reason why he would lie). I'm not about to say Belly is as classy as Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy (I don't think any coach could be more classy than those two) but lets not forget we have a mgr in Chicago (Ozzie) whose not exactly known for his class (that said I don't consider Ozzie an ahole, its just somehow he comes off the wrong way or is focused on other things) and I'm not about to say Belly has no class (because I don't think anyone with absolutely no class can succeed).

In the end, it was the patriots lack of a comittment to the run (or ability to run) in the 2nd half that beat them. It meant there defense was out on the field way too long and against Peyton Manning thats a real bad thing (because from every interview I've ever heard, there is nothing more exhausting than playing defense against Manning with the zillions of audibles and adjustments he makes at the line). I must admit, my respect for Manning has grown a lot (and this is coming from his #1 hater).

Not going for the first time in a couple years. My work schedule pretty much blows right now (Busy season as a CPA is a lot of fun, WOOOOO) but on the bright side I will be snowboarding instead (and considering I don't get to go as much as I used to...I'd rather be doing that). However, just 7 or so more weeks till I arrive in Arizona for spring training...YESSS. But for those that do go, hopefully you can pass on any interesting info that comes from the seminars.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 01:06 PM) Lovie has done a great job in Chicago, no doubt. However, Smith has never overly impressed me, enough to say he needs to be in Chicago forever. If you could get a 1st round pick for a coach, and have a guy like Rivera step up and take over, someone who is familiar with situation, would be great. You can get two impact players with late 1st rounders. Like I said earlier, the NFL draft isn't the NBA. I don't think that will happen. However, I want to point out one thing. Take a look around the NFL and you find that good coaches win and Lovie has done exactly that. This franchise is an entirely different franchise under Angelo/Smith and I'd think Bear fans of all people would realize the importance of a stable system. With Angelo/Smith we have a duo that works great together. They both buy into the Cover 2 philosphy and a strong run oriented offense. Smith believes in giving his guys chances to succeed and is willing to play young players and Angelo is great at identifying those young players that will fit the scheme and getting them. He's also as shrewd as any GM at working the cap. The combo the Bears have right now is amongst the best in the game and when you have that you should keep it at all costs. Rivera has done a nice job calling shots and if for some reason Lovie just demanded to go to Dallas (again, I could never envision such a scenario) than sure you make the trade and try Rivera. But lets remember one thing, this is Lovie's defense and you can see a lot of Lovie in it. However, Rivera does add his own wrinkles to the defense based on what he picked up from Buddy Ryan and Jim Johnson (of the Eagles). Bottom line is, we need to realize how great the Bears finally have it. This organization has came a long way and is finally starting to emerge as the class of the NFL (along with the Pats & Colts...Chargers are also trying to emerge, but they have a bit more turmoil and there are other teams that are included in this such as the Broncos, Seahawks, & Eagles). Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith should each get 5 year extensions and continue to build what I envision to be a team that is consistently competing for not only the playoffs, but Super Bowls.

QUOTE(ptatc @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 10:43 AM) Lance Johnson never saw a first pitch he didn't like. I don't think I ever saw Wade Boggs swing at the first pitch. I don't think any hitter ever swung at more first pitches than Raul Mondesi. That guy at one point was a pretty amazing ball player though (god did he have a rocketship for an arm out in RF and he was pretty fun to watch. He ended up growing a gigantic ego, getting hurt and stinking in Toronto and everywhere else he went).

ya this is a crappy thread, but I still want to see Rex and the Bears accomplish the ultimate (win the Super Bowl). Right now we are still one more win away from greatness.

QUOTE(southsideirish71 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 12:36 PM) Nice to see that Coach Belichick is a sore loser. Payton goes to shake hands, assbag ignores him and pouts to the sideline. Well I can't comment too much, but Peyton Manning kept saying how classy the Patriots players are. How Belliceck, Brady, Bruschi and a couple other guys went out of there way after the game to come by and talk to Peyton and congratulate him and wish him luck in the Super Bowl. Now that may just be Peyton playing the nice guy or it may not be, but since I'm not any of those guys I am going to have to take Peyton's word and what he said the players and coach did is nothing but classy, imo. That said I like Belliceck, Brady and the Pats.

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Jan 21, 2007 -> 10:39 PM) Metal Gear coming to all systems is a FALSE rumor. The new PS3 network seems to be holding up well. I'm not certain, but I believe online play is free for good. Microsoft owned online gaming with the last gen, but Sony has made their changes and mimicked what Microsoft has done. Only, it's free. Can you provide a list of games that are Microsoft only releases? I don't know where to check, or I'm just plain blind at the sites I go to. Any matter, we've both said it, it's all a matter of opinion. I had the PS, the PS2 and bought the PS3 because I'm familiar with it all: the games, the controller, the set up, the troubleshooting, etc. That's essentially the main reason I went with Sony over Microsoft. I've seen the Xbox360, even played it a little, and it's a great system. But given that it's a totally new set-up for me, I feel lost with it. Therefore, I don't buy it. But anyway, I'm still interested in arguing games. Sony has always had a wide range of games, and a few that are worth every cent every time they come out. Really, the only game I wish Sony could get is Metroid Prime. But I don't really know what Microsoft has beyond Halo. I'll look for it, but I remember it being in a gamestop magazine or something like that that one of my buddies had. It had the WII, PS3, and 360 and were talking about all the games and I remember all of us looking at it (albeit we all have similar tastes/preferences in games) and going wow, the PS3 has lost all of there main exclusive right games. This publication had Metal Gear as being non-exclusive as It said that its release will be on the PS3 but that they will also release it after on the 360 (although I know this has been something thats been debated on here as it seems like there are varying reports on how true that is).

Ya, plus Arizona is gonna plummet in the polls and USC should enter the polls.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 10:02 AM) Just because he was fine with it then, doesn't mean if someone comes calling with a ridiculous amount of money, he wouldn't have to listen seriously to it. What if Jones was willing to offer a record breaking deal? How does Smith turn that money down? Well first off, Smith is not a FA. He still has one more year left on his contract (lets not forget that) so the Bears have his rights. So even if Jones offered a bazillion dollars, the Bears would have to give the Boys permission to negotiate with Smith and than obviously reach some sort of conclusion on draft pick compensation. Basically put even if Jerry Jones offers a zillion bucks (in which case we promote Rivera and get at least a first round draft pick) we still don't do so bad, imo. But Lovie Smith will be the coach of the Bears for a very very long long time. You can take that to the bank.

Ya, you know he's going to at least try for Lovie Smith. Smith is a native Texan and I'm sure as a native Texan he has had at one point a strong fondness for the Cowboys. That said, I really think Lovie likes Chicago and he seems to really love his team (plus he has a tremendous relationship with Angelo or so it appears). I think Lovie will get 5yrs at 5 mill per (from the Bears). QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 09:58 AM) Holy s***! This Bears not wanting to talk extension crap better not come back to kick us in the nuts! It won't. Lovie is perfectly fine with it. He has asked not to negotiate till the off-season too because the negotiation would be a complete distraction.

Have the new polls came out?

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 09:20 AM) Yeah, Dallas would probably be moderately intelligent to jump at Rivera. Unless Jerry Jones wants to make a real splash and makes a run at Carrol or something like that, which he may very well try to do. Dallas may be willing to spend big bucks. At the same time Jones could look at Rivera but the Cowboys seem to have a tendency as of late to go after offensive minded coaches. Oh and I'd love it if Carrol went to the Boys. I don't think he'd be as good of a coach in the NFL, plus I hate the Trojans and it would hurt them.

Here's one thing I don't get, I hear a couple people saying Gasol wouldn't help the Bulls. The guy is a bonafide 4 (you could technically call him a 5 because he's tall enough) with a nice jumper so that you could do some pick and rolls with him, but he also has very good moves in the block. This is the exact type of player we could build our franchise around (as long as we keep one of Deng/Gordon). However, if we were able to center a package around Nocioni, Tyrus, PJ Brown, & Chris Duhon (future draft picks as well, obviously bulls would probably take someone back that the Grizz just want to get rid of) maybe you could get something to happen and thats the type of move that could set our franchise up as a legit 1 seed (not like a default 1 seed which if we did get a 1 seed it would be because our conference blows rather than us being a legitimate 1 seed).

QUOTE(kyyle23 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 08:59 AM) NFL network is reporting that Parcells just resigned in Dallas, according to Mike Mulligan! TO wins again! Wow. I don't necessarily think this is a case of TO winning. Rather I just think Parcells couldn't get along with Jerry Jones since both have pretty big ego's. For pete sakes, Jimmy Johnson & Jerry Jones were very very good friends and we saw where that relationship eventually went (and Parcells has twice the ego Johnson had and that says something).

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 22, 2007 -> 08:56 AM) Perhaps this is just me being overly hopeful, but I would not be terrifically surprised if there was a major breakthrough in solar panel design/technology within the next 5 years. (Especially now that the Democrats are in power and we can get some actual federal research dollars out there.) It just seems like one of those fields where there have been repeated reports of "Breakthroughs" with nothing yet put into practical production, so it seems primed to take the next step. Don't give me that, now that the dems are in power bull. I hate the stereotype that republicans just don't care about alternative energy, yada yada. Its like saying George Bush is a typical conservative (in terms of fiscal spending) because we know he isn't and one of my biggest gripes with Bush is exactly that. I think the key is, if people start demanding and buying these for there homes (in a growing effort) the marketplace will dictate that more firms get involved with trying to make them and as such you'll have firms coming up with breakthroughs on how to produce them for less in order to try and gain what could be a potentially enormous market (if costs do fall enough). Ie, I think our capitalistic system could be exactly what we need for something like this to suceed. The key is we may need to have the gov subsidize the consumers with benefits for purchasing these more expensive things (that will create the market and than my hope is that well known conglomerates jump in as they see a lucrative possibility and start spurring and churning out a completely new marketplace). I guess the debate would be whether it would be best to put the money in the hands of the businesses (to encourage R&D to come up with cheaper solar panels) or to give incentives to the buyers who in turn could really create a market (IIRC, they did something very similar to this in California with both electric and hybrid vehicles).

I don't like Bill Richardson, but the man is much more capable of running this country than Obama. I've never seen a guy make so much political headway on the basis of one speach. Sure he seems like a decent guy, but politically (sans one speach) the guy has done absolutely nothing. Richardson on the other hand has been one of the bigger faces of the party, has tons of experience running a state (as governor) and to me is a far better person. I disagree with his political agenda (which is natural) but he's far more deserving and capable. Of course that doesn't necessarily mean much anything.

It sounds awesome, but the costs of making the solar panels needs to decrease first. I know a few home builders have begun offering these as options on new homes (expensive options though). However, it would be great if in the future homes could at least cover there air conditioning costs over the summer with the use of a solar panel (think of the impact that would have on the amount of non-solar energy we used, it would be tremendous). Yet again though, the cost of solar panels must fall first.

Happy Bday...rockman (Its kind of like Duffman...only cooler, lol) Hope its a good one!!!!!