Chisoxfn

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 02:04 PM) The Republican field is, if nothing else, far more exciting than the Democrat one. It was a huge field, still pretty big, with candidates swigning wildly to the right and a carnival barker standing atop the pile. Not surprising at all their primaries are getting big numbers. The Dems have been a 2-person race basically all along. And one of them is old hat to everyone. Sanders has some novelty and excitement, but he's really just the guy trying to keep the Dems from sliding right to fill the void left by the now ridiculously far-right GOP field. Agree, but you can't ignore recent history either, where the republicans have gotten the vote and rocked the vote. A similar trend existed during the post Bush lull (and late in the Bush period) where the momentum was with the dems. Now you have the inverse (which is a normal and in reality healthy eb and flow between conservative / liberal view points). Look at TV ratings, etc, everything is just across the board. The republicans are so pissed off and they are going to be out in full force. I don't feel as if the democrats, at this point, are in that same state and I also don't know that they have a candidate who is rallying them together with that edge. When push comes to shove, Trump has levers he can effectively pull that gets the entire conservative movement behind him. My gut is Cruz is gone after Super Tuesday and it will be the last ditch effort for Rubio to make a late push (which I think will be too late). Trump, unless he bombs in the debate, will have such a wide margin by that point (and all the momentum) and I think it will be too little too late for Rubio (although Cruz exiting might be just enough to make a late run). If Cruz stays in past super tuesday, its hopeless for anyone to get Trump, imo (barring him bombing at the debate).\ PS: Please note, this will also be a debate where Trump will likely not have to do much mud slinging because the other candidates will be attacking each other vs. the front-runner.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 12:52 PM) This is actually where I think she'd do far better than Sanders. She wouldn't get angry. Angry plays right into it. She'd just give him rope, and let the people who are deciding the election (those not pre-selected based on party) see him for what he is. THat's among the reasons I'm quite confident he loses vs Clinton, if he gets the nomination. I think the wall street costs, etc, are something that Trump would rail on Hillary to the tee and people have a general distaste for wall street, etc. He'll hit on the moderate issues. I never thought I'd say this (even a week ago) but I see more momentum and signs for him actually being president than I ever did before. Nevada gave more reason for that where Trump really grew his overall pull (as well). The old theory was everyone jumping off the falling candidates was going to gravitate to non Trump candidates, but the reality hasn't been so set and as I pointed out previously, as he continues to build momentum more of those "swing" voters or potential non-trump voters will either not vote in the primary (because they realize Trump has already won) or turn their vote to Trump. And those non-primary voting conservatives who, as pissed off as they are with Trump, are not going to sit back and vote for Hillary or Bernie. They republicans are livid with the democrats and the turnouts in the primary are evidence for how irate and motivated the actual base is (and this more than anything should be what really gets the DNC worried), the vote and turnout will ultimately be their for the republican and as people go out, Trump is going to do what he can to bring back in those anti-trump conservatives by throwing him a more experienced VP candidate (imo). Lets just hypothetically say it is Kasich or even Rubio, do you really think those people are going to vote independent or democrat vs. voting for a Trump / Rubio or Kasich ticket? Would Rubio or Kasich turn down the VP bid, I don't think so.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 10:11 AM) True on first sentence, mostly at least. The idea that "it's over" though is uninformed based on history and math. Not even Super Tuesday yet. Far, far from over. First sentence ignores reality about why people vote for a certain candidate. The reason people have historically high numbers of "anyone but this candidate" against Trump isn't policy points, since as you said he's relatively moderate on the whole compared to the rest of the GOP field. It's that he's a crass, racist asshole. Moderates will see that the same way anyone does who isn't a deep-cut conservative that will vote GOP no matter what. I'd still be against Trump winning the nomination, though it is becoming more and more possible. But I'd bet the farm he'll get trounced by Hillary if he goes to the general. Hard-right will show up for him because, as you state, they always do. Moderates on the whole certainly will not. Technically, if you based it on history, no person who has won 3 of the first four primaries has not won the nomination, so if you want to go by history, it is over. Also, I just don't know whether Trump is truly racist. He makes a ton of claims, points, but than he goes out and wins the Hispanic vote in Nevada and I don't think, given the size of his company, etc, he has been anti diversity from a business perspective. While he has made some statements on the middle east and the border, the reality is, his actual record would point to him being an equal opportunity employer, etc, and a huge proponent of women rights (despite making lots of absurd comments, his actions from a hiring standpoint would point to him being proactive in giving them promotions, etc). The more I've dug into Trump and the more he is picking up momentum, the more I've realized he is far more moderate than anyone gives him credit for. The ahole part is totally on-point, but now he is starting to even get educated people behind him. He pretty much utterly dominated in Nevada (all categories). Another big factor is thus far, republican turn out has been very strong (which would bode well for a national election, regardless of who the candidate ultimately ends up being).

Look, I've done nothing but rip on Trump. Two days ago I watched him on TV and it was the first time where for 30 straight minutes I didn't roll my eyes once. If he dominates super tuesday, I think everyone is going to see a pivot in Trump. We (and I've done nothing but rip him so I'm included in the "we") might have all underestimated him. Personally, I'm hoping Cruz bombs out and that it happens fast. Longer everyone stays in, more likely Trump just keeps winning state after state, which will ultimately secure his place as the republican nominee.

QUOTE (illinilaw08 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 08:51 AM) Trump may historically be moderate on a lot of issues. He certainly hasn't campaigned on that. The only "moderate" moment I can think of from him in this campaign cycle was in the debate in SC when he put the Iraq blame on GWB. What am I missing here? Not part of his strategy yet. He hasn't moved to the middle because he hasn't had to and it wouldn't be the right time for him to. He is more moderate on aspects of social security and health care. No one really knows yet where Trump is (outside of his build the wall and fair trade rhetoric), other than he uses everything he can to beat up everyone else.

QUOTE (illinilaw08 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 08:38 AM) IF Trump is ultimately the nominee, I'm curious as to what moderate Republicans will do at the polls. I don't expect that there would be a lot of crossover to the D side (whether Clinton or Sanders). Will they vote 3rd party, stay home, or hold their nose and vote Trump? I heard a couple people on CNN yesterday say that they actually think some of Bernie's supporters will turn Trump's way. The anti-establishment types. No idea what will happen, but when you get through a lot of the BS, Trump does have certain positions which are more moderate / liberal (such as the fact that he has indicated healthcare shouldn't be a right).

I love you Kyle PS: Thank you!!!

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 08:46 AM) BREAKING NEWS: The Bears will either re-sign Alshon, franchise him, or let him go. They also will or will not meet with him at some point in the future to discuss these options. And they either will or will not regret whichever move they so choose.

Aaron Leming ‏@AaronLemingNFL · 1h1 hour ago #Bears HC John Fox said they are much "comfortable" w/ Cutler this year & also called him a "bright spot".

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 08:37 AM) Check out SoCals twitter I don't have access to twitter people...it needs to be posted here so I know. Sheeshkabobbies, you people make me have to do all the work myself.

Outside of the we are negotiating aggressively with Alshon?

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 08:31 AM) There was interesting stuff in what Ryan Pace said today but it's stuff we already knew: Jeffery will be back via the tag or a long term deal, Long could play either RT or LT depending on personnel, They are trading Martellus Bennett, Jaylon Smith would be an option at 11, decided to move on from Forte regardless of price. What did Pace say today?

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 24, 2016 -> 07:50 AM) Still going the way I thought it would, except... slower in the trend. Trump's 25-40% (give or take depending on state) is more or less going to always be that. Around 30%, maybe 35%. So as long as Rubio and Cruz (and to a lesser extent, Kasich and Carson) stick it out, the closer we get to a place where Trump could maybe, actually win the nomination. Assuming Kasich is sticking around for Super Tuesday (and lol, not winning Ohio), he'll be done right after. In a way, that helps Rubio in the long run because that's who'd he'd not only endorse, but give his delegates to, I'd guess. Cruz is what throws it off. If Cruz sticks around for a long time, you go to the convention in that 3-way split. Who decides to "give"? It would appear that Trump has gotten some additional support. He was up to pretty close to 50% and there is the old addage that people support winners. If the rest of the field doesn't widdle quick, it will be hard to stop the Trump momentum, imo.

Supposedly Bears will be meeting with Alshon this week. Might even be today. I don't know if they are meeting with Alshon or Alshon's agent or both.

QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 10:17 AM) I don't think anyone here is saying an abusive 18 yr old is better than a mature and perfectly fine 25 yr old. That said, I have other reasons for the age difference. I would want my daughter to not feel limited in her choices after high school, and while a similar aged boyfriend can limit that I think there would be a much bigger chance in an older boyfriend limiting her more. I completely agree. I will caveat everything by, more than anything I want my daughter to be happy, but I think isolating yourself from other people that age, which ultimately would happen dating some far older than you (and I look at age more from a professional level...once you are a working professional, the appropriate GAP widens significantly in my eyes).

I'm slowly watching House of Cards (5 or 6 episodes into season 1). Fantastic.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 09:09 AM) First off, the fanbase would probably be more pissed the Sox didn't make an attempt at these guys than being an also ran. And letting teams "use" you does have it's advantages. It can drive prices up, and therefore reduce available funds for your competitors in regards to players you do go after. That said, I don't think it was BS the Sox were in on Gordon and Cespedes. I just think money available for them was not made available for lesser players. They have price for Fowler and Desmond. Rollins apparently was the alternative to Desmond, and they probably have an alternative to Fowler. Excellent post. You are on a roll today DA.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 09:34 AM) Seriously though...considering the types of guys that are out there, I think you guys are approaching this incredibly poorly. Look at Joe, and then consider your daughter dating the 19 year old college kid with a fascination with death metal and self mutilation. You're going to make that decision based on age? Who said I'd be okay with that. I'm just putting a 26 year old right there with dating an 18 year old cokehead. Any one of them would be unacceptable in my eyes. Reality is no one is perfect, but as a dad, I'll do everything I can to instill a solid moral compass in her and ultimately hope that based upon what we've taught her, what she has experienced, etc, she'll understand and know the rights and wrongs and make the right choices (especially the more important right choices). Please note, I understand mistakes would be made, I just hope they are the small mistakes, not the BIG ones. My general goals for my kids are to be healthy, be happy, work hard, treat people well and with respect, be kind, and don't do drugs (and ideally no tattoo's and a million piercings).

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 09:30 AM) I wouldnt right then. She's not even done with HS let alone college. I feel like if someone was in college and wanted to date my daughter in HS they would have to have been grandfathered in (IE they were both in HS when they started dating). That being said, there is no way I am going to consider it when shes in HS and hes 25. Maybe when shes done with college I would revisit the issue. Good post and I agree. If they dated and new each other in school or were close friends and grew up with each other and one was in high school and the other in college, I'd be okay with it. Now reality is how daddy chisoxfn cares isn't going to matter and I can only hope our parenting and her life experience gives her the right head and frame of mind to make statements like I'm making when she is 18.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 08:56 AM) Jason, I think in general, you're suspicions are probably accurate...but, you wouldn't give the person an opportunity to prove you wrong? No. I'm just being honest. If they were 21 and there was a legitimate reason for them to have connected, etc, I might give the benefit of the doubt, but my overall advice would still be that are you age you are too young for a long-term relationship and he is too old. Whether she listens to me or not is another story, but 26 vs. 18 is a huge huge difference and not something I could ever support (not in this day and age). I suppose if my daughter was some super smart person and created her own company and was super successful at 18 and met some 26 year old through this and both were already into their professional lives, than I could get into it. But reality is that is extremely unlikely and in Chili's case that isn't the equation. This is a girl in high school, who it sounds like has issues with her parents, and presumably is rebelling, etc. While she might be rebelling, I stand by my conclusion that my view is a 26 year old picking up an 18 year old in high school is a creep and probably desperate. If you are co-workers and friends, no harm talking, etc, but that is it, that should be the extent. And yes, I think at 26 you have more of a moral responsibility to stay out of that situation (and should know better). Whether people want to agree with me or not, that is up to everyone else, but that is where I stand. I can say with 1000% certainty that 26 year old Chisoxfn would never in a million years contemplate such a thing and that I'd have let any of my friends know (and I have a group of close friends that are family in my eyes) that I under zero circumstances support it.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 08:29 AM) Well, that is certainly something that comes with the territory. One would hope that her parents will keep an open mind in regards to who Chili actually is, rather than simply focusing on his age. Yeah...no...hell no. I am an open minded person but I'm making the claim right now, under zero circumstances would I have an open mind. None. My only reaction would be that this guy is some looser that has had to stoop to this level to try and pick up a girl. Some might disagree with me and I hope to hell I never am put in this situation by my daughter but that is the reality and I'm just telling it like I see it and that is what I'd tell my daughter and I'd obviously probably at this point already be in trouble with my daughter (because she got to this point). Note: Chili, I'm not calling you out, you asked what people's opinions were and I'm just being straight with no filter.

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 08:32 AM) I haven't watched the final episode yet, and I'm excited to see it. I can agree with what you're saying about the season for the most part. Throughout a full season before, the X-Files always had a few episodes that dealt with the overall story arc while mixing in a couple creepy/scary episodes (like the one about the Trashman) and at least one funny episode (The Were-Monster). Trying to create the same flow over 6 episodes didn't quite work. If it comes back (and I hope it does), 10-12 episodes would be perfect. Agree completely. I think having 6 episodes made the flow wonky. I also hate the idea of 20 episodes or anything significant but I think 10 is a pretty good sweet spot, where you should be able to have consistent excellence. I also agree that the Trashman episode was a cool one.

Interesting article from the former team dr of the Chargers on medical reports. I've been a big Smith supporter, but makes me lean more towards Jack than Smith. All of this, of course is from someone who has not yet looked at the medicals, but interesting perspective. http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/monday...orters-sources/

QUOTE (fathom @ Feb 22, 2016 -> 09:22 PM) Also likely means Nightengale was absolutely correct and they have no money left. Really seems like a trade with offsetting costs is only scenario to get an impact player I've outlined the revenues from TV dollars alone in the past, the money is there, if the right player is there. Now where will the revenues go when they ultimately renegotiate, who knows, but I've long said the butts in the seats are the least significant part of the finances of the game of baseball today. TV TV TV.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 23, 2016 -> 07:19 AM) The season? finale to X Files was awesome. I really hope they don't let it hang for too long. Great episode. Yeah...that was a great episode. The return had some good and some terrible, but this was really good. The whole season and how they did it was pretty choppy though, but I'm a fan of having the mini story within an episode with the bigger story arch getting focus (although I know some people aren't necessarily big fans of X-files when it was more focused on the larger story arch).