Chisoxfn

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 10:32 AM) Jaylon Smith enters the NFL draft. I would still love him in a Bears uniform despite the knee injury. I think he can be a Luke Keuchley I keep hoping he slides to the Bears in the 2nd round. In fact, I'd be thrilled if we could somehow add two injured LB's (Jack & Smith) in the first two rounds. Reality is only one is a possibility and I'd also be fine moving down and grabbing Jaylon later in the 1st.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 10:16 AM) Isn't it at least a little bit different when it's the QB though? The Bears picking up someone with Ben's past to be their nickel DB may make me uncomfortable, but the Bears picking up Ben may very well make me not want to be a Bears fan anymore. I don't really think so. QB or anyone else, it is still the same crime. Plus, it isn't like the Steelers picked him up after he knowingly did this, his incidents happened after he was on the team and the league and court system handled it (I might think he's guilty and a scumbug who got away from it, but the reality is none of us knew all of the facts and we have a court system for a reason).

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 09:31 AM) Given the things that are coming out of Trump's mouth, yes, you need to be pretty terrible to support the man. Terrible person, no, misguided or stupid, yes. I happen to think Donald is a terrible candidate though.

I think the biggest thing is, just cause you are a fan of a team, doens't mean you have to be a fan of said player and it doesn't mean you have to root again the team or the player. My perspective is, you were a fan of the Steelers before Big Ben and while he is a POS, it doesn't mean you can't root for the team, etc. You can say you don't like Big Ben and knock him or boo him, but at the end of the day, you are going to root for him to do well (as your team ultimatley does well as a result and I wouldn't fault a fan for that). You don't pick and choose who your team picks up, although if a fan base wanted to, it could clearly make a statement if a team consistently hired / had players with checkered pasts (e.g., if you were the Cowboys...but I don't know that I'd put the Steelers in that category).

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 9, 2016 -> 09:40 AM) You don't have to be an idiot to support trump, but you do need to be a terrible person. This is absurd. You think that half of republicans are just terrible people? I think they are misguided people and I cant say I understand how anyone could vote for him, but to just assume they are terrible is absurd too. But yes, if my only two choices on the ballot were Trump or Hillary, I'd vote Hillary. In reality, if Trump is on the ticket, I'll write in a candidate.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Jan 8, 2016 -> 11:09 AM) Just guessing but I think the Sox have moved on since Colorado asked for Q in return. That's the rumor anyway... Reds supposedly needed one of Fullmer / Anderson for Frazier. Rumors are what they are. I guarantee Sox and Rocks have talked and will continue to talk from time to time on their outfielders (given our need). I can't imagine a scenario where Hahn and Kenny are entirely focused on one guy. Just not the reality of things (and it isn't as if their is one guy who is hands down the better option, imo). I'm sure they have preferences though, but the situation is fluid and they do not control the situation, so those preferences probably change depending on market circumstances.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 8, 2016 -> 09:42 AM) They wouldn't lose that pick. They'd lose the Upton pick. Why do insiders keep saying things like this? Presuming since Upton has not yet signed, technically the comp pick doesn't exist (and won't exist until he signs). So the reported statement is technically true, right now, they would lose the 2nd round pick, however, upon Upton signing a deal (as long as he doesn't end up not signing until after the draft), it will instead be the comp pick that goes (vs. the draft pick).

The question is, will the issues in China ultimately prove to be a boon / drive inflation in the US, more specifically real estate inflation / other inflation (as people try to get cash out of China and parked in safer institutions). You would also think, these would be more things that would put pressure on treasury rates (since demand on US Treasuries will be through the roof or so I'd suspect).

Yeah...I was quite puzzled why he isn't getting the calls. I'd even think with all the injuries, refs would end up protecting him more.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 7, 2016 -> 07:15 PM) Rose is really starting to get it back He looked darn good in the paint. Now if only he could get some calls. I hope we start seeing him get some better lift on his jumper. I'd love him to find that mid range jumper he used to have (which was lethal).

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Jan 7, 2016 -> 04:32 PM) So let's narrow it down: CWS, BAL. DET sitting back along with LAA. I still like our chances. Baltimore is bringing back Davis. I think LA gets Upton. To me it's down to CWS and DET and this is why they're being patient. Whose to say the market value isn't to the point that the Yankees or Red Sox don't decide to pick up the phone? While I think the above teams cover the large percentage, I think the actual field of potential suitors is still larger.

QUOTE (brett05 @ Jan 7, 2016 -> 10:56 AM) I have not seen the best Arnold Movie get mentioned yet. Commando?

I wouldn't be all that worried, especially if you are looking more long. In fact, if you stick to Dollar cost averaging, than I still say best bet is continue to DCA through good times and bad and have bulk of your equity exposure in index funds. To extent you want stable value / fixed income, adjust accordingly (depending on useage of the funds...whether long-term savings, shorter term, etc).

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Jan 7, 2016 -> 10:28 AM) The Rock True Lies Terminator 2 They don't make action movies like they used to Totally forgot about those two. Both epic movies. I think True Lies was one of the best movies ever back when the sound systems at the movies were going crazy (and people were getting into in home surround sound). I remember our old neighbor friends dad was a tecky and he had one of those laserdisc players and the biggest speakers I've ever seen. We'd go over to our friends house and watch true lies and would always be blown away. Under Siege to me, while absolutley hokie, was badass too. Chuck Norris, Segal, and Arnold were the kings of action. Closet thing in recent year is the Expendable series.

Indy Jones (original trilogy) Lord of the Rings Star Wars Back to the Future Snatch Usual Suspects Lethal Weapon Die Hard Sandlot Under Siege (in my opinion an all time action classic) Original Terminator Saving Private Ryan Not a comprehensive list (and in no particular order), but all of the above are fantastic flicks and in almost all cases, movies that I'll watch any time they are on.

There is no way the Bucs should have fired Lovie. That said, If I'm Gase, that becomes the most attractive job. Lovie got jobbed.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan99 @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 04:38 PM) For the life of me I can't figure out how Trevor Hoffman gets so much support in year 1 on the ballot and Mussina is still below 50%. I believe Hoffman has like the highest save percentage of closers in 1 run games (or something like that). It might be him and Paplebon. His save percentage in 1 run games and the amount of saves he had in one run games is significantly more than say Rivera. When I think of great closers, I think of Mariano and Trevor. Trevor was truly elite at what he did and for a very long time.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 04:37 PM) Here is something I came across while thinking about investing more. We were looking at increasing 401K vs. deferred income. I read that deferred income is not guaranteed. It is a promise to pay in the future. however, if the company declares bankruptcy they can just say there is no money to pay it. My questions is: did I interpret this correctly and being a state employee how would this apply to a government agency. Any help wold be appreciated. With two kids getting close to college, we were thinking the deferred income may help with decreasing FAFSA income assests. I haven't looked into this in detail (as I'm not yet eligible for any deferred comp, but something I will consider in time as a way to potentially manage taxes + another potential option to stagger for long-term future in regards to helping kids with college), that said, my understanding from a high level read I did of my companies policy lead me to believe what you mention above is true. Not sure how it works in terms of government employees though. I'm curious what happened for some of the counties in the country that have BK'd (if deferred comp was lost). Is their someone within the state who you could discuss with in more detail?

Recommendation #1 is pay off credit card debt. Recommendation #2 is figure out way to get 401K loan paid off (for points Mike mentions). Recommendation #3 (and this is more forward looking) but I know you've taken vacations and my personal opinion is until you have the credit card debt and 401K loan paid off, you shouldn't be taking vacations. Yes, I'm a scrooge with my money but I truly believe that (unless you have other stashes and you strategically took these steps because you are making a float and generating returns elsewhere, in which case, my tune would change). Given that you know you are not going to be able to catch-up on the CC debt before you are going to come due and the rate will become exorbitant and be a much larger economic hit, that is why (unless you play some sort of balance transfer game, which I think is probably possible) (and knowing that you work for the government so I presume your job has additional security vs. a private sector job). Also, depending on overall liquidity, Shack's suggestion to have some emergency funds would be key as well. Note: Please note, I do realize their can be unforseen circumstances which come up which necessitate the need to have significant liquid cash and that could very well be the case, but in those situations, my best advice, is live as below the means as possible, until you can pull yourself out of those holes (and to be frank...even after...continue to live below the means, develop emergency funds, grow 401k, take advantage of tax advantageous accounts where possible (FSA or HSA's, Dependent Care accounts where relevant).

QUOTE (GoSox05 @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 09:34 AM) Every team has a bunch of free agents. Brock Osweiler is not someone that is going to break the bank, not yet at least. They may have to choose between Jackson and Wolfe. Danny Trevathan is a nice player, but not someone you have to sign. I would be stunned if Osweiller doesn't get a decent size offer from someone. Not saying mega money, but QB's get paid, and someone who has crappy QB play is going to have seen enough of Brock to think he could take steps forward and be their QB.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 08:21 AM) They also have to resign Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan as well then. My money is Bears will get one of Jackson, Wolfe, Trevathan. I agree. Broncos have a number of young, above average defensive players who would fill needs on the Bears. And they also have Osweiller to pay (presume they are going to...but maybe they are going to go another direction). I don't know their cap situation but they are going to lose at least a few pieces.

Good deal for the Royals and I'm happy for Gordon to get to stay where he wanted to. That said, things should heat up pretty quick. I'm less optmistic today as I felt Gordon was the Sox best chance. Right now though, It certainly seems it is Cespedes or bust in terms of the initial big 3. Don't get the feeling that Upton is all that interested in the Sox (and I don't think the Sox want to offer the years it would take to get Upton).

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 2, 2016 -> 09:00 AM) There are a lot of total assholes in the HOF. Bonds was IMO a HOF worthy player before it became obvious he was juicing. I am sure there are guys in that have juiced, and have cheated many different ways. With the PED guys I was always no to getting in, but on a couple they seem to have been declared guilty with the evidence being stats and/or body. Harold Baines had some big years in his late 30s. Was he juicing? Tim Raines used cocaine when he played, even the documentary said he occasional kept a vial in his uniform pocket. Is he more innocent than a Bagwell or Piazza? It looks like Piazza has a shot this year, but by numbers alone, he should have been first ballot. No failed test, just a report about zits on his back. Even if you looked at him juicing, so what, he was the best player on the planet on roids. I view the HOF as who was the best in that era / generation. Their is absolutely no question that Bonds should be in the hall. When it comes to more suspect players, I understand, but Bonds was the all time best hitter I've ever seen in my lifetime. Whether it was roid induced or not, best ever is worth something to me.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Jan 5, 2016 -> 10:03 AM) I like the move for the Browns. Other sports have shown that coming from a different sport or industry doesn't prevent success. The same old tired attempts weren't working, why not try something different? The results can't be any worse. I agree with you. This seems to me like the Browns are taking a fresh look at things. If this was another organization, they'd be lauded. Because it is the Browns, we laugh. It actually seems very anti-browns. Although, they did hire Depodesta after a bunch of questionable moves made in the past day or so by them. Paul has his issues, but he's a pretty accomplished guy in the grand scheme of things and has an understanding of what it takes to be a successful sports organization. The fact that his background in baseball doesn't preclude him from bringing success here. His job isn't to identify the talent, it is to help create a positive and successful organizational culture and dynamic and ensure that works. He can also think strategically and understand the potential value in investments in analytics, etc, and potentially create a newer dynamic to the NFL. NBA and MLB have moved to being very pro advanced stats, but the NFL hasn't gotten their yet, imo. You'd have to think an evolution will get their. Bill B is really one of the few who leverages it (along with Chip), but you wonder where and how else it can truly be used / leveraged. I also think a key question to the whole Chip fiasco is understanding what he learned from his time with the Eagles. I still think he's a great coach, but the question is did he learn from his mistakes in Philly to understand the potential limitations and if he did, than I think he could be an excellent hire. He's an easy target to blast, but if I were a team, out of all the candidates, presuming he answers the aforementioned question well (and it comes off as believable), I would take him over almost any other candidate (outside of Sean Payton).

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 5, 2016 -> 12:17 PM) Desmond King coming back for his senior year at Iowa. His mom wants him to be the first graduate of the family. Now if Drew Ott can somehow get a medical redshirt, Iowa may be pissing off Cowherd again next season. I wish he would go pro. Love him ad his performance, but take the money. A lot can happen. I'm sure he'll get insurance, etc, but just take the opportunity and study in the off-season and wrap up in another few years. You can still reach that accomplishment while going pro and getting your payday now. I hope he kicks butt and keeps his stock where it is (if not pushes it higher).