Chisoxfn

Viciedo is back in the lineup.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 03:13 PM) Hmm, I think maybe you're seeing it that way through your yellow and black sprint-colored glasses. I know they take some flak because they have been the exclusive provider for the iPhone for the last 4 years or so, but there isn't much they can do about that. I also understand their network has been pushed a bit because of the wild success of the iPhone, but I wouldn't say they are "getting hit with tons of negative PR," or that their plan has been an "epic failure." Do you really think Verizon would be spending the amount of money fighting them through their ad campaign if they thought AT&T's plan was an "epic failure"? I agree with you that they were caught off-guard by the huge amounts of data that the iPhone users are consuming, but to say that paying $ for an exclusive contract for one of the most successful products of the 21st century and having more users than you anticipated, to the point that it is straining your infrastructure - to say that is a failure - that seems to be a bit inaccurate to me. I guess what matters now though is how they capitalize on their position in the marketplace going forward. Because you're right, the exclusivity contract will end sooner or later (2012?). ATT was the one who had there ad campaigns launched against Verizon (who I personally think is the best network around...pound for pound). And in terms of negative PR, I might be a little biased because I work really closely with a lot of IT types (who are huge Apple fan boys) but won't thing they won't ever quit jabbering about is how weak ATT's network is and everything along those lines. Same with my casual friends. Pretty much all of us, including those that have iphones, are pretty willing to admit it and this trend isn't just in my little click of friends and it is why ATT has begun advertising significantly about there coverage maps with the guy from Old School (not Jason Lee but the other one).

I did a little reading on the difference between CDMA and GSM and I haven't seen anything that really puts one or the other as being significantly better. Basically it seems like the USA has more CDMA than GSM and that for a while the US was primarily CDMA. Europe is primarily GDMA and than Asia is a mixed bag (CDMA & GSM). I don't know much about the Latin/African countries as neither appear to be on the cutting edge when it comes to cellular technology. I did read a few things that indicate CDMA has more long-term capabilities when it comes to download/upload speeds and that the big difference in the new networks Verizon/Sprint are rolling out is that the upload/download speeds will be much more real time as currently there is a lag on all of the providers prior to connecting (CDMA & GSM). Many more differences than that, but that appears to be one of the bigger differences. GSM has an international backing, but it appears in the world, CDMA is gaining some popularity. CDMA's upload speeds have real life possibilities of 700kbps per second to 384 for GSM. Basically put, GSM has more international pull, primarily due to the European Union making it the standard in Europe. CDMA has some real nice capabilities. Technically speaking, CDMA is a bit better, but from a data network standpoint, GSM wins because with a GSM phone you'll get more coverage WORLDWIDE.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 02:36 PM) No, I'm certainly not claiming their network is superior in any way. But to argue that they somehow are in trouble because their business plan succeeded more quickly than anyone might have predicted is silly. I don't think being overly successful is really going to kill them. ATT? Or Apple? r I don't necessarily think ATT's business plan has been overly successful. I think they currently have a network that can't handle the number of customers they have, but clearly they have to be happy with the # of customers they have. That said, there plan was an epic failure because they are getting hit wtih tons of negative PR and have generally a very bad public image. That isn't a good thing for the long-term continuance of your business, especially when your size is pretty reliant on an exclusive right agreement that will be ending in the foreseeable future.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 10:56 AM) Their 3G growth was exponentially faster than they thought it would be. CDMA's "3G" technology is really something that has been around a bit longer and didnt require the advances that GSM's did for rollout. Their "distressed" network is simply a lack of 3G coverage in certain areas which is overloading some of the towers which have to stream the data back to the sources. This wont be an issue for long as this has been ATT's push for over a year. In fact in Chicago, its made some major strides. Of course like I said before, CDMA devices interfere with GSM calls, so in large cities, more CDMA makes it harder for GSM devices to work properly. But clearly ATT has had superior devices, both on blackberries and now the Iphone. That might change a bit. ATT more than any other provider is so reliant on a 3rd party provider. Yes, they all rely on the LG's/Blackberry/etcs of the wrold, but ATT is the only one with this huge exclusive rights deal that they rely on for a major chunk of their business (and the Iphone business tends to be there biggest $ maker as the smartphone segment has much higher profit margins). The Android base is growing significantly and most of the good Android based phones are being released on the CDMA platforms and quite frankly if I was going to get behind a company during a war, I'd get behind Google. They should see an extraordinary market share gain as they continue to gain notoriety on the Verizon and Sprint networks, not to mention the new 4G phones being releasd by Verizon/Sprint appear to be incredible phones. Iphones are also incredible but more and more phones are capable of doing what an iphone can do at a lesser smart with more carrier flexibility. I also am not completely convinced that ATT has the best Blackberry phone. All of the BB phones with the exception of the storm appear to be kind of similar (from a general consumers standpoint). The big difference is on when the most recent model was released on each carrier, but be it a curve/tour/bold/etc they all tend to be similar. Only question is whether you need a world wide phone or not and than if you wnat a touch form (see storm). The European countries have some badass technology so I'd be really curious to see how that market does. I also am not sure who streams more...US or other countries. I know the rest of the world texts more than the US (albeit US texts a lot more than we used to), but I see us as being larger data hogs for some reason (complete guess though as I haven't looked into that).

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 10:51 AM) Now we're talking. The thing is that ATT's GSm technology has the backing of all of Europe, Asia and South America as far as development goes for both their 4G technology and any enhancements to their already superior 3G technology. The 4G technology that Verizon is rolling out is a very small footprint and many doubt the actual funding behind such a move as they would have to really start abandoning their 3G technology and make a commitment to the 4G LTE network that at the moment is almost exactly like the GSM 3G network. With such a large worldwide market share, GSM is clearly the leader in this space regardless of what maps on commercials tell people. GSM as of right now is the standard for cellular service, while CDMA is a nice bit player in America. I would actually put alot more stock into one of the Asian or European GSM companies to expand through ATT into the US and really make this a serious turf war. If I was to bet on a technology, I still think its whoever solves the cell network/WiMax issue. If a carrier can somehow seamlessly marry coverage from traditional cell towers and VOIP from an internet provider including home and public networks, then we have a very reliable, fast and technologically superior provider. Sprint seems to have a leg up in the whole VOIP thing but they haven't been able to come close to doing what they were originally hoping they would be capable of doing. I could definitely see a big cell phone company from outside of the US getting involved and getting ATT whipped into shape. They have really let there network deteriorate despite being on a platform that is considered favorable around the world. However, I'm not sure exactly GSM ended up winning out in world wide standards vs CDMA. Do you happen to know why? I thought part of the reason was that the European Union backed one source a long time ago so that happens to be what they went with. Where as in the US our government in a sense tends to stay out of those type of issues. It is why in some ways electroncially we can fall behind because we end up with companies investing in multiple platforms. However, it also tends to leads to some cool inventions and innovation.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 10:47 AM) So you don't find it ironic that the reason AT&T has a distressed network is because so many people are enjoying the use of superior products on it? The fact that that is seen as some sort of weakness on AT&T's part is, well, strange to me. No, ATT paid a huge amount of money for exclusive rights to a product. There is nothing about there network that is superior to the other providers. Just one in a list of problems is the fact that they are over-capacity due to the Iphone, but other networks have more bandwith to handle it.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 12:05 PM) http://lmgtfy.com/?q=russian+food Haha, I did actually get off my ass and google it. I was curious what some of there most famous dishes are. I love me some beef stroganoff and I saw where Apple Pie of all things is something they are famous for.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 10:29 AM) Define superior network. Each provider has its shortfalls, Verizon's network is a CDMA network which is good for now, but with more data streaming and users demanding flexibility for overseas travel, it is not sufficient in the long term. Verizon is actually moving to an LTE standard in the next few years, which is the only way they will get to 4G. GSM technology is about 10 times more prevalent around the world and is a much more mature and understood technology. This is what is used by ATT and most of the overseas providers. GSM covers about 85% of the world wide market, while CDMA is about 10%. The funny part is that in areas of more CDMA useage, GSM technology actually has a harder time working because of the interference caused by those devices. Of course in anywhere but the USA, this is not an issue whatsoever as GSM is pretty much the standard. In the US, coverage for CDMA seems much more prevalent because of the inclusion of analog networks, which will be phased out in the upcoming years. GSM is definitely lagging behind in rolling out the 3G coverage to its users, but analysts dont think this will be the case for long. With many more providers using the GSM standard around the globe, development has both more funds and more people behind it to continue to grow the technology into the future. I use ATT because my company demands it for our worldwide travels, but for me, Verizon has always have much more stable coverage around the country, though in Chicago, ATT has always been strong for me. The growth of the iphone definitely caught ATT and its network by surprise, and with the new capabilities of the Iphone with possible ichat video streaming, I am guessing they are dumping money into expanding their 3G network. GSM has its positives and negatives, but coming from a technology background, my guess is that usually the global standard forces out the outlier like Nextel's technology which is being completely phased out. It will be interesting to see where Verizon goes with what could be their lone standard for this technology moving forward. Are they really trying to build a new 4G standard, or will they eventually move to GSM. Its an interesting conversation. Sorry for the essay, but I think its a very in depth topic much more advanced then "crappy network". I know Verizon and Sprint are both moving to 4G networks, both are on the CDMA technology (which is also used in parts of Asia as well, but not used much, if at all in the European zones). The initial versions of 4G will not provide super significant improvements because there is still a lot to do and technically speaking ATT currently has more potential for there 3G to be faster than the current early versions of Sprint/Verizon's 4G. That will change in time and they are stating that in the next year to two the 4G coverage that will be provided by Verizon/Sprint will be superior to what ATT currently has and has in the pipeline (not to mention the fact that currently, in general, ATT lags behind the other major carries due to their distressed network). Sprint will be using the Wimax which people have some doubts about as to how strong of a technology it really will be. The big thing that Verizon and Sprint have is that they have actively managed there network. Hell, you could make a case that Sprint has spent the most money developing and enhancing its network (both now and for the future) and during that time they have suffered in the phone department (pretty s***ty phones compared to Verizon/ATT). However, that is starting to change as well now that they will have phones developed specifically for the network they will be rolling out. From what I have read in terms of highest speeds and the 4G success, the 1-3 year plan indicates that Sprint & Verizon will be battling each other with ATT behind. That said, ATT still has the Apple contract which is huge for them. Whether Apple eventually backs out of that agreement and pays the penalties associated with that (I assume mega $) who knows. If that were to happen it would alleviate some of ATT's problems but also put them in a really really bad position. If I were to bet my money on any phone company completely dominating, it would be Verizon. They have the best combo of unique phones & current/future network coverage. Sprint is a sleeper in this but they took a massive hit for years and years of s***ty customer service (they got complacent). Since than Sprint has gotten its act majorly in gear but who knows. The company I wouldn't be my money on would be ATT. They just have a lot of things going against them currently. However, major improvements to GSM would enable ATT & Tmobile (who I believe is on GSM as well) to potentially flourish.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 10:00 AM) I like. ---- The New York Post is reporting that Tom Thibodeau has turned down an offer to coach the New Orleans Hornets and is now the front runner to coach the Chicago Bulls. Thibodeau, who reportedly has trouble making decisions, was beat out for the Bulls' job by Vinny Del Negro last time around, but is said to be nearly a lock for the job this time. Avery Johnson is now the front runner to take the Nets' coaching job, while Monty Williams should take over in New Orleans in the near future. f***ing sweet. I'd love Thibo. I'd like Doc or Phil better, but if that can't happen I'm perfectly content with Thibo.

I will still watch the Sox but I've written them off for the year. I'll get more amped up when some moves happen and there are just more guys that I am interested in watching on the team. That said, I still check the scores every day and watch the games. I just turned off my emotions when I watch the games for the most part because there is no reason to get super upset or frustrated at the team in its current state. I'm quite frustrated with how long some of these guys have consistently under-achieved. It is what it is and right now I'm ready for a regime change. It is time for Hahn and a new manager to step in. I certainly hope some of our key guys going forward kick ass though: Santos, Rios, Ramirez, Quentin, Beckham, Floyd, Danks, Peavy (due to his hefty contract), Buehrle (because he's Buehrle). For the sake of trades I'd love it if AJ, Paulie, Jenks, Thornton (who I think we should move and get a freaking ransom for) all were phenomenal.

The Fullerton regional will be televised. A good game to watch will be the Titans/Minnesota game. Fullerton is starting its freshmen Dylan Florio. Guy is considered a very good prospect with a chance to eventually be a 1st round pick. Still very young so who knows how he will show up. Florio had been there Sunday starter. Minnesota is starting Seth Rosin, who is a tall righty with good velocity whose seen his stock rise. He could be a real nice guy to draft and either turn into a premium reliever or see if he can continue to develop and start. He currently has a pretty good FB/Change-up combo. Evidently has plus command. Pitches in the 93-95 range and has maintained his velocity late into games. http://baseballbeginnings.com/2010/05/14/seth-rosin-qa/ Above is a link to a Q&A with Rosen.

I didn't realize both of my Titans were repped by Boras. Harvey, Ranaudo and Paxton are the 3 pitchers who intrigue me most at our pick. I'd love Gary Brown with our 2nd rounder but he'll be gone before than. And than there is Lavon Washington. Loaded with tools, didn't sign last year (projects as a top of the order Cf'er or 2nd baseman), but is repped by Boras. Most reports have him projected to go in the 2nd. Damn would he look good.

I know the Sox will not apparently redraft him. No idea if that was the decision of the Sox or Morgado.

Ranaudo had a bounce-back outing last week. First good outing in a while. Showed plus stuff. Probably won't change his draft stock much though. He's going to have to sign for above slot, which means he'll fall to a team like the Angels/Dodgers/Red Sox/Yankees. Such a shame how poorly the organization manages its farm system. I really look forward to the day Rick Hahn steps in because I think he better appreciates the value of putting additional finances into the minor league organization.

I stream Pandora every day on my drive to and from work though. So for me, I'd be f***ED. Thankfully I am on a superior network than that s*** ATT network at a superior price point as well.

QUOTE (Capn12 @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 06:23 AM) Its hard to blame Apple though, but unfortunately, most cell service providers will be following suit. Unlimited data is a great idea, except for the sheer volume of usage going on right now for companies like AT&T. Of course, had AT&T used some of their Apple money to actually IMPROVE their network in urban areas, like they needed to do years ago, this may not have been an issue. So, shame on you AT&T. Improve the networks. In AT&T's defense, the unlimited data plan going away won't impact many Iphone users (not a ton use more than the 2Gigs that the 25 buck plan alllows). But there are a ton of ipad people that I'm sure will be pretty irate. That said I have to imagine that most people with an Ipad don't use an ATT data plan but rather opt to use the product through WIFI.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 06:23 AM) This one drives me crazy. With all of the people, time, and equiptment needed to undertake this operation, NO ONE has made a first hand account of either doing it, or seeing it done. That is what I find ridiculous. There is no way this conspiracy could be done and kept quiet because so many people would have needed to be involved. It is completely preposterous. And than there is the fact that it would take that many people in our government, etc, to be willing to kill that many innocent people. I can't even fathom that being the case.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 2, 2010 -> 05:02 PM) I'd be curious to hear from the 9-11 group on here. What and why do you believe? That is one I can't get behind at all. I'm a pretty tough person to offend, but I honestly get offended and appalled at the talk of the 9/11 conspiracy. I can't believe that people think the government would pull something like that off. Pearl Harbor would be one thing and even than while I talk about the possibility that FDR knew, I think the most likely scenario is he had an inkling an attack was happening but he didn't know the exact date and time, etc, so it was hard to truly be prepared.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Jun 2, 2010 -> 07:54 PM) My brother in law's wife has been there more times then I can count, and she's fluent in Russian - done some work over there. Maybe I can have her email you? Absolutely.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jun 2, 2010 -> 07:57 PM) Yeah, I know. lol. I hope they help him out with COLA or per diem or whatever you'd call it. I won't pay a dime during the 2 weeks I am there, so they'll be helping me out, haha. Whenever I travel on business nothing but the company card is used. I'm allowed a couple tourist type things to do that are reasonable as well. Hell, I got another question. What is Russian food? I honestly have no idea.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 3, 2010 -> 07:30 AM) You cannot associate the frequency of a black swan event, over a very short period, with any sort of trend. If over 5 or 10 years, you start seeing a big increase in no-hitters and perfect games, then maybe its meaningful. But to look at the 19th, 20th, and maybe 21st events of something happening in about a MILLION games played, and try to draw any sort of conclusion from it, just isn't meaningful. Over the past 2 years, no hitters, 1 hitters, 2 hitters, and perfect games are up a total of 50% over the average of the most recent 10 year span of the Steroid Era. I think it is interesting to note how much baseball is shifting back to a pitchers league and I think we will see the way the game is played get altered a bit in the near future. Some of the little things that help you scrap out a run or two will become more important. As will having guys that can play incredible defense.

QUOTE (T R U @ Jun 2, 2010 -> 11:06 PM) Its because of the steroid crack down, get use to hitting going downhill It is a combination of no steroids, no HGH, and more importantly no amphetamines. Players aren't able to get "up" like they used to, especially on extended road trips, etc. In addition to that we are entering an era with some really really good pitchers. And I don't think perfect games are going to become a common occurrence. Hitters today are more patient than ever before and while they might strike out a lot, they also tend to walk more.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Jun 2, 2010 -> 08:29 PM) If that umpire is not fired, then I'm done with baseball. Come on, that is pretty ridiculous. Joyce is one of the better umps in baseball. He just made a really terrible call at an awful time.

Steve, very cool stuff you and Rangercal have done.