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There was a lot of interesting stuff on the Chris Ryan/Andy Greenwald podcast today on star wars. One, I learned that there really wasn't a script handed to JJ Abrams from Michael Arndt, he had general themes but that's it. So the entire script was written in the 3 months before they needed to shoot. That explains a lot, and certainly explains why they went with safer landscapes like desert/forest/snow vs. the swamp scenes discussed earlier.

I really like Gordon. I feel like he's the player we've really needed and have not targeted. But I'd be happy with any of them, but I don't really think about Upton anymore.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 04:48 PM) Blah blah blah Fox News, who cares which outlets are covering this more? Fox New is covering it, I've seen it. CNN and everyone else is too. I really don't think this matters. What matters is how to handle the sedition. I think the Feds are right to wait it out a bit, then go in carefully to negotiate these guys out. They're scum who should be federally prosecuted, but that doesn't mean you want a gunfight. Now, if this drags on for weeks or months, and all peaceful efforts fail, at some point, you need to go in there and get them out. Preferably you use tear gas or something and do an HRT-style thing as opposed to a military action. But I sure as heck wouldn't want to do anything that puts federal officers or soldiers in danger, so if it comes to that, these idiots in the refuge can go screw themselves. I have little sympathy for the outcome for them. The worst part of this is, the locals don't want them there, nor does the state, nor do the people they are supposedly acting on behalf of. They aren't patriots, they're thugs. Here's what I think will happen. These dudes were so in their echo chamber of self-righteousness and thought they'd see this swell of support ala Bundy ranch. It's clearly not happening. I think soon they panic and try to work their best deal for jail time. As a second part, I think Obama should consider using the pardon on the actual ranchers, considering the mandatory minimum looks ridiculous and they have already served time.

He seems nice.

Ending really ruined it for me. So over the top. (Shooting Hitler in the exploding face not over the top, bmags? - fair point, but Laurent)

QUOTE (2005thxfrthmmrs @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 03:47 PM) Cruz, Felix, Perez, 3 of my favorite guys to follow in the system. It's highly likely that one of the 3 would crack our top 10 next season. Cruz has the highest potential if he moves back to SS and lives up to the reputation of being a strong defender at that spot. I would also add Ramon Beltre to the list, kid just turned 19 and could be moving Stateside this coming season. Is Felix referring to Felix Mercedes?

Well, You are saying there is no need to worry about age 35 because a left handed bat is always useful. People are worried about age 35 because players decline. So my point is that it doesn't matter if you are left or right handed, or a good fit for 2nd or 4th, if you aren't a good hitter you aren't useful. That said, I think Gordon will age really well.

Seconded. Django I thought I liked leaving, but I don't think Jamie Foxx was good in the role and it kinda took me out of it. I tried to turn it on again and couldn't get through the first 20 minutes. I watched the hell out of inglourious bastards though.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 03:59 PM) I'd like to see the Sox offer 4 years, at $16M, just to make the Royals have to up their offer to something close to that. If Gordon gets his wish, which appears to be to return to KC, I'd at least like to see them have to spend some serious money, which would contribute to their being financially more restrained, when all their guys become free agents. I wouldn't worry about the 4TH year, when Gordon would be 35, as the Sox always seem to be able to use a left handed bat. Let him DH in 2019, if his defense declines so much that the Sox would have better options for LF. LaRoche's .697 ops v. righties wasn't exactly useful.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 02:09 PM) Cousins, Bortles, and Carr (to me) have exceeded expectations so far Good call on Carr. Basically, the big story to me in this boring as hell NFL season was: - The end of the QB elite: Peyton gone, Brees pretty much done for good. Rodgers with a down year. Brady was Brady - The second tier was bi-polar: Romo out. Rivers was back to garbage. Eli was not so great. Kaepernick went from future star to replaced by worst QB in league. Meanwhile, Newton, Wilson and Roethlisberger were fantastic. With Newton/Wilson possibly becoming new tier 1 QBs. But looks like the fresh blood with Bortles/Cousins/Mariota/Carr/Winston may have very bright years ahead. Cutler I think had a great year but not sure what tier he is. Kind of like the best of tier 3.

How many times did we need Kurt Russell explaining that he was taking his prisoner to get 10k at red rock? Or that he hangs people? Kurt Russell was like having a senile relative in the movie.

Has Pete Rose failed to make money in the autograph market? I think that is a very marginal consideration. Most of the people that care about autographs will soon die, right? Who are they? If there is some lucrative selfie market come find me.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 01:47 PM) They are? Meant to quote pettie4sox who stated that. I think too much is overblown on Rose's contract/injury. It's not optimal, but soon the cap will explode, and his contract is will come off the books in a pretty good year too. As some have said, he could probably be moved if you need to. I mean, save that talk for Nets/Knicks.

NS, I feel like there was a lot of buzz around C Carlos Perez (?) in july of last year. Is he worth following?

"The Unauthorized Hall of Fame of Major League Baseball: the accomplishments the Man didn't Want you to know about!"

I have to say, just as the QB situation in the NFL looked worse than it has in 15 years, suddenly Kirk Cousins/Bortles/Wilson/Stafford catch fire toward the end. Cousins was most unbelievable to me. This dude just...stopped throwing interceptions.

I just don't think the Hall of Fame needs to be some cheerleader exhibit for MLB. Why can't it just put it out there, tell the truth? Why should the museum, which is largely the smithsonian of baseball excellence, not just deal with reality? I don't like this idea that we are supposed to largely act like the incredible (in the true sense of the word) baseball milestones taking place in the l90s/early 00s didn't exist. Put them in there, and lay down the reality that increase in steroid usage saw huge increases in offense and pitching never seen before. Oh, no no, instead we should put our fingers in our ears and act like Bonds didn't exist. 98 never happened. HOF is an exhibit of baseball greatness. That it aligns itself with hero worship and must be a victory lap where we must also applaud them as incredible human beings is dumb. I'd like to start a baseball history museum that actually covers the history of the game, and let the HOF do it's walter payton award ceremony.

Coughlin out. As I have said, I would not want to be hiring an NFL coach this year. There were not even that many breakout teams with great candidates. Gase is obviously gone. Harold Goodwin gone? Does Darrell Bevill get the call?

I will feel much better if Adams/Danish have dominant seasons. Goes without saying, but Hawkins having a breakout season would also make the list a lot better. 2 dynamic hitters/3 dynamic pitchers makes up for a lot.

So, saw the roadshow of The Hateful Eight. I do recommend if you are seeing the movie to find the 70mm versions. The screen showing at Music Box was incredible, and the opening shots were worth the price. Seeing it in a huge theatre like that was a lot of fun, rarely am I in a packed house like that and its a completely different experience. Fun for moviegoers, if you are one that prefers watching at home - probably not going to sway you. As for the movie, it had interesting ideas, great visuals, great scenes of dialogue, but it just didn't come together for me.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 08:56 AM) The feds really can't back down again like they did the first time these guys pointed weapons at BLM officials. This group really isn't a threat of anything except embarrassing themselves. Not making them martyrs is the smart move. Nobody thinks Waco was handled well, and that started with them shooting at ATF agents. Let it ride, do not go in. Maybe play loud music, cut power, etc. Treat it like a hostage situation. Although I'm not sure what it says when basically any obstinate behavior in an episode with a police officer where you end up dead is considered justified, but if the Feds went in guns blazing to a group that has taken over federal property with guns gets people the benefit of the doubt.

Why are the Bulls in a world of trouble as an organization? quick edit: in response to pettie4sox

They are so upset that the BLM doesn't allow land the federal govt owns has protections on it and want to get special treatment or else that means they can revolt.

I know pagano is not a great coach, but I'd rather keep him that join the 15 or so teams hiring this year.

QUOTE (Sockin @ Jan 3, 2016 -> 06:16 PM) Have you heard something or just guessing? He's joking.