bmags

Ugh, reading digitally advanced restaurant makes me want to throw up.

That is hugely overstated, just because you'll have compressed audio doesn't mean better head phones won't make it sound much better than a $20 pair of sony ear buds. Beside better base and texture, the higher end headphones help dramatically with ear fatigue, again, regardless of whether you are using compressed files. There are true audiophiles in this world, and then there are people that feel like they should know it and in reality could not tell you the difference between the AAV and lossless formats. But you certainly would be able to get a much more decisive preference for consumers having them listen to a $100 pair of headphones and $20 pair listening to itunes files, than a $20 pair listening to lossless files.

I think the way he was controlling the media and players was indicative of being a bad person. Though certainly Josh Freeman actually ending up being one of the worst QBs ever sort of helped out in that he was right in that part.

I remember when World Wide Wes was pushing Lebron to the Bulls and we were the favorites.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 05:48 AM) It involves them either S&T Lin and Asik to NY for Melo or they have to trade them for pure cap space, but both of them have a $15M hit. Weren't there sign and trade limitations build into the new CBA? Anyone remember what they were?

QUOTE (ptatc @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 05:55 PM) There are many studies which show the adverse effects of marijuana. They are much worse the tobacco for cardiovascular risks. You can pretty much guarantee a heart attack if you smoke it regularly. I posted some articles in another thread. One of the paradoxical effects is the TCH and the anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is prescribed for some inflammatory conditions such as glaucoma for this reason. The other side is that any other injury will take much longer to heal or won't heal due to the inflammatory process not occurring. So in the short term and long term it will have an impact on your health, which in turn may have an effect on the long term health care of the state. I mean, people are already using it. I don't know if there's good data yet for uptick in actual usage, so the uptick would be marginal i'm guessing. The population increase would widen the tax base, and hopefully they'll move to dense areas.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 04:56 PM) I really wanted to vote in last April's local elections. Unfortunately, I could find almost no information at all about any of the local candidates beyond a bunch of empty slogans. Hell, if any of them had even bothered to hand out fliers and go door-to-door, they could have gotten my vote. Just voted in Guzzardi in logan square. Seems like a smart guy, and somehow younger than me. But it's not just voting, people wouldn't believe how much actually writing to your congressman affects their views. If you took the time to write, they'll assume you'll most certainly vote.

In other words, VOTE LOCAL.

I mean, local politics has so few voters vote. That's the issue. It's not that people are stupid, it's that the people who are voting "know" the candidate and that he's a good guy/girl and will rep their interests. So everyone likes their rep, hates the whole.

I mean, wasn't the bad part just that Pearl lied? Compared to having programs with actual illegal behavior being covered up, recruiting violations like having a recruit over to your house more than is allowed just doesn't get me as riled up. Pearl was a good studio commentator, wish he stayed out of coaching.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:36 PM) It'd be nice to have that revenue, but give the government in Illinois an extra 70 million and it goes nowhere. Taxing pot to pay off loan interest, we're like post college drug dealers.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:31 PM) Man, look at that string of corruption with Ryan and Blago. Jesus. The only thing Illinois has proven is that we have poor taste in politicians. Yet our senators have been very good. When they know they have an eye on them, or have national aspirations, they seem to do well, but when they are in the thick of actual state politics it is a hellish muck of awful.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:26 PM) Jim Edgar was incredibly popular and probably our best governor, ever? Of my lifetime. He had to beat out George Ryan, Blagoyevich and Quinn for being governor during my conscious years. I actually don't think Quinn is corrupt or a bad guy I just don't think he has any ability to lead the democrats on policy. And a lot needs to be done in Illinois right now. Edit: not saying the Edgar was only good because of that, just pointing out the incredible IL governor legacy of 2000 and beyond.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:15 PM) Save us millions of dollars. I'd like to include local reps as well like Chicago alderman who are making 125k+ for a part time job. We elect FELONS as Chicago alderman without any issues. And I dont think there is a huge desire in IL for a republican to take over since you have to include Chicago as part of IL. My desire to just to get Quinn out of office so I'd vote green party at this point. And Oberweis is a joke in so many ways. He gets the ice cream and the crazy religious vote and thats about it. While huge desire is overstating, I think a NJ comparison is apt. If a republican governor came into power in illinois, worked with the democrats to pass things, he would be hugely popular. But they seem more interested in Scott Walker for some reason as a road map.

OBERWEIS DOES NOT GET MY ICE CREAM VOTE!!!

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:12 PM) Right, Rauner is a multi-billionaire. He's not running for governor for the paycheck. Many politicians are already wealthy when they run for office, and lowering the salary just ensures that you're going to keep attracting the already wealthy. Or they will just run a term, and jump to a local consulting gig selling their "influence" for millions (see Rahm's lucrative post congressional bank gig)

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:04 PM) How about we pass a law that Illinois politicians only can make 75k a year tops? I'd be on board with that. What would this do? I think the issue right now is while there is a definite desire in IL for a Republican administration to take over governor, the only places that are electing republicans are incredibly conservative and putting out really terrible candidates. That Oberweis once again can win a primary is a joke. I'm sure he benefits the Republicans in fundraising, but at some point he is running so much people associate Illinois Republicans with Jim Oberweis. When you have a good candidate (Kirk) that can appeal to people by not being crazy/distancing themselves from national party they do well. But the well is too often dry. A Chris Christie/Romney/S. Brown candidate would clean house, but they are nowhere to be found. Dillard would have destroyed Quinn. And here's Rauner. I doubt the guy gets to November without being sunk by his corruption.

So property taxes are mostly going to schools/police/etc. I'm not sure I could see how state setting a level like that is practical. So if a locality decides it wants an improvement to their schools it would what, increase sales tax? That's incredibly regressive.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 03:39 PM) Have I just not really noticed in past years, or are the Bears busier than usual this year? I feel like last year we did everything on the first day. However, they are busier this year because I believe they had more of their roster to fill out than almost every other team in the league. Virtually the entire defense were on their last year of their contract.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 02:40 AM) Rapaport said it'll be a 1 year deal with an option.....Another tweet, from one of those guys, said he was only asking for 4 mill. So ya, I too will be disappointed if it is indeed just the 1/4 deal.....Esp. if they can't land Donald, or whoever they do get to play the 3T doesn't get after the QB like the Bears need em to. Kind of an interesting contract. Basically a 1 year 5 million dollar deal, and if he's on the roster the first practice (or something) after next season his 3 year 8 mill per year option kicks in.

QUOTE (dasox24 @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 02:38 AM) Haven't heard anything about the money involved, but it's only a 1 year deal for Melton. Hope he got paid because I'm going to be pretty disappointed in Emery if it's something like a 1 year, $4M deal. Schefter said it was a multi year deal. I'm shocked...cowboys had very little to spend.

I liked Steltz when Conte and Wright were hurt, though obviously I think I just preferred anyone at that point. But I'm guessing he's special teams filler.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 06:55 PM) That is why I said or part of Russia... implying that if part of Russia says it wants to be independent and has a vote, would Putin recognize it? Ah, what you wrote reads more like what if part of China votes to be independent or votes to be part of Russia

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 05:55 PM) I think once Manning retires, their "ingenious" drafting will look a little less genius. Similar to Rodgers in GB, having possibly the best QB in the history of the game really can hide bad drafting. But they were a playoff team before Manning with possibly the worst QB in the history of the NFL starting.

If smart watches are going to take off they are going to have to sell me on other features than "IT TAKES CALLS TO YOUR WRIST!" Honestly, don't hate the weather part. If they literally only gave me weather watch for less money I'd buy it.