bmags

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.

QUOTE (Stan Bahnsen @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 02:11 PM) Tyler exuding huge confidence in his abilities by expressing surprise in being named starter. http://www.csnchicago.com/white-sox/tyler-...tarting-catcher "Don't they know I suck?" In every scenario, yes they do

Obviously Michael Jordan is the only reference one has for examples of NBA players and coaches who move into the front office.

http://grantland.com/features/chicago-cubs...x-theo-epstein/ Cubs slobknobbin. That exploiting of hitters and pitchers sounds well and nice, but acquiring good pitchers isn't that easy.

I mean, I know. This isn't a surprise to me. Well, 31 players is a surprise to me. But it is amazing on the other hand how few would probably be on the BEars roster. Have we even had a UDFA that's done a damn thing for us in years? Sanzenbacher?

QUOTE (Feeky Magee @ Mar 17, 2014 -> 11:18 PM) Hahn and Williams watched Huascar Ynoa yesterday (reportedly the top arm of the international prospects, brother of all-time record bonus pitcher Michael) "Rick Hahn and Ken Williams are here watching the IPL travel team. I have Ynoa idea who they're here to see." https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/445258901236101120 "Huascar Ynoa mostly 88-92, worked out of some trouble but threw curveball for strikes and flashed feel for a changeup. Pretty good for 15." https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/445276974131343360 How big is the international market for pitchers that age? Considering we don't like drafting high school pitchers I can't imagine we'd spend big on a 15 year old arm.

QUOTE (Feeky Magee @ Mar 17, 2014 -> 11:18 PM) Hahn and Williams watched Huascar Ynoa yesterday (reportedly the top arm of the international prospects, brother of all-time record bonus pitcher Michael) "Rick Hahn and Ken Williams are here watching the IPL travel team. I have Ynoa idea who they're here to see." https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/445258901236101120 "Huascar Ynoa mostly 88-92, worked out of some trouble but threw curveball for strikes and flashed feel for a changeup. Pretty good for 15." https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/445276974131343360 How big is the international market for pitchers that age? Considering we don't like drafting high school pitchers I can't imagine we'd spend big on a 15 year old arm.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 03:55 PM) Honestly I feel that local politics is more corrupt. There is more of a trust built in because "I know that guy". There are also a lot less prying eyes. Smalltown press is dependent on the politicians for advertising and stories, so they can't burn those bridges. Some of the crap I have seen happen at the local level is just amazing. I agree. And even feel that way for Chicago. Most of the corruption you see is on the Alderman level, where it's harder to keep track.

QUOTE (Jake @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 03:25 PM) Drove the entire Missouri portion of 55 en route to Tennessee On March 1st weekend there was an ice storm in Missouri on our way back from a film festival. I-70 to St. Louis was terrifying, tons of accumulation on the roads, cars all over the side of the road. White knuckle driving. Then, of course, we get on the Illinois side and suddenly the roads are salted and plowed and we could drive normally. That's one thing this damn state gets right.

I read Schefter's piece (jerk move, I know but I read it on my phone and can't find where he stored it) on the Broncos and their cap. Makes you really mad at how poorly the bears have drafted. For all of this "spending spree" they are still in fine shape with 31 players on their rookie contracts on the team. Meanwhile...the Bears. No matter how good our FA signings and re-signings continue to perform, this team is screwed until we get a draft pick worth a damn.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 02:39 PM) Is there something wrong about caring more about money? As if it makes a person selfish? Maybe in Melo's case because he has made so much to this point in his career, but there are a lot of circumstances involved too. If it's best for both he and La La, then he's not wrong in staying. If they want to go to Chicago, they're not wrong in doing that either. It's funny how the new CBA thought the extra year and money would be such a trump card, and people already assume that it's meaningless. And maybe that extra year doesn't mean that much to a player, they could instead get a new contract at the higher rate.

QUOTE (MexSoxFan#1 @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 02:58 PM) I agree, still the Bulls are his best bet for a chance at a ring in the near future. The Knicks are a mess and I don't think PJax is gonna turn them into legit contenders overnight. The way I see it, if Melo takes less money to come here as a FA, then he's serious about getting a title. If he stays in NY, then he's too dumb to realize the Bulls are his best bet and or he cares mores about getting that money. Well, it is a LOT more money, and his wife would clearly be happier there. Not the biggest jerk move in the world.

Ugh..AND Shengalia out? Can't catch a break.

Gonna be interesting. Westbrook, KD, Ibaka should all be pretty fresh for a back to back, and no Perk to laugh at

Watching Deng in this Cavs clips game. He looks awful on that team, especially on D. It looks like he is trying to account for the stupidity of all of his teammates and cover for all of them.

So do the Seahawks have any cornerbacks beside Sherman now?

Really pumped Peanut stayed. He probably won't stay on the field more than 8 games, but still glad he stayed.

Man, I just can't stand this Mizzou team. So glad the seasons over so I don't have to get push updates on their ridiculous play.