NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 01:56 PM) And "The land already accessible" is often terrible for HSR because you can't, you know, make sharp turns. That's why I said "to the extent possible". You can work with the ROW's you have, and make only the changes necessary. You can also focus on doing land swaps and making your angle changes in places it is easier to do. Point is, while it would be nice to simply draw straight lines between cities, that is basically impossible. Start with what you have, work out from there.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 01:52 PM) Which should mean that the U.S. actually has a whole lot fewer difficulties with "lots of people living on the land we need" as well. Both countries have large geographic obstacles, but if you want to build something new in China there's probably something already sitting there you have to demolish. However, China's government probably has no hesitation in simply plowing right over those properties. That becomes much more difficult (though not impossible) in the US. Acquiring right-of-ways for any new lines is a huge obstacle in this country. They need to focus on using the land they already have access to, to a great extent.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 12:37 PM) I believe what you saw was the presentation trailer made in order to sway the movie studio. I don't think principle filming has started on the movie yet Really? Pretty slick presentation then. Production values seemed fairly strong, and there was a lot of footage.

Speaking of Jurassic Park in the other thread... I saw a preview a few weeks back. Looks like a new JP movie, but looked like a very different take. Sam Neill is not the lead, it is Willem Defoe, and it looked like it was a lot more about the hunt (for the dinosaurs and a person) than the dinosaurs themselves. The look and feel were also wildly different. I didn't realize what it was until most of the way through the preview.

Worth pointing out... when the billions of federal dollars became available for making the Chicago-hubbed train lines capable of high speeds trains, some states gladly took the money (Illinois, Michigan). But one of the key routes, Chicago-Minneapolis, goes mostly through Wisconsin. The Feds were going to dump $2B worth of money there to rebuild and add rail for high speed trains, in exchange for the state of Wisconsin to take on $8M worth of yearly maintenance costs. They turned it down. Because, Scott Walker. There you have part of the problem - state politics.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 11:29 AM) My mom went to there. Can I jump on the bandwagon? There's always room. It gets pulled behind a combine in this case, hope that's alright.

Jurassic Park was fun, but I agree with Kyle, the book was much better. Harry Potter movies come close, and were really well done. There have been rumors on and off for years about my favorite non-fiction book in recent memory, Blood and Thunder, being made into a movie. Dreamworks bought the rights some years back. I think it will be really hard to cast Kit Carson.

Also always wondered... when they talk about original screenplay vs adaptation, like for the Academy Awards, how is that determined? Some years back, the movie Thirteen Days was nominated for best original screenplay. Except, there was a book, about the exact same historical events with all the same cast of characters (pretty much)... not to mention the fact that it was a history piece. I enjoyed the movie, but, how is that an Original Screenplay?

Very few movies I've seen were as good as, let alone better than, their books. LOTR movies I think I may have liked better than the books. The Hunt for Red October was as-good-as, but not better than. Another interesting question - what books have you all read that you really do NOT want made into movies? Maybe ones you think just cannot be good as film.

Denver and DC systems are not better than Chicago's in terms of coverage and practicality - Denver is in fact nowhere close to Chicago in those regards. But, DC and Denver's systems are much better maintained and cleaner.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 08:22 AM) There are some interesting nuggets about Tanaka in Michael Sneed's Sun Times column today. I don't know if it's Kenny being Kenny or what but it's definitely interesting. http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/2484383...ll-of-fame.html Seems like a strong hint on something. As for Australia, in addition to what others mentioned, remember too that KW is a business head now. This relationship the Sox have with the Sydney Blue Sox is a new thing, and they probably need to do things to maintain it. One player was involved (peripherally) in a fight, the other was hurt (not in the fight) and flew home. Could be there to make sure things are still OK, and to work on decisions about future ABL seasons for their prospects. Or, outside possibility, they were scouting players in the ABL. Not just the Sox guys, but other MiLB guys who are down there (like Keon Broxton).

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 08:35 AM) I doubt it will be a 2014 movie, but there has been news on and off about a movie adaptation of The Stand. I guess they've gone through three directors, and the latest to drop out was concerned because the producers wanted a PG or PG-13 type movie. That might be problem enough, but I just don't see how they could even capture a glimpse of the novel in a 2 hour movie. The Stand has already been a movie, starred Gary Sinise. As I recall, it was made for TV, and broken up into pieces. I only saw the very beginning of it, and it wasn't great, from what I saw.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Jan 8, 2014 -> 11:16 PM) Everyone can just cheer for Iowa State. Dreamiest coach in America Still just two of us I think. QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Jan 9, 2014 -> 12:36 AM) Brian, how dare you not tell people about my 15 seconds of fame tonight! Happy that we won a Valley road game and I got flipped off by a Loyola player at the end too which was nice. That game was much more fun than it should have been. The priests will not be happy.

QUOTE (qwerty @ Jan 8, 2014 -> 04:36 PM) 1. So you have discussed the discussion at hand, came to a conclusion that what he has been doing is alright in the court of Soxtalk law, and yourself and others have continued on with making a comment every few posts when he makes an "update''? What is the sense in that. If you guys deemed it ok, leave it at that, and let him educate the few people that may have not known such without reading his posts here. You and whoever else is bothered by his updates are just fueling an unnecessary fire. Either tell the man he can do such, or cannot do such, and according to what you have said, he is in the clear. 2-3 rolled into one...VVV About being penalized. I said it because it seems as I could, or should have been suspended for not following those asinine rules (signing an agreement) to post in the filibuster. I have posted in it without being reprimanded in any fashion, whether it is a suspension, or limiting my ability to post in that albatross. Just find that funny. You said this. How I read that is the privilege to post in that forum would be taken away at the very least, even if a suspension would not be in order. But then... Then this... So what does a slip up mean? Making a post in the filibuster since he no longer acknowledged it? Or not following one of these six golden rules? You can honestly tell me Y2HH has kept in line with those six rules over almost three years and five months? I have nothing against him, I am just trying to get an understanding of these flimsy rules. Just about anyone who has posted in that forum has broken at least one of those rules, especially when it comes to baiting. Once more, just trying to get an understanding. 4. My statement was clear as day. No need to reiterate it. Why does this irritate you so bad when the boss man himself said it's ok to post? Keep your irritation to yourself, that is why this thread has gotten even further derailed. It's not a problem of Chili, it's just a problem to those that it disgruntles. Btw, you have always been my favorite admin here, so it is not my intention to piss you off. If anything you are one of the only ones who has remotely had my back all of these years. Though I do have to get this off my chest, and it will undoubtedly get denied, but I have always found it ridiculous that knightni got an admin position simply by asking for it, and hardly being the most suited. Would have be nice to see someone have a better understanding of the game of baseball get that sort of power. The fact that wite of all people has never become an admin is a sham, plain and simple. Kalapse... well his name says it all, he would have folded under the pressure, he has too much power as is... Again, the Buster stuff is... not something I'm really paying much attention to anymore. I post in there on occasion, and if something is waaaaay out of line, I or someone else will respond in some fashion. But, believe it or not, I just got tired of it. So I only dive in once in a while now. So, as for the rules and what not, that was my years-ago attempt at keeping things civil. It helped for a little while, to an extent, but it was very difficult to manage, as you point out. I'm well aware the rules are flouted daily. As for this topic, all I am trying to say is... I was posting as me, not as Admin me. I threatened no penalties, nor would I. Just as Joe has the right to post things like that, I have the right to respond when I think it is silly. It is a friggin message board, this is what we do. I could ignore his posts, he could ignore mine, blah blah blah... this got blown up into something it didn't need to be. So, let's agree to return this thread to it's regularly scheduled programming? I feel I've made my points, I hope you have as well.

QUOTE (Big Hurtin @ Jan 8, 2014 -> 12:02 PM) Does anyone know if this has ever happened, and if so for what reason? didn't Joe Cowley have his BBWAA credentials revoked?

ALso for the record, I was posting at Joe because I found his posts irritating, which of course is why he is doing it. I just think he is derailing a good thread by making posts solely for the purpose of irritating other posters who brought it up (long before I ever said anything, so no, not talking about myself here). That, my friend, is what is "cutesy".

QUOTE (qwerty @ Jan 8, 2014 -> 06:24 AM) All of the films he has mentioned can currently be streamed from a slew of different streaming sources. So as far as I am concerned, and naturally I am a nobody in the eyes of the people running this place, he has not done a thing wrong. Everyone else has mentioned ""torrent", "torrenting", and "illegal" while he has not uttered those specific words in regards to how he gets his films. Now if he were the one uploading these films to the streaming sites, well he would be in rather big trouble, so as long there is no substantial evidence that he is doing so, where exactly does the problem lie? To my knowledge there are only pending acts against people viewing films via streaming. I would love to hear Jason chime in, and see if he has a problem with people being informed about something that to my knowledge is completely legal. Just because something is frowned upon, should discussion cease to exist because it ruffles some feathers? Look no further than the filibuster. Feather ruffling to the extreme, and just look how active it is? The filibuster should be shut down if anything, talk about lousy, uneducated (on average) discussion, that seemingly never gets anyone, anywhere. Oh, and guess what, I have posted in that garbage portion of this forum and I never "signed" that ridiculous agreement. Looks like I deserve punishment for such an insidious crime. Please, go lightly on me, I beg of you, as I am so looking forward to posting in abundance again, and going back to my old ways of pissing off those that deserve such. Far too many dross like posters get away with being nasty towards others on here without having the backbone to come right out and say what they mean. They go the cutesy route, play it safe, even though everyone can read between the lines and know damn well what they are insinuating. Pathetic. um, OK. First, Jason already did chime in on this. In fact it was discussed with Jason and other Mods/Admins, and we agreed that as long as there are no direct links or files involved, it is fine. Which it is. Second, what makes you think my post was in any way, shape or form, me saying someone would be penalized? Did I say anything like that at all? You seem to have made an interperetation here not founded in fact. Third, what the hell does the Buster have to do with this? I rarely post in there myself anymore anyway, let alone moderate it. Fourth and finally, your hyperbole is pretty hilarious. Cease all discussion? WTF are you talking about?

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ Jan 6, 2014 -> 06:16 PM) Blue Jasmine and a "medium quality" version of Wolf of Wall Street are online now. Really with these posts? Let it go. People are perfectly capable of Googling movies to see if they can be found. We all know one can download stuff illegally. What purpose do these posts serve?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 6, 2014 -> 12:56 PM) Who is Cleuluis Rondon? An SS/2B who has had some of the most absurd praise of his defense heaped on him that I have ever heard. Heard multiple scouts, a manager, a coach and others talk about his defense like the term plus-plus isn't good enough. I watched him play one game, only had one significantly difficult play to handle, and... he did it like he was sleep-walking. Like it was nothing. Bat is highly questionable.

QUOTE (oldsox @ Jan 6, 2014 -> 09:38 AM) I noticed the other day that the White Sox Web Site has pitcher Erik Surkamp as its # 11 prospect. No one here has him listed anywhere. Not sure why Sox have him listed so high. Surkamp will get at least a little love on the FutureSox list, based on early returns. Our list should be out in the coming days, by the way.

BA Top 10 and top tools are out. I won't paste in the subscriber content, but the list and best tools are free, so here they are... 1. Jose Abreu, 1b 2. Erik Johnson, rhp 3. Tim Anderson, ss 4. Matt Davidson, 3b 5. Marcus Semien, 2b/3b 6. Micah Johnson, 2b 7. Courtney Hawkins, of 8. Trayce Thompson, of 9. Chris Beck, rhp 10. Jacob May, of Best Hitter for Average Micah Johnson Best Power Hitter Jose Abreu Best Strike-Zone Discipline Marcus Semien Fastest Baserunner Micah Johnson Best Athlete Trayce Thompson Best Fastball Daniel Webb Best Curveball Scott Snodgress Best Slider Erik Johnson Best Changeup Chris Beck Best Control Erik Johnson Best Defensive Catcher Miguel Gonzalez Best Defensive Infielder Cleuluis Rondon Best Infield Arm Cleuluis Rondon Best Defensive Outfielder Trayce Thompson Best Outfield Arm Keenyn Walker The article was written by John Manuel, so at least we don't have to deal with Phil Rogers' bizarro rankings anymore.

QUOTE (sin city sox fan @ Jan 3, 2014 -> 03:05 PM) I think Surkamp is a solid #3 for us this year (and possibly a #2) I'd call that his absolute ceiling, and the chances of him reaching it are slim. I hope you're right of course, but... incredibly unlikely.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jan 3, 2014 -> 11:41 AM) Bike trails are nice and all, but today is a perfect example of how narrowly focused they are. They are pretty much worthless for 2-3 months a year. Bike LANES don't have so much of that problem, as long as they are cleared. And they could do the same for trails if they so chose. Reality is though, most riders use public transit or other options during the harshest winter days. And that won't change much in Chicago. One thing that I think is interesting bike route-wise, is that the City of Chicago has an ordinance that states, anyone who purchases or substantially improves a property along either branch of the Chicago River, is required to put in and maintain a paved walking/biking trail along their section of the river. The idea is that, this is cheaper than the city coming through and building it out. The bad news is, it could take 100 years before most of it is complete. At some point, they should look to complete the job themselves. if they they cleared it for snow like they do roads, you'd have a really nice set of arterial bike routes in and out of downtown, away from the dangers of car traffic. Would help everyone involved. As it stands now, there are few actual "trails" in the city for bikes.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 3, 2014 -> 10:47 AM) It'd be nice to be able to take Metra in from the western suburbs to a central station and then easily transfer to the blue or red lines. Well, as I said, you can do it to hook to the loop via Green line easily enough. That Clinton station is right there. Red and Blue gets complicated, because of the distance and the river. But you could go Metra, to Green, to Red/Blue.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 3, 2014 -> 10:42 AM) I can't even imagine the cost/legal fights that would be started for any rail expansion Well, red line extension is already getting planned, and seems to be going over well. I think extending existing lines, especially where you already have a right-of-way or rail bed available, would go over pretty easily. But putting in all-new lines in places where no right of way exists, yeah, that is a huge cost.