NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 19, 2010 -> 08:03 AM) What's there to do when both private enterprise and the government suck ass? Start a company. Sell it. Use the money to run for office. Sell it. Lecture tour, charity work, retirement.

QUOTE (Y2HH @ Mar 19, 2010 -> 08:01 AM) I have no doubt about that, and I agree 100%. But somewhere along the line, our government officials went from being public servants to rock stars that live the high life, and make big big money while doing it, not to mention getting set for life after the job just because they were voted in to serve the public, which seems very few even do anymore. I think that saying was once true...but it's not anymore. The biggest reason for this happening is the campaign game. The best way to reform this situation is campaign finance reform. Politicians at the higher levels, to get elected, end up in too many pockets. I actually don't mind a US Senator making 150k with good benefits - someone in that role SHOULD be compensated well. I don't think that's really the problem. The other 500k in side benefits from contributors is a bigger problem... and the millions in campaign money that has promises attached is even bigger than that.

QUOTE (Ultimate Warrior @ Mar 19, 2010 -> 03:56 AM) In my final meeting with the gods from the heavens above, as they spoke to me and hit me with the power of the Ultimate Warrior, they told me 'Exit stage left! Exit stage right! There is no place to run; all the fuses in the exit signs have been burned out! Elijah Dukes must join the white sox! Now that's an entrance.

QUOTE (Rex Kicka** @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 11:40 AM) I went clipless on Sunday and I immediately noticed a difference on my bike. It feels like I'm using a different set of muscles actually, but I feel stronger and more confident than I did previously despite riding in a nor'easter that felt like a hurricane. As long as you know you'll be in the pedals most of the time, clipless is fantastic. Makes a huge difference. I don't do it when I'm mountain biking, or in tight city traffic - when I know I'll have to come out of the pedals fast and often. But other than that, its the only way to go. QUOTE (JorgeFabregas @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 05:11 PM) Did you fall over once for good measure? Done that a few times. Always so painfully slow.

QUOTE (Y2HH @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 01:57 PM) Only not you. Nor I. I don't get free airfare anywhere I want to go, endless perks, limo rides, etc...all while making 150K a year...with guaranteed pension and healthcare for as long as I live. So please, save it. I think the underlying point is important. The fact is, much of the blame for the current state of affairs in government rests with us, the voters. And most voters are relatively ignorant. That is part of the problem, and its not about party.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 09:20 AM) are they projecting Fontenot as the starter? yikes yeah, the Cubs look like a disaster to me for 2010, and maybe worse going forward. I'd be shocked if they did better than 3rd in the NLC this year.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 10:04 AM) Because it worked GREAT for the Credit Card industry. Actually it did, for the most part. Private business is usually better at controlling costs and putting out efficient products for people to use. But the way the current health care matrix is set up, with insurance companies as intermediaries... the usual free market stuff simply won't work. At least, not in the absolute sense. You cannot expect health care in its current form, even if freed from anti-trust exemptions and certain regulations, to lower costs as other industries do. The fundamental dynamics don't work the same - demand and supply curves are wholly different, the consumer choice aspect is shot to hell, and the provision of quality product is not the determining factor of economic success. Therefore, pure capitalism won't work here.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 09:47 AM) I had mexican coca cola the other day. It was pretty good, and I dont know why but Coke in a glass bottle is just awesome. Time to break out the cola truth equations again... glass>aluminum>plastic sugar>corn syrup Real sugar coke>RC>Coke>Pepsi I did try something the other day that I had never had before, it was a cola made with agave nectar, called Oogave. It was pretty good.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 08:20 AM) Basically, my point is...even if he winds up repeating AAA next year, he'd still be on the young side for AAA, turning 22 in training camp next year. I'd say so, yeah.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 07:56 AM) Most guys hit AAA when they're what, 23ish? Depends on lots of things of course, not the least of which is when they were drafted. Then there's the obvious issues of both talen/skills, and performance. And position. And how much playing experience they had prior to entering the system. And who is in front of them or behind them at their position. Makes it really hard to peg an age, though I'd suspect its around 22 for high school draftees, and 24-25 for college draftees, for an average.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 12:33 AM) I know. I was being silly more than anything. I just don't like Juan Pierre. I used to clown Cubs fans when he was with them. I can't just start liking because he's a White Sock. Now if he sports an OBP over .350, then that might change. I think right now that TCQ may be the worst defensive OF on the team, all things considered. I actually like the idea of him getting lots of time at DH.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 07:46 AM) Hell, you could say the same thing about the classic filibuster. It's all in how each house writes its rules. Well, yeah, but Kap already said he was OK with that one, so I was focusing on the other comparison.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Mar 18, 2010 -> 12:14 AM) Scenario, I know you LOVE prospects, but saying he "deserves" a promotion is ridiculous. He doesn't deserve a damn thing. Take away his worst month and his numbers look better? Well you could say that about ANYBODY. How about I take away his best month (July)? Then his numbers look even more pedestrian. I will concede that he was very young for AA. He obviously wasn't as advanced as some, mainly his agent, made him out to be. It's also obvious that he's not, nor was he ever, going to stick at 3B. So it's even more imperative that he rakes. And his power numbers last year were abysmal. Now I'm hardly giving up on the kid. But it seems to me the organization is trying to justify the 10 million dollar investment more so than actually believing he's worthy of AAA. But we shall see. I'm no doubt cheering for the kid. But we have to see substantial improvement this year or that evil "B" word that all prospects fear will start hovering over this kid's head. It isn't just taking away any month, it was his FIRST MONTH of pro baseball. At age 20, in AA.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 02:14 PM) Ya he's going to undergo concealing, frequent testing and he apologized. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/base...gton/index.html More quotes in link. If he had done the bolded in the first place, he wouldn't have gotten caught.

QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 10:48 PM) Just had the pleasure of watching how a person who is on government assistance buys groceries. Now I know this is not all of those who are on government assistance, but still this is comical. I was up at the Jewel getting garbage stickers for Downers when a man and his wife start to split up their very sizable grocery carts, 2 of them mind you. They proceed to break them into bundles, and purchase them with this government checks, and that Link card, and a WIC check, etc etc. It was over 300 dollars in food. Then the man proceeds to purchase about 75 bucks in hard alcohol. He uses cash for that. He pulls out a wad of 100 dollar bills, saw him breeze through about 9 of them before he got to the lower bills. He purchased this in cash, then took his two carts of food and booze and proceeded to the parking lot. I come out moments later to see him loading a very large brand new Mercedes SUV with the food. Thank God we can provide for the less fortunate. That's pretty disgusting, though I tend to think the majority of people on food stamps are probably not like that guy.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 09:05 PM) It's not the same thing. Not even close. You can't even begin to compare that to this. I spelled it out a few posts back. The filibuster is senate rules but they do vote, whether you like the procedure or not. No, I don't really care for it, but this is a whole different and explicit level. I wasn't talking about the classic filibuster, I was talking about the procedural 60-vote hurdle, which like this deeming procedure... IS IN TEH RULES, and therefore is acceptable legally. But in both cases, its a bit sketchy, in my view.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 09:28 PM) For those of you who do biking - is this for recreational, ways to bike to work, or what? And, is the clarity really good? Hell, I guess I should click the link, but I wanted people's take and experiences who've ridden bikes or whatever and the practical uses of this. Okay, I looked, and this is cool. I've even got some to add to the database... wow, look at me. Looking at the Chicago area, its still pretty limited. It shows some main bike routes on streets, but its not nearly as complete as the map the Chicago Bicycle Federation puts out annually - that shows all the roads that have bike lanes, and other roads that are good for biking, not just the main routes. I'd bet Google will catch up with that eventually. I think it would be a good tool if you aren't already familiar with how to get somewhere, but then once you use their routing, you'd start to adjust for yourself.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 07:41 PM) You people who want to defend the Slaughter rule as something that is "just part of the game" are f***ing nuts. I assume then that you feel the same way about the procedural filibuster then?

So the only two battles left for the 25 are: Santos/Aquino Niz/Lillibridge/Retherford And those are probably 80% settled anyway.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 01:08 PM) Correct. And we also have 2 other backup OF's. Yeah, the Sox want another IF, not a 5th OF. De Aza will start in Charlotte, and be called up if Kotsay or Jones are injured. QUOTE (JPN366 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 01:27 PM) Being released I think rules that out. No, I don't think it does. It means the player is free to sign wherever since they are not on the 40-man or under current contract... but it does not rule out the Sox signing them as minor leaguers who are not on the 40. At least, I think that is how it works.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 10:51 AM) It’s not the greatest song in the world, but it creates a nice atmosphere in The Urinal after the games. I wouldn’t mind the Sox getting a victory song, hopefully, a decent one. You don't like the 1959 Captain Stubby ditty? Let's Go Go-Go White Sox?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 11:04 AM) The House is doing it all in 1 bill, remember? If they're planning to vote this week, then that bill is written and is at the CBO. Yeah, but... OK, I'm just confused by the whole thing. I thought the House was accepting both bills via this "deeming" procedure, then sending to Reconciliation for a final version.

QUOTE (bmags @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 10:49 AM) the nelson/landrieu ones were indeed. OK, I thought that wasn't settled until reconciliation was complete.

QUOTE (bmags @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 10:47 AM) those incentives were all removed in the sidecar though. Do we know that yet?

QUOTE (JPN366 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 09:22 AM) Must have. Not sure that's true - he was outrighted yesterday, and I believe that means there is now some period of days where he can be claimed, before he then can decide if he wants to be in Charlotte. And I agree with Sonix on the OF/DH/3B situation. Viciedo at first means you have these OF/DH/1B types: Gartrell, De Aza, Kroeger, Botts, Bohn. And that is the order of playing time, I believe. Gartrell and De Aza will start daily in the OF, and Kroger/Botts/Bohn will rotate through DH, RF and the bench, and occasionally relieving Viciedo at 1B. I'm not sure about 3B though for Charlotte. But its clear that they see Viciedo moving to 1B, and that is more important to them than who they have at 3B in AAA.