southsider2k5

QUOTE(watchtower41 @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 05:10 PM) Not really, moreso that stupid Mountain Dew promotion where they gave one away every 10 minutes. The demand is actually very high on these, microsoft just couldnt produce enuogh to supply the launch demand, they certainly are not gonna keep it from people that they are hard to obtain and the gift of the season. My buddy pre-ordered in June and didnt get one. Do you really believe that the biggest company in the world can't make a few more Xbox's? Seriously? This is the same company that can crank out 80 gazillion copies of Windows when it comes out every few years, do you ever hear about shortages or capacity problems with ANY other MSFT product EVER? Yet it just so happens to be in the same product category, and at the exact same time of year that everyone always has a shortage of their brandnew gaming system. This scarcity is COMPLETELY manufacured (or lack there of I guess would be more acurate). They want to create a huge demand for it, complete with people paying $1000 a piece on Ebay so that in March when they do have them available you will RUN out to buy one at the bargin price of only $400 each, and feel lucky that you got one. This is just excellent marketing, nothing more.

QUOTE(easyw @ Nov 21, 2005 -> 10:47 PM) In obvious violation of copyrights laws, I am purchasing a DVD recorder with the intention of reproducing the games WITHOUT the express written consent of the Chicago South Side Ball Club and Major League Base Ball. If Selig wants to come after me, he knows where to find me! Not without your name and address

At least there is some occasional scoring that involves the Bears offense.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 03:16 PM) Caveat: I wouldn't say that if it hasn't collapsed it's not going to, just because right now we haven't a clue what's going to happen as the "Froth" in the housing market begins to dissipate over the next few years. If it were to happen rapidly...it could do serious damage to the economy (hopefully Bush's pick for the Fed chair is smart enough to keep his eye focused strongly on the housing sector, and I think he is...the goal right now I think is to hope for a soft landing on that front, which won't do serious damage to people's pocketbooks.) It could, but I don't think it will. I honestly think it would take a big interest rate hike to have that happen. Even with our move up, we are still on the low end of the historical norm when it comes to interest rates. The measure increases in interest rates tells me that they realize they don't want to blow up the housing market the way they did the stock market in 2000 when no one listened about irrational exhuberence.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 03:09 PM) Caveat: that could change a LOT in a year. We have already long passed the worst of things economically. The economy is doing pretty amazing considering what energy and commodities are at. If it hasn't collapsed now, it isn't going to. Basically it will take an indictment of Bush or Cheney, or a terrorist attack to take the focus off of Iraq IMO.

Wow. That doubled the salaries of some of those guys.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 03:02 PM) I am/was trying to have an intelligent conversation with you, thats what some of us like to do here..... QOTM

QUOTE(Mercy! @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 02:51 PM) Son, you might want to look up yonder and see who started this thread. When someone drops into a pretty good discussion and starts up with the Dems are traitors who give aid and comfort to the enemy talk, as Kap just did, yes, I am disgusted. Or maybe exasperated would be a better choice of words. But in my brief time in this forum, if I needed a model for a poster who did nothing but drop into political discussions with a sarcastic remark and then disappear, I need look no farther than you. Why don't you add to the discussion with something positive, or at least constructive? LMFAO! Keep on attacking.

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 02:30 PM) Yeah, your dork activity book is already filled up. I Kid. I Care. I Check my Mailbox Each Day For Beer.® Speaking of checking ones mailbox filled with antica pation...

QUOTE(Mercy! @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 02:16 PM) That sounds like a raving lunatic talking. Did you mean to use green? Or should I just tune in AM blab radio? By the way, what IS George W. Bush's policy in Iraq? Classic. Attack the messenger, not the message. Tex should be along anytime now to mock you.

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 01:43 PM) It's not the Iraqi government, and not an endorsement per se, more of a concession to the Sunni that are the source of the insurgency. Clearly an argument can be made that the US forces are functioning as an "institution designed to provide for the welfare of Iraqi citizens," and the Iraqi police and security forces even moreso. But not specifically spelling that out in the joint statement coming out of the reconcilliatory meeting is an appeasement to the Sunnis. And a troubling one at that. But it should serve as an indication that, even from the perspective of the elected Iraqi officials, our continued presence is met with resentment. SS2k5, your Pinky and the Brain ref was cute. But how far off do you think that is from the truth? It doesn't take a tinfoil-hatter to know that gaining or losing control of the 3rd largest oil reserve in the world (Iraq) may well be the difference between whether or not America gets crushed under China's bootheels over the next 20 years or so. And control can come in many forms. If American companies land the contracts to rebuild the oil infrastructure, we control the oil (Iraq would make money as well, but so would the American firms. Plus we could negotiate near-exclusive rights to the oil so long as we are paying market value for it.). If on the other hand China's CNOOC takes that money from, say, the failed attempt to buy Unocal and instead uses it to outbid western companies on partnering with Iraq in reconstruction, then the landscape changes quite dramatically. The Neocon failure, despite themselves, would be absolute if that were to happen. On a completely different note, you brought up the tinfoil hatters... I have a completely different direction on China and the tinfoil hat if you are in the mood for amusement. When it comes to defeating China, I honestly believe that GWB or whoever is calling the shots is taking a page out of Reagan's playbook and is more interested in controling the capital/commodities prices to smash China's economy than they are in who controls the oil fields. Stick with me here for a sec. One of the most interesting things that Ron Reagan did to take down the iron curtian was the "encourage" commodity prices to plunge. This had a huge adverse affect on USSR as they were a massive exporter of commodities and capital goods, and were highly dependant on those wares to fund their huge governmental budgets and big need to import food stuffs. It also made their govermental institutions which kept most of the country employed around those exports incredible money losers. Think about it. Oil got down to $13 bbl, Gold and Silver fell to lows they hadn't seen in decades, steel became as cheap as it had been since the 50's, etc. This, not something like perstroika, was the death knell of the Soviet Union. Their economy collapsed because their exports became worthless, and they couldn't fund their country. The economic collapse led to the desparate measures which opened up their economy. I believe China is the same idea, except in reverse. China is a HUGE net importer of capital/commodity goods. Their economy is predicated on cheap materials coming in, being turned into good which they export to fund their government and their near full governmental employment. Now that has dropped off over the years, as China has let some institutions fail, but nothing like there would be in a pure profit driven system. The goverment still absorbs the lions share of those losses. Now I believe that the US wants to see all of those things that China needs to thrive as expensive as possible, as they don't have the disposable income to absorb the inflation in the prices of capital and commodities. Now if you look at those samethings, we all know how expensive energies are right now, but Gold and silver are at 20 years highs, steel is as expensive as it has been in a long time, etc. Granted this is my theory, but I think there is a solid basis in conservative governance and economics to back me up here. It could all be coincidence, but I don't really believe that.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 12:55 PM) Of course "They" have...if by they you mean everyone in Iraq who's currently trying to blow anyone up. But if I understand that correctly, the Iraqi leadership gave endorsement to actions solely against the U.S. forces there. So as long as you're not targeting Iraqis.... Yes the Iraqi government is endorsing the murder of all of its own and US soliders. That makes total sense.

Umm this part was kind of important and renders the rest of the negotiations useless. I would say targeting people voting, the police, medical personel responding to a bombing etc would all fall under that category. They have been targeting anyone and everyone, not JUST military personel.

QUOTE(hitlesswonder @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 12:29 PM) Does that mean you're sure he wasn't on the juice? How can you know? He had a mediocre second half in 2004, got hurt in 2005, and is the sort of power bat that fits the profile. I have no idea if he used steroids or not, but I don't think it can be dismissed out of hand. I would say that the 10 or so prior injury free years, and the fact that he has always been a hulking monster since he came up with Cleveland would be two huge holes in your theory. It would be kinda stupid for him to start doing the juice right when MLB starts testing for it.

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 12:13 PM) I will download and read when I have the time, thanks for the link. To be sure, intelligence failures pertaining to all of the issues listed in that blurb have abounded in America for a very long time. Its 140+ pages, so make sure you have plenty of freetime

QUOTE(fathom @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 11:01 AM) 19 rebounds from a point guard is unheard of. Unheard of, but true. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=253250096

Ford is going to jump in on the parade

Click the link in the story to read the PDF of the document

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 02:06 AM) Alford usually gets off to hot starts before fading at the start of big 10 season (hopefully no Pierre Pierce incident will lead to good things this year). Plus this group really seemed to bond together last year down the stretch and while they didn't play great against Kentucky they played good enough to win. Defensively Iowa looked as good as I've seen from an Iowa team. They forced quite a few turnovers, got a lot of blocked shots, crashed the boards, and really forced Kentucky to hit outside shots (although there were breakdowns caused by Brando or whatever his name is). Offensively Iowa didn't look great. The thing that dissapointed me were some really sloppy turnovers by the veteran Horner. However, they survived despite a rare off night for both Haluska and Horner (two of the better shooters in the big 10) and Brunner played strong. They aren't incredibly deep but Henderson and Thomas looked good and the youngster Alex Thompson actually flashed some signs. Plus they got this new freshman PG who impressed the hell out of me. He is super fast and made some nice passes (stripped KU on the final posession too). Hansen made stupid fouls early and got in foul trouble, which is rough. He is a very good defensive big man but always gets stupid fouls on the perimeter. Still I enjoyed the game and it really was a good game to watch. Both teams played tough and wanted the game. They were diving and fighting for every lose ball. It was almost like a tourney game. Great fun and I'm glad the Hawks pulled it out. Can't wait to see the rematch against Texas (last year they beat Texas in the Hawaii one). I think you are thinking of their PG Rondo.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 09:42 AM) Yea, before taxes. Its funny because its true... Oh wait, that's not funny

QUOTE(Controlled Chaos @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 09:13 AM) they lie about going to war, they lie about the pullout....they love spilt american blood. The Evil Party...rounding up your votes for 2008!! Meanwhile the evil plotting GWB and Dick Cheney plot on...

QUOTE(mac9001 @ Nov 21, 2005 -> 11:30 PM) 2003: .872 OPS 2004: .855 OPS 2005: .749 OPS Also, his career pre and post all-star break numbers: Pre-All Star: .294/.356/.506/.862 Post-All Star: .248/.314/.426/.740 He's been declining for the past three years and he get's worse as the season goes on. His career September OPS is a pathetic .688. At this point he's no better than Crede and he'd come at a high cost. Bingo. The summer in Arlington effect. 60 days of 90+ degree temps just saps that team every year. Look at their seasons, they ALWAYS fall apart in August and September. It will be interesting to see what Blalock would do in a moderate climate.

QUOTE(NUKE_CLEVELAND @ Nov 21, 2005 -> 05:36 PM) There will be a phased withdrawal throughout the course of 2006. If there are more than 50-70'000 troops there at the time of the US midterms Id be utterly shocked. Bush will pull out troops next year......book it. For no other reason than if he doesn't have a significant withdrawal to point to come the mid terms the Republicans are gonna take a pasting on par with the one they dished out in 1994. They have already talked about drawing down troops. But then were told that it was just some evil ploy to distract us or something like that... I lost track of what evil it was covering up this time.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 22, 2005 -> 08:05 AM) Which side isn't seeing a slippery slope for abortion and which side isn't seeing the slippery slope for gun control? I'm not getting your point, and I assume it is a good one. Damn where is Karl Rove when you need him

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 21, 2005 -> 07:59 PM) The kicker is we probably sold them that WP way back when we sold them all the VX nerve gas. Or it could have been this guy... http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticl...&archived=False