SoxFan1

QUOTE (dasox24 @ Jan 23, 2009 -> 02:24 AM) McAlister's is great. I love their food. Just had a Bacon Spud there a few days ago. And their sweet tea is probably the best anyone makes from what everyone says. I really wish I liked sweet tea b/c everyone seems to think it's so great. Oh, and I hate Vodka (unless it's in a bloody mary). I think it tastes like whatever rubbing alcohol would taste like. I'm a whiskey man. Jack? Crown Royal? Jim Beam? Wild Turkey? Seagrams? Gotta be more specific...

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 10:04 PM) I hate the tall boots that girls wear. I don't hate all boots, but I absolutely can't stand Uggs. I've never seen any of the Matrix films in their entirety. I hate ranch, but I like Ranch Cooler Doritos. I think most English music is crap and laugh when people get emotional over it. I HATE flip flops and will NEVER wear them. I also don't like salad at all.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 11:13 PM) money How ironic.

QUOTE (YASNY @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 10:16 PM) I find it ironic that Americans are constantly criticized for their 'jingoism' when they chant USA USA USA at the Olympics, and now we are getting ripped for not caring about the results of a marketing driven tournament. The WBC is inherently flawed due to the time of year it is played. This time of year was chosen because they don't want to interrupt the season of --- heaven forbid, a domestic league --- and the fact that baseball fans are hungry for baseball after going without it for months. If this thing followed the World Series, when all the players were still sharp, in shape and rested, then the best baseball would be played at that time. However, after the Series, no one would watch. Nobody has any logical right to question my patriotism or national pride based on my views of this joke of a tourney. That would be as ridiculous as the WBC is. Why does it have to follow the World Series? What makes the United States the king of the baseball world and have to make it go according to their schedule? Sure, they have the biggest and most competitive domestic league, but that's exactly what the WBC is supposed to do. Let's take a look at when some other international competitions are held: FIFA World Cup: Mid-Summer, middle of the off-season for most football teams (during the MLS season because the US is the only country that plays in the summer). FIBA World Championships: late July/August/early September, middle of the NBA off-season. Olympics: Mid/late summer, off-season for basketball players, soccer players, hockey players, etc. WBC: March, during Spring Training of the MLB season. Hmm, so clearly having it right after the MLB season would make it better.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 08:02 PM) I'll put country pride when it matters. I'm not actively rooting for the US chess team just because the rep. the US. The WBC is boring. I root for the US in all the olympics and in the world cup because those are cool longlasting traditions that people get behind and they matter. The WBC is just made up because they think there was a demand for it when there wasn't...like womens softball. Women's softball and chess...2 very popular sports. Great example. You contradict yourself so much in this post. You say you don't root for US chess. Does that mean no one does? So people who love chess and play it competitively shouldn't watch it and root for their country? Of course you wouldn't root for US chess, because you don't give a s*** about chess. Others do, so they root. Ditto softball. Then you mention the longlasting traditions of the Olympics and the World Cup...I suppose those were never new sporting events like the WBC. So by your standards, the Olympics and the World Cup were once "just made up" and didn't matter.

Happy day of birth!

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 05:06 PM) The best players in the world play in the World Series and in the MLB games every day. They do NOT play in the WBC. For Soccer, the best players in the World HOPE to play in the tourney, the best players in the world pretty much are indifferent to playing in the WBC, some even think its detrimental to the actual baseball tournament which is the MLB season. The best players in the world do play in the MLB, there is no question about that, but how does winning the World Series have ANYTHING to do with your nationality? Perhaps if I was an American, born and raised in Chicago as a White Sox fan, and played for them and won the World Series, it'd mean a lot. But on top of all that, you'd still be an American, and there is no greater pride in sports than wearing the shirt of your country. One of 2 things will happen. Thw WBC will be scrapped entirely, or it will become the premier international baseball competition, just like FIBA, FIFA, etc. And as far as soccer, if you're one of the best players in the world, you're representing your country. It's simple.

Think of it from a personal standpoint instead of from a team/winning standpoint. Would you rather represent, say, the Pittsburgh Pirates or your country?

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:49 PM) Why should our priority be an international tournament? It isn't, but if it was, I have no doubt that the US would dominant the tourney in the history just like they've done with basketball (even that short-lived recent run of dissapoints considered, US basketball has been pretty darn dominant). Look at World Cup, US soccer fans care more about world cup than they do some stupid league, why because the history of the World Cup is there and while we aren't as good as many of the countries it doesn't matter, it's a big deal to a US soccer fan because an MLS championship means jack. So, essentially, because the WBC is new and has no tradition, it makes it ok to keep all domestic leagues in much higher priority than international competition and throw athletic/international pride (when it comes to baseball) out the window? And US basketball has only been dominant since they allowed professionals to play, in which case I agree, since then, the US has been pretty dominant, though it isn't as big of a gap as it seems. What you're proving, however, is the double standard I'm talking about. In basketball, where the competition isn't quite as good, it's cool to have the best players. But in the WBC, where things are a lot closer and the US isn't guaranteed to be awesome, it's stupid if the best players compete.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:44 PM) No, not when your talking about an actual season. The US would destroy other teams. Give me a break, there are a few other countries that could even come close. I'm sorry that US baseball is an after-thought to the actual past-time which is the World Series. That means more to an American baseball fan than the WBC and it also means more to an American player than the WBC. Speaking as someone who grew up admiring baseball and playing it, I dreamed nothing more than to be up with the bases loaded with the chance to win a world series. Thats what its about, not some stupid baseball tournament that happens before players are even in mid-season form. So because they aren't in mid-season form, or because the "World" Series is the actual pastime, it makes it an excuse for the US to not be competitive in international play? And SEASON's are only played in domestice LEAGUES, tournaments are played in international competition. You've backed up my argument.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:35 PM) There is no way any other country could field the quality of depth a team that the United States could. If your talking about a full 25 man roster over the course of a full season. None. There would be a few teams that come close, but that is all. Get off your high horse. Great, you can field a 25 man roster and it's deep and its talented. But talent doesn't win, it's the 9 guys on the field is what matters. This is 2009, not 1909.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:32 PM) How am I moving that around? Every other country national and ethnic pride is important except in the U.S. which you are disturbed by, then saying supporting the WBC is a way of showing national pride over city/domestic league pride. So it's not a jump for anyone to say you find it disturbing that people in the U.S. don't support the WBC. Tuesday was one of the proudest moments I've had in my country and that moment meant more to me that the world saw than any olympic gold medal or WBC win No one is questioning your pride in America. Obama is the new President, he's shutting down Guantanamo Bay, awesome. Thats all fine and well, but I'm talking from an athletic standpoint. What you're arguing is the equivalent of me saying that you're not patriotic because YOU yourself don't represent the United States in some type of sporting competition. I really don't care if you're Bill Gates or some bum living under Wacker Drive, your patriotism is your patriotism. That has ZERO to do with athletics. What I AM saying is that there is a double standard. In basketball, people are pissed if Kobe, Lebron, etc. don't participate in the Olympics or in the World Championships. But in baseball, if the Americans compete, the WBC is just stupid. National pride IN ATHLETICS, far outweighs playing in a domestic league. That's all I'm saying. If you think the WBC or World Cup or FIBA is stupid, then don't root for the United States. Either way, John Danks is just as likely (if not more likely) to slip on some ice and break his arm as he is to tear a tendon in his arm while pitching 6 innings in the WBC.

QUOTE (DBAHO @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:24 PM) Man City can easily afford that. Of course, and they are absolutely trying. But Fergie said that even if the bid is 120 mil, they don't plan on moving him but reports out of Madrid today said that they had a deal in place with Ronaldo and Man Utd for 80 mil, so who knows.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:23 PM) You are saying you agree with nite who is saying Americans don't have pride and that it's disturbing that the U.S. doesn't have national/ethnic pride then using the WBC as an example. That's far more than saying you agree with the rest of the world, it's attacking people from the U.S. who don't like the WBC No, it's a matter of coincidence that you are trying to put together inaccurately. To EVERY other country in the world, playing for your country far outweighs playing for a domestic league. That's all I'm saying. I utterly disagree with people who think the WBC is stupid. Do they also think the World Cup of Soccer is stupid? What about the FIBA Basketball World Championships? In my opinion, it's because baseball is supposed to be true to America...it's "America's Pastime" and now that other countries have equal or superior talent, they don't want to be shown up in international competition, i.e., losing to Mexico.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:16 PM) Do you think those of us from the U.S. who you are "disturbed" by should boo him because he doesn't play? I'm an attorney, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution, should you report me to the Illinois Bar because I don't like the WBC? What are you talking about? When did I say anything about booing anyone? I think, as does the majority of the world, that playing for your country, FAR outweighs playing for a domestic league.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 04:10 PM) I would never judge someone's love or pride for their country by whether or not they chose to play a sport for it or how many flags they wave. A person's true love for their country should be gauged on how they follow and support the way of life and freedoms the country represents. I think the WBC is silly, and I don't feel one iota less patriotic than you or anyone else who loves it. So are you going to boo Danks now because he doesn't love his country? I'll never boo Danks because he won't play for the USA. Serbia doesn't play baseball, so I have no reason to boo.

Sir Alex i saying Ronaldo isn't going anywhere and that it'll take at least 120 million Euros to move him.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 22, 2009 -> 03:47 PM) The whole world knows the best baseball is played in the USA Thats a tricky statement. Is the best baseball played IN America? Yes. But is the best baseball PLAYED by Americans? No. And national/ethnic pride is so important to every country in the world but America. It's a bit disturbing. How is the WBC less important than winning a World Series? Would you rather represent a city you have no ties to or a country that you love? Hmm...tough one. I agree with nite 1000000% on this one. If America liked soccer at all, this silliness wouldn't even be discussed.

It'd be a tough choice between Lincecum and Hanley for me, but I voted Hanley.

QUOTE (Rex Hudler @ Jan 21, 2009 -> 12:09 AM) You need more calories than that. Going to low on your calorie intake will cause you problems down the road. Vary your calories daily. Get plenty of fiber if you don't eat many veggies, like me. I HIGHLY recommend Fiber One bars. There are 4-5 flavors and they give you 9g of fiber in one bar and they taste great. I like Oats and Chocolate and Oats and Caramel. Jordan likes Oats and Peanut Butter. If you are lifting you will DEFINITELY need more calories. Make sure you are getting enough protein. If you need to add supplements, do so. But the weight lifting will do you no good if you aren't getting enough protein to support building of lean muscle tissue. If you focus on protein and getting enough fiber and make sure you are getting enough calories to give your body the energy it needs to make your workouts effective, you should be okay. You don't need to count carbs, but be aware of what you are eating. Eat your Subway on wheat, not white. Try and limit white flour products and sugars. Lastly, when you are having a craving, indulge. Just limit those episodes to once or twice a week. And by indulge, I mean pig the hell out once a week if you want. Pick a food you really miss and plan to eat it on the weekend. Enjoy the hell out of it, then get back to your healthy habits. "Cheating" will actually help you lose weight. For other suggestions, check this thread abouto 5-10 pages back. I got much more long winded than this. Hope this helps. One more lastly............ did I mention to get more calories and get enough protein?? First off, let me say this, way to f***ing go! I envy you so much for the commitment you have given to losing weight. It's miraculous what you have done with some determination and hard work. Keep it going buddy. Second, the main problem I have always had issues with is the "eat more to lose more" theory. I understand how it works, but I just feel weird doing it. When I was in high school, I usually ate 2 big meals a day, and that's it, but the difference was the rigorous baseball training/conditioning/practice that I had to go through for so long. My day was so planned out for me that it became easy to lose weight. Now that I'm in college, my schedule is so different that I have issues with when I can eat and keeping a consistent diet.

So I'm hardcore in workout mode right now. Breakfast: NutriGrain bar Lunch: PB&J Sandwich Dinner: Subway Footlong, Chicken/Mixed Veggies, etc. Drink LOTS of water all day. I'm working out 5-6 times a day, each day with at least 45 minutes of cardio (bike, treadmill, elliptical) and then about 15-30 minutes of lifting. Current weight: 234 I don't really have a goal weight, more so a goal "image" so to speak. I'm putting it at 210 number wise, but I just want to look a bit more fit than I am. I'm 6'6, so I'm not some tub of lard, but I'm not as defined as I was in high school when I was playing baseball.

QUOTE (Reddy @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 09:19 PM) how did they know to email you is the question i'd be asking myself... Don't you have to register your iPod when you first get it going?

I personally love Best Buy, but the advantage is that the store manager at the Best Buy we shop at is a very close friend to the family and he knows everything about anything in that store, so we go to him for everything.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Jan 18, 2009 -> 11:45 PM) Three things: Fruits, Veggies, Cardio. Absolutely load up on your fruits and veggies. It's pivotal when it comes to weight loss. I take in 3-5 fruit servings a day. I eat a salad and at least one other veggie with dinner every night. No exceptions. If I have to go to McDonalds just to get a salad, so be it. If I have to go to the local grocery store just to get a can of spinach, so be it. I can't even begin to describe the impact this has had for me. And continue to drink that water. If you're trying to lose weight, nothing will shed the pounds like cardio. Not saying you have to do as much as me. I'm not normal. lol. But your workouts should consist of at least 60-90 minutes of cardio. Obviously with the weather, you can't do anything outdoors. So just hit up the treadmill. Make sure you've got your ipod or mp3 player handy. Cardio can indeed at times get really long and boring. I appreciate the advice, I get my fair share of apple/banana servings a day, but I'll be the 1st to admit I don't really eat many vegetable. The major problem is that I absolutely hate salad. I just can't do it. And cardio is my main area of focus. I usually do 45-60 minutes on the treadmill, bike, or elliptical and will follow that up with some upper body workouts and lower body workouts every other day to tone up a bit as well. I do ab workouts every day though.

QUOTE (Jimbo's Drinker @ Jan 18, 2009 -> 11:06 AM) Soxfan1, you have a girlfriend? QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 18, 2009 -> 11:45 AM) Apparently, he's dating his speakers, and giving them fellatio. Unless those were motivational speakers... You guys are funny.