Tuna

QUOTE (ewokpelts @ Oct 10, 2012 -> 08:20 AM) tickets were as low as $7 on Mondays in 2012. the same seat was $5 on Mondays in 2000. And parking was $13 in 2000, a year that sold less tickets than 2012, with it's "unsustainable" parking rates. and don't forget that 2000 was a DIVISION TITLE year. people just want to make excuses. Everybody's situation is different. I live in the suburbs, have kids that want to go, etc...I'm not just buying one ticket, I need 3 or 4. I have to pay for parking, I have to pay for drinks/food, whether it be at the park or eating before we get there because we're driving when we would typically be eating dinner. Do you have any idea how early people from the northern suburbs have to leave to get to 35th st by 7pm? I work so Mondays aren't a great option, I'd imagine that's the case for most people and that would be the reasoning behind the Sox giving that pricing in the first place. There's no "excuses" being made, I'm giving you REASONS as to why.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Oct 10, 2012 -> 07:26 AM) RGIII with a concussion, but Big Ben plays on Thursday. I bet Griffin does play, but I probably have to stick with Ben Thursday just in case. Can't be taking a zero or attempting to start Kirk Cousins. RGIII is suppose to practice today. Everything I've heard (constantly checking rotoworld, listening to sirius fantasy constantly, etc...) says he's playing. However, if there's a week to sit him, it's probably if you have Ben on your team and he's playing Tennessee.

QUOTE (Paint it Black @ Oct 6, 2012 -> 10:46 AM) Really good stuff. Anything that helps shatter the "GAMES ARE TOO EXPENSIVE!!!" myth helps. I don't believe that to be a myth. If everyone lived in Bridgeport and wanted to go to games by themselves then sure.

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Oct 10, 2012 -> 12:03 AM) I'm sorry I skipped through thread when were you in Shawnee, I was a counselor in Vienna a couple years back as an intern and went to Shawnee a couple times... would be weird if met. Also, prison food isn't good by any means but I had it everyday I worked and it wasn't terrible at least at Vienna. I mean, maybe 1 day a week I'd probably need to bring my own lunch if I worked there long term but I figured free food is free food. You watch those gangland shows and laugh at how they are exaggerated? I didn't eat in the chow hall because of my fear of what inmates were doing to the food, not because it tasted that bad. My main objective to going there a couple days a week was to sneak back onions, peppers and tomatoes given to me by friends that were cooks or on the line so I could use them in the meals I cooked in my cell. I use to look at Vienna from the yard in Shawnee. Rumor had it that the inmates were basically free over there. That they fished in a pond and went into town to shop. I'm not sure how true it was, but the people who told me were very convincing (this was in 2003-2005). Gangland is pretty accurate as far as the history of the gangs (at least the SD's episode was), but of course there's the extra drama for the tv. Anyone who goes on that show is an idiot.

QUOTE (DukeNukeEm @ Oct 9, 2012 -> 11:30 PM) I've heard from some people that the gangs have moles in the CPD kinda like the The Departed but not as blatant. Kids they keep out of trouble then get them in the force to mess with investigations, tip them off, get-of-jail-free cards etc. Confirm/deny? Deny. At least from my personal experience. I had a buddy that was married to a cop, but nobody sent her in there for any specific reason. It was just something she wanted to do/be. It did have a few perks for him, but no more than the average cop's family. Bribes happen all the time, but this is Chicago so that's expected.

QUOTE (CrimsonWeltall @ Oct 9, 2012 -> 02:35 PM) I'm curious what 'honor' rules your gang may have had. Were there any people understood to be off-limits, both in terms of random people (eg no old ladies) or other gangs (eg don't go after their kids)? In the early to mid 90's things were much more structured than they are now. There were laws that you followed or you were severely beaten. Things like rape, hard drugs, harming the elderly could get you beaten, killed, thrown out of the gang or all three. Gangs are much more complicated than they seem. There was a board in prison that called the shots, handed down the laws and ordered the punishments. That board doesn't exist anymore. Most of the gang leaders in prison are isolated and watched very closely. There are still laws but they're not nearly as strict. When I said the 12 year old would be beaten, it most likely would have been done by some 14-17 year olds that are in the gang. Of course this is all hypothetical as I've never witnessed a 12 year old brave/stupid enough to swear and disrespect a bunch of gangbangers. Gangs for the most part are extremely selfish. If you kill a child on accident, they will beat you and possibly throw you out of the gang. However, it's not because they feel bad for the child or the family, its because there's now going to be a huge police presence in the neighborhood. They are going to lock up as many members as they can and you can't sell drugs on a street corner with a squad car parked on the block.

QUOTE (2nd_city_saint787 @ Oct 8, 2012 -> 02:39 PM) That was some interesting stuff Tuna. I live right down the street from State line/Cal City, I always walk down state line to a smoke shop. I see prostitutes and drug deals going down all the time (I assume this is some gang activity). Am I safe in me thinking that if I dont mess with them they wont mess with me or am I playing with fire. I've only had a few problems with stares and a guy followed me home once after asking for a dollar. While I'm not very familiar with the area, I would assume that if you mind your own business, you'll be ok (especially on a busy road). If they're selling drugs out there, drug dealers go out of their way to make sure people don't get messed with in their areas. Reason being, if you get jumped or robbed, it can cause a police presence in the area and would hurt their sales. However, drug addicts are very desperate people and if they see an opportunity to rob somebody in order to get money for their drugs, they will usually do it. In short, if you can avoid those areas, you'll always be better off.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Oct 8, 2012 -> 11:59 AM) Agreed, thanks for being so open Tuna. I've had some exposure to gang members while working for the states attorney's office (downstate, not up here). Couple attempted murder cases where these guys just had no regard for the well-being of anyone but themselves. One guy, for example, was trying to kill a member of an enemy gang. He busted down the door to the wrong apartment where he found a young couple with their 6-8 month year old infant. Instead of just being like "oh s***, wrong place" he decided to fire of a couple rounds of the shotgun he was carrying. Luckily no one was killed. Anyways, with stories like that, and after hearing stories from my Chicago cop buddy that works in the gang unit, I just don't see a realistic way to deal with the gang problem. He doesn't either. What do you think? Is there anything that can be done? Is it a problem that's snowballed out of control? I mean, I recall interviewing this gang member and he just straight up said he didn't expect to live another year, so why go to school, get a job, be a good father, etc. "Have fun while you're living" or something was the phrase he used. I found that to be utterly depressing, but I'm not sure what society can really do to change that culture. Sounds like you eventually turned a corner, but it took a while. What's the key to reaching these kids before they start down that road? I gotta imagine you feel pretty lucky to be where you're at all things considered. I would guess (tell me if i'm wrong) most of your gang buddies are either dead, in jail, or living a pretty crappy life. Do these kids just not realize that? The problem as I see it, is that gang members have no regard for tomorrow. I don't know that they all truly believe that they "won't make it past 21" (although you'll hear that from every one of them), they just put off dealing with their actions until they are in the hospital or prison. I have had a grown man bleeding in my arms after being shot tell me he doesn't want to die, so I call bulls*** on anyone who says they've accepted that. It's really easy to say I suppose. This is a problem that started in the 1960's/1070's and has gotten worse with time. You can tell your kids about making bad choices all you want, but if they grew up their entire lives watching you go to prison, then they think that's normal. Neighborhoods like 24th street have gang members that are third and fourth generation. They watched their father, uncles, grandfather, etc...live this way and they looked up to them. There's no after school program that's going to correct that. There's people a lot smarter than me trying to figure out the solution and unfortunately I don't have any ideas to help. The best way I can explain it is when your 20 years old and know that you're going to be 35 one day, but it doesn't truly hit you until you turn 35. You make decisions when your 20 not caring about how it affects you at 35 because 35 feels like it's 50 years away when it's actually waiting for you around the corner.

Other questions: Is it a myth that the Cell is a bad neighborhood? IMO it's the surrounding areas, I don't view bridgeport as a bad neighborhood (east of Halsted anyway). I actually lived on 33rd and Parnell and went to St Lucy school. Back when I lived there, racism was more of an issue than gangs. I'm the same age and was friends with a couple of the guys that were responsible for the Leonard Clark beating. I thought it was stupid then and I hold the same opinion now. do gangs hang on on the periphery of the park to rob people? That's more of an individual thing if it happens. I've personally never been robbed by the park and have never met anyone that's been robbed by the park (except ticket prices) so I cant speak too much to that. What about the United Center? If you are white and walk around that neighborhood are you cooked? I believe that to be true for the entire west side including the area around the United Center. If you are in a gang do you have to beat people and rob people to prove you are not a p****? Beat, yes. Rob, no. If somebody in your gang is fighting and losing, you better jump in or the gang will beat your ass for not doing anything. If someone is disrespectful or challenges you then you have to fight, even if you don't think you can win. Let's say a 12-year-old saw the gang and yelled cuss words at you all. Would you beat him or is 12 too young and you guys would just laugh? Unfortunately, that 12 year old would get beat. Have you ever witnessed a murder or severe beating? Yes Let's say you were still in a gang and I was walking down the wrong street and you guys were going to beat/rob me. Let's say I knew you personally and before I got beat I said, 'Hey Tuna, stand up for me.' Would the gang then leave me alone? This is a tricky question. If I was there and we were friends, you wouldn't need to speak at all as I would just tell them you were my guy and nobody would question it. If I wasn't there and you told them, "hey I'm friends with Tuna" they would leave you alone and you could continue to walk without any problems. Finally, in your new life, do people get scared when they see your tattoo or you tell your neighbors you served time in the slammer? Do you cause fear in them or do they give you a chance? Honestly, this is the most I've talked about it since I've been away. I'm not proud of my past, but at the same time I'm not ashamed. I did what I did. I feel like I'm a better husband because I know how dedicated my wife is to me and I know what it's like to not be with her every night. I'm a better father because I know what it's like to be powerless over helping to shape my kids futures. Not to mention, it's very difficult for my kids to get away with lies considering that I've told them all at some point in my life. I find that people have been very accepting of me. also ... Why did you go to jail? Juvi: UUW (unlawful use of a weapon) - I brought a gun to school. sentence: probation -Attempted Murder -sentence: 30 months juvi DOC The first time as a adult I got 6 years for the following: -Possession of a firearm -Obstruction of Justice - Gave a fake name to police -Theft 10k-100k - I was involved in a robbery of a currency exchange, they dropped the charges to theft in the cop out Parole Violation: -Failed drug test The second time I got 5 years for: Possession/attempt to sell stolen motor vehicle - 3 counts - I ran a chop shop What is life like in jail? Is jail boring? Do you have TV in jail? Quite honestly, life wasn't that bad. Time goes by really quick. I was in Western (Mt Sterling), Sheridan, Shawnee. I was processed in Joliet the first time, then in Statesville for the parole violation and second sentence. I was fortunate enough to have people send me money so I rarely ate the prison food. I cooked in my cell, had a hot pot for coffee, had a radio, TV (with cable), battery powered shaver, jogging pants, tshirts/sweatshirts. Ramen noodles were typically used for the base of every meal. You could add chili and summer sausage, jalapenos, cheese etc...you could buy pop, chips, little debbie, etc...We made tattoo guns out of walkmans and passed time that way. I played a lot of poker and spades for money (money was considered items bought from the store). It wasn't that horrible of an experience. Around 2001-2002 the prisons did start to get more strict, but it still wasn't that bad. Were you ever beaten? I got into a few fights, I didn't win them all, but I wouldn't say that I took a "beating". More like roughed up a little bit. Did anybody ever try to rape you? No. In the 80's and early/mid 90's prisons were a lot tougher than they are now (ie Richard Speck leaked video). I imagine that still goes on somewhat in the maximum security prisons, but I didn't spend a significant amount of time there so I can't speak on it. Was it the greatest moment of your life when you got out of jail? Can't even put it into words Do employers hold your jail experience against you in trying to get a job? The application didn't ask if I was ever convicted of a crime. In the interview I kept my hand out of sight. I got the job, showed great work ethic and never complained about hours or tasks. I was promoted several times and I am now the GM of the company (only person above me is the owner). I staff and oversee a couple stores, route all deliveries, inventory control, hire/fire, A/R, manage all aspects of Penske truck rental done out of one of our locations, etc... My employer asked what the tattoo's meant on my hand, I gave him a smile and said, "product of a misspent youth" and we left it at that. If I told him about my past he probably wouldn't believe me, I've changed that much in my day to day life. What is your profession? I work for a rental company. We set up tents for weddings, festivals, etc... Thanks tuna. This stuff is so interesting. No problem, buddy. You guys keep me up to date and entertained with White Sox news/rumors/opinions every day, it's the least I could do.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 4, 2012 -> 04:32 PM) That's cool your child was a life-changer, so to speak. My latest question to you is: Do you think the fact you committed crimes (tell us what they are if u can) means that you have inner evil in yourself that will come out again in the future? Or have you truly seen the light and the rest of your life you are a kind, law-abiding citizen? Are you destined to relapse or are you fine? Forgive me for my bluntness. I just wonder if you fear there is evil in you for some reason and that evil will always try to take over your body? I personally think God can help you with that, but those are my beliefs, may not be yours. I thank you for answering all my questions. The hardest part of leaving that life is how boring normal life can get. When you're in the streets all night doing drugs and commiting crimes you get addicted to the adrenaline that comes with that. I have focused my time on work 6 days/60 hrs per week, family, sports (big into fantasy sports as well). It's really about occupying your time in a positive way. I don't think I'm destined to go back to that life. I think about consequences before making decisions, if I hit this drunk idiot tailgating next to me, the cop will see my record, they'll arrest me, let him go and I won't be going home to my family tonight. Looking like a p**** means nothing to me anymore. My family and my freedom is what matters.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Oct 4, 2012 -> 12:19 PM) What made you want to get out and better your life? Why do you think it took so long? I received a 6 year sentence in 1998, got out for a few months, went back in on a parole violation, was out for 6 months and then got another 5 year sentence. In those few months I got a girl pregnant. When I got out and introduced myself to my daughter for the first time, it was a game changer. I didn't care enough about myself to change, but I was able to for my daughter. The self esteem came back after a couple years. @ greg, I'll answer all of your questions tonight when I have more time.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 3, 2012 -> 12:39 PM) Tuna. Could you write about what gang life is like? I find it very interesting topic. 2.) I don't know your ethniciity. What are gangs policies of race in neighborhoods. If you are black, would you immediately jump/stab a white guy? If you are white, would you immediately stab/jump a black? 3.) When gang members shoot a kid do rival gangs seek justice immediately? 4.) What parts of Chicago are the worst? 5.) Do gang members do a lot of drugs or are they mostly into killing? 6.) Do gang members torture people? Do you see that as being the next big thing with gangs? Horrific crimes instead of random bullets? Thanks. Was your life in jeopardy when you left the gang? I'll try and shed some light on my experiences, keep in mind this can be different for other gangs/people. I joined the Satan Disciples (SD's) when I was 12 years old, my neighborhood was 24th and Rockwell. The neighborhood is primarily Mexican, but I am white. While gangs like the Vice Lords, GD's, Black Stones, etc...are primarily black, SD's are more of a melting pot depending on the neighborhood. For instance, 18th And California SD's have a lot of black SD's where as 24th street had none. Racism isn't a policy of the gang, but my neighborhood wasn't fond of blacks (in general) and even looked down on the 18th and California SD's because they had so many black members. I was one of four white guys from this neighborhood. 1.) Are a lot of the decisions to beat/rob people made spur of the moment? You see a pizza guy. You rob him at gunpoint? Most of the time the decision was made to rob people so we could buy drugs and was premeditated. Wait for someone to come out of a currency exchange or a bar after they've been drinking all night, etc...Things do happen spur of the moment and we were ready to take advantage of those situations with a moments notice. The decision to beat someone is completely different. It didn't take much. Everyone was after the title of "crazy", as a matter of fact, the best compliment you could give a guy in my neighborhood was to refer to him as crazy. We were right across the street from the county jail so we were always looking for opportunity's to catch a rival gang member walking down California. Our colors were very close to the Latin Kings (black and yellow as opposed to black and gold) so the Kings got a lot of credit for stuff that happened outside of the County that they had nothing to do with. That was fine by us because the retaliation always came back to them. 2.) I don't know your ethniciity. What are gangs policies of race in neighborhoods. If you are black, would you immediately jump/stab a white guy? If you are white, would you immediately stab/jump a black? I addressed this in the opening paragraph, if you need more detail, let me know. 3.) When gang members shoot a kid do rival gangs seek justice immediately? yes 4.) What parts of Chicago are the worst? Keep in mind that I haven't been back to my neighborhood since I got out of prison (2005). When I was out there Englewood was the clear cut winner for worst area. Little Village, Pilsen (back when Bishops were over by Halsted, but now I see it's really nice over there), the 100's (east), Humboldt Park, Logan Square (just moved my daughter there and see that that neighborhood has really changed for the better), all of the west side and I remember a time that you didn't want to get caught walking around Chicago/Division and Ashland but again, that seems to have really changed as well. 5.) Do gang members do a lot of drugs or are they mostly into killing? Most gang members do a lot of drugs, there are some that don't and they are usually the guys making money off of the gang/drugs. It's very rare to not see drugs play a part in a shooting/murder. Whether they get high before they leave to do it or they get high directly after. 6.) Do gang members torture people? Do you see that as being the next big thing with gangs? Horrific crimes instead of random bullets? I didn't experience that when I was out there. I think torture is more drug related than gang related, but that's just my guess. Was your life in jeopardy when you left the gang? Interesting question. The one myth about gangs was that they would kill or beat you if you left. While that's true if you were leaving to join another gang, it's not true in a variety of situations. In my case for instance, I was a member for about 15 years, never told on anyone even when I was offered deals by the state to not do any time if I gave names, I left to better my life as well as my family's and I have no intention to join or hang out with any other gang. So given that, nobody had a problem with me moving to the suburbs and leaving it all behind. I do have a tattoo of a pitchfork on my right ring finger and a 24 on my right middle finger (currently getting laser treatments for those) along with a bunch of other gang related tattoos on my upper arms and chest. Because of these tattoos I have to be careful. I also have to be constantly aware of my surroundings when I go into Chicago and what neighborhoods I can't go in. Any other questions, feel free. I'm an open book.

QUOTE (Jake @ Sep 28, 2012 -> 05:35 PM) My mom told me the neighborhood she grew up in has gotten pretty f***ed up. She was raised around the corner of Madison and Cicero. Anyone have a sense of where that's at or how it is? I know exactly where that's at and it's horrible. In the article one of the subjects referenced his "OG" and the author incorrectly put (original gangster) as its meaning. That is incorrect, he's actually referring to his mother using that term and I think it speaks volumes. He's saying his mom has always given him everything he needed yet made the decision to join a gang anyway. I'm a reformed gang member and I can tell you first hand that it's a different way of life. Shootings that the general public are horrified over are nothing more than jokes at parties for these guys. They don't aim for innocent people, but don't give it much thought if they happen to get hit. It's a very selfish and lazy lifestyle.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Aug 21, 2012 -> 12:57 AM) If he could have shown even signs of being the old Merriman For that to happen he would have needed a healthy dose of steroids he was taking back then.

The meals in state prison aren't awful, not good, but definitely tolerable. Also, you can buy your own food (boxes of little debbie, pop, meat, coffee, etc...), TV, radio, hot pot, etc...even in maximum security prison's do you get these luxuries. Now, I'm not familiar with the Colorado Penal System, but if it's anything like Illinois, it will make you furious.

QUOTE (balfanman @ Jul 16, 2012 -> 10:13 AM) I predict that Dempster will be traded somewhere soon for something that would not exactly be considered a kings ransom. At that point, Soxtalk will explode with posters wondering why we didn't get him if that's all it took. bold prediction.

Last year opening day was the first time I sat club level, I haven't sat anywhere else since. The thought of sitting out in the sun, mixed in with the common folk and sweating like an animal makes me cringe.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 22, 2012 -> 12:58 PM) Not being able to take on salaries is just going to make our future more difficult if we have to trade better prospects to get players in return. That's my point, I don't want to trade the little we have in the farm for higher priced players. I'd rather trade older guys that are performing well right now to get rid of their salaries. We may not get that much for them because of their salaries, but it's a move I'd be willing to make. If somebody told me they would give us a bag of baseballs for Rios straight up before this season started, I'd be all over it. I'm not blinded by the couple of good months he's had this year. Humber has done zilch since his perfecto, Danks/Floyd aren't doing well at all and I'm not willing to bet our future that Quintana can keep his dominance up for the rest of the year (although I pray he does).

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 22, 2012 -> 12:55 PM) It mostly means he will have to give up better prospects in order to get the financial considerations they need. I hate it that he has no regard for our future.

Call me crazy, but I believe the attendance issue is a blessing in disguise. KW needs to be handcuffed in adding more salary at the deadline. This is just my opinion, but he needs to look at trying to get value for some of these contracts most of us thought he would never be able to move in the beginning of the season.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Jun 15, 2012 -> 09:12 PM) Anyone going to the Crosstown games? Yes, picked up 2 tix for $50 a piece off stubhub. Upper reserved, row 3. I'm tailgating tomorrow, all are welcome.

QUOTE (ewokpelts @ Jun 5, 2012 -> 01:58 PM) they happened to play an al central team a few weeks ago. There are other options...

QUOTE (ewokpelts @ Jun 5, 2012 -> 12:31 PM) when you go to buy tickets on cubs.com, they offer parking as you checkout. there is a $42 parking option. Jesus...how would you know such a thing?!?!?!

I can only speak for myself, had I known that I could get tickets this past weekend for $5, I would have been there with my family. Unfortunately, everything I saw when I priced it out was $25 per. After doing the calculations $25 per ticket x me, my wife and 3 kids, we're at $125 before we even start talking about gas/transportation to get to the park (coming from Crystal Lake), food/drinks while there, etc...There's only one other person as passionate about the Sox in my immediate family and that's my 4 year old daughter. She was the only one pissed that we didn't go.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ May 29, 2012 -> 10:06 AM) We do mostly defense work, but hey, I get 30% of whatever I can bring in so.........wait, do I hear ambulance sirens? brb or you could always defend the guy that threw the bottle...