Jenksismyhero

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 30, 2010 -> 08:35 AM) Only if you don't count Social Security, Medicare, state, and local taxes, sure. I'd love to have back the non-zero tax amounts I paid while in grad school while earning below the poverty line. The reason why the top 10% wind up paying most of the taxes is that they already control a huge slice of the pie. On 2001 data, the top 10% you cite controlled 71% of the wealth in this country, and I'll absolutely guarantee you that number has gone up since then. Here's my gripe - 40% of the country get's paid by the government and recieves more of the "benefits" those taxes go towards than anyone else, 10% pays a ton (and i'm fine with that), but the majority of the remaining 50% are average joes who don't make a lot but still have to spend a decent amount of their income on taxes. People like me and my soon-to-be-fiance. I look at someone who's making slightly less than us, who's about 400k less in debt than we are, who doesn't have to pay s***, and it pisses me off. But I know, it's my "responsibility" to support half the country.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 30, 2010 -> 08:01 AM) This is of course totally untrue. It is?

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Jul 29, 2010 -> 07:54 PM) All I know is that my personal tax bill is going to go up $3,000+ next year. And I am NOT "rich", in fact, far from it as I look at my bank account going down to almost nothing. Aren't you happy that half the country doesn't have to pay ANY income tax? Don't you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? You're such a giver!

This is GOOD news. I'd prefer that Chicago winters become a little warmer.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jul 29, 2010 -> 08:53 AM) ESPN isn't a news org any more and shouldn't be treated as one... they have major money deals with MLB, NFL and the NBA, it's in their best interest to protect those brands. Outside of 30 for 30 they do nothing IMO that is remotely independent or objective (I will grant them their Ombudsman on .com, but if you're going to have that it has to be neutral by definition). I am actually impressed how the NFL network and MLB network have been far more objective about their own sports. (Although anytime MLBN wants to never schedule Eric Byrnes for their network is OK by me) This is why there's a shift from the espn/si/sportsline/foxsports websites to independent blogs like deadspin/thebiglead, or even lesser sports sites like Yahoo!, which is quickly becoming a favorite read of mine. Good writing and interesting stories will always beat whatever ESPN fabricates to get an audience.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 28, 2010 -> 09:54 AM) No seriously, I'm quite confused here. From what I read of this conversation, it's been arguing that we're not getting mad enough at Mel Gibson's crazy remarks, and this is the liberal media's fault because they only get mad when a Conservative makes a crazy statement. I can't figure out how in the world you can possibly call Mel Gibson a liberal, and I can't figure out how Mel Gibson not getting enough press coverage for being a crazy holocaust denier is the fault of the liberals. I frankly don't care one bit about Mel Gibson, I'm just totally lost as to how this is my fault. I always thought of him as a Conservative, but in this case, I'm not trying to say that fans of his movies are all anti-semites. Should I be? I'm serious, I'm totally lost here, the argument I'm getting is: Mel Gibson isn't getting enough coverage, this is the fault of the liberals trying to cover for one of their own. What have I misread? My original complaint was the lack of coverage and outrage over Oliver Stone's comments. Someone else brought up Mel Gibson.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 28, 2010 -> 09:46 AM) Is Mel Gibson a crazy liberal? Sigh...

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 28, 2010 -> 09:02 AM) So, would you like it if I said Mel Gibson was an anti-semite borderline neo-Nazi, and people who associate with him and support him should be lumped into the same category? Balta, seriously. I used to enjoy your posts. Very intelligent, very informative, an overall good read. But this Socratic, "so, you....." response is really getting tiresome and adds nothing to the discussions people are having. I don't care for labeling any group due to one members' views. I'm just pointing out the double standard that liberals don't get as upset (as in not at all) when it's a crazy liberal who says the stupid thing.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 27, 2010 -> 04:55 PM) Where did I say that? What are you talking about? Actually you implied (intentionally or not, and using some awkward sarcasm) that some random Hollywood figure said something anti-Semitic and you're not hearing enough criticism of it so there must be kind of liberal conspiracy and I have no idea where you drew that assumption/conclusion from. I brought up Mel Gibson being in the news doing basically the same thing and taking a s***-ton of heat for it to show that doesn't make any sense. What I said has nothing to do with labeling conservative ideology as racist. The opposite actually. That wasn't directed to you specifically. I just keep hearing all this bulls*** about how a tea partier says something about a minority and they're deemed racist, which of course means conservatives are all racist, which means fox news is racist (Dean). It starts with one person saying something stupid and people run with it. I was just making the comparison that there should be the same reaction here, but there's not.

Saw it, liked it, though not crazy over it like a lot of people. Still, it was refreshing to see a new and original film. 8.5/10 Acting was pretty good all around. The fight scene in the hotel hallway/hotel room was awesome. My main complaint was the opening scene. He should have cut that. The entire movie I kept thinking "ok, how is this all going to work itself out?" You knew going in to the inception part that Saito was going to be stuck in limbo, which sorta killed any emotional response you'd get from him dying once he got shot (the risk of him going into limbo). Also, I would have preferred some back story with Cobb and Mal. I hate movies that just throw in these really deep and strong emotional ties between people without explaining it. I didn't really care that he lost her, despite all the crying and yelling. Can't wait to see it again when it comes out on Blu-ray.

QUOTE (GoSox05 @ Jul 27, 2010 -> 01:00 PM) He did not say that Hitler was good or that we should sympathize with him. He didn't deny the Holocaust. He said that Hitler killed other large amounts of people too. He said that Hitler was partially funded by American and British corporations. Which is true. He gave this interview and was talking about this certain subject because he has a TV series coming out about it. Then why call him Frankenstein and say that there was also a Dr. Frankenstein? That's exactly what he meant - Yeah, the guy was terrible, but he wasn't THAT terrible, considering the evil Americans and British helped him rise to power and those dirty Jews keep lying about it.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jul 27, 2010 -> 11:54 AM) It could be that he has a gripe that other atrocities get ignored and so much attention is paid to the Jewish holocaust, not that he doesn't think the holocaust is significant. Even the gypsies, gays, disabled etc. that were victims of the same thing only get mentioned in passing. Or it could just be another Hollywood douche, idk. edit: seems like he's just on an anti-US/Israel rant. This is not shocking because Stone is a douche. What's Oliver Stone's party/ news network? I'm not seeing jenks' point here. Also, as noted, Stone didn't say Hitler or Stalin were good there, that was a Breitbart jenks fabrication. A bit of hyperbole. He's saying that Hitler and Stalin weren't as bad as we are told and that they're unfairly portrayed in the Jewish led media. He admits Hitler's a Frankenstein, but wants us to understand (sympathize?) that he apparently was created by the evil Allies. It's a ridiculous statement to make and it's getting next to no coverage out there. Again, let's use the common sense test - imagine the reaction if a major conservative said it. You have Howard Dean calling Fox News racist (based on nothing), and you guys cry fowl over some tea party guy dodging the media, but no reactions to this? And while there are other modern genocides (Africa), I dunno that anything can really compare to the Holocaust. It deals with the western world, so that accounts for the difference in coverage, and it was done in a disgustingly systematic way (i.e. rail lines straight to gas chambers instead of invading villages with machine guns).

QUOTE (GoSox05 @ Jul 27, 2010 -> 08:42 AM) The stuff he said about " jews controling the media" was incredibly stupid. I don't remember him saying that Hitler and Stalin were "good". You wanna talk about a free pass, that Henry Ford sure did get off easy. He's downplaying the evil of both men. He damn near claims that it wasn't Hitler's fault that he did the things he did, it was America/Britian that created the monster.

QUOTE (G&T @ Jul 26, 2010 -> 09:28 AM) Here's a question for the AT&T subscribers. I just got my first bill from AT&T and I noticed that they billed for the previous month and next month. So we are essentially being double billed this month (6/16 - 7/15; 7/16 - 8/15) . I called and they said that's how they do it. But I want to be sure. I don't recall any other wireless carrier billing a month in advance. Is this actually how they do it? Yeah, I think I had the same concern when I first signed up for AT&T. Someone told me that you get a refund whenever you cancel. We'll see if that actually happens.

A McGrady signing has headcase/club house cancer written all over it. He wants to be a starter and still thinks he can be one. The Bulls, probably rightly so, don't think he can be an effective starter anymore. They apease him for a few weeks, giving him a good chunk of minutes, but eventually his defense slips, the younger guys start taking his minutes, and he starts whining about not getting enough playing time. He ruins the good-guy, team-first vibe that everyone else seems to have. And I've always liked McGrady. He's never been a T.O., i'm better than the team kind of player. I just see problems if they sign him and he isn't happy with his role.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 26, 2010 -> 09:30 PM) Your mistake here is associating anti-Semitism with ideology. anyway what's a "free pass" really? Would you say Mel Gibson is getting a free pass right now? For more or less the same thing. So conservative ideology includes racism? Really? And Mel Gibson isn't getting a pass. He's been all over the news and everyone has an opinion on what he said/did.

still waiting for the "omg! he's a racist! his whole party and news network are racist too!" Seriously, how's this guy getting a pass? First Chavez, and now Hitler and Stalin were good? WTF?

QUOTE (jasonxctf @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 03:32 PM) truthfully, i agree in principal. but we are ignoring the large spending problems (military, social security, etc) to focus on the little sh*t. it's a waste of time resources. its like worrying that you left the iron on, while your house is burning to the ground. *pretends to be Balta*: So you'd agree that the country is in a death spiral due to the massive deficit?

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 11:41 AM) Supply and demand my friend, capitalism at it's finest. As a guy who appeares to be republican in the posts I've seen, I would think you of all people would defend such a concept. Right, and I do defend their right to do that. My complaint is that both sides talk out of their ass about this issue. They claim it's all about the fans and making the fans experience better, or the game better, or whatever, but it's not about that. If it was, tickets wouldn't be as expensive as they are (and wouldn't continue to rise).

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 10:13 AM) Well, the guaranteed contract thing is more about why I have no problem with them holding out for more money and asking for it, cause they can be cut at any time. It serves as a better comparison with the other major pro sports, not with the real world. I realize football players are aware of the physical toll it will take on their body, but there are 35-year old ex-players that need a wheelchair to get around because of football or can't hold a job because of dementia/memory issues/brain damage due to football. But just cause the guy made $5 million in his career, the NFL shouldn't help him cover those health costs when he is older??? Every Sunday there are over a million people who have no issue with the cost of NFL tickets, and I'm sure plenty of them spend a high % of their income on it, and wouldn't think twice about it. I do not see that changing anytime soon. If you don't like it then don't go, the NFL won't miss you a bit. Yeah, I get that the NFL isn't hurting for fans, but that doesn't mean it's not s***ty that prices continue to go up and up.

QUOTE (Chi Town Sox @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 09:16 AM) You know what, I agree with you but (different sport) I think it is a lot more than just a little crazy when you have someone like Chris Johnson (Titans) making less money in 2010 than his current backup who rushed for 48 yards last year (heard that on ESPN.) I think they are more than justified to ask for more money, just like when you feel you need a raise at work, you ask for it. I just noticed you are talking about backing out of a contract*, but I am sure you get what I am saying I agree there's a gray area where players have a legitimate gripe about their contract. Football that tends to happen because of the way the system is set up (rookies get paid an enormous amount despite having done nothing). To me basketball is a different animal because everything is so set from the beginning. If you prove yourself to be a franchise caliber player, you'll be paid like it after a few years. In Paul's situation, it's not about the money, it's about not being happy with the franchise (i.e., the market he's in) and the players around him. He's just unhappy that he chose to resign there for 4 years back in 08 but now they suck.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 09:44 AM) Well, the issue with the guaranteed contracts is basically addressing itself by the players asking for frontloaded contracts with huge signing bonuses. The free market usually figures out a way to deal with the inefficiencies of the system. I do agree with the rookie wage scale though - there is no way a rookie QB that has never played an NFL game should be getting more guaranteed money than Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Yeah, that's a huge one for me where I'm totally on the owners side. Bradford is gonna make 50 million guaranteed before stepping foot on a practice field in the NFL. That's just ridiculous.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 09:26 AM) I actually side with the players on many of the issues. First of all, their contracts aren't guaranteed, so other than your signing bonus, a team can cut you anytime and not owe you s***. The average player's career is 2 or 3 years. Also, NFL players get hurt pretty bad physically over time, with head injuries, concussions, knee problems, etc. I have no problem with them wanting some money after their careers to help them deal with the health problems that their career caused them. I don't know why you mention ticket prices when 30 of the 32 teams sold out every game last year and most teams have season ticket waiting lists that stretch for miles. I don't think they are stopping people from going to more than one game a year. Kinda like any normal job? What makes these guys any different? Because they're professional athletes they should get more benefits than we get? And if you go in knowing that what you do is physically taxing on your body, that's part of the gig. That's why you get paid millions of dollars. I have no problem with them asking for more money, but the problem is that money doesn't come from the owners, that comes from a 10 dollar hike in ticket prices that you and I pay for. And I mentioned that the average fan has to spend a good chunk of his income just to see a game. It's a general gripe I have with all sports. Sure, it's fine for me and my fiance now (though I think having to spend a couple hundred bucks for a 3-4 hours affair is a bit ridiculous), but there's no way we'll do that kind of trip with kids. I used to go to games all the time with my family. I just don't think that trend will continue given the rising costs.

Anyone catch Mike and Mike this morning and yesterday as they spoke with the reps of the players union and owners about the NFL agreement? Pretty hilarious to listen to them justify their sides. Neither care about the fans or the game, they just care about getting more money. I thought it was telling that the owners rep listed off about 5 goals that the commissioner wants to achieve and basically none of them had to do with the fans. Which is really sad. NFL fans are so screwed. The average fan is getting pushed out so that the players and owners can make more money. The more I listened to them, the more I got angry. Players want the owners to spend 200 million on pensions and salaries (cut from the rookie pay scale both sides appear to want). f***ing pensions? What does a millionaire need a pension for? Why not cut ticket prices or concession prices so people can afford to go to more than one game a year?

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jul 22, 2010 -> 05:47 AM) I seriously wish a team would just take a stand with these players and not give in to their trade demands. If they are that serious about not playing out their contract, call them out of it and see if they hold true. Chris Paul isn't going to sacrifice his money -- guaranteed -- so he would def. still play if not traded. But, of course, no team can take that risk. Not yet, but I have a feeling the day is coming. The fans are starting to get angry about the direction of the NBA, if not professional sports in general. Players are a bunch of whiney, me-first p*****s. They b**** and moan about disrespect, despite the fact that they signed a contract and 3 years later want to change their mind. 20 years ago guys would use that as motivation - play your ass off to finish the contract and make the next one a big one. But not today. Today you just complain and complain and use the media (with all of their kiss-ass reporters who are nothing but mouthpieces for the players) and you get traded.