Texsox

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 26, 2010 -> 07:20 AM) This isn't telling someone to fill out their bucket list because they are ill. This is rubbing a gamble in the face of an incredibly complex issue. I'm just not seeing this as you are, Tex. Let's also remember that all preganacies carry risks. I honestly do not know where she falls on the scale. And as you mention, all cases are different. Someone with diabetes faces certain risks when she is pregnant. Are they acceptable risks? Couples with certain genetic predispositions also face unique challenges. Maybe this ad gets some of them to talk with their Doctor about becoming pregnant. But I know the times I faced medical decisions I appreciated any feedback. From a general answer to the question "how did it go for you" in a waiting room, to longer, more involved discussions. As far as my example, you easily dismiss it as fill out a bucket list. I believe many people will dismiss her messae just as easily. They will realize that her situation is not the same as anyone else. This isn't rubbing the gamble in their face, life has already done that. It is exposing them to someone who has been there.

I think the biggest difference we have is in how you look at the message. You are thinknig heavy duty medical, I am thinking it is more like this Tim McGraw song Now you could say how insulting. Someone was just told they have three months live and this stupid f*** tells them to go sky diving and bull riding?! That's irresponsible. They should be seeking second opinions, researching alternative strategies, etc. I'm thinking it's a nice uplifting message of hope. We'll see what the commercial looks like.

QUOTE (SouthsideDon48 @ Jan 26, 2010 -> 02:12 AM) : Actually, I'm thinking of going alone when I try an open mic night, cause if I embarrass myself so bad, then at least I won't be embarrassed to face my family or friends, or have their pity. :-p And they have probably heard most of your stuff. I found there is some interesting growth in life when you scare the crap out of yourself and live to tell about it. And btw, a small crowd is much worse than a big one. Laughter is contagious. 200 people in the room and you can get a couple started. 16, and they may all sit there stone faced.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 09:45 PM) To all the people grappling with the decision themselves? To anyone who has gone through it in the past? To anyone who realizes the gravity of the issue and how ridiclous it is to make it seem so cut and dry, like the Tebow's are apparently doing? I am trying to see the point where someone going through it would be insulted by hearing about someone else that went through it. Listen in at a hospital waiting room, the conversations are often brief, not filled with medical advice. People want to hear about others facing similar choices. Again, we are both making assumptions about their message. I probably would agree with your take if I accepted the commercial as you believe it will be done.

I can't believe we have gotten to the point where people will try to ride our coattails. Mentioning soxtalk so people pay attention to them. It is a big internet, with many places to talk baseball, yet he seems obsessed with this place. Kind of cool, and sad.

Thank you. I was crying a bit, then lmao hey it's only January . . .

QUOTE (FlaSoxxJim @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 01:56 PM) Everything Prior to Chicago X is damn solid, and all of the Terry Kath-era stuff is essential. Radio may have played some of it to death, and Peter Cetera and his ego killed the group's individuality eventually, but they were once an awesome band. IIRC there is even a couple of songs after that which are pretty decent. But the consistent quality just isn't there. Plus their discography is littered with greatest hits this and that.

25 years ago. I also did a little college time with an improv group. Do it. Scare the s*** out of yourself. Bomb. Kill. Kill again. Have a few buddies heckle you. In fact, if the old guy can give a little advice. Always try it. Never be afraid to at least try. Your only regrets later will be the things you did not do.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 09:35 PM) I just find it incredibly offensive and disrespectful. I don't think it will have a big impact at all. I guess that is where I am confused. Offensive and disrespectful to who?

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 09:04 PM) Tex, obviously none of us have seen the commercial. But do you not see the implication here? By stating that her doctor advised her not to take her pregnancy to term, and that she did anyways, and she had the child who grew up to be Tim Tebow....I mean, you don't get what they are saying there? I do get it and you realize that People Magazine and the New England Journal would have far different articles? That there is news of celebrity diets, surgeries, etc all the time which do not get pamphlets, journal articles, etc. It's a human interest piece. When celebrities talk about their new diet, they don't spend two hours discussing the health implications for diabetics, people with suppressed immunity, etc. I believe since this is such an important topic, that potentially has fatal implication, people will be guided more by their Doctors and family than some QB's mom. In fact, I'm surprised you are thinking this will have such a huge impact. If that were truly the case, smoking and drugs would be gone from society with all the celebrity anti-drug and anti-smoking campaigns. If they don't listen to a celbrity say stop this or you will die,why will they listen to her?

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 08:48 PM) The vast majority of them. I'm not sure you could produce a more complex issue than the one the Tebow's are attempting to share with us in 30 seconds. Vast majority? Car ads, are they enough to have you buy a car? All the Pharma ads? Stay in school? Really 30 seconds is enough to discuss financial aid, job outlooks, Colleges versus Universities? Trade Schools versus Academic. I can hardly think of one issue that could be fully, to the level you are thinking, be explained in thirty seconds.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 08:48 PM) The vast majority of them. I'm not sure you could produce a more complex issue than the one the Tebow's are attempting to share with us in 30 seconds. That's where we have a huge difference. You are thinking some big medical thing, I'm thinking human interest piece. You are thinking medical advice, I am thinking People Magazine fluff.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 05:54 PM) I understand I am sort of dialing in on a more specific objection than some others, but I have not really seen too many object to the idea of presenting the message in a respectful and adequate manner. Who among us posting in this thread would object to the idea of this issue being presented in a documentary, or in book or pamphlet of some type, where it could be fully explained and discussed in a respectful manner? I would have no issue even with the Tebow's story being a part of that. I think I do agree with Tex in that there is some value in them sharing their story, since people know who they are and have some level of trust in them as reasonable and caring people. I think you are placing way more medical importance to this than I am. There is a huge difference between discussing a serious medical decision and hearing about someone's story. Much like just listening to Joe Walsh sing about his battle with alcoholism is far different than seeking treatment for the disease. Perhaps there is someone who would decide what cancer treatment to take after reading about Farrah Fawcett, but I really doubt it. It is my guess, and since no one has seen it we are all guessing, that it will be more People Magazine than the New England Journal of Medicine. When People Magazine reports on some celebrity and their latest surgery, or the coolest new bit of cosmetic surgery, I don't hear too many complaints around here.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 05:30 PM) When will you grasp that what we are arguing is NOT that this message should not be shared, but that it should NOT be shared in a 30-second commercial where it cannot be adequately, responsibly, and respectfully shared. You seem to be completely missing the point here. There are multiple arguments happening here. Without seeing the ad, I can't really respond. I agree the total message cannot be shared in thirty seconds. I truly doubt they will try. But how many commercials, Public Service Anbnouncements, etc. can be adequately, responsibly, and respectfully shared?

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 05:04 PM) Unless they are the Tebow family on Super Bowl Sunday. His ultrasound showed gross abnormalities?

As recent history has shown, the difference between making the playoffs and starting that golf vacation can be very slim. Will the DH make a difference, probably not. But damn, with the rest of this lineup, it's like having Aerosmith play your party but limit them to Sgt Pepper Soundtrack stuff.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 04:55 PM) I think you're mixing things up here. Jumping into a lake to save a drowning baby is one thing. Having a doctor show you an ultrasound with alarming abnormalities is something entirely different. Earlier it was mentioned that someone would carry a baby and risk their own health, perhaps dying. And I will not judge a family that accepts a special needs child into their lives. It is about the most terribly stressful thing I can imagine. I see many kids down the hallway from me who some people here would probably think should have been aborted. I just can not make that judgement for someone else and I don't think it is appropriate for someone else to make it for them.

A mother risking her life to save her child. It's going to happen. People risk their lives to save total strangers. I doubt a Doctor would recommend risking your life to save another. But it happens, and will continue to happen. Sometimes it will work out, other times it will not. We can try and hide the stories of when it works out, perhaps call those women idiots. But tomorrow, another mother will risk her life to save her baby. Some will view it as honorable, even noble. Others will call her an idiot for risking her life. Tell her she should have played it safe and not risk her life. And tomorrow another mother will risk her life to save her baby. It's just what some mothers do. Who or what inspired Ms. Tebow? Perhaps nothing, it may just be what some mothers do. Will she do it because of the Tebow story? I really doubt it. There is a much stronger human emotion in some people to save their baby. To me the story is she risked her life to save her baby. Perhaps that is too dangerous a story to have told. Perhaps people will die if they hear her story. But I doubt it. There are movies, books, newspaper articles, tv shows, all with the theme of a mother risking everything to save her baby. But we get all worked up because it is a :30 second commercial during the Super Bowl. I am certain everyone here would not want their own mother to risk her life to save them, but some mother's will. Not because of Tebow's story. But because that is what some mother's do.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 09:33 PM) Tex, not a one person in here has come even close to suggesting that women should not have the right to speak out against abortion. What has been attacked by a few of us is the method of doing so. I can only speak for myself, but my sincere guess is that Soxy would support the message Mrs. Tebow and Tim want to share if they did it in a more responsible and more respectful way than in a television commercial. In fact, it could be argued that your support of communicating such a message in this manner suggests you actually have less respect for the issue than those of us arguing it has no business being aired as a Super Bowl commercial. So the fact it is the Super Bowl alters how you feel? If it was aired as a 30 minute special it would be ok? What about them trying to influence people into making a harmful decision? To me it doesn't make a difference if it is being aired during Leno or the sanctity of the Super Bowl.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 11:45 PM) My issue with the Tebow's message (or what we believe it to be), is that the intention (again, apparently) is to use Tim's celebrity and athletic achievements as a carrot in a very serious and personal decision. Deciding whether to bring a pregnancy to term in the midst of significant medical risk is an incredibly complex and difficult issue. It is one that is probably very individualized and specific, based on particular medical concerns, heredity, fertility considerations, just to name a few. It's something that is only considered on a case-by-case basis. In my opinion, issuing some kind of broad advice or opinions on something so incredibly personal and particular seems irresponsible by default, because it is impossible for that person to know the unique circumstances of each individual case. And yet, the Tebow's and this organization are implying that one choice is better than another, most likely in all circumstances, by showcasing Tim as the finished product of Mrs. Tebow's decision. That seems irresponsible, disrespectful, and plain insulting to all the women, couples, and families grappling with this incredibly difficult decision. The Haiti situation is much different. It is not complex. It is not controversial. The appeal made in such a commercial is simply encouraging, inspiring, and in the worst case, guilting Americans to donate money to the Haitian relief fund. And while it may be a somewhat questionable tactic to purchase an ad for millions of dollars in an attempt to raise money that was just spent, the worst result of someone being influenced by the commercial would be someone donating money and having it be wasted. Again, this is a far more trivial result than someone feeling bad about their decision to end a risky pregnancy with the advice of their physician, or even worse, being unable to terminate said pregnancy due in some small part to the commercial featuring the Tebow's. The distinction is not in a sober cause using the Super Bowl as a forum to achieve some sort of goal, but in the message being communicated, and the potential harm involved. There are people, when grappling with a difficult decision, who want to know what other people have done in their place. They look for reasons to be hopeful, they look to be reassured that it can work out. No matter what decision the woman makes, I hope she can remain hopeful and positive. To only allow her to hear and see those that aborted is not the complete picture. There are entire movies about people grappling with difficult, life changing, issues. From infidelity, health issues, the entire range of human events. Entire movies. Yet so many react so negatively to a :30 commercial. We should celebrate life and how this worked out. There is potential harm. People decide each day to quit chemo, not take that risky operation, eat MSG, drink and smoke while pregnant, sometimes it works out, other times it does not. Why would you keep anyone from hearing when it works out? Are you afraid people are too dumb to understand the risks?

QUOTE (Soxy @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 12:49 PM) I find it ironic that you are so active in this thread Tex. He slowly approaches the bait, it was unusual in these waters. Eying it warily, he ponders who was fishing in these waters. As he drew closer, he couldn't help but notice the scent. Not the pungent smell of Vienna Sausages and beer, this was more exotic, actually cosmopolitan. Deciding to get a closer look, he follows the line up, up towards the surface. All the while realizing the risks, but inexplicably drawn closer. As his curiosity begins to peak WHAM! he bangs his head on the ice. Momentarily stunned, he hears the laughter from the fisherman above, "serves the dumb s.o.b. right" he hears her say. Her! Could it be? Circling he finds the hole cut into the ice and squeezes towards the surface. Yes! It is Soxy. Surprised to find her fishing, and remembering what an ass he was earlier, he slips a dozen roses, hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps on the ice and swims away . . .

Ihave a good feeling about Jenks this season. Which basically means he's going to suck, since I've been wrong more than right the past few seasons.

Bobby turns it around.

QUOTE (FlaSoxxJim @ Jan 23, 2010 -> 10:22 AM) Yeah, I'd figure you's go buy salt to melt away the ice, but maybe you did things differently in your neighborhood. Always enjoyed good deep dish and stuffed pizza in Chicago, but that in no way implies that it can touch good Chicago thin crust — easily the Chi-caahh-go food I miss the most. Growing up I never even knew there was any kind of softball other than 16", so I definitely have a soft place in my heart for 16". Not those rock-hard Clinchers with the zigzag stitching, mind you, those other ones (Top Notch??) that get soft and mushy after a few games. Ciacago-style Vienna Beef hotdogs are a culinary high water mark of Western Civilization and ketchup doesn't belong anywhere near a hotdog if you are more than 8 years old. I don't particularly care what the unwashed masses put on their hotdogs — it's enough for me that I know better. I'm with you on the food and I'd like to toss in a gyro at 2am and a couple bags of sliders . . . I'll pass on the 16" and wish the over 40 baseball league had filled this winter. They wanted 8 teams of 15 guys and we had less than 80 sign up. Maybe next year with better recruiting with the winter Texans.

Nothing like coming to the end of a contract to fix a few things . . .