Texsox

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 . . .

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jan 23, 2010 -> 11:16 PM) Its the all-white Olympics... Wait, didn't I see some 45 second Sports Center promo on a black speed skater?

QUOTE (Sonik22 @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 08:20 PM) I think I'm going to be changing my major from marketing to sports administration. I know I won't be happy in the future if my job doesn't involve sports so I feel this is the better choice. Be certain you like the job, sometimes keeping a hobby you love works better than combining. Most of the golf professionals I know complain how they have no time to play. If you spend all your time doing "xyz" you may not see as many games or the variety. FWIW

QUOTE (GreatScott82 @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 08:34 PM) I was at Soxfest today and Ozzie mentioned the whole- "As a manager sometimes you have to think with your mind and not your heart in order to lead a team". I thought he managed "from the gut" How about Crede at DH?

We have a few Tex-Mex chains down here that serve beer. Iced down, right at the checkout.

I guess I missed the support in your posts . . . QUOTE (Soxy @ Jan 20, 2010 -> 09:52 AM) What's the point? Famous (oft-crying) quarterback tells people not to get an abortion? Oh yeah, that will work. I mean, I for one always base intimate decisions on famous college athletes. GMAFB, views on abortion aren't going to be changed by this. What a waste of 30 seconds of my life and millions of dollars. QUOTE (Soxy @ Jan 20, 2010 -> 09:57 AM) But it's giving implicit support of his views. It's like saying, oh hey let's let the Hitler Foundation make a commercial about the clean air act. Um, no. QUOTE (Soxy @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 04:27 PM) He's just making a run at King of the Kaperbole. These things are best left unresponded to. yet you did . . .

Balta it is a simple case of free speech. He has a story, they have personal experience, not something made up. You want to restrict that sort of speech. I don't. Soxy will support a woman's right to an abortion, but not woman's right to talk about what happened to her and the choice she made. And as I said before, I would be in favor of someone speaking about making the other choice and how it worked out. I suspect there would be ton of support for that message. And if this was set to music, there wouldn't be a problem. Pro sex, drugs, and rock and roll messages What should be a heartwarming story of a woman making a decision to carry her baby, and having everything work out, something too sugary for even a Lifetime Original Movie, provokes anger.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 21, 2010 -> 05:04 PM) Frankly, a huge amount of effort politically has, over the past few years, gone into designing and enacting laws that are either designed because it's believed that's 100% true, or because there's a need for a direct intervention to intimidate people from getting that procedure. The 48 hour waiting periods enacted, the requirements that doctors take certain steps to try to talk the patient out of having an abortion or at least provide often inaccurate information about the other negative health outcomes of having an abortion. If "not understanding that is an option" is not an issue, then it's straight out intimidation. Again, we seem to have a huge cheering section for abortion. Yet when someone speaks out against it, the attacks begin. Without even seeing the ad, it is being attacked at every angle. So let's have a pro abortion rally. People counter his commerical with a pro abortion message. Instead of trying to shut down his message, do your own. Get some poor kid with a s***ty life and have him stand there and say, I wish my mom aborted. Show some kid with birth defects and list all the reasons why his, and his mom's life, would be better if she aborted. Talk about how tough it is raising a special needs child and have the mother announce, I wish I never had never carried this fetus to term, and you will too. Show a high school kid who accidentally got pregnant and point out all the advantages of abortion. Show the woman who has had multiple abortions, and how happy she is. There are so many positive abortion stories out there, use them. Don;t like my examples, find a better story. I'll support the message being out there. The message in American is clear: Tebow stfu about your life. Go peddle beer and people will think you are the coolest Lend your name to a $300 pair of shoes Whoot Whoot But speak out about abortion?? That sucks. You're trying to INFLUENCE PEOPLE.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 21, 2010 -> 05:39 PM) Well, I'm not going to argue this into the ground. We all have our opinions. That being said, this isn't a commercial that is similar to any of those you listed. This is a commercial that is attempting to imply that mothers who chose to abort their fetus to avoid significant health risks somehow "took the easy way out," or are baby murderers. It also implies that had these women took their pregnancy to term, they very well might have had the next collegian football star. Instead, they murdered him by taking the "safe" and "ungodly" way out. I'm not trying to pretend as if Americans can't use this opportunity to take a leak, or turn away from the tv. I understand Americans are smart enough to see through the message. I just think it's in poor taste. I think it's playing on people's guilt and it's inappropriate. I've said enough on the topic, I think you all know how I feel. No need to continue ranting and raving. Where have you seen the commercial? I guess I need to see it.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 21, 2010 -> 05:42 PM) Tex, obviously people aren't stupid and can see through the commercial. But why the need for it then? If not to try and influence people because he is a famous football player and all-around good guy, then why is he in the commercial? Do you really think one of the factors one counts in making this decision should be "because Tim Tebow's mother made this choice"? I just really think it is inappropriate. They wouldn't be spending the millions of dollars for the ad if not to try and capitalize on the Tebow's fame and to play on the guilt of people. If he set the message to music and played it at half time, would that be a problem? The Who may perform a song about dying young, are they just using being a famous musical group to influence your decision? Tebow's message is choose life, the Who will offer the balance, "I hope I die Before I Get Old . . . " When Joe Walsh performs One Day at a Time, a song about his alcoholism, is that wrong? I just want to listen to some music, why should I be exposed to that? Are they using their fame to influence? What's the need? When the NBA started their Stay in School campaign, wasn't that to use their player's fame? How about Reagan and "Just Say No", wasn't that using the office of the President to influence? To me, using an athlete's fame to sell cigars, alcohol, etc. should be far more upsetting to people than this. Yet, having children watch famous athletes promoting an alcohol product they may or may not have ever tasted, doesn't cause any outrage, but Tebow telling his personal, factual story, is upsetting? And by seeing through the message, are you saying that every person really should choose death? Why is a message about abortion so easy to support, but choosing life so upsetting to people?

It was not as clear cut to me. I was thinking about a tourist ship docking in Florida or LA after a devastating hurricane and it did seem a little distasteful. I know after Hurricane Dolly that one of the reasons I shut down the Scout Camp was it seemed wrong to have people having a good time while others are devastated. But as others have noted, the island does need currency and we couldn't expect the cruise line to just make a donation. They should receive something in return, especially if that is how their relationship has been constructed. They built a private resort for their guests because they wanted to make an economic impact on this island. It works for both parties, why should the other, untouched, areas suffer?

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 04:00 AM) You know what needs mushrooms? A f***ing dungeons and dragons party. laughing before my first cup of coffee