caulfield12

I would have thought Ozzie Smith in the early point of his career had some really low batting averages as an All-Star, maybe 240's or 250's? 230's?

If you want to see a really good movie about the end of the world, Melancholia is it. Just for the Kirsten Dunst scenes...however, be warned, not exactly a feel good or date movie, unless you've just joined a "end of the world" cult and perhaps believe that December will bring the final curtain down (see Mayan Calendar). And Greg, the other reason Rock of Ages wasn't good was because Julianne Hough also can't sing. The major problem with that movie (in a way, reminiscent of his Frank TJ Mackey character in MAGNOLIA) is that Cruise's character is probably the most interesting in the film, and yet is essentially a supporting actor. When you know exactly how the main two characters will end and don't care one way or the other (just like her prior movies Footloose and Burlesque), well, that's not a good element going in favor of the film having success. Jeff, Who Lives At Home.....worth watching, although definitely kind of a "one note" character for Segel, who needs to expand his repertoire before he becomes a ten year older version of Michael Cena. The Five-Year Engagement wasn't good either, although he's definitely one of the most "in demand" actors these days in terms of being in almost every other movie that comes out. And Ed Helms was a lot less annoying in Cedar Rapids than in this one, where he has zero redeeming characteristics to his name.

It's the curse of Sirotka/Santos.

I'm being a little ambitious to start this now, since I have a new two year contract in China to teach through 2014. Do any of you work in non-profit/501c3/charitable organizations? What are some really good ones that you would recommend in the Chicago area? Is the environment or climate for fundraising/grantwriting getting better (compared to 2008/09) or is it still tough to get money from corporations compared to most of the 90's, at least up until 1998/2001/02/08?

Here's my list for the next five weeks.... War by Junger, Sebastian. The measure of the magic by Brooks, Terry. The submission by Waldman, Amy, 1969- Prophet''s prey : my seven-year investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints by Brower, Sam. Aleph by Coelho, Paulo. 1Q84 by Murakami, Haruki, 1949- Ozzie''s school of management : lessons from the dugout, the clubhouse, and the doghouse by Morrissey, Rick. Bossypants by Fey, Tina, 1970- Stone Arabia : a novel by Spiotta, Dana, 1966- The sense of an ending by Barnes, Julian. Battle hymn of the tiger mother by Chua, Amy. The tiger''s wife by Obreht, Téa. Say her name by Goldman, Francisco. Ready player one by Cline, Ernest. Once upon a river : a novel by Campbell, Bonnie Jo, 1962- State of wonder by Patchett, Ann.

Okay, that does it. I will put up an A-ha, Flock of Seagulls or 99 Luftballoons video as my avatar.

Can someone summarize maybe the 3-5 best books they've read since August/September of last year? I'm trying to catch up with every book that I can't read while I'm in China, and I just refuse to use kindle/e-readers, just have to have the feeling of an actual, physical book in my hand. I read the latest Grisham (Litigators) and Paterson/Alex Cross books on the plane, so my interests go from David Foster Wallace/Ulysses level of difficulty to summer beach reading. One of the books I read about here that I really enjoyed was 11/22/63, the Stephen King one on the JFK assassination "re-do." Fifty Shades of Grey, couldn't make it through. Read all the Hunger Games books in one week, though.

QUOTE (JPN366 @ Jul 1, 2012 -> 11:20 PM) Nobody here lives in the Bristol area? Would have thought there'd be at least ONE on the board. Hawkins is the most exciting young hitting prospect we've had since Borchard, perhaps.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 2, 2012 -> 03:54 AM) No, both are resevers. I believe Fielder was voted the 1b starter and Ortiz is the DH starter. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308208/

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jul 2, 2012 -> 11:24 AM) Why? Because I've seen almost every Soderbergh project in my whole life, I'm pretty sure. Yes, even the Sasha Grey one (The Girlfriend Experience), which this movie has been compared to and is a sort of companion piece to. And I have a non homo-erotic weakness for Matthew McConaughey, which probably comes from those filet mignon/beef, it's what's for dinner! commercials. I just want to see him recreating his real life naked, stoned, bongo drum-playing incident, lol.

Movies to see now that back in the US... 1. Ted 2. Moonrise Kingdom 3. Magic Mike 4. Seeking a Friend at the End of the World 5. People Like Us 6. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Any other movies I should see? New Tyler Perry one? Brave? EDIT: Spider-Man comes out at midnight. The reviews I've read so far have been pretty positive, overall.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 30, 2012 -> 10:57 AM) ROCK OF AGES Don't want to read the whole thread, but saw this movie today since I'm on vacation. My god that lead actress is hot. Geezus what legs; what a face. I thought this movie was harmless, decent fun. I would give it a non energetic thumbs up. Alec Baldwin amuses me; Tom Cruse amuses me in this film and that lead actress. My gawd. What say you all? I give it a 2.8 out of 4. I feel like I did not waste my money though it coulda been 10 minutes shorter and I wouldn't complain. Leave it to Greg to give a 2.8 instead of 2.75, haha. Julianne Hough. And she's not that hot, Malin Ackerman, who played the reporter with the glasses who interviewed Cruise's character, is still way hotter. If you're not convinced, check out Wanderlust or any other number of movies she's been in recently. The main problem with this movie is that nobody in America could care less about either lead. Diego Boneta is about as memorable as the lead male role from Coyote Ugly, Burlesque or Showgirls.

Does anyone have video on the Hawkins homer? Jared Mitchell with his 10TH triple of the season already. KWJR, with a 2/3 today, is within one point of Jared, .256 to .257.

Therein lies the problem. Call it the Jeter/Dunn/Thome "well liked, well-respected" issue. Jeter will be voted in from the bed of his nursing home...AJ, not so much.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Jul 2, 2012 -> 08:44 AM) Leyson Septimo is awfully good. That slider of his is nasty. Make him a starter. Joking. Well, just a little bit. He was the #14 prospect in the D-Backs system after 2010. 14) Leyson Septimo, LHP, Grade C: Great arm from the left side, converted outfielder still working on his command.

AJ pissed and motivated=good for Sox, bad for Rangers next week

The next question is going to be how delicate or fragile is Simon Castro's constitution? Is he going to suffer from being pushed to the big leagues this season, or is he the kind of pitcher who learns from adversity and bounces back nicely with even more determination and moxie? You saw a good example of this with Quintana the other night bouncing back twice and continuing to battle instead of suffering a complete implosion and early knockout.

Yes, but how long will we continue to have our #1 and #2 options? You're going to throw Sale 180-200 innings? 220? Peavy, probably he'll hold up, but can he continue to be a sub 3 ERA pitcher for much longer?

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Jul 2, 2012 -> 12:37 AM) Danks will be fine, Sale's elbow is a non-issue, bullpen getting better and better. The Tigers win 3 of 4 next week and you'll write all hell is breaking loose and that there's no way the Sox can stave them off. Nope. Although you'll probably want KW fired if that happens, lol.

Phil Rogers dedicated his column today to the undeserving All-Stars, as well as those who should be in, and argues against including one player from every team in the majors. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseb...,7024785.column Also, for those interested, another puff piece hyping Soler as the second coming in the Tribune, if you can stomach it.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Jul 2, 2012 -> 12:08 AM) Funny that you bring up changing focus because you change stances more than anyone. I'm going to state right now that you have an agenda. To answer your question about predicting this year's team to be 5 under and 8 out at this point, no. I said this team would contend (not to pat myself on the back, but I was the first to write it on this board), others said they'd lose 90 games. As far as next year goes, Konerko, Dunn, Rios all a year older. Sale's tender elbow, Danks, tender shoulder. Replacing Youkilis, Peavy, and A.J. This team's window is now. Hahaha. What is my agenda exactly, to defend KW from your bromides? If you were predicting the White Sox to contend, why in the name of Allah would it possibly make sense that their GM would be fired after lowering payroll by $25 million yet still retaining a first place team?? Because of lowered attendance/profitability? You didn't mention Alexei Ramirez would be a year older, lol. We'll have $15-25 million to replace those last three guys, and arguably more with a playoff appearance or deep run. Sale had a tender elbow for one week. It's not like it has been a consistent problem all season long. He's learned how to ease off with the fastball except when he really needs to bring it in key high leverage situations. Danks will be fine, in fact, adding him will be like trading for another pitcher. You argument about Sale doesn't hold water because he should be able to throw 180-210 innings next year, compared to 150-160 this year. Same with Quintana. Rios is still in very good physical condition. Dunn's been in the best shape of his career. The bullpen will only get better and better, with more experience. And Molina might actually turn out to be a decent prospect if they resolve his health problems. Not to mention they've got Simon Castro and perhaps Beck on track as starters in the pipeline, Rienzo, etc.

QUOTE (flavum @ Jul 1, 2012 -> 11:42 PM) Carlos Lee should retire. That is all. When he's making THAT kind of salary? No way.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 1, 2012 -> 10:29 PM) Yeah, I mean, forbid one of his goals is actually to win something... He has a horse ranch in Houston?

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Jul 1, 2012 -> 10:13 PM) Continue to believe this is an up and coming team with 9 rookies contributing if you want, but the reality of this team is it's window to win is now. When the Sox are 5 games under, 8 out at this time next year you'll be happy KW went for it this year. Wouldn't you have predicted that would be exactly our position THIS YEAR? Now you've changed your focus from KW must be fired to we have to be "all in" again in 2012. Sure, we lose Jake Peavy, but that $13 or 14 million salary will be used for another pitcher (yes, I realize the $4 million buyout is a sunk cost), or maybe two pitchers. Probably one pitcher and 3B, with Morel's status so up in the air, they have to address at least the gaping hole for next season. With Sale, Danks, Quintana and FA, we can still compete realistically. And that's not even with Gavin Floyd back or expecting something out of Humber again. If we were losing Konerko, Dunn or Rios, then you'd have a better argument. AJ can be brought back into the fold as well. So other than Jake Peavy, what's your argument? That we won't replace that salary and will continue to pare down the roster to 2005 numbers?

Why would he not make the All-Star team as the back-up this year? The only questions will be Peavy and Konerko. Sale will definitely be named.