Flash Tizzle

QUOTE (bmags @ Nov 9, 2008 -> 09:19 PM) Anyone watching this? No, but I'll check it out later. It's on MSNBC for anything else interested. It's an interesting story, though. Many people associate Jonestown with the images of the helicopter flying over the mass suicide/murder, but the image that comes to my mind is when Jim Jones sent armed groups to kill reporters from NBC as they were leaving the airport. Very unsettling video.

QUOTE (DukeNukeEm @ Nov 9, 2008 -> 01:09 PM) Unless you're an idiot who believes Putin is just a madman trying to bring back the USSR superpower status, it was the only thing reasonable. Putin does come across as exactly that, though. If I was to judge on appearance alone, which I do all the time, he fits the role of a Russian leader. He has that look in his eyes that he can have you killed without hesitation. Also, isn't he amending a portion of their constitution to come back into power?

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 6, 2008 -> 11:16 AM) I think they're also going to have to do something about the rapidly rising cost of higher education. Wait, doesn't everyone have their parents pay for their education?

Tonight's episode was a pile of suck. Not even Bob Dylan could defend it. The entire colonial time flashback seems more of the stunt a show in its 6th/7th season does when it's out of ideas. Hopefully we're not going to experience a clip show anytime soon.

Cmon. That's all it takes to ruin this girl's dreams? Her dismissal from the team made even more news than the act itself. She's a nameless face on the sideline, afterall. I'd atleast put her through sensitivity training for PR purposes before removing her.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 02:49 PM) I immediately thought the same thing. I dont think its a coincidence. There's many reasons many groups in other countries wanted Obama to win. I also don't think it's a coincidence Michael Crichton died today. That goes for anyone else in America that died from yesterday night until this morning. An Obama America just pushed some people over the edge. They've lost all hope for this country.

QUOTE (bmags @ Nov 3, 2008 -> 09:02 PM) I'm going to give credit to flash_tizzle here. I remember when we drafted him, everyone was pretty mad at skipping porcello and rightfully so but also calling poreda a crappy pick (he didn't have great stats, that's for sure). But FT said, even though passing on Porcello was a mistake, that these were the types of draft picks we should be making, people that have the stuff but need to develop as opposed to these safe picks like MacCullough and Broadway. Kudos. I'm used to people calling me out for past predictions/tirades, but rarely anything resembling a compliment. I don't even know how to react. I wasted a lot of time browsing through draft picks and profiles before the 2007 draft. I recall hoping Michael Main would fall, or if he wasn't available, we'd select Josh Smoker or Nevin Griffith. Here's how these three have fared: Smoker: In five starts this season was hit around in A level Griffith: Obviously has health and control issues, but when he was on the mound he fared well. Even if he is a career minor leaguer, it can't be viewed as a wasted pick when you compare it to previous second round selections. Griffith still has potential. Main: Has done fairly well. I recall there were issues with him developing secondary pitches prior to the draft. Still don't know if he has developed them, since it's likely he's blowing by A level hitters with his high 90's fastball. Poreda is the furthest along of these three. As of now, considering our draft position was in the mid 20's, it was a great pick. I wasn't even aware, until browsing through baseball cube, of the rate his strikeout numbers rose upon promotion to AA. That's very encouraging. However, what's strange to me is Buddy Bell's quote: Hey Bell, the purpose of our minor league system is for Poreda to develop secondary pitches before he reaches the majors. It almost comes off as "we know there's little we can do right now to change him, so we're hoping Cooper fixes him." At this point in his White Sox career, after 35 minor league starts, either he has it or he doesn't. I believe he would be a great candidate to trade if they internally believe he'll end up as nothing more than Matt Thornton redux. Which isn't bad, but he has value right now as a hard throwing starter. Personally, it wouldn't matter either way to me because either we'll selling Poreda high; or keeping him to develop into a bullpen arm/starter. It's a good position to be in.

I'm downtown right now at UIC and there's definitely a lot of commotion about the rally. I've also changed my tune about the anticipation of riots, since my mom is going with several of her sisters to Butler Park. Prior to this I couldn't care. It's exciting, even though I'm not as passionate about politics as many who live within this forum. I voted for McCain, but honestly have no problems with Obama. I read yesterday, I believe on here, that McCains odds for winning are less than 2%. If anyone was hoping for a miracle they should probable brace themselves for disappointment.

QUOTE (mr_genius @ Nov 1, 2008 -> 08:50 PM) never heard of it Here's a clip: It's from July, and I can only guess that if the Republicans haven't jumped all over it these last couple months he either mispoke or clarified his statement.

Has anyone heard more information about this "civilian national security force" Obama has been mumbling about? I can't seem to find information without running through some conservative blog.

QUOTE (CrimsonWeltall @ Nov 1, 2008 -> 05:25 PM) Jason running?!?!? Friday the 13th has always been the weakest of the well known horror series, so they can pretty much make him an abomination of his former self and I won't care much. Hell, he was teleporting all over the place in part 8, Jason Takes Manhattan. It couldn't hurt having some running ability.

Yeah, I agree. Last nights episode was good. Remove the useless filler scenes where Dee/Charlie visit (and then revist) the cardio instructor and it would have one of the seasons best. I also watched a good number of Season 3 episodes on HULU earlier and have to say it's far superior than the first two. All 15 aren't available for viewing, but even with the several I've seen I can already made that judgement.

Weak ass celebration here.

QUOTE (Brian @ Oct 28, 2008 -> 05:22 PM) Anyone else used to watch "Unsolved Mysteries" when it was on NBC back in the day with Robert Stack, and be so freaked out by some stories? Yes. I remember one story done about Resurrection Mary. For anyone outside of Chicago it's a story based on numerous accounts of hitchhikers picking up a girl along Archer Ave. (which runs alongside Resurrection Cemetery) and asking to be dropped off near the front entrance. She'd either disappear from the persons car or vanish through the gates. I remember distinctly being afraid because, one, my dad's family is buried in Resurrection (and I would go there to visit relatives); and second, because it had a follow up story about supposed hand prints on the bars. This brought an idea in my mind that it's not just some imaginary story, anymore. Although there are street lamps along Archer Avenue now so even if someone was scared it wouldn't be an issue.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Oct 28, 2008 -> 07:14 PM) I'm no biologist, but why are we always looking for water in regards to alien life? Is water really the universal building block of life outside of Earth? I doubt we could possibly know that. And "aliens" always seem to have two arms/feet and are more or less a weird version of us. What are the chances that there is a universal life structure? As for the government holding information, NASA has been sued multiple occasions for withholding such information about the Kecksburg UFO sighting. I do find that interesting. They still won't give up anything. I'm no biologist either, but we have to assume the interaction of elements in our solar system is the same across the universe. Water isn't exclusive to us (Mars/Europa), so it'd just be an idea that searching for water, which we know is essential for life, is easier than some unknown substance. It's interesting you mention the universal life structure idea. You notice that every mammal has two eyes, two arms, two legs. There has to be something to these traits guaranteeing maximum chance of survival opposed to four eyes, two arms, four legs, etc. For aliens to be exactly like us, I believe it'd prove that there is some continuity across the universe on what life produces. Which would pretty much annihilate my idea of huge or small aliens.

I watched Seasons 1 and 2 earlier and have to admit I wasn't too impressed. It was good, but many people I know would have you believe the earlier seasons were these untouchable collections of comedic gold. I also wouldn't say it has declined in quality, at all. Several issues: -I don't really like Danny Devito's character (in this show, and pretty much everything he has ever done) -Charlie's voice really gets to me. His yelling parts should be limited. -Pay attention to any episode, and it seems (atleast to me) that every other line on that show is a question. I don't know why I noticed it, maybe it isn't different than any other show, but when I did it stood out. This isn't a direct example from the show, but just the general idea: "Hey did you lock up the bar? "What you mean? "You were supposed to lock up the bar? Weren't you? "No. Are you sure you weren't? This continues for quite awhile. Even with these small issues, I enjoy the show. What disappointed me was the first two episodes to the series were hilarious. I thought to myself, "wow, everyone was right." Then it dropped down quite a bit. It's still entertaining though, even in its low points. Oh, and those two gay brothers are the funniest characters on the show.

QUOTE (WilliamTell @ Oct 26, 2008 -> 03:35 PM) Whether it's a UFO or not, I'd really like to know what the government knows about UFO's, but that's not going to happen. This idea of the government withholding UFO knowledge never seemed right to me. Who exactly would control this information? If it has been a secret this long, it would have to be in the hands of only a select few. You can't keep a secret this big under a confidentiality agreement with several hundred top secret access employees. Because the aliens haven't decided to lower their spacecraft on the front lawn of the White House to prove to everyone they exist, there has to be a reason. Assuming they're here, either we know and somehow have an understanding with the aliens; or the aliens are making damn sure their presence can't be proven. And if it's the latter, why would you ruin all your studying (or preparations for an attack ) on a f***ing strobing light over Texas. Just turn on your invisibility cloak, which you should have if you've mastered the production of large amounts of cold fusion. Another random thought that came into my mind is, what if these aliens (if they're out there) aren't even on our size scale? We seem to assume this, but what if they're practically microscopic; or are large as a building?

QUOTE (bmags @ Oct 27, 2008 -> 11:24 PM) imo this is the worst season. All the characters besides ari are unlikeable now. I don't really care if Vince fails after his mexico thing. And like people said, what type of friend would prevent another from a 10 million dollar job. Another issue I have with the characters is "E." I don't know exactly when it occurred, but I've grown to dislike him. Would anyone be friends with this guy in real life if he had the same personality as the show? He's one step below Turtle in overall obnoxiousness. Cmon, was anything funnier than watching Eric tell the one Weinstein to "WALK AWAY" in his tough guy tone? hahahaha. I would have kicked his ass around the sidewalk. Eric just comes off as this smug asshole suffering from little guy syndrome. I understand his value to the show, though. He at least has ambition and intelligence.

Why can't people hold a damn camera still? Also, I've always thought if UFOs can somehow navigate large distances of space what purpose would they have for large strobing lights? Are they worried in all their advanced technology about hitting other aircraft?

QUOTE (kyyle23 @ Oct 25, 2008 -> 06:14 PM) Trailer for the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino. It Looks awesome Old man justice, the sweetest kind!

I thought yesterday's episode was the worst of the season.

Yeah, McCain is screwed. It's just wishful thinking on my part that Obama will lose and mass rioting will erupt. Obama isn't setting up this Grant Park rally as an elaborate stage to make a concession speech. His advisors obviously wouldn't have done this if they didn't think the odds were overwhelmingly in their favor. I don't see McCain setting up a huge outdoor rally worth 2 million dollars outside Arizona. Just remember: "If Barack Obama wins and you have things to do involving black people the following day............it will NOT get done."

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Oct 23, 2008 -> 03:20 PM) Indeed. What a wonderful reason to elect someone the leader of the free world. Well, I do enjoy watching people do crazy things; and it appears an Obama defeat may guarantee this. So.... GO MCCAIN/PALIN!

Has anyone come across these articles suggesting law enforcement agencies across America are embracing for civil unrest? Ie, if Obama loses and people riot? This much is guaranteed -- if Obama loses, the one place in the world I wouldn't want to be is a McCain supporter in Grant Park. It should be a fun time watching rioting occur across America, doesn't anyone else think so? This alone should be reason enough to vote for McCain. When's the last time we've seen a good old fashioned city wide riot? It has been too long, I'll tell you that much.

The first time I watched Fearless (not the Jet Li version; the one with Jeff Bridges as an airplane crash survivor) I cried at the end of the movie.