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Post by denisdman on Feb 22, 2018 12:23:14 GMT -6
Arming teachers is just plain dumb. Both sides, left and right, are so entrenched in their positions that national consensus and compromise are very tough. I struggle on this issue because of my fervent belief in the Bill of Rights against the fact that I have never and will never own a gun. I shot a gun once recently at a corporate outing and got zero enjoyment out of it.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 22, 2018 9:49:40 GMT -6
My wife tried to quit on it after the first episode. I found it intriguing enough to give it a go. I am confused by some of the plot lines and events, but I think I get the gist of it. I will definitely finish the series.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 22, 2018 8:12:23 GMT -6
I finished the Crown over the weekend. I loved the series. I just started Altered Carbon. I am through three episodes, and it's just ok. I'll stick with it since I think it's only at ten episodes. Biding my time until baseball season starts.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 22, 2018 8:09:54 GMT -6
There was a good opinion piece in the WSJ yesterday that tried to point out the facets of gun crime. First off, it said empirical studies showed that the guns used in crimes are illegal in 89-93% of crimes. So it is rarely about the criminal using a legally purchased gun. The writer agreed that we have to figure out how to keep guns away from people with mental health issues. It also noted that gun crime is down 50% over the past few decades despite a massive increase in the numbers of guns floating around society.
I guess if you were starting this country all over and writing a new Constitution, you would change the 2nd Amendment. But my problem with that is, there are folks that also despise elements of free speech and due process, and once you start opening up the Bill of Rights to changes, it is a slippery slope.
With the 2nd Amendment we need to find a better balance.....and culturally, my goodness, what causes anyone to do such horrific things?
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Post by denisdman on Feb 21, 2018 15:19:13 GMT -6
Please please stop telling me Heyward doesn't have to hit (Sutcliffe saying this now). He is the highest paid Cubs player. Not only is his average horrible, he has almost zero power. Plus Red is advocating for a AAA pitcher named David Garner. The kid is 25 years old with a career minors ERA of 4.07. www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t451&player_id=595219#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALLYou're just killing your value to me with such bad thoughts.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 21, 2018 15:02:59 GMT -6
Oh goodness, my wife and daughter are going to laugh their heads off at this. I can't put into words how much I love dogs (especially my two) because they have a way of making everything in life better. That being said, I have an aversion to little dogs. It is funny that most dog people either like little dogs or big dogs, and I fall into the big dog category.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 21, 2018 7:41:01 GMT -6
I sure hate to impute the actions of a few, especially those with mental health issues, to the broader populace. But to some degree you are correct, we don't deserve them. And it is really a cultural problem, IMHO, because instead of teaching values to our children like respect for others, self control, fiscal responsibility, hard work, etc, we teach our kids that every societal ill is someone else's fault. It is as simple as parents complaining to teachers that they give too much homework or that the material is too difficult. From a young age, we teach our children many bad habits.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 21, 2018 7:38:03 GMT -6
NO!!!!! I was hoping this was some cool podcast so I could throw my radio in the garbage. Well, I know you folks like that stuff, so enjoy.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 20, 2018 15:50:52 GMT -6
I am a huge believer in the Bill of Rights and that includes the 2nd Amendment even though I don't own a gun. Obviously there has to be a line between what can be legally owned and not.
In any case, i will make this general comment- the more freedom and liberty we allow our populace, the more crime and bad behavior that will occur. Unfortunately as a species we have enough bad people that there are always going to horrible events. Now we could easily get rid of a lot of bad stuff by taking ever more extreme measures via government control- cameras in all public places, military on every corner, curfews, random pat downs, etc, etc.
My point- we have to balance freedoms and our national values against the inevitable downsides of allowing people to write nasty stuff about one another or drinking alcohol to excess or having restrictions put on police work and on and on. I always lean towards more freedoms.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 20, 2018 15:42:56 GMT -6
We have been in our place 13 years now. I have yet to hear the sump pump run. The gutters all go directly into the ground. And the swale behind our house has an ejector pump that sends the water to the ponds in the development. Our development was built with a lot of wetlands, and the builder told us they had to use the Corp of Army Engineers to get the project approved from an environmental stand point. From the lack of flooding in our neighborhood, I have to think they did a great job.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 20, 2018 12:39:25 GMT -6
I found this funny about Ben Zobrist and training camp. I heard an update on the way home from work yesterday, and it related to this news:
"Zobrist did not participate in Monday's workout due to a back issue, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports."
I get home, open the DH sports section (yes they have Sun Times articles), and see this article:
"Zobrist healthy and ready for anything
By Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times) MESA, Ariz. — The only World Series MVP in Cubs history showed up for spring training over the weekend talking with enthusiasm, talking about renewed good health and vigor and talking about winning another World Series. Ben Zobrist also talked about being 36 years old in a young man’s game, on a young man’s team, with no illusions about what that might mean for his role this year. “I’m not going to play 158 games or whatever,” said Zobrist, who was limited to 128 games and a career-worst .693 OPS last year in large part because of a lingering wrist injury that bothered the switch hitter much of the season when he hit from his natural right side as he played through it. “I’m going to have to manage and figure out how to play great for 130,” the three-time all-star added. “Being healthy and playing 130 games of nine innings would be great.” Plus the extra month of games in October he and teammates plan to play. “From their standpoint and from my standpoint, it’s about managing my performance and my body physically,” Zobrist said. “And making sure I can do all that and keep it at the highest level I can.” That figures to create a shifting role for Zobrist, who expects more calculated bench time and who plans to move around to more positions this year, including backup first base — a position he hasn’t been as eager to play the last year or two. It also could have a significant impact on the Cubs’ plans for a leadoff spot they still have no prototype player to fill. Zobrist might be the most suited hitter on the roster for the job when he plays, and manager Joe Maddon reiterated Sunday that he expects a rotation of hitters in that spot — which could even involve the one-time, failed leadoff man Kyle Schwarber for occasional work there. “It’s almost like having a closer. If you don’t have a legitimate closer, it’s OK to work the ninth inning other ways,” said Maddon, whose team faced the same dilemma a year ago and wound up second in the National League in runs scored anyway. “I’m very comfortable with moving that around, based on guys that get on base often,” Maddon said. “And when you can combine a guy that has a high on-base and then he hits homers, too, that’s even more attractive. “(Zobrist) is capable. We have a lot of guys that are capable. We’ll let it play out.” That’s also how Maddon is approaching Zobrist’s overall role for a team with a maturing young core. Zobrist said his wrist, so troublesome last year that it reversed his career left-right splits, is 100 percent as he starts camp, giving him no problems in the batting cage since starting to swing again this winter. “Listen, you’re always better off when Ben Zobrist is in your lineup,” Maddon said. “He’s a little older than he had been. But he’s in great shape. “I told him, ‘Let’s just see what it looks like. Go out there and play, and we’ll try to figure it out as the season begins to unwind. “Because, who knows? He might have an epiphany and turn back the clock a little bit — he looks that good.” Said Zobrist: “I’m 36 now as a player. I’m just trying to win championships at this point. I told him, ‘Wherever you need me, I’m ready.’ ” • This report was produced in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times. For related coverage, check chicago.suntimes.com."
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Post by denisdman on Feb 20, 2018 11:05:26 GMT -6
Interesting list from the USA Today: www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2018/02/20/states-where-americans-pay-least-and-most-taxes/350963002/Wisconsin is 45, so not any better than IL. But here is IL on after. 46. Illinois Taxes paid as pct. of income: 11.0% Income per capita: $51,817 (15th highest) Income tax collections per capita: $1,237 (11th highest) Property tax collections per capita: $2,007 (10th highest) General sales tax collections per capita: $696 (17th lowest) 47. California Taxes paid as pct. of income: 11.0% Income per capita: $56,374 (6th highest) Income tax collections per capita: $1,991 (4th highest) Property tax collections per capita: $1,385 (22nd highest) General sales tax collections per capita: $983 (19th highest) 48. New Jersey Taxes paid as pct. of income: 12.2% Income per capita: $61,472 (3rd highest) Income tax collections per capita: $1,479 (7th highest) Property tax collections per capita: $3,065 (the highest) General sales tax collections per capita: $1,021 (16th highest) 49. Connecticut Taxes paid as pct. of income: 12.6% Income per capita: $69,311 (the highest) Income tax collections per capita: $2,279 (the highest) Property tax collections per capita: $2,774 (3rd highest) General sales tax collections per capita: $1,137 (8th highest) 50. New York Taxes paid as pct. of income: 12.7% Income per capita: $59,563 (4th highest) Income tax collections per capita: $2,208 (2nd highest) Property tax collections per capita: $2,581 (5th highest) General sales tax collections per capita: $662 (14th lowest)
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Post by denisdman on Feb 20, 2018 7:45:23 GMT -6
I gave B&G a legit shot. I had long given up on B&B and the general laziness of that show. Having always liked Goff as a producer, I figured this show could be decent. All the criticisms are true- too much giggling, too much social justice garbage, and way too much out of town NBA talk. The final straw was the 4:30 segment criticism of Rizzo. Apparently, Rizzo is not doing enough for them.
I'll say this- B&G you are free to take your show in any direction you damn please. And for my part, I can take my radio "dial" in any direction I damn please. Shame on you for pushing me towards ESPN 1000. Your show is that bad.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 19, 2018 16:09:26 GMT -6
The JB Pritzker story line is quite amusing, and I bring this up in the context of the news about the Chicago Reader. I get that everyone hates Rauner on a level close to Trump, but that doesn't mean we need to dive into the arms of JB. Those Blago tapes are damming enough to show he is just another in a long line of connected scumbags. And for black politicians to stump for him, well that is shameful. I have a problem with the choices we are presented as voters. I have twice left my Illinois Governor ballot blank because of poor choices. Why do we have to keep settling for such God awful choices, Hillary and Donald? Oh my.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 19, 2018 8:17:53 GMT -6
Ok, ready for baseball season. I generally like the what the Cubs have done. I have my Cubs/Dodgers tickets lined up for the end of June in LA. It is my last NL city to see the Cubs play in. I need to revisit Atlanta now to check out SunTrust. Otherwise, I have seen them play in every NL stadium.
The Olympics have been boring. I keep trying, but the Americans have not entertained me at all. The hockey looks horrible.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 12, 2018 12:16:03 GMT -6
Just arrived in one of my favorite cities, Denver. The transformation of this place (downtown redevelopment) is simply stunning. LoDo is a happening place. Even got to see a drug deal go down today on the Mall Street bus. Anyway, I’ll probably be a bit quiet until I get back. Looks like the market is running again...
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Post by denisdman on Feb 9, 2018 14:05:23 GMT -6
Another wild day on the market. Keeping an eye on BX, Blackstone. It carriers a nice yield, and a respected long term investment firm that I know likes the stock a lot. Their funds have been big players in real estate, so it could be problematic if real estate were tank amid a recession or rising interest rates.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 9, 2018 8:29:11 GMT -6
One of those large snow storms about five years ago convinced me to get a serious two stage snow blower. It is on days like today where I am glad that I did. It cuts through the snow with ease. It actually makes snowfalls fun. Kudos to my company for letting us work from home today. Nice to save on what would have been a frustrating commute. We are supposed to do our first college visit tomorrow in Madison, but we are trying to decide if it still makes sense. I am so excited for my kids and the college selection process. My wife and I are also looking forward to much more free time!
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Post by denisdman on Feb 8, 2018 14:56:03 GMT -6
Well that was quite a trading day. I'll look forward to having CNBC on all day tomorrow and figure out what the heck is going on.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 8, 2018 14:15:29 GMT -6
My employer is letting us work from home tomorrow. The staff had already decided we were taking PTO days if they didn't. It just looks like one of those storms that would result in a dangerous commute, possibly both in the morning and on the way home. Luckily, we use laptops that can be plugged in anywhere rather than traditional desktops. I just log in via my iMac to get the large screen view. It'll sure be nice to have Friday at home and not have to deal with the slippery roads.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 8, 2018 11:02:40 GMT -6
Transition has always been one of the better parts of Chicago Sports Talk. The fact that you have four guys discussing a topic in an ad hoc fashion almost always leads to a variety of opinions. That is in contrast to the typical style of two man talk where you have the fake take each side of argument ESPN style or the parrot where both guys agree on everything. Transition discussions are multi-layered and can often get more personal.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 8, 2018 8:40:33 GMT -6
When Boers retired, I committed to giving B&G a fair shake. I regularly listen for thirty minutes on my way home. The show is a chore. Besides the typical national/political crap and way too much NBA talk, one thing that has become increasingly annoying is the Jason Goff, "I am the first guy in the world to have a kid" talk. I tune in at 4:30 yesterday, and he is once again babbling about his kid. I used to get pissed at Bernsie for the kid stories, which admittedly were few and far between. Now it seems like Goff is talking about his kid every freaking day, and the kid isn't even doing anything. What is he, a toddler? Imagine how bad it will be when the kid is in Little League.
Just bad.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 8, 2018 8:10:53 GMT -6
TP, we need a Pittsburgh based scientist to research the brains (or lack thereof) of Chicago Sports Talk Radio listeners in order to ascertain the decline in their sanity and increase in their anger level from consumption of said media. I mean, could listening actually make one so angry as to transform the individual into a willing Donald Trump voter?
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Post by denisdman on Feb 8, 2018 7:35:37 GMT -6
WR, you are definitely onto something. The jaded nature of sports talk radio tends to make one look at everything with an unnecessarily critical viewpoint.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 7, 2018 14:28:41 GMT -6
I am still enjoying Mac's podcast. I had to drive up to Madison yesterday, so I got a strong dose of M&H. They kept playing that Eagles bird drop. I laughed every time. But generally I don't like the tone of sports talk radio on the Score, and I find ESPN to be a painful listen for the most part.
My daily protocol is M&H on the way into work and in my office. Flip to Kap and stay with ESPN until my ride home. I listen to B&G for 30 minutes on my drive home. None of it is great.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 7, 2018 11:45:57 GMT -6
This proposed budget deal, while a spending slush fund, is at least a first step toward Congress taking responsibility for its core duty. It is also nice to see some bipartisan agreement among the Senate leaders. I hope Trump doesn't muck this thing up
I am way past the day where I sit around and worry about deficits. This country has very little sense of fiscal responsibility, and our fine state is a prime example. I just wonder if/when the day of reckoning will ever come.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 7, 2018 10:58:24 GMT -6
The market's rapid rebound is not really a surprise. I didn't think the current valuation bubble was ready to end. There's just too many positive factors going on, namely global growth, tax cuts, and low unemployment, for the party to end right now.
At some point, valuations will be the reason for the a significant market pullback. Ultimately, it will be caused by rising bond yields, which make fixed income investments more attractive than stocks. But right now, I am sure you like everyone is asking, where do I put my money to earn an inflation adjusted (real) return?
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Post by denisdman on Feb 5, 2018 15:54:21 GMT -6
Yeah the 401(k) hurts most in the short term. 2008/2009 made me shake my head but not my resolve. Luckily, I went cash in my trading accounts, and all the kids college money is in age indexed portfolios, which means largely fixed income given their ages.
But the math is pretty simple with equity indexed 401(k) money, market down 5% 401(k) down 5%. But that means dollar cost averaging at lower prices
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Post by denisdman on Feb 5, 2018 15:18:42 GMT -6
In a break from my mostly worthless thoughts, I figured I should chime in on something in my wheelhouse. The market had a rough week. It appears that rising interest rate expectations have finally spooked some people. There is also chatter about crypto currency fraud and manipulation. All that aside, equity values are at wholly unsustainable levels. And it’s easy to convince ones self to jump on the train. We have global growth, a better corporate tax regime, loosening regulation, attractive commodity prices, low unemployment, and really no evident risks to the system. But, it’s about valuations. There is still a price where things are too expensive even though times are good. I don’t think this is the beginning of the end. I bet the market shakes this off and starts hitting new highs. I am not sure how or when this bubble bursts. It’s not ready to burst. I took my trading positions off the table in December. Missed a big piece of the Kohl’s rally, which was my screaming buy of the year on the other board. All of my long term money remains passively invested in equities. Well I still believe the market shrugs this off. But hot damn am I glad I loaded up on cash before Xmas. Timing the market is impossible, but it sure is nice to have dry powder to pick through the wreckage.
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Post by denisdman on Feb 5, 2018 10:01:56 GMT -6
I always take the Monday after the Super Bowl off. So I am playing League of Legends. I swear I am the worst player on earth. These kids just waste me....
Great game BTW. Very entertaining.
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