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* I’m giving a speech today to the City Club, so blogging is gonna be light to nonexistent.
If you’re coming to the event, make sure to remember to bring a toy or gift card for a child ages 3-5 in Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’ early childhood program.
Thanks!
You can use this post as a very rare “open thread.” Also, if something happens and I can’t get to the ‘puter, it’ll be a good place for any breaking news comments.
Later, gators.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 9:17 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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The Chicago Bears are the highest-scoring team in the NFC and second only to Denver in the NFL.
On the other hand, they’ve given up more points than all but three teams in the NFL.
How weird is that?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 9:27 am
(Walks by ‘The Shop’, lights are on. Pushes door, surprisingly open, bell rings. Sees - wordslinger - at home behind ‘counter’, wiping the counter with a rag. Takes off coat, drapes over barstool and nods to - wordslinger - to ’set em up’.)
Bears offense that still has passing records being broken from the ’60s, it is refreshing to think the Bears can score every possession.
They need to, given that defense, Bizzaro World had come to Soldier Field.
Thanks for opening up Shop, Rich. Open a tab, - wordslinger -.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 9:41 am
Have toy on desk. Will see you at lunch.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 9:56 am
Final piece of advice for today’s speech and the Bears (remarkably can do both with only two words)
Go Deep.
Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:04 am
Defense really misses Tillman and Briggs!
Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:37 am
Defense needs to have some competent safeties. Major Wright and Chris Conte are terrible.
Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:42 am
Bababooey!
Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:42 am
I really liked Jay’s infinity scarf that he wore after Sunday’s game for his interview…pretty trendy for a guy from IN, but I guess he is from Santa Claus…take that last thought anyway you’d like…
Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:45 am
They need to draft for LB and defensive backfield.
Let Pepper go, maybe pickup a pass rusher in Free Agency.
They are about 2 years away then from a defense that could be considered “fair”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:45 am
I can’t see them paying Jay $18M+ when there are glaring holes at other positions. It’ll be interesting to see how they approach him in the offseason.
Comment by Denny Savard Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:47 am
Denny, I think they’ll franchise tag Jay first then try to sign him to a four-year deal. Look around the league; lot of bad quarterbacks.
Jay and Gould will be re-signing priorities. Peppers, Tillman and Hester are probably gone.
Jay’s frustrating because he has the physical goods to be a Top 5 QB, but lacks the focus and discipline of a Manning, Brady, Rogers or Brees.
He still throws off his back foot. He locks eyes on receivers. He forces throws into double coverage rather than check down. He sails passes because he doesn’t follow through.
He reminds me of Jeff George. All the tools, but never perfected the craft.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:09 am
Jay’s frustrating because he has the physical goods to be a Top 5 QB, but lacks the focus and discipline of a Manning, Brady, Rogers or Brees.
Or a McNown. McNown actually reminds me of a poor man’s Joe Montana. Not the strongest arm, but made most of the right decisions. He *is* lucky that a few would-be interceptions bounced off the defenders’ hands over the last several weeks.
(Cutler) reminds me of Jeff George. All the tools, but never perfected the craft.
I think Jay will wind up with a better legacy than Mr. George.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:24 am
Keep Josh McCown warmed up and ready to go.
Be sure to get Sox tickets for their last home game early, it will be Konerko’s retirement game.
Can’t wait for baseball to start (White Sox of course) lots of interesting trades so far.
New first baseman (in addition to Konerko, Dunn) new third baseman, new outfielders.
Worrying about pitching.
Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:25 am
Keep McCown. Get a good NFL-type QB (not Jordan Lynch) in 2nd or 3rd round. 1st pick has to be defensive lineman, 3rd round a safety.
Comment by Darienite Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:26 am
McCown not McNown. I thought I’d forgotten about that guy.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:28 am
I had someone ask me about the University Illinois’ Jeff George.
My response?
“Imagine if ‘Uncle Rico’ from ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ was given that chance to take ‘State’, then went to college, then was drafted … yeah, then you understand Jeff George”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:29 am
Been wanting to say this for a while:
For all public employees, who believe in public service, and put the needs of others in society ahead of their own: the honor and you have earned and exemplified for your family and friends, can never be taken away, and won’t be forgotten.
Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:38 am
3rd Gen, are the Sox playing in an all-DH league this year? Or maybe 16-inch softball?
Dunn’s set to make $15 million this year. How much would the Sox eat to trade him?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:38 am
Loving the sports talk -
How weird is it that the Bears defense is so bad but the offense is tremendous? Agree with a prior poster that Chris Conte has no business as a starting Safety in the NFL (too small). We also DESPERATELY need linebackers.
Somewhat dreading that final game of the season against the Packers. Nothing would make their season more than knocking us out of the playoffs.
As for the Sox - I’m liking what they are doing to rebuild with young talent on the fly. Good moves made in the offseason to shore up our dreadful offense. Actually looking forward to seeing what kind of team we might have next season.
Blackhawks definitely primed for another Stanley Cup run. It will be a disappointment if they don’t win it.
Bulls are pathetic. Blow the team up and let’s start fresh. I don’t know what we have in Derrick Rose anymore given his injury history.
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:50 am
–I think Jay will wind up with a better legacy than Mr. George. –
Here’s hoping.
George had one playoff win in 12 seasons. To date, Jay has one playoff win in seven seasons.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:01 pm
==McNown actually reminds me of a poor man’s Joe Montana==
(Brain explodes) Perfect on so many levels.
BTW, with 222 yard this week Cutler will become the Bears all-time leader in passing yards, passing Sid Luckman. I know that won’t stop those of you trying to run him out of town with your pitchforks, because of poor “body language” or whatever your case is.
It is great we have a backup that played well when called upon. But this qb “debate” is beyond ridiculous.
Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:03 pm
Sid Luckman, wow.
It owuld be nice to finally have these passing records join us in the 21st century and the 21st century passing game.
However, a case could be made that Sid could shred this 21st century Bears defense.
The cubs picked up a “reliever” whose last stop was in Detroit in the bullpen handling middle relief. At $4 million for one year, its either a bargain for the cubs or banishment for the “new guy”. Detroit has/d a nice Ball club.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:16 pm
Greg Norman’s Cabernet/Merlot blend, red wine is Boom Shaka Laka. And they sell it at Binnys.
Comment by Eddy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:44 pm
McCown might not be as good as most think. Doesn’t take much talent to put up big numbers against the Dallas Cowboys this year, and they dropped a lot of would-be interceptions.
But for 2014, if the choice comes down to
a) $15 million for Cutler
OR
b) $5 million for McCown + $10 million for improving the defense,
put me down as a vote for plan b.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:47 pm
I forgot to open the email to see what words I had in “Speech Bingo” and I don’t think I am going to win.
I had…
Fire Hydrant, seventeen, egg nog, mini van, and cow bell.
Glad I didn’t know earier.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:51 pm
OMG…. Jay was traded by the Broncos not because he was not super talented. It’s because close to un coachable and a turd. We finally have offensive weapons, Jay throws to Brandon 13 times… off his back foot for most… Please, on what level was Jay a winner? Some got it, some don’t… He don’t.
Comment by Walter Mitty Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 12:57 pm
–b) $5 million for McCown + $10 million for improving the defense,
put me down as a vote for plan b. –
Who are you bidding against to sign McCown to $5 million?
He makes the league minimum. Who’s going to even offer $2 million?
He’s a nice backup. That’s it.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:05 pm
I am no fan of the Cubs, to say the very least. That being said, I am at a loss as to the strategy. I understand focusing on building up the team from the farm, but already they appear to have written off yet another season. Am I missing something?
Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:06 pm
You are bidding against yourself for McCown.
The money has to be spent on the defensive side, and the Bears need to part ways, sadly, with many we all like. Turnover is needed, at least the defense still gets turnovers, but when you give up 30+ points, you need to do something relevent.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:11 pm
–I understand focusing on building up the team from the farm, but already they appear to have written off yet another season. Am I missing something?–
No, you’ve got it. And I’d say they’ve written off two more seasons, at least.
I didn’t mind going to watch bad Cubs teams when the tickets were cheap. But I won’t pay Red Sox prices to watch this mess.
I don’t think Old Man Ricketts knew what he was getting into when he bought the kids this toy.
By the way, Theo didn’t build a winner in Boston with the farm system. He started with a pretty good big league roster in 2003 and then spent big money on free agents.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:19 pm
Robert the Bruce,
The Bears will have $45.5 million dollars in cap space this offseason. Plus an additional 18-30 million with the expected cuts and/or re-negotiations with Peppers, Bennett, Weems. Plenty of cash and draft picks to retool the D.
Furthermore, McCown is not going to get close to $5 million and the Bears (by rule under the new CBA) can NOT offer him anything other than one-year at his veteran minimum of $850,000. He’ll get a better offer somewhere and likely be gone.
So that leaves you with Option A, and a gaping abyss.
Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:28 pm
==Who are you bidding against to sign McCown to $5 million?
He makes the league minimum. Who’s going to even offer $2 million?==
You’re right, I just looked it up and NFL QBs make much less than I thought. Only 9 are over $5 million this year, and an additional 8 are over $2 million. http://www.spotrac.com/rankings/nfl/quarterback/
Quite a few starting pitchers in major league baseball make more; I hadn’t realized that.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:40 pm
Loving that this became a Bears thread. I think DT needs to be priority over LB. DB comes before LB as well.
I will join others in saying that Hester and, unfortunately several others, probably need to go.
A new question: Can we move Tillman to Safety if we draft a DB first round?
Comment by Curious Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:44 pm
==Furthermore, McCown is not going to get close to $5 million and the Bears (by rule under the new CBA) can NOT offer him anything other than one-year at his veteran minimum of $850,000.==
Really? How strange. The one team that can’t bid higher for a free agent’s services is the team that the player currently plays for?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:44 pm
–Quite a few starting pitchers in major league baseball make more; I hadn’t realized that.–
The NFL players union has always been weak. The MLB Players Association is a juggernaut.
Wasn’t always like that. Before Curt Flood and Marvin Miller took their stands, baseball players were like day laborers. Even those under contract could be released with just 10 days pay, with the team retaining their rights.
For a fascinating account on how the owners frittered away their Supreme Court-sanctioned anti-trust exemption and opened the floodgates to free agency, arbitration and guaranteed big-money players contracts, read “Lords of the Realm: The Real History of Baseball” by John Helyar.
The owners had no one to blame but themselves. They were crazy greedy and uncompromising.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 1:59 pm
Go Packers!
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:00 pm
Neil Bluhm donated $25 million to Northwestern, mostly to the law school.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:02 pm
Curt Flood has never gotten his complete “due”. Flood could “play”, and gave every single ball player rights that other sports still drool over.
Contract-wise, you want to play baseball for basketball, and never football. The guaranteed monies they get pale in comparison to the entire contract, signed and sealed, being completely guaranteed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:17 pm
John Fritchey tweeted that Rich is doing Chicago’s Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics this year…
Everyone enjoy that image…
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:18 pm
I may have to get a disguise ready and attend - OneMan -, maybe we could car pool?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:21 pm
Willy, pics please.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:25 pm
In breaking news, the State Police has found a way to take paper CCW applications. Of course, it’s going to take six months to implement that solution.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:29 pm
- AA -, That is too much responsibility for anyone. Plus, Rich has exclusive rights of his image.
With my luck it would be like Sonny coming out and breaking my camera and throwing $20s at me after…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:30 pm
==Willy, pics please.==
Oh, dear God, no!
Comment by Anon. Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:31 pm
Rich doing Polar Plunge…
Tillman Said on WSCR he does not want to ever be a safety.
Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:32 pm
Ok, this is helpful to see which commenters weren’t at CityClub today. A good time was had by all. And yes, Rich agreed to do the plunge, but was encouraged to wear a wet suit in the process.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:32 pm
Look, - Chicago Cynic -, I was banned a few years back for what the City Club called an “unfortunate incident”. I can return 2025 without my vuvuzela and kazoo.
There. Now you know. Thanks for reminding me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:41 pm
==Really? How strange. The one team that can’t bid higher for a free agent’s services is the team that the player currently plays for?==
Here’s the scoop: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/12/16/hoge-mccowns-contract-was-logical-not-foolish/
Elsewhere another day, another 100K donation to Rauner: http://www.elections.il.gov/campaigndisclosure/A1List.aspx?ID=25185&FiledDocID=518189&ContributionType=AllTypes&Archived=False
Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:42 pm
pray for lssi children to be reunited with family the greatest gift.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 2:44 pm
==Furthermore, McCown is not going to get close to $5 million and the Bears (by rule under the new CBA) can NOT offer him anything other than one-year at his veteran minimum of $850,000.==
The Bears can’t SIGN him before the free agency period starts due to the quirk in the CBA. However, they can NEGOTIATE with him and have an offer ready for him the day he hits FA. If McCown wants to play for the Bears and they offer him an acceptable salary in comparison to his other would-be suitors, there’s nothing preventing the Bears from re-signing him to a 2 or 3 year deal for something above the veteran minimum.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 3:01 pm
Santa comes down the chimney early for ComEd. From Crains:
–ComEd wins $340 million rate hike for 2014
The electric utility’s delivery rates will rise sharply next year, with the average household bill going up about $5.50 a month. Regulators approved the increase today.–
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 3:06 pm
I totally agree about the Cub coment….it does seem they are setting up for another 90+ losses again next year …pathetic!!!!
Comment by concern1 Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 3:10 pm
Somehow I think anyone posting a pic of Rich at the Polar Bear Plunge would likely find themselves facing a lifetime ban. Nonetheless, just the thought will probably keep me awake tonight.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 3:25 pm
Love me some Bears but been down-right giddy over the Blackhawks. Deep and wide. Corey needs to get healthy fast tho Raanta has held his own.
Comment by Living in Machiaville Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 3:27 pm
Props to Pres. Obama for selecting two openly gay athletes, Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow, to be the official United States representatives to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics.
Show that homophobic reactionary gangster Putin the pride and confidence people of good will in a free society put in all of its people.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 3:53 pm
Pick 4 tips at Balmoral (races 7 - 10) — First time my handicapping matched the race card comments:
Race 7: $5K pace: Justhaventmetuyet (9); SB Bettys Ideal (3)
Race 8: $7K trot: Overandovervictory (9); Ants Iner Pants (3)
Race 9: $5K pace: See you at the finish (4); Window Wiper (9)
Race 10: $3.4K pace: L A Camcharger (5); Gootimin Cam (10)
Get ADW done!
Comment by Hans Sanity Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 4:01 pm
ChicagoCynic, work called, I am sure Rich did a great job.
Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 4:03 pm
Nice Job Rich, and great work raising so much for disadvantaged kids. Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you jump in the Lake in March!
Comment by Jack Darin Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 4:09 pm
Good call word. Take that Vladimir!
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 4:54 pm
Hans Sanity, I matched you on the first 3 races but did “all” in the 10th and hoping for a longshot to win that race
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 5:43 pm
===
Somehow I think anyone posting a pic of Rich at the Polar Bear Plunge would likely find themselves facing a lifetime ban===
You have to wait until March 2nd for the pics. The Special Olympics Polar Plunge is not until then. But I guarantee there will be pics.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 5:50 pm
Great job today Rich. You raised quite a bit of cash for LSSI today. I hope they know how lucky they are.
For those who missed it, Rich began his remarks by saying that this event would be a little like church: we were going to have a collection. Sure enough, when the collection bowl made it to my table, it was overflowing with cash.
We’re all used to laughing about politicians and buckets full of cash, so it was both rare and heartwarming to see the pols giving the cash instead of taking it.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 5:54 pm
walkinfool,
In honor and memory of my public service/military family members I thank you. They include:
10 veterans from 3 wars; 3 purple heart recipients, 4 non-military federal employees, 5 teachers, 4 Il state employees, 6 state employees from other states, 4 in medical field. None of these people, to the best of my knowledge, were hired from political influence and were/are still proud to serve others.
This time of year it is very hard for everyone that are missing those that are gone especially those that went way before their time. Again, my thanks and God bless the United States of America all those who serve and protect us.
Comment by persecuted Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 5:55 pm
walkinfool,
Thank you from my extended family including parents who were veterans, state employees in various fields including a number of the social service agencies (including my one sis who just found out the other night I’m RNUG!) and various retired education workers, including Mrs RNUG.
And I’m sure a lot of my retired friends and former co-workers would also say thank you.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:09 pm
Larry Lujack passes.
A giant in Chicagoland.
As a kid, most of my radio memories begin with Uncle Lar, and Little Tommy, then it was Johnny B., Kevin Matthews, then Steve and Garry, but it was Lujack that made me love Chicago radio to begin with, and Lujack made riding in a car, before fun, way before movies or iPads and all these other “distractions” kids get today.
Thanks, ole Uncle Lar, because of you, being a kid in Chicagoland, radio was fun.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 10:11 pm
Thanks, 47th. If i had known that Mrs. Griffin was planning to cover the minimum with a fat check I’d have set the bar a bit higher. But, hey, we raised over $3,000, plus two huge boxes of toys and a bunch of gift cards. The polar plunge will be worth it - unless it kills me, of course. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:22 pm
For those who haven’t, in this joyous season, I encourage you to read the words and witness the acts of Pope Francis.
Oh be joyful. The dude makes the heart soar.
This papi doesn’t shame those who he considers sinners and try to lock them out of God’s grace. And he doesn’t play to the media with self-indulgent scoldings or “exorcisms.”
This cat knows he’s a sinner, and he embraces fellow sinners with the truth of God’s love.
Francis is rocking the world, and it’s about time someone did.
Rush says he’s a communist. Sarah says he’s a liberal. The “conservative” ignorami say he doesn’t get it.
Jesus H. Christ Almighty, does anyone want to live in a world where Rush and Sarah have stroke?
The google is your friend. Read Francis’ words and make up your own mind. You’ll be happy that you did.
Like JPII, Francis is a bedrock force of civilization.
JPII told the godless commie gangsters that the dignity of God’s children was bigger than their phony egalitarian creed.
Francis told the godless capitalist gangsters that the dignity of God’s chidren was bigger than their phony social Darwinist creed.
I’m a man of faith, baptized and confirmed, Lutheran and happy about it.
My faith informs me that we’ll all be together at the banquet in the great by and by.
My God would not condemn Muslims, or Hindus, or Jews, or the indifferent, to hell.
Does yours?
If you don’t think that today’s uber-capitalists are Godless, check out Alan Greenspan,
That poster-boy of fools-gold capitalism, and a disciple of selfish, godless, mindless, Ayn Rand capitalism.
You want to know who figured out the great synthesis of labor, capital, faith and freedom?
Three Roosevelts — Teddy, Franklin and Eleaonr– and their Brit pal, Churchill,
And they put it to work in the United States of America, the last, best hope of earth, as the the man from Springfield said.
Behave accordingly.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 11:41 pm
–The polar plunge will be worth it - unless it kills me, of course. lol–
Serious shrinkage, Costanza-dude.
“I was in the lake — in March!”
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 19, 13 @ 12:01 am