Only one thing not depressing in Illinois….professional soccer teams. The Red Stars are in second place ( women’s team) and the Fire (men’s team) in second as well with the current leader in scoring in the MLS (Nickolic). For Mr. Miller, lover of German things, the Fire has a one season acquisition in Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was underutilized at Manchester United, and was a member of the winning World Cup Team Germany. Football!
I’m trying to get into MLS as I do casually follow Premier League and the corresponding international leagues Premier League feeds into.
I do think the MLS is doing a fairly good job in their markets with franchises engaging with fans and trying to bring that fever pitch of live with rabid fans, the Portland franchise is a great example of that.
I should give the Fire and the Red Stars more chances.
I don’t understand how op-ed’s continually are saying Rauner caved on taxes. Nothing has been decided on or passed and signed by Guv. When he actually agrees and something passes the GA then I will say he caved…not before!
All it took for me to return to this page was an open thread to discuss football.
I got away from this page for too long. It is always the same story. Illinois in decline. Rauner blames Madigan. Nothing gets done. I almost never comment anymore. I read the stuff, shake my head, but no longer comment.
Soccer. Much less exciting with far fewer goals than hockey. And yet they line up outside the Globe tavern at 6:00am on Sunday’s to get a seat at the bar.
@ Gooner, see, Arsenal minds thinking alike! I was literally posting as you finished a post first. Illinois based pro football better than thinking about the impending loss of Alexis Sanchez and Ozil. I’ll believe the acquisition of Lacazette when I see it.
OW, I’m an Arsenal partisan too. I believe we have Gooner, Arsenal and Walker, since Walker was pulling for Fulham long ago and they are not in the Premier League now. The good thing about Illinois based pro football is that there is no relegation. (and they are winning.) For example, if Illinois were in a system where states were relegated, we would be at the bottom and dropped to a lower form of government ranking.
I’m a recent (3 seasons) Premier League fan. For me, it starts with these crazy fans in these English towns and the storyline of these decades old rivalries some derby (dar-bee) games with teams sharing the same city.
The drama and storyline dragged me in, now the football has as much weight. Took me a long while to get “there” but I really enjoy a weekend morning Premier League match.
@47th, the Globe pub is a good place to watch (also owned by an Arsenal fan). they also have buses to the Fire matches. It’s intense as one goal can make or break a game and if you have seen an amazing goal, it is beyond thrilling. (look up Giroud scorpion goal.) The Fire had a real treat with the first match of Bastian Schweinsteiger in as he scored from a corner play. The Fire gets some amazing crowds of passionate fans. I only watch on tv, but I’m loving it!
- A modest proposal - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:22 pm:
I feel like I have seen a lot of corn fields going unplanted this year, what’s up with that? Is this a trend, or just the cornfields I’m passing by?
@ OW, with whom do you think the Fire has/should have a big rivalry? No derby for us, leaving me to watch the best MLS Derby, Portland Seattle. every time they score a goal that log sawing really captures the spirit of the area! I too love the football rivalries in the Premier League. To think how close the stadiums are in Liverpool for Everton and Liverpool—literally across a park from each other– makes the Sox Cubs rivalry look like child’s play.
hmmmm, Suburban, I think you should develop a few rankings for this query, including states and other entities as you have indicated. still think we are above Puerto Rico, but we might be below Alabama.
Thanks, Rich. Been looking for an opportunity for this. This came up recently in DC: where our Constitution states: the Prez ’shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed’.
IL has a similar provision:
Constitution of the State of Illinois
ARTICLE V. THE EXECUTIVE
SECTION 8. GOVERNOR - SUPREME EXECUTIVE POWER
The Governor shall have the supreme executive power, and shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws.
SECTION 20. BOND
Civil officers of the Executive Branch may be required bylaw to give reasonable bond or other security for the faithful performance of their duties. If any officer is indefault of such a requirement, his office shall be deemed vacant.
I see NY AG constantly going after corruption & government official’s failures; little about IL AG in this regard.
Lisa: ‘The Governor shall have the supreme executive power, and shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws.’ IL is on the verge of total failure & collapse.
The IL Gov is “…responsible for the faithful execution of the laws.” No balanced budget for 3 budget cycles. This is required by the Constitution & state law.! Ain’t it about time to take action, IL AG?
Yeah, no derby, I really don’t know who the Fire can get that rivalry with.
I do enjoy the Seattle-Portland rivalry.
That Portland franchise, they really came on and made a significant impact in fans, not only in the region but they get serious fandom around city leagues too.
Lots of rows/low areas of early planted corn got flooded out. Water standing in fields. Was too wet to plant beans in normal calendar. Then too dry for a while for the replanted corn to flourish. Beans finally planted. Then too wet again for beans which turn yellowish and look sick if they have not grown enough root system yet to use the water. Some farmers may have given up. But I think beans are in more peril than corn. And then there’s the waterhemp weed to contend with. Farming ain’t for sissies.
- A modest proposal - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:40 pm:
There is a rumor that Sanchez is going to City and they send Aguero back in return. Then there are rumors about adding Mahrez. Typical Arsenal summer. High hopes, and then they will add some 18 year old French kid, who Wenger claims will be the next Messi.
47th,
The great thing about soccer is the constant threat of a goal. Up one against a tough side, with 10 minutes to play, and it seems like three hours and until that whistle sounds.
On top of that, you see some amazing organization from great sides. I became an Arsenal fan (”Gooner”) because of the way they used to control the ball and work for the shot. It was really beautiful.
Arsenal no longer plays to that caliber, but I still watch.
On a related note, “American Outlaws”, who are the most rabid of the U.S. soccer fans, watch U.S. matches at Timothy O’Tooles, a few blocks east of Michigan on Ontario.
A match there might be a good “CapFax Soccer Caucus” meet up location.
I saw that Sanchez for Agureo rumor, and no Kun do! Mahrez was good in their championship year, real élan, but last year he did not seem fit. I don’t know that I agree about Arsenal not playing to the caliber of the best days. That FA Cup match was glorious! even without the Red Card to the diver we would have won. sometimes when the Fire is into great triangular passing they remind me of Arsenal. they move the ball vertically better, though!
It’s true. Basti has transformed the Fire, even without any scoring. He has taught by example: field awareness, patience, proper switching, composure on the ball, when to attack and when to retreat. We can see almost every regular player improve each game. And to his credit, Basti seems not to be for personal credit at all. You can see why the German team liked him.
Yeah, I thought Fulham would pull it out, but when push came to shove they didn’t deal with a packed defense. Some day.
- Steward As Well.... - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 6:04 pm:
Last Bull Moose …. You can always go to one of those put and take State of Illinois shoots. Of course in many instances you have to kick the bird in the behind before it get ups and flies and then gets blasted out of the air. One time was enough for me. But hey we are talking the State of Illinois. (lol)
Possibly another factor in the “empty” fields: corn and soybean prices are about 1/2 of what they were 5-6 years ago.
If you get a chance, check out Illinois Public Media’s daily farm report (broadcast here in Champaign at 2 p.m.; check your local station station, or get their podcast). I’m always amazed at the number of “city folk” who also listen to it.
- Team America - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:41 pm:
10 minutes and no takers. I think everyone is in shock or too depressed.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:43 pm:
- Team America -
What woulda like to discuss?
No snark…
- Gooner - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:45 pm:
It is too depressing to discuss politics, so on to a better topic.
The Chicago Fire is now in second place. This could be Chicago’s year! All we had to do was add the star of Germany’s World Cup side.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:46 pm:
Only one thing not depressing in Illinois….professional soccer teams. The Red Stars are in second place ( women’s team) and the Fire (men’s team) in second as well with the current leader in scoring in the MLS (Nickolic). For Mr. Miller, lover of German things, the Fire has a one season acquisition in Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was underutilized at Manchester United, and was a member of the winning World Cup Team Germany. Football!
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:46 pm:
@Gooner….OMG!!!!!!!
- WhoKnew - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:48 pm:
My share of the Illinois debt is between $10,000 and $20,000.
My share of the National debt is over $60,000.
So there’s that! /s
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:53 pm:
I’m trying to get into MLS as I do casually follow Premier League and the corresponding international leagues Premier League feeds into.
I do think the MLS is doing a fairly good job in their markets with franchises engaging with fans and trying to bring that fever pitch of live with rabid fans, the Portland franchise is a great example of that.
I should give the Fire and the Red Stars more chances.
- J IL - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 4:56 pm:
I don’t understand how op-ed’s continually are saying Rauner caved on taxes. Nothing has been decided on or passed and signed by Guv. When he actually agrees and something passes the GA then I will say he caved…not before!
- Gooner - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:03 pm:
Amalia,
All it took for me to return to this page was an open thread to discuss football.
I got away from this page for too long. It is always the same story. Illinois in decline. Rauner blames Madigan. Nothing gets done. I almost never comment anymore. I read the stuff, shake my head, but no longer comment.
- Gooner - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:09 pm:
Oswego Willy,
What side do you back in the Premier League?
We’ve got a few Arsenal fans here, and I believe at least on City fan posting.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:12 pm:
Chelsea… and I’ll check out Man U, especially if they are playing City.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:16 pm:
Soccer. Much less exciting with far fewer goals than hockey. And yet they line up outside the Globe tavern at 6:00am on Sunday’s to get a seat at the bar.
I’ll never understand the appeal.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:18 pm:
@ Gooner, see, Arsenal minds thinking alike! I was literally posting as you finished a post first. Illinois based pro football better than thinking about the impending loss of Alexis Sanchez and Ozil. I’ll believe the acquisition of Lacazette when I see it.
OW, I’m an Arsenal partisan too. I believe we have Gooner, Arsenal and Walker, since Walker was pulling for Fulham long ago and they are not in the Premier League now. The good thing about Illinois based pro football is that there is no relegation. (and they are winning.) For example, if Illinois were in a system where states were relegated, we would be at the bottom and dropped to a lower form of government ranking.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:21 pm:
- 47th Ward -
I’m a recent (3 seasons) Premier League fan. For me, it starts with these crazy fans in these English towns and the storyline of these decades old rivalries some derby (dar-bee) games with teams sharing the same city.
The drama and storyline dragged me in, now the football has as much weight. Took me a long while to get “there” but I really enjoy a weekend morning Premier League match.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:21 pm:
@47th, the Globe pub is a good place to watch (also owned by an Arsenal fan). they also have buses to the Fire matches. It’s intense as one goal can make or break a game and if you have seen an amazing goal, it is beyond thrilling. (look up Giroud scorpion goal.) The Fire had a real treat with the first match of Bastian Schweinsteiger in as he scored from a corner play. The Fire gets some amazing crowds of passionate fans. I only watch on tv, but I’m loving it!
- A modest proposal - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:22 pm:
I feel like I have seen a lot of corn fields going unplanted this year, what’s up with that? Is this a trend, or just the cornfields I’m passing by?
- Suburbanon - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:24 pm:
Amalia, perhaps Illinois would drop to Puerto Rico ranking. Question is, would we be ranked higher, or lower?
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:25 pm:
@ OW, with whom do you think the Fire has/should have a big rivalry? No derby for us, leaving me to watch the best MLS Derby, Portland Seattle. every time they score a goal that log sawing really captures the spirit of the area! I too love the football rivalries in the Premier League. To think how close the stadiums are in Liverpool for Everton and Liverpool—literally across a park from each other– makes the Sox Cubs rivalry look like child’s play.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:26 pm:
hmmmm, Suburban, I think you should develop a few rankings for this query, including states and other entities as you have indicated. still think we are above Puerto Rico, but we might be below Alabama.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:27 pm:
pardon the typing…dreaded typing fixing…Suburbanon…..
- Lt Guv - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:36 pm:
Go Fire! It’s been a fun season. Hopefully Hauptman is selling.
- sal-says - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:36 pm:
Thanks, Rich. Been looking for an opportunity for this. This came up recently in DC: where our Constitution states: the Prez ’shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed’.
IL has a similar provision:
Constitution of the State of Illinois
ARTICLE V. THE EXECUTIVE
SECTION 8. GOVERNOR - SUPREME EXECUTIVE POWER
The Governor shall have the supreme executive power, and shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws.
SECTION 20. BOND
Civil officers of the Executive Branch may be required bylaw to give reasonable bond or other security for the faithful performance of their duties. If any officer is indefault of such a requirement, his office shall be deemed vacant.
I see NY AG constantly going after corruption & government official’s failures; little about IL AG in this regard.
Lisa: ‘The Governor shall have the supreme executive power, and shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws.’ IL is on the verge of total failure & collapse.
The IL Gov is “…responsible for the faithful execution of the laws.” No balanced budget for 3 budget cycles. This is required by the Constitution & state law.! Ain’t it about time to take action, IL AG?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:36 pm:
- Amalia -
Yeah, no derby, I really don’t know who the Fire can get that rivalry with.
I do enjoy the Seattle-Portland rivalry.
That Portland franchise, they really came on and made a significant impact in fans, not only in the region but they get serious fandom around city leagues too.
- Responsa - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:36 pm:
Lots of rows/low areas of early planted corn got flooded out. Water standing in fields. Was too wet to plant beans in normal calendar. Then too dry for a while for the replanted corn to flourish. Beans finally planted. Then too wet again for beans which turn yellowish and look sick if they have not grown enough root system yet to use the water. Some farmers may have given up. But I think beans are in more peril than corn. And then there’s the waterhemp weed to contend with. Farming ain’t for sissies.
- A modest proposal - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:40 pm:
Thanksg responsa
- Goo - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:44 pm:
Amalia,
There is a rumor that Sanchez is going to City and they send Aguero back in return. Then there are rumors about adding Mahrez. Typical Arsenal summer. High hopes, and then they will add some 18 year old French kid, who Wenger claims will be the next Messi.
47th,
The great thing about soccer is the constant threat of a goal. Up one against a tough side, with 10 minutes to play, and it seems like three hours and until that whistle sounds.
On top of that, you see some amazing organization from great sides. I became an Arsenal fan (”Gooner”) because of the way they used to control the ball and work for the shot. It was really beautiful.
Arsenal no longer plays to that caliber, but I still watch.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:46 pm:
Getting this back to Illinois Centric…
We have some of the same weather problems and farming in Kendall. There are fields that look like ponds right now. Getting late in the game(?)
- Steward As Well.... - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:46 pm:
Bud Light or Miller Lite? It’s been a long day at the agency…..
- Anonymous - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:47 pm:
“Goo” was “Gooner.” It didn’t do the auto-fill.
On a related note, “American Outlaws”, who are the most rabid of the U.S. soccer fans, watch U.S. matches at Timothy O’Tooles, a few blocks east of Michigan on Ontario.
A match there might be a good “CapFax Soccer Caucus” meet up location.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:50 pm:
I saw that Sanchez for Agureo rumor, and no Kun do! Mahrez was good in their championship year, real élan, but last year he did not seem fit. I don’t know that I agree about Arsenal not playing to the caliber of the best days. That FA Cup match was glorious! even without the Red Card to the diver we would have won. sometimes when the Fire is into great triangular passing they remind me of Arsenal. they move the ball vertically better, though!
- Last Bull Moose - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:51 pm:
Not as important as flooded fields, but the pheasant numbers may be down this year too. Ground nesting birds don’t like heavy rains.
- walker - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 5:57 pm:
It’s true. Basti has transformed the Fire, even without any scoring. He has taught by example: field awareness, patience, proper switching, composure on the ball, when to attack and when to retreat. We can see almost every regular player improve each game. And to his credit, Basti seems not to be for personal credit at all. You can see why the German team liked him.
Yeah, I thought Fulham would pull it out, but when push came to shove they didn’t deal with a packed defense. Some day.
- Steward As Well.... - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 6:04 pm:
Last Bull Moose …. You can always go to one of those put and take State of Illinois shoots. Of course in many instances you have to kick the bird in the behind before it get ups and flies and then gets blasted out of the air. One time was enough for me. But hey we are talking the State of Illinois. (lol)
- Scamp640 - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 6:21 pm:
Q. What is the worst tasting ice cream flavor?
A. Vanillinois.
- Steward As Well.... - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 6:36 pm:
The worst ice cream flavor “ever” brought out by Baskin Robbins was peanut butter and jelly. It died quickly.
- Last Bull Moose - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 6:50 pm:
Steward As Well. Shooting pen raised birds seems like cheating. Like shooting sheep instead of deer.
- Smitty Irving - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 6:55 pm:
How would William Stratton / Richard J. Daley / Paul Powell / Dick Olgilvie / Russell Arrrington / James R. Thompson dealt with Bruce Rauner?
- @MisterJayEm - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 7:16 pm:
Yesterday was the 10th annual Day in the Country at the Hideout.
This weekend is FitzGerald’s 36th(!) American Music Festival.
Both serve up great music and cold beer.
They’re two of the brightest bright spots in this Land of Lincoln.
– MrJM
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 7:37 pm:
way back in campaign days, folks from another state once called a bunch of us the Ilannoyances.
- Lynn S. - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 8:32 pm:
Possibly another factor in the “empty” fields: corn and soybean prices are about 1/2 of what they were 5-6 years ago.
If you get a chance, check out Illinois Public Media’s daily farm report (broadcast here in Champaign at 2 p.m.; check your local station station, or get their podcast). I’m always amazed at the number of “city folk” who also listen to it.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 10:29 pm:
Jake Burger soon please. and some pitching. please work out, trades and draft picks. Sox need help. No, not Jon Garland.
- DeseDemDose - Monday, Jun 26, 17 @ 11:17 pm:
Riverview closed 50 years ago. Toasting the memories with an Old Style.