Open thread
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller * Remember a couple of weeks ago when I had an appointment in the late afternoon and had to shut down the blog early? Well, I got to the appointment and they looked at me funny. What the heck was I doing there? Turns out, we’d canceled that appointment and had rescheduled it for today at 1 o’clock, but I neglected to delete it from my calendar. Oops. So, I wound up taking some “me time” for the rest of that afternoon. But today is now upon us. It’s nothing major. Having a tooth pulled and then starting the implant process. But it could be awhile. Keep it Illinois-centric and, please, do your utmost to be nice to each other. Thanks.
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- Fax Machine - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:33 pm:
Have any of your non-hyperpolitical friends said anything about Kennedy’s new ad now that it’s hit the airwaves?
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:34 pm:
Anyone think Hahn is going to flip Avi this offseason?
- A guy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:36 pm:
The tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth…so help me Rich. Good luck.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:37 pm:
Will Northwestern be the lone Illinois university in the NCAA basketball tourney come March?
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:41 pm:
Don’t kidd yourselves folks. The dentist thing is a fairy tale. Rich is tightening up a couple of deer stands.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
Considering how much U of I is paying Lovie Smith, isn’t kind of sad at this point how NIU has had a better FBS program for nearly a decade now?
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:44 pm:
Unless Northwestern has a total meltdown, and fails to meet expectations, they should almost be a lock. But conference play has not started yet.
I am still mildly optimistic that the Fighting Illini will surprise a lot of fans and will play inspired basketball, but there seems to be some weaknesses at this time.
But other than those two, you might be right Willy.
- Henry Francis - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:47 pm:
What the H E double hockey sticks is going on with the Hawks? Is this the beginning of end of their championship run (if last year’s playoff showing wasn’t?). All those minutes seem to finally have begun to catch up with Keith.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:48 pm:
- illini -
You’re on it.
What’s so disappointing is Bradley, Illinois State, Southern, DePaul…
You’d think one or two of these schools could break through too, or get hot enough in February to sneak in as a tourney champ.
Illinois State was robbed last year of a NCAA bid, but I think most of the top players on that team graduated…
- illdoc - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:48 pm:
good luck, it should not be an issue at all. a topic I teach at one of our schools. some great dentists in your area
- Fax Machine - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:50 pm:
Does Lovie Smith realize that tanking for a better draft pick doesnt apply to NCAA?
- Dirty Red - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:53 pm:
= Will Northwestern be the lone Illinois university in the NCAA basketball tourney come March? =
Probably.
Got any good podcast recommendations?
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:53 pm:
Think the Cards sign Arrieta?
- Dirty Red - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:56 pm:
= Think the Cards sign Arrieta? =
His high price tag would be very uncharacteristic of the Birds. Angels are my sleeper team for him.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
Dirty Red, would recommend the Tim Ferris podcast.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:01 pm:
===Angels are my sleeper team for him.===
The unintended trolling there is… subtly sweet.
The Cubs need to sign Darvish, that addition would help with a staff that needs a newer identity.
Podcasts?
Paulie Pabst (SIU’s own) from the DP Show has a good one, occationally throwing some Saluki pride in it too
- Steve Rogers - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:04 pm:
I think the Illini BB team will surprise some people this year. They’re young and will be very inconsistent and I think it will take a good full season to fully embrace Underwood’s frenetic style of play. They will be much more fun to watch than any John Groce team.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:09 pm:
Anyone got any binge worthy show recommendations?
Looking for something to watch over Thanksgiving.
I’ve recently watched Ozark, The Deuce, Bosch Stranger Things
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:12 pm:
===Anyone got any binge worthy show recommendations?===
Duh.
“Dad’s Home State”
If that’s not available… “The Ranch”
It’s “adult” humor, but it’s really outstanding stuff.
- DeseDemDose - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:20 pm:
To early to start working on the Blackhawks obituary….
- ughh.. - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:21 pm:
So, How bout that replay booth at the Bears games?
- ughh.. - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:22 pm:
===Anyone got any binge worthy show recommendations?===
Ozark. And this is Illinois Centric cause the family it is based on is from chicago.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:26 pm:
Binge worthy: oldies that never get old- Breaking Bad, Dexter, Rome, Deadwood. Australian, disc. “Underbelly”
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:27 pm:
“Have any of your non-hyperpolitical friends said anything about Kennedy’s new ad now that it’s hit the airwaves?”
Objection, your honor! The question presumes facts not in evidence…
– MrJM
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:30 pm:
Darvish to the Cubs would be a great move. What about a closer? And no I don’t think the Cards would pay for Arrieta. Honestly, nobody should pay him big. But if Texas wants to waste a boatload on him, good for him.
- perrier - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:34 pm:
-binge worthy-
“Shaka Zulu” is on Netflix. It’s a ten part mini-series about Shaka, and British traders’ attempts at diplomacy with him in the 1850’s. It’s brutal and violent, but fantastic. Watched it all on one rainy Saturday recently.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:38 pm:
===Anyone got any binge worthy show recommendations?===
You can get the entire three seasons of Gilligan’s Island on DVD now. My favorite episode is the one where the Professor figures out a way to finally get the castaways rescued, but Gilligan screws it all up. I love that one.
Hope I didn’t spoil that episode for you. The rest are pretty good too. Enjoy. You can thank me later.
- Because I said so.... - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:48 pm:
Binge worthy; try Bloodlines.
- Swamp Monster - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:48 pm:
===Got any good podcast recommendations?===
Pardon My Take by Barstool.
Its the only one other than the New York Times Daily that I listen to religiously.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:16 pm:
Darvish had 2 (two) poor post season outings when they needed him to be great. I think before Cubs covet him they may need to better understand what was going on.
I hope to see both Avi and Abreu in a White Sox uniform next season to augment the exciting baby Sox.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:25 pm:
Darvish did have two unfortunate starts for him, but it should lower the asking price, so that helps the Cubs too.
Darvish is worth a 3 year deal. Prime years. Worth the gamble and still a tradeable contract.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:32 pm:
Binge-worthy-Narcos is also good for that.
I would agree with OW and my fellow Illini Illini that the Illini probably won’t make the Big Dance this year, but it’s going to be a fun (and occasionally frustrating) season nonetheless. The Underwood offense is fun to watch; check out a game if you haven’t seen them yet. Also looking forward to the Lou Henson game with NM State next month.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:34 pm:
I once showed up for an outpatient procedure and was also looked at funny. Turned out I was supposed to be there the day before! Fortunately, they were able to re-schedule me, but I felt like such a putz.
- Rayne of Terror - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:44 pm:
Podcasts I’m enjoying lately: The Nod, Suspect Convictions (BloNo murder this season), Another Round (the LaVar Burton episode is hilarious), Criminal, HGTV & Me, Mom & Dad are Fighting, Trillbilly Worker’s Party, Uncivil, and The Longest Shortest Time.
- m - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:53 pm:
On the off-chance that you haven’t seen it, Amazon Prime has the Soprano’s, still considered by most critics to be the best series of all time.
Justified is another good recent one. First season was the best, but they’re all still very good. Based on an Elmore Leonard story.
- ComeTogether - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:04 pm:
What are the chances state workers will receive their increases and when?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:07 pm:
Open thread, darn it…… /rimshot
- Ghost - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:11 pm:
Cometogether back wages require a special appropriation for past fiscal years. And we may finish this fiscal year before a decision is made and implemented
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:25 pm:
This is a political website. Don’t care to here about OW and his basketball predictions.
- Anon - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:27 pm:
Expecting Rauner and ILRB to petition the IL Supreme Court on December 14 seeking reversal of the appellate court on step increases.
- Nortorious RBG - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:28 pm:
Podsave America is fantastic.
Anonymous trolls are not fantastic.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:29 pm:
Binge: The Killing. An AMC show that never attracted the attention some of its others got. Three seasons, each one a different murder for the leads to solve. Rainy Pacific Northwest locale, moody electronic score. Great chemistry between the male and female cop partners, reminded me a little of the banter between Scully and Mulder.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:34 pm:
Re the Killing, actually it was four seasons. The first two were the same case. The third and fourth were separate cases.
- Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:38 pm:
Any Cubs fans can explain why the Cubs don’t simply sign Arrieta rather than trying another SP option?
- An Onymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:38 pm:
I hate Rich Miller. There, I said it.
- Lucky than Good - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:44 pm:
I agree that “The Killing” is very binge-worthy.
- DuPage Bard - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:46 pm:
So Kennedy is touting his new TV ad has 140,000 hits online. Great I have yet to see it on TV but cool online TV ad. Whatever keeps you motivated Chris. Go raise money.
- L.A. - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:46 pm:
Arrieta wants too much money for too many years
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:51 pm:
===why the Cubs don’t simply sign Arrieta===
I think the Cubs would re-sign him, but will only offer a three year deal. Jake wants five, and he’ll probably get it, just from a different team.
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:53 pm:
===why the Cubs don’t simply sign Arrieta===
Too much money for too many years for a 32 year old who is losing velocity.
- Fax Machine - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:56 pm:
===I hate Rich Miller. There, I said it.===
I take it you’re here just for the Oscar pictures?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:57 pm:
Arrieta for five years was never possible for this Cubs club.
They are about two things… value to the club, and value to the bottom line.
They’ll spend money, but want the return.
Good contracts right now become bad ones once “everyone” gets off the Club-Friendly ones most stars have.
- L.A. - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 4:00 pm:
Too much money for too many years for a 32 year old who is losing velocity and whose best year was two years ago
- Downstate43 - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 4:10 pm:
The Cubs would be foolish to sign Arrieta for 5 years and he’s not likely to take less than 5, so that should be DOA. Better question - any chance we get someone to bite on the remainder of Heyward’s contract?
Binge-worthy shows: Mindhunter (only 1 season so far), Stanger Things, Man in the High Castle (Amazon), Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’m kind of “eh” on the second season of Narcos.
- L.A. - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 4:18 pm:
I’m going with no way on the Heyward question. Pretty sure the Cubs are stuck with him for the duration.
I am a little worried about the possibility that the Cubs will have to give up either Russell or Baez for some pitching.
- Bo Rambler - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 4:38 pm:
====Will Northwestern be the lone Illinois university in the NCAA basketball tourney come March?====
Not so fast…
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:41 pm:
Rumor has it Rich refused to take a local anasthetic. He’s one tough dude.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 6:34 pm:
RIP Jim Rivera. Go Go Sox in heaven.
- Binge - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 7:24 pm:
Comedy binge: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Life in Pieces
- G'Kar - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 9:16 pm:
I was teaching today about the 1858 Senate election. I was trying to make the point that it was not a direct election of either Lincoln or Douglas, but that the Legislator would ultimate elect the senator. I made the point that even though the Republicans won the popular vote the Democrats won the majority of the seats in the Legislature and “Mike Madigan made sure Douglas was elected senator.” Not one student got it.