Alaskan Grizzly

Each week there seems to be someone else to blame...especially when the losses start to roll on. A few weeks ago it was Urlacher because he was disgruntled and "embarrassing" when it came to doing interviews. Then, as always, it was Grossman (which I am not disagreeable to) when the Bears lost last week. Heck early on I said the Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance.... And it goes on.... I agree with several in this board that say Babich should be one that needs to hit the road...he has been nothing short of bland and Turner might as well go with him. When it comes to the losses, this may actually stem the bleeding. Lovie is in it for a few more years and for good reason. If Angelo is worth his weight he will do something like a poster mentioned earlier and sit and talk with Lovie about what he wants to get done as well, to include excusing Turner and Babich and bring is fresh minds. Maybe even have Lovie start calling the D if they can find someone Offense oriented. At this point trying to rebuild would really be detrimental. It is really obvious that the players could benefit from a more rigorous training regimen. The D is especially looking more and more lackluster as the season progreses. It almost looks like they (players) are watching game film and thats it. Urlacher and Brown are about the only two that look like they care, others (Graham, Manning and Payne for example) are too young or not disciplined enough to know the difference. There are a lot of issues that need fixing but starting over is not the answer. Heck, the Bears are still tied for the lead in the NFC North.

Count me in. I don't get this "Fire Lovie" thing going around. Just doesn't make ANY sense at all. Especially when you compare him to Cowher. Cowher's record and Lovie's record to this point are VERY similar. Cowher went to 2 Super Bowls (lost one/won one). So far Lovie is on course to have a similar schedule. Look, he came into Chicago and said he would do three things: #1 Beat Green Bay...did it a few times now, #2 Win the NFC North - check..and then some #3 Go to the Super Bowl - again accomplished So now all he would need to do is win the Super Bowl in order to gain the recognition that you apparently think he is lacking. I really don't think that Lovie is being given a fair shake in the deal. I agree that Babich should go...regardless and most definitely Turner. Both have overstayed their welcome. I do think that Lovie still has what it takes.

My vote is on Hanie playing. I was ready to see him before the 2nd half started. My wife says that she would even like to see Urlacher play QB at this point. Not much of a passing game, but the Bears were never really known for their passing eh?

Eegads...are you crazy? This guy cries about allegedly being spit on by someone from Nebraska. Boo hoo... he would never make it in Chicago with that type of moxie. Especially after he throws his first INT. "Boo hoo, the fans don't like me". I see Cedric Benson in this one. Really, it is way to early to decide on what the Bears need to do with QB. Still 11 games to go. Orton and the Bears are winning, there are FA's to consider and what about injuries etc that take place between now and then? Let alone what could happen in the off season. Like Lovie, continue to give Kyle the chance he deserves.

Continuing with the original thread, please do watch the debates. Especially the one coming up on Thursday. Palin vs. Biden. Should be entertaining. I don't suppose you would be interested in a job as Vice President?

I still say Flacco. As much as I really do like Forte, he is exceptional, I think having Flacco would be better down the road. Things now are starting to work out for the better; I didn't necessarily believe that Orton could bail the Bears out but knew he was a decent QB...just not the solution. In fact, I was watching Orton and wondered since he seems to be improving is it because he is now getting 1st team "reps" and therein forced to practice more? I think he has untapped potential and is definitely showing more and more improvement. In that line of thinking what of the potential of Hanie? Could he be the QB they need in the long run??

I too like this "hurry up" offense displayed by the Bears. Especially since Orton has decided because he wears #18 that he too can call audibles every time. I assume that he has been given some leeway in doing this and looks like he is slowly starting to figure out opposing defenses. I really like how with Orton he is showing improvement each game. He is most definitely poised, compared to Grossman and doesn't get rattled. He knows the rush is coming but continues to look downfield. The 2 INT's were not a result of desperation but more of getting whacked as he was trying to release the ball. And, he is working on the long ball too. They are starting to look like lazers and going longer than 20 yards. I knew this kid would work out ok.

Was it you??? I thought it was Bradjock, that predicted earlier this week the Bears would win because he wouldn't be able to watch the game. Sounds like you need to stop watching alltogether for the rest of the year. Good job fellas!! Couple of "easier" games these next couple of weeks to work on technique and keeping the lead. And get back those that got hurt tonight. Again, congrats and rest up.

Wouldn't it be nice??? Bears 1985 I especially like the Payton part in the middle...truly poetry in motion and the part when Covert is planting LT. The Bears of 2008 could so much be like these guys. Singletary = Urlacher Wilson = Briggs Dent = Ogunleye/A. Brown McMichael = Dvoracek Fencik = M. Brown Frazier = Tillman Suhey = McKie Hilgenburg = Kreutz Butler = Gould McMahon = Orton (a bit of a stretch??) Payton = Forte (I know, a REAL stretch and blasphemy..but similar no?) The others the 2008 team needs; Hampton, Gault, Van Horne, Covert, Marshall, Bortz, Perry, Thayer and especially Ditka. A swift kick wouldn't hurt either. C'mon guys, let's put the Eagles out this weekend. Play up and keep the lead!!!

You are right in some regards but off base in others. With McCain, my opinion of him is that after he lost the bid in 2000 he basically became a lap dog for the Republicans (see Rove/Cheney) and is obviously much more "tempered" than when he was a true Maverick. As far as picking Palin as the "exciting" factor for his ticket, so yes she is exciting but what about the long run? What makes her inexperience more exciting than Obama's inexperience? If she is so "down home" why is Obama not? If people look at the things she says IE: Russia is not THAT close to us here in Alaska and other topics "Bridge to Nowhere" a lot of what she says is smoke and mirrors. The newness will wear off and then those that vote Republican will see that not everything was as it seemed. Going back to my original thought why would you continue with the economical standpoint and support the McCain ticket? I like the guy too but he doesn't have any new ideas, seperate from Bush's plan, to fix the problem. Obama at least is discussing ideas and plans he has. How is the Republican way of handling the economy better than the opposition? Lastly, going back on the experience factor again. George Bush Jr came in as a Governor of Texas prior to his becoming President. Besides at one time owning the Texas Rangers, what major accomplishment could you attribute to his leadership? That he could take credit for singlehandedly? Cheney was a CEO for Halliburton (and you see what good that has been for them) after serving as Sec of Defense for GB#1 and other governmental entities before that, so he could be the grizzled old vet for which you refer. She (Palin) and McCain are falling into that "Good ol Boy" network they claim to not want to be a part of.

Yeah, it is pretty obvious (at least to me) that as long as Obama concentrates on the issues he really can't go wrong. I actually heard Karl "Satan" Rove say the other day that he thinks Palin is a flash in the pan. I agree, her appeal is wearing off as people start to figure her out. I am glad that the general American public is doing it quicker than my fellow Alaskans have and are. If you haven't been paying attention the Troopergate incident up here is being basically stalled as more and more people refuse to testify. Not all of the ones expected on Friday had subpeonas but that sounds as thought it will change this week. This is really a sad thing as Palin promised cooperation at the start but since joining McCain, nothing but interference.

Hey, is this Bizzaro Terra Tor? You write very similar to his style. I like your points...exactly why and how I started this post in the first place. I see you and I agree on Hester's apparent slow slide down. I think we missed our opportunity. But like a few here on this board have said, we have him now and I hope he decides to get his ass off the pine and play the season out. ESPECIALLY given the money he's getting.

I told Mad Lith some time back that I would write this so here up to this point is what I have. I have been a resident of Wasilla (the town she was Mayor of) for about 3 years now. All told I have lived up here for just over 30 years. I lived in Anchorage for awhile but when my wife and I went to buy a house things were too expensive so we looked to the "Valley" as an alternative. Wasilla is in that area and is and was growing. See my reason above for why that is. Wasilla does provide more of the large box stores and other well known commercial shopping alternatives so you don't have to drive into Anchorage as much. I might add that the drive from Wasilla to Anchorage is about 45 minutes one way. At the time when I moved out to Wasilla it seemed a good idea, but then gas prices took off and well.... Anyhow, the reason I went there was because housing was more expensive and crowded in Anchorage. In Wasilla you could still get a decent house with a couple acres for a reasonable price. I would say that, more than anything, was why Wasilla has been growing. She claims to have been there when that growth spurted, which in part is true. However these aforementioned big commercial stores (Wal Mart, Sears, Sportsmans Wearhouse and other well knowns) were starting to sprout up and paying the taxes associated. Which I understand were more the doing of her predecessor than she. When she ascended to the job as Governor, she was more in the right place at the right time. The previous Governor had been a US Senator (Murkowski) prior to that and when he came to Alaska he apparently forgot that Alaska is more a small town slower pace than Washington DC. He had lost touch. Murkowski came in and started right off the bat with things that people didn't like. He appointed his daughter to his post as US Senator (which rule was changed shortly thereafter) and as you know went ahead and bought a jet for conducting business, much to the chagrin of the constituency. (By the by, the jet was not sold on Ebay..but instead by a broker and for a loss). These things and several other gaffes were common during his 4 year tenure. When Palin came on to challenge for the Governor ship the voters had enough. She ran against a rather popular former Governor who was a Democrat in the general election so I will give her that. But Alaska is no doubt a Republican/Conservative based place. Anyhow, here came this new fresh face with new ideas. I was even starting to like her towards the more recent timeframe (I didn't vote for her initially). Until the recent "Troopergate" fiasco that is. The gent, Walt Monegan, that she had appointed as Commissioner was the former Chief of Police for Anchroage Police Department. The largest in the state at about 300 or so officers. He is also a respected figure not just in Anchorage but also in all of Alaska. When things got to where she didn't want him any longer in office she did offer him a job elsewhere in her cabinet but he declined. If you want current updates on how this is going from a local source go to Local news. So now she is in the limelight as a VP contender. There was a letter recently written by another Wasilla resident that is making the rounds on the internet. It has a lot more information of the inner workings and gives you a perspective of someone that knows Palin more one on one. Kilkenny's letter. Lots of other good info on there too. Take a look at these two links and let me know if there is anything else you are curious about. Interesting stuff for sure.

So true, so true....and very funny. So now, besides all the other impeding on rights and all we as a nation are force fed to help bailing out large companies IE: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and just today AIG. You know we are all paying for that right? Isn't this very similar to a point someone made a week or two ago on this very post about "getting something for nothing" but in reverse? So who is the better to help in a situation like this...the small person without medical benefits and little or no education or the multi billion company that can't manage its money? And by the by, Congress authorized an "extended military engagement" as is witnessed by the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. They are not technically wars. A war in the truest sense is declared (or allowed) by Congress against another nation(s) not a group, ergo Terrorists. In the case of the aforementioned examples, these are more a title of what Bush wanted to do and was eventually authorized by Congress.

That is one thing that I like about you Terra...eloquence. If this had been anyone else, I would have paused to reply however how long we gonna ride this pony? I think it pretty obvious that D. Manning....maybe even R. Davis can do decent returns in the system that Toub has set up. One man a team does not make. What happens when (not if) Hester is lost for the season? Heck, what happens when teams figure out he can't return like he was in the past? I said before the season started that the Bears should have taken advantage of Hester's tradabilty when they had the chance. Sure...maybe a deal for a reputable QB could have been made...say Brady Quinn, for example?

I don't completely agree but for the sake of arguement I would assume most will vote then for the lesser of two evils. I will concede that at times the Democratic party (of which I am not a part of) tends to be a little too wussy and hesitant in what their plans are. Hillary would have been a breath of fresh air in that regards. Don't misunderstand my appreciation for her as I feel she thinks she was "owed" the Presidential bid...and later the VP slot. But she is a fighter and has a tough resolve. But again, sometimes the Democrats just try to hard to be overly intellect and sensitive to what they think people want. Just state your dang policies and stick by your guns. IMHO, Obama is wanting to try something different and right the ship. McCain probably does too but is too far too gone. He has the likes of Rove and Cheney giving him advice on what he should be doing and how he will do it.

The Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance. Earlier this season when Hester was holding out for money I (and I think a few others) said that he is not going to be worth anymore than he was then. I said he was one injury away from losing his step and was only going to get slower regardless. That and all the other teams are figureing out how to stop him. First he tried to make something out of nothing (see the Colts game and a tackle on the 3) then this injury. A "soft tissue" injury to the ribs that could keep him out for up to two weeks? I mean come on!!! This was just a result of the heat and cramping. There is a troubling trend developing. Buckle down and get back to practice. The Bears are paying you big money to play....so do it. TAKE A TYLENOL, DRINK SOME WATER AND GET BACK IN THE GAME!!!

Isn't the Patriot Act one of the largest infringements on personal liberties you have seen in recent memory? You realize where that policy came alive right? I know it was a "result" of the "unexpected" and "unprovoked" attacks of September 11th but why didn't it go away as originally intended? You know when Clinton attempted to enact ideas that are listed in the Patriot Act, IE: wirtapping, file perusing (Filegate) and other similar actions he was chided for his work. Now these are commonplace and accepted practices by the Republican party. Oh yeah, I suppose you have heard that in the last couple of months we have been experiencing the worst recesssion in a longgggg time. Today begins the fall of the Stock Market. Does it feel like 1929 in here? As far as wealth redistribution goes, what is wrong with taxing the snot out of the upper 5%? I kinda like that idea anyhow and being sure that the smaller people are benefiting more from what has been a total disregard for sensible Government in the last 8 years. You can bet Palin won't do anything to help her party out in that regards.

In case Drunk Bomber thinks of me as a Liberal Left Wing nutjob...or whatever else nasty terminology people like Ann Coultour (sp?) would call those opposed to her, I actually did vote for McCain in 2000. I wrote him in as I really wasn't enthused by Gore and there was no way I would vote for Bush... Just to emphasize that point I voted for Kerry in 2004. So I think my viewpoint is of a more "centrist" Moderate type viewpoint. Although I find it hard to convince those of the Radical Right Republican that those exist. And I don't like Palin. “We don't want someone who will get 98 percent of the vote. We want someone who will get 51 percent of the vote.” - Ann Coultour So far that hasn't happened, probably never will.

As far as where to eat. A couple of years ago I was there with my family and went to "Ditka's" at the edge of downtown. Saw the ad for it in Sports Illustrated. The menu caters to those that want to spend a lot and those that don't. Really good food and cool Bears memorabilia. I think it also has a cigar bar in the upstairs, unless I was mistaken. My wife bought me a hoodie sweatshirt from there and I am always getting complimented on it. Anyhow, also recommend the Lincoln Park Zoo if you have family with you. It is free and actually really cool. Strongly recommend it if you have some time.

I am very happy for the outcome. However, as I like to play the devil's advocate, they (Bears) will need to be sure and keep focused and work off this win. I want to be sure that this win wasn't more the Colts not playing very well than the Bears really playing well. Payton Manning didn't look all that hot....probably too much off time. But hey...a win is a win is a win. Forte = AWESOME. Definite difference from Benson. Especially after that hit with Sanders. Think that Benson would have stayed out. Orton = Definte leader. He looked POISED and VERY CONFIDENT and ready to lead this team. I think they did good in making him the C. I think we may have us a team here....15 more to go.

Excellent game and execution.... Lovie looked like he had something up his sleeve recently. Or does he always???

My turn. I decided since it appears you think that what is out there is taken out of context I would instead use your own words to highlight a confoundment, hence the bolded words. First, not many people really want nothing for something. I and you would be very hard pressed to name a few people that would really want to accept housing, food and health care for nothing. If I may illustrate something for you. The Republicans are attempting to grasp hold of the traditional idealogue in order to win the support of those disenfranchised. They even went as far as reaching...emphasis on reach, for Sarah Palin. The Governor of the State I live in. Now, if you were to take two people and ask them what their definition of a traditional lifestyle was the first person, perhaps somebody from the Midwest, would tell you that they could live in their house without the doors locked, everyone knows everyone and Americana is on every corner. Now if you were to ask the second person, an Alaskan Native perhaps, what they thought were some keys to traditional they might mention some of these things but they might also mention that theirs is a community that helps one another. Most times and in tradition, the men go out and kill a whale. They in turn bring in the whale for several of the townspeople to help butcher. Each person takes their share and some deliver extra to those that can't participate, the invalid or elderly. But guess what some of these people are doing? They might be babysitting the small children while the rest of the grownups are out doing the things mentioned above. So, who is doing the most work and who should get the lions share of the "reward"? This is called community, a root word being "commune" or dare I say, Communist. God forbid. That is not a true traditional lifestyle that most in the Midwest would recognize. Now about the health care to those that only pay the taxes. Never mind the do nothings that will have to fend for themselves....but what about lets say we have ten adults that each pay their equal share into the healh care and pay their taxes? Of those 10, what if one of them has an elderly and dependent father and mother living with them? Do they (Mom and Dad) get the share of that one for health care or to heck with them? What about perhaps another one of the ten that has 5 kids in their home? And that original one is the only one that works? Let's say one of those 5 kids has special needs and you know over time that person is going to require more and more health care benefits than the rest of the family? And let's just say another one of the 5 kids has a child before they are 18? You know that is going to cost more. How is that distributed? Now we go to one or two more of the original 10. They are single and young and of strong health...never see a doctor except for the occasional check up. Do they still get their share? Do they get as much (or more) as the family of 6 (1 and 5 kids) or the 1 with two elderly parents? How do you distribute that? I think that now that the "glitz and glamour" of the Conventions are over, we all need to listen to what the candidates, primarily the Presidential ones, have to say about fixing the problems we are facing today; gas prices, unemployment, inflation and the crashing housing market. How about the International stage of restoring our credibility and ceasing these pointless and careless wars? We have to ask ourselves when the questions are asked, who is going to have the best answer and solution? So far Obama has been talking issues....while the McCain and Palin followers continue to talk about how a great speaker she is...or is it reader? GO BEARS!!!!! BEAT THE COLTS!!!!!

Chris Farley and "Sausage" That is some funny stuff right there, I don't care who you are. RIP Chris...

Suspected? I was hoping for factual evidence for you to make your claim about him bad mouthing his own country, but since you don't and apparently he didn't then I agree, this discussion is over. Unless you can find something that is actual. Mad Lith....When I get a chance I will give you a quick rundown on my take of Palin. I haven't had a chance to sit and write it all out just yet. Plenty of material out there still to be learned on the National stage. And just so you know, a fan of her's I am not. McCain is allright but not enough for me to vote the complete ticket. More to come....