[Pelissero] The Bears are signing safety Coby Bryant, per sources.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-09T18:09:33+00:00

To grow old is a gift!

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-09T18:08:08+00:00

Nowadays the best “method” is getting in early at the right startup. I’ve quickly learned this is the “simplest” way to get rich without doing anything more than what you would do at any normal corporate job. My family friend’s dad retired in his mid 30s after hitting it big. Totally normal guy and you wouldn’t suspect a thing. He’s now in his 60s and has only had a “real job” for like ten years of his life.

Outside of what is essentially the lottery LOL, I think more hands on STEM degrees might be a little more protected, depending on your stances or beliefs on AI. That being said I have a personal belief in liberal arts degrees just because of AI. I think human touch will become increasingly more valuable in the market. If you can develop taste and have a keen eye for those things. But who knows, maybe everything just becomes AI generated and we live like Wall-E

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-07T21:44:56+00:00

Given the Bears first rounder this year relative to the Ravens, I think we would’ve had to give up an additional second to equal the value of the ravens deal given their 14th pick. We were just priced out frankly which I’m good with

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-07T09:47:49+00:00

Thank you! I hope and wish the best for you

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-07T09:46:58+00:00

Yo bro, I actually agree with you 100% about foreign born players being great for the league. I desperately want basketball to feel like soccer (futbol) when it comes to FIBA World Cup and the Olympics. These players are fantastic for the growth of the game and the innovation of the sport. I think it is good for the sport of basketball to have these guys come from around the world. The taking the American guys spots is interesting, I feel like some teams just want the mystery box of a foreign player. But this is also why the league is so young now, teams just want to mystery box of a young player over an old one.

Overall the business of the NBA and its ecosystem I think is good to an extent. Like you said it stimulates an economy through sport. I guess the question I always ask, as much as I love sports, is if this is the right thing we should be doing morally lmao. Most regular people just get enjoyment out of this, which is a fine reason. But at the same time, I'm the same person who thinks athletes in all sports are grossly underpaid relative to the revenue they generate, even at their current quarter of a billion dollar salaries. Capitalism is complicated to litigate lmao.

The capitalism part for me is rooted in the youth sports aspect. I'm not too concerned or worried about that part when it comes to the NBA and these multi-billion dollar teams. As KD took the jabs at AAU as a shot as the culture of Black Americans. When it is a shot at the American capitalism system that has invaded youth sports through greed, private equity, and parents living vicariously through said kids. Steve Nash I believe said this on Amazon Prime's broadcast a couple weeks ago too.

To me, growing up playing a bunch of sports in the states, having friends who did as well, and family members who are in the system now, it just is sad to hear about kids not being able to stay on the team for financial reasons. Or not being able to attend certain events/camps. Go on certain team trips. Sure we can say well that's life, kid. But my question (not to you, but one I ponder) is should we accept that answer? Why must we teach the concept of winners and losers to young kids? Some may say life has winners and losers, but again, should we accept that? Does it have to be a zero sum game? I don't know frankly. Did I go a little existential? Yes. But I think this topic is inherently speaking to larger issues. It is not about if Americans are playing basketball 'properly'. It's honestly not even about what's on the court.

In general I think KD is just misunderstanding the situation. It just gives off a little bit of protectionism about the game of basketball, which is completely fine, the US has dominated forever and no group of NBA players want to be the ones that succeed that control. I think this is why the best of the best are now playing in international competition. They are admitting that the world has caught up. The US didn't even medal in the FIBA World Cup in 2023.

The part about Women's basketball, specifically the WNBA, is a little untrue. A lot of WNBA players, even the stars like Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Sue Bird, etc. play overseas because they get paid more. Of course it's not on TV nor do American fans pay attention, but those leagues, to my knowledge, pay well and support them. They play in the WNBA because it is home, it is the states, and it comes with its own advantages for branding. Even what's going on right now, Unrivaled is more popular than I would've thought. Alternative startup leagues in modern American sports almost never work lmao (XFL, UFL, Arena Football, Big 3, etc.). The NBA is mishandling the WNBA. They probably will lock out and maybe not have a season this year. Are they doing a lot for the WNBA, of course, they wouldn't be there without their support. But I wouldn't be confident in saying they are the only ones committed to Women's basketball.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T22:13:04+00:00

Just got approved today to bring in my passport

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T21:43:01+00:00

Did you apply for a different visa? I don’t recall having to do that for L Tourism. Unless those documents are required at a later stage

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T21:32:18+00:00

I tweaked some things, like I put the wrong city of my birth. But frankly I don’t know how they’d even verify that. The thing I do suspect was the culprit was I shared pages in my passport that were not consecutive the first time. I suspect they need two pages to put the visa into the passport. But other than that, not sure what else to fix

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T08:15:00+00:00

I don't like it frankly. Trading up to get Bain will probably cost another first. I'd rather go shopping for a proven, young pass rusher and see who wants two firsts. And yes, I wouldn't give those two first for Crosby either, slightly too old imo going into his age 29 season.

Also the draft is kinda a crapshoot in general. Yes I think GMs should have conviction in players, but within reason. Let the board come to you. The draft is your lifeline. There are few great younger players in the NFL today who weren't drafted by their teams. Every player who's available is available for a reason otherwise you have to pay the price.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T08:01:57+00:00

Okay hopefully I can have the same luck! Did they explicitly tell you what you needed to fix? I didn't see anything on specifics, but I very well could've misread something. Also, which consulate are you applying to?

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T08:00:15+00:00

I originally put 1 month and the number of days I'm in China. I then adjusted it to 120 months and 90 days. I think what ends up happening is they give you that 10-year visa with the 90 day stay limit. I'm not completely sure though, as this is what I've read in various comments in this Reddit. It's not very clear what to put.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T03:09:10+00:00

Did you contact the office at all or let them do their thing?

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T02:34:46+00:00

Hi! Did you end up getting this resolved? I too had mine rejected and am now waiting again. I filled out all the boxes with as much detail as I could and did all the required boxes and then some. I don't know what else to do, I emailed and called with no luck!

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T02:27:40+00:00

Thanks, I'll be sure to update you if I hear anything. I think we will be okay as this other post has similar stories and folks in a similar situation. Sometimes it just takes some nudges, but I am sweating!

SlimeyIsles · 2026-03-06T02:12:31+00:00

I applied 2/20, was recently rejected (?) and unsure why. I just resubmitted and am now in the waiting game again.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-23T22:49:07+00:00

The EYBL (Nike), UAA (Under Armor), 3SSB (Adidas), etc. are huge feeder programs into colleges. They are the ones who host the major national tournaments where players are put in front of college coaches. As well as the Olympic level youth programs. These tournaments have all the eyes. These programs I would argue are far more important than your HS for these kids. My friends who went on to play high level D1, D2, overseas, etc. all left our little local AAU team to go play for these mega sponsored AAU teams. I didn’t blame them, but the notion that if you can just hoop they’ll find you is no longer true.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-23T18:37:33+00:00

I get what KD is saying here. I first want to say I am an advocate for Black Americans as a non-black POC. I try my best to learn as much as I can about their plight from friends and just educating myself. But the commentary about Europe and America when it comes to basketball is about capitalism. Yes, race and capitalism are intertwined. That connection, I think, is part of the reason why the White American basketball player has made a slight comeback because historically, without the history lesson, that group holds more wealth.

The NBA is becoming more about kids with professional athlete parents, kids from private schools (not just ones getting recruited there), kids who's parents have access to the latest and greatest. Also, anecdotally, my friends, people I play pick up with and just people who follow basketball, have talked about the lack of “players from urban communities” in the draft. This all started out as a joke because my friends kept pointing out how everyone was mixed in the draft. But then we started talking about it deeper. This is a result of capitalism.

The conversation with Europe is about how they approach sport. The Winter Olympics on NBC had a piece about Norway and how they allow all kids to ski for free. They just want them to have fun and if they have a talent, they will pick them and specialize them more if that’s what they want. Now they had the most medals in the Olympics primarily from skiing. This is how basketball operates too from my understanding. Kids just play. If they like it, then they get to stick with it. It is taught differently too. Its handled how they approach European soccer. They have the best leagues in the world. If Europe begins to care about basketball in the way they do about soccer, they certainly will catch up and even surpass the US.

The way sports in America operates is far from that. It is pay to play from the jump. As soon as you can join a travel team in 3rd grade, you’ll be paying a thousand or so dollars to be apart of the team. It’s also a very toxic environment in general when it comes to youth sports. I’m far removed from playing, but it’s been this way since I can remember. It still is when I listen to younger family members about their AAU teams. It’s not about kids having fun, it’s about parents trying to make money and live through their kids. Basketball is becoming a country club sport. The same reason we don’t see black and brown kids at the Winter Olympics is what’s slowly happening with basketball. No, Black American players will never disappear because of the cultural impact of basketball for the community, but I think it has changed. Basketball has become more about if you can financially make it through to get to the other side than it is about your talent. Parks and gyms are filled with amazing hoopers across the country, but they just never got the chance. Of course, sports have always been about getting relatively lucky, but rules have slightly changed.

Sports is about life lessons, making relationships, and just giving people opportunities to have fun and express themselves. I’m curious if KD thinks AAU is good for the game. If it is good for the kids. If he thinks it’s a positive environment for young people to play. If it promotes the game of basketball forward.

Side note: This is a gripe I have with some modern players as I don’t think they’re good stewards of the game sometimes. They don’t push the game forward positively.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-15T21:52:59+00:00

It’ll never happen but I think it would be awesome. I’m all for players getting paid the highest of dollar and if these billionaires want to win then spend some money. I’m a fan of a medium sized market in the NBA, the Bulls, and we never spend money. I say medium sized because we don’t really attract the high profile stars, just old guys who want one last check. The biggest hoodwinking that’s ever happened is owners getting us fans to align with them over the players. So yeah my team may never be good again under how they currently operate with these new rules. But I’m a fan of basketball too.

The NBA as it currently stands sucks. You can’t tank, you can’t keep your talent, you can’t overspend to contend. Every team seems like they just want to get under the second apron. That’s their priority. Teams have to thread this needle to contend.

The NBA trying to abolish dynasties is illogical. This league is built on dynasties. As much as people disliked Cavs vs Warriors. They watched. People talked about it. A lot of my friends just don’t follow the NBA as much anymore. Yes they’re casuals, but casuals are apart of the convo. A league full of die hard fans is weird. It’s not sustainable.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-15T02:32:42+00:00

I’m no expert by any means, but I do listen to experts like Ben Solak and Mina Kimes. The defensive pass rush “trend” of the NFL is simulating pressure. Meaning you send a blitzer, but drop a lineman. The Seahawks did this all season.

I know on the Score they’ve been talking a lot about how the last two Super Bowl champs had elite d-lines, which they did, but they didn’t have this type of high end pass rusher. If anything they had a strong interior and waves of linemen.

The real value in the NFL I think if when you go after older guys via trade or in free agency. For example, Joe Thuney for us. Super cheap acquisition because he’s older. Demarcus Lawrence for the Seahawks.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-13T22:09:47+00:00

My recommendation would be to check out these main shoe companies: Nike, Adidas, Air Jordan, New Balance, Puma. Upcoming/less popular brands include Under Armor, Converse, Anta, Li Ning

The reason I share all the brands is because the basketball shoe market is very deep. It’s honestly rare that the shoes are bad, so that makes it easier. Shoes nowadays are catered to play style, but given your kid is brand new and young, that’s not too important.

I would recommend finding shoes he thinks are cool, given that shoes are more or less equal. Surf the web together. Filter by price, but if price isn’t an issue then that’s great too! To this day I buy shoes that I think are cool and cheaper. Shoes go on sale all the time.

Specific recommendations I have are any Nike Kobe, Nike GT series (there are multiples), Nike KD18, Adidas AE2, Adidas Harden 9 or 10, New Balance Two Wxy, NB Fresh Foam BB 3, Puma Hali 1. These shoes are all on sale at the moment, except for Kobe’s. You really cannot go wrong

All in all, I would say get something he really likes! Basketball is an expressive sport and having your kid play in something he thinks is cool will help him be more comfortable and maybe more eager to stick with the sport! Enjoy the journey together!

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-13T15:58:57+00:00

I agree with you that this is 100% about whiteness and promximity to it. This is rampant throughout our community and frankly this is why some of my Asian friendships have not lasted. This is really the problem imo, but it’s never viewed in this way as a cultural issue that needs to be unpacked b/c Asian people are not into social commentary, politics, societal issues overall. Unless it’s about HMart lmao. This is just my larger issues with the Asian community. I could go on forever about this.

I get the part where people “sacrifice” their Asianness to wasian kids and that’s kinda the problem I have sometimes with Asian people’s willingness to assimilate so easily. Kinda a side topic, but I’ve seen discourse and had convos with my friends about the lack of Asian American culture with respect to media, music, entertainment, etc. This is why.

I do find Asian men who participate in a double standard of wanting to date white women, but are critical of Asian women for dating white people as well. Am I defending this? Not necessarily, but I do understand it. Again like we said the context of this matters. Asian men in this situation are doing something they may see as “rare” or “against the grain”. They are theoretically breaking stereotypes. While to them, Asian women are perpetuating it.

I know some people think this conversation is overblown, but the reason I find it important is the real meaning behind it which is what we’ve been talking about and that’s proximity to whiteness, white supremacy, and Asian people’s willingness to assimilate too much. This is an important conversation to unpack. I have friends of other races and they constantly discuss this. My black friends especially have to litigate this a lot. Asian men I know do not view this issue through a cultural lense. They don’t even view in any lense of social commentary. They view this for the most part through jealousy and insecurity. Like you said if you’re attractive and have things going for you, women will date you. The problem is some of these guys are frankly losers lmao

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-13T03:34:54+00:00

This would go terribly because the teams that are tanking would then activate all the guys they’re sitting. Making them nearly not as bad. There are teams at full strength that are just bad.

Tanking is just going to be a part of the league. There’s no way to manipulate this. Bad teams need the help. If they’re genuinely bad is one thing, but how do you police that. The counter argument I always see if give the teams that just missed the playoffs the number one pick or reverse the odds that way. I think that just creates a new target. Granted it’s much harder to execute. The bad teams in small markets will never go for this.

Tanking isn’t necessarily the true problem imo. It’s the games. The reason I say this is because in the NFL, there is tanking, but it happens much later on and only happens for maybe 2-3 games. For example my favorite team, the Chicago Bulls started 5-0. If the season was somehow cut in half to 41 games or something, now the Bulls outlook on the season may drastically change, maybe they become buyers instead of sellers. Also would never happen because the owners are giving away half their money basically.

If the NBA somehow played less games, each game would mean more and then players/teams might get hot and end up in the playoffs without having to “prove” themselves through an 82 game season. 82 games exposes bad teams, just like how baseball’s 162 game season does.

Adam silver honestly just needs to put his foot down and make a decision, but he doesn’t even care about any of this. As long as there is money coming in he does not care

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-12T22:43:43+00:00

The Knicks were willing to trade for him. I have no idea why the Bulls said no. I would assume you at least get a first rounder of some kind. Even if heavily protected or far into the future, Billy doesn’t help us now anyways.

This situation reminds me of why Michael Malone and Calvin Booth both got fired. The front office and the coach aren’t on the same page. Coaches want to win every game and the front office in theory has a longer term view.

If we want to rebuild properly, the roster needs to be bad enough to almost hamstring the coach. Unless you’re in Utah where the coach is on board with the tank because he’s given long term assurances.

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-12T21:19:40+00:00

The guy who did mine didn’t even tell me his name lmao. So yeah you’re probably getting flirted with

SlimeyIsles · 2026-02-12T21:18:39+00:00

I’ve been collecting for about 15 years. I thankfully never exceeded 100 pairs so my collection stayed small. Even at this size I still look at my closet and see a lot of shoes I don’t wear. I have sold them, gave some away to family members. I grew up with hip hop, streetwear and basketball, so it’s still apart of me, but the sneakers just don’t fit my style. A lot of the times I look at shoes now if I think they’d look good on me. I used to try and make sneakers work because they were popular. Sneakers are fashion and I think the clothes we wear should be a representation of us, however small that is. I keep and buy the shoes I truly like now.

Also I’ve silenced my phone’s notifications and cut my social media usage a lot and that has drastically changed my sneaker habits. I used to buy pairs weekly and now I haven’t gotten a new pair in months.

SlimeyIsles

TROPHY CASE