Yossarian

Ouch! Perhaps I did not make myself clear. I don't think most men are particularly monogamous by nature. If I'm wrong sorry, but that's the way I see it. More than a few times I've observed a married or taken man get embarrasingly weak when showered with attention by another woman. It stands to reason that in our celebrity driven culture that the men I mentioned in my previous post were going to have many more opportunities to stray than a shmo like yours truly. It seems painfully obvious that many of these athletes, rock stars, etc get weak in the face of all this temptation. I believe that a lot of average joes would act in the same manner if they had the chance to live that lifestyle. That's all I was trying to say. Sorry if I hit your tripwire, but this is what my life experience has taught me.

I believe your post comes closest to the truth. I also remember reading somewhere that "men are as faithful as their options." I guess that is why so many athletes, movie stars, rock stars, etc. have their little harems. It's not so hard for a common working stiff like me to stay faithful to my wife. Real tempations are few and far between. I will say this. There's no quicker way to ruin your marriage than to go out and have that affair. Monogamy is definitely the best policy.

I'm going out on a limb and picking Minnesota. I just see visions of 87 and 91. They got hot at the right time. Regular season totals don't mean so much anymore in baseball. Mind you, my heart is not in this. I hate the Twins. I'll be rooting for the A's.

Nobody expected the Royals to do much so even though they blew a big lead, they still overachieved. Sums up my feelings on the Sox tanking in September.

Nuke glad your back home and healthy. I can't offer you my personal thanks but offer you my cyber thanks instead. I don't think your reality based posting is going to do much good here.

What you saw from Colon this year is pretty much what you get. Awesome at times, awful at others. Outside of one year (2002) he is not my definition of an ace. I'm not trying to diss the guy, just trying to be as objective as possible. Pitching is in short supply all around. I don't see any Mark Priors in the Sox farm system, although I do have some hopes for Honel. The Sox may need Colon again next year.

MVP of the Sox this year. It ain't even close.

You've got to be kidding. Intellectually? Your bar is not set that high or perhaps you are easily intimidated. There is nothing original here. It was tiresome years ago and even more so now. I see a lot of bluff and bluster and attempts to intimidate and indocrtrinate, very little real debate.

Yes it does hurt. This season hurts more than any in recent memory. It hurts even more to see a guy who I thought was a loyal Sox fan say, oh hell I can't bring myself to say it. But he is right about one thing and you can slam me if you like. The cubs do have heart. And they are poised to have a long run of success. This ain't the "lovable losers" of old. Prior and Wood will stick it in your ear. Dusty is an overrated game manager, but the players know he has their back. The cubs are going to be around for awhile. Does the Sox "braintrust" know or even care?

Racist? Which race am I declaring superior in my post? Did I even mention any races in particular? Do you deny that there are differences between races when comparing averages? I was warned that the left wingers here were the type to knee you in the groin and then cry foul. It seems true. I posted some demographics and my words were twisted like a pretzel. It seems that the worst assumptions were made about you too. Liberal. The word has totally lost its original meaning. As far as the topic in question goes, it is interesting but highly charged. Years ago when I was in grad school I did some time consuming research linking race, intelligence and crime. I was warned to leave this subject alone, but since a colleague had done some groundbreaking work on youthful offenders and I'm not a particularly original person, I thought I'd piggyback on what others had done. I never worked so hard and was never so proud of anything I wrote. The Department Chair ran this particular class and she was not in any way happy with my little (actually it was somewhat long) treatise. I did manage an A, although I was subtly blackballed out of acceptance into the PHD program, despite being tied for first with three others in a field of 29 at the end of the MA program. I'd like to share some of my findings but most would be bored and others would put in into the worst possible light. By the way I in no way concluded that any particular race or ethnic group is superior or inferior; law abiding or crime prone. Eugenics was mentioned in this thread. Basically accusing mmmmmbeer of being a proponent. Eugenics was a natural outgrowth of Darwinism, after all some are more fit than others right? More than one icon of the left was a proponent of Eugenics. Anyway I hope this girl gets her Caucasian club, even if she isn't a full blooded Caucasian herself LOL. Hopefully she'll handle it right and it will be a positive experience for everyone, even non Caucasians. Honestly I hope some of you never serve on a jury, this girl was condemned without a trial. If it was a club sponsoring any number or other groups no one would bat an eye. Yes I was warned. There is another forum I post on that has a variety of politically oriented topics. Many are partisan, but most post in a civilized manner and the debates are usually lively and informed without resorting to the usual crap. I'm going to think it over but maybe it would be better for me to skip this place. Another thing, I wish they would start teaching debate again in college speech classes. Debate is more than trying to verbally knee in the groin those we disagree with.

There are exceptions to every rule. But I challenge you to look at the numbers of teams that have one player making too high a percentage of payroll, and I will be willing to be that the numbers bear out to the advantage of spreading it around. He's right.

Al Gore served a 7 month tour of duty in Viet Nam and had a personal body guard. I guess he's one up on Bush, he served sort of. I wouldn't get too carried away with polls at this point. Carter, at one point had a 30 point lead over Ford and then barely beat him. In early 1980, even with the hostage crisis Carter had a 21 point lead and ended up losing badly to Reagan. You think the economy is bad now. In 1981-82 the economy was the worst since the great depression. Repubicans got clobbered in the mid term elections of 82 but by 84 the economy had rebounded so well that Reagan won in a landslide. After the Gulf War Bush I had the highest approval ratings on record but we know what happened to him in 92. Forget about polls at this point. Ask your grandparents about when Dewey defeated Truman. The economy is bad everywhere now. If it rebounds for Bush like it did for Reagan he'll win. If not he may still win, the Dem field is so weak except for the general. I don't know if this guy can debate or not. If he can he is Bush's worst nightmare. As for me, I hope Ron Paul runs on the Liberterian ticket. He'll get my vote and I won't consider it wasted.

Probably because its set up to have something to do with caucasian cultuer or something like that. Although I couldn't quit tell you what caucasian culture is. There's already a big club that's all about Caucasian culture. It's called America. Very out dated view. By 2030 there will be no white majority, if current trends continue. Whites are already less than half of the populations of California, New Mexico and Hawaii. Probably Texas too at this point. Hispanics are the largest "minority" group and their numbers are growing at a rapid clip. By 2007 or 2008 there will be more hispanics than blacks in the Chicago Public Schools. The white america you are referring to is very past tense. Please. Whites still run this country and will for at least both of our lifetimes. If you don't see that, there's not much help for you. America is a white country. Population isn't the only numbers that matter. Why don't you break down the percentage of wealth that is owned by whites compared to minorities and then go cry me a river about America losing its way. Why are you attacking me? I'm quoting demographics only. I gave no value judgement whatsoever about the changing face of the USA. I in now way implied that because things have changed the country is losing its way. I disagree with your premise, I think you're wrong. The country is greatly changed, it is no longer a white country and that is permanent. If you want to talk incomes, Asians have the highest median incomes of all. I could give a long rebuttal but I see it would do no good. You're mind is already made up. I see they have all sorts of clever clickables here, but there is no middle finger big enough for you.

Call me prejudice, but I'm guessing most of the conversation will revolve around how Billy, like totally, wants to ask Kristen on a date.

Probably because its set up to have something to do with caucasian cultuer or something like that. Although I couldn't quit tell you what caucasian culture is. There's already a big club that's all about Caucasian culture. It's called America. Very out dated view. By 2030 there will be no white majority, if current trends continue. Whites are already less than half of the populations of California, New Mexico and Hawaii. Probably Texas too at this point. Hispanics are the largest "minority" group and their numbers are growing at a rapid clip. By 2007 or 2008 there will be more hispanics than blacks in the Chicago Public Schools. The white america you are referring to is very past tense.

She's in your face but the others aren't? Opinion makers have encouraged everyone to do this sort of thing but when "caucasians" do it they are "shocked, shocked". The balkinization of Americans is a wonderful by product of liberalism. It does make me angry that some are automatically ready to cast the worst aspersions on the young lady. Who knows why teen agers do a lot of the things they do. Everybody is under tremendous peer pressure and everybody is trying to carve his or her individual niche. Throw in the pathetic state of the schools today into the mix. I don't know if this girl is recruiting a youth white power thing or if she just wants to add her own little slice of "diversity" to her school. Diversity is for everyone right? Sure it is? In any case I did notice that this young lady is of mixed heritage herself. In the not too distant future almost everybody will be. What will the PC crowd do then?

It is a joke, Clarret is an idiot. So is Ligue. Sueing is too easy. It's f***ing sad how the US is now, Clarett messed up and should pay the consequences. Ligue should be in jail. Wow, we have some judical system, eh. oh come on, everyone under 21 who ever had a drink should be in jail and everyone who has drunk and drives should be in jail and that leaves only HSC, YASNY, rex, and winningugly as posters - Gamboa f***led up by not participating in the process when he should have - he chose not to. The sentence Ligue got has been discussed enough - check many old threads. Certainly Gamboa can sue - anyone can sue - that is a strength in this country - the access to the courts to redress alleged wrongs - that is what makes America in large part what it is - read the constitution some time, the real constitution - spends a lot of time on precisely these matters. The right to sue and have justice in the courts separates us from so many other nations, almost all other nations. Gamboa can file for whatever ballpark figure he wants at the start, later on the exact amount of damages sought must be detailed. You can't get $50,000 just because. If their is pain and suffering damages, or a punitive award sort, and damages and costs, that must all be listed and itemized later in upcoming pleadings. The judge if in this civil proceeding finds Ligue liable, then the judge sets the judgment based on law and the evidence presented in court. Assume Gamboa gets a judgment - Ligue doesn't seem very collectable, but that would serve as way to prevent him from profiting on any "as told to" stories to the tabloids, etc., and if Ligue gets a job then installment payments will be ordered. It is important to get that judgment even if Ligue is not collectable because if he ever wins the lottery,whatever... but Gamboa, s HSC said, did not ake part when he should ahve during the criminal proceedings so taht is simpy that. RThe civil remedy is his constitutional recourse now that the criminal phase is done. Remember that OJ was acquitted yet had a judgment rendered against him in a civil action - different standards, different types of adjudication. All in all, we have a pretty great legal system. Which country would you prefer to trade legal systems with? Seems to me you're more critical of Gamboa than Ligue. Are you an attorney, it seems you have a lot of legal knowledge. I understand that Eric Dybas is looking at a more severe sentence than Ligue. Of course our legal system is better than most if not all. It doesn't mean there aren't a lot of problems. Ligue should be banned for life from attending major league games. Don't think for a minute that he isn't enjoying his "15 minutes" to the fullest. As far as Gamboa "not taking part" I'd rather know his reasons before criticizing him. Whatever he sues for I hope he wins. We'd all be better off without the William Ligues among us.

I think the Twins are going to roll the table until they clinch. We had our chances and folded up like an old accordion. Sometimes the truth is tough.

I think Crede will settle in and have a productive career. Not so sure about Garland and Olivo. If forkits optimism proves correct than great. It would be very bad for the franchise to tank in the next few years, especially with the cubs coming on. These aren't the sissy cubs of years past. Prior plunked Bonds and then dared him to charge the mound. Ditto for Kerry Wood when he buzzed Matt Morris. Dusty may be overrated as a game manager, but he has the mentality of a street fighter and the team follows his lead. We've had the mannequin in the dugout.

Todd Ritchie one of the best? Sorry I must have been sleeping when he got his Cy Young. Foulke consistently pitched better than Koch throughout his career. Many Oakland fans warned that the Sox had traded for a pig in a poke. Both of those were horrible deals, no other way to look at it.

One of the things I like best about the game of baseball is its unpredictability. That being said it looks to me that starting in 2004 the Sox may be entering a long dark tunnel. There are so many potential problems. Valentin continues to decline. He turns 34 next month. Crede, Olivo and Garland have not progressed as well as expected. They may never, although I still think Joe has the best shot. Olivo has a great arm. Olivo has a great arm. Oops sorry, I already said that. I question Garlands pitch selection and his mental toughness. The Alomar brothers are way past their prime. I think Paul Konerko has given us a glimpse of his future. Frank is just not the feared hitter he once was. He is definitely not the guy who can strap the team on his back and carry them to the long awaited Promised Land. It's been a long time since I've seen a player as skilled as Ordonez kill as many rallies as he did this year. Rowand is not now, nor will he ever be a starting outfielder. Perhaps he has a future in motorcross. Do the Sox want to sign Everett and/or Colon? Do they want to sign with the Sox? Esteban Loiaza in 2003 may be the modern version of Steve Stone in 1980. A one year wonder, who returned to journeyman status. I really like Mark Buerhle, but each year is a little worse than the previous one. What about the farm? Is Reed the superstar of the future? Great but we have a lot more holes than that to fill. I've given up on Rauch and Borchard. From where I'm sitting the future looks bleak. Can someone come up with a more positive outlook? It's got to be reality based.

I can't believe I'm saying this but I pretty much agree with you word for word. This team definitely needs a "heart" transplant.

I think you're exactly right and it couldn't come at a worse time. We can all hate them and root against them but the cubs appear to me to have the stronger organization now. They are poised to have a pretty good run of contention. The Sox can't afford to be bottom feeders for the next few years. If that happens get the moving vans out.

Since the season is for all practical purposes over would you mind if I asked a question. Who is the dancing chick under your sig? She's more entertaining than the Sox.

Was it Bill Veeck who said that being a White Sox fan should absolve one of any other form of pennance? I haven't given up yet but they must win the next two or as they say in Brooklyn, you can Fuggetabahtit. Why do the Sox come out flat and unready at the worst possible times? I'll never understand that.