Texsox

Rex, you highlight a growing problem, that of our ex-military reentering into society. It seems we hear about these stories more and more. I wonder if it's a logical consequence of the changing jobs in America and the military requiring a different skill set than American businesses. It pains me to here that people that have served out country like that should be struggling that much. I think we have two views on the children issue. While I agree that we can't ban sex, we can urge people to be more responsible and not reproduce until they are reasonably able to afford a child. I pray this isn't typical, but I remember hearing about a co-worker who mentioned that his wife wanted a dog for protection, but he felt they were too poor to buy a dog. He was worried about vet bills, food, boarding when they were away, etc. Two months later, he announced they were having a baby. I wasn't the only one connecting the dots and thinking wtf. Equal opportunity does not apply to bank accounts, and thus will never be equal. All we can hope for is to eliminate the non economic factors like racism.

Thanks Steff, I wasn't certain if I was being too harsh. I can't begin to think I understand his grief, but it's been a decade, move on, I am certain it's what "the other guy, I can't remember his name, who was also murdered" yeah, Ron would have wanted. Perhaps that is the saddest of all, he was also murdered, and received so much less attention than she did.

QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Sep 7, 2006 -> 08:38 AM) Thanks everyone for your kickass birthday wishes. So how did you celebrate? returning to the WinoDJ days?

Evil, I agree with you. But don't we sound like the Chinese and their population control laws? The issue I see is whatare our career ladders now? It seems like we are exporting better paying jobs (the middle class) and creating service level jobs. Manufacturing was the path for H.S. grads to build a better life, but that has been eroding. What industry should a H.S. graduate go into? Not everyone will survive college. Are there no career paths that lead to a middle class existance without a college degree?

Just wondering if anyone compiles a stat of frequency of runs scored by a team. Remembering the all or nothing offense of a couple years ago and wishing to compare it to this home run happy team. I'm wondering if this team is scoring 0-4 runs more or less frequently than the past couple seasons.

QUOTE(lightthematch @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 02:22 PM) That's insane and a very odd way to get money from someone. LOL. It is odd, but this entire case was odd. While I have a great deal of empathy for the Goldman's, I think he needs to let go here and live his life. It seems as if he is obsessed to an unhealthy level.

Steff is right, there should be a big group. Does anyone think the situation is any better anywhere today?

OK, back to your central statement about which is a bigger strain on the economy. What is the difference in the economuic strain between an undocumented worker collecting benefits and a documented worker collecting benefits? A documented worker, making below the poverty level, which is a few dollars an hour above the minimum wage, is not paying taxes and collecting benefits. I would agree that workers earning below the poverty level, regardless of immigration status, are a strain. I further believe, creating a guest worker program, tied to job creation, is the best approach to filling the needs of employers and society. I would also say, a rise in minimum wage would push more workers above the poverty level and lessen the strain. Who will work these estimated 11,000,000 jobs, that pay at or near minimum wage, if not recent immigrants? (DoL stats) The minimum wage has a ripple effect. Because it is the floor, to compete for employees, some employers will pay just over that. By raising the floor, most hourly employees will receive higher wages. So it isn't just these workers effected. If, for example, the minimum was raised to $9.40, which the US Health and Human Services has determined is the poverty level for a family of four, it would effect millions of Americans and would have a far greater effect on the economy. Even at this wage level, the family would receive educational benefits, child care assistance, police, fire, military, a kick ass space program, nice roads to drive on, Homeland Security, etc, and not pay any income taxes. They would, of course, be paying various taxes on purchases. As far as reporting income. Yes, I believe most, not all, are reporting their income or having taxes withheld by their employer. Remember at $5-$6 per hour, they don't owe much in taxes. They desire to stay in this country and there is a strong belief that when a program is put in place to solve this problem, if they have not violated any US laws, (Other than the anti-immigration laws) they will have a better chance to stay in this country. As noted, the working poor pay almost zero in taxes as it is.

Bonds next contract will be guided by $$$$. Which team will realize the largest increase at the gate and what is that worth. Would the Royals draw and extra million fans with Bonds chasing Hank. I still can't see the Giants not signing him. Their fans are the last ones to actually like him. They may have too much to lose and nothing to gain by signing him.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 08:56 PM) You can't help but have a smile on your face seeing Dustin back. His back is kind of cute, but seeing him pitch puts a smile on my face!

Which happens first a heart attack or a thrown back?

Looks solid on that pitch

Dustin time?

It's been a while since this team shined on national TV in a regular season game

Did I hear the Mets have never had a no hitter?

One out away OK, I don't mind missing some of the Sox game 0-1 No Hitter!

can't find the strike zone

one out

Back to the no hitter

QUOTE(fathom @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 08:06 PM) PK didn't make that play fixed

QUOTE(jenksd @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 07:59 PM) for those watching the marlins game, that double play ruled It was a nice play. I guess I'll try and watch the fish. Runner on first, ground ball to second. Runner stops and avoids the tag. Second to first to a tag at second by the shortstop

QUOTE(fathom @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 07:56 PM) Great game for Thome...now pull him. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Please OZ. Listen to the man

East coast bias showing a Florida game over the Sox

Get a hit so they'll go back to the Sox game

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo I don't want to see the f***ing Marlins I don't care about a no hitter. f*** them.