Texsox

You would think, at the minimum, the NFL refs could be paid, full time employees that use the off season and M-F to actually improve as refs, not working regular jobs. And no matter how bad they are, death is probably not a just outcome to wish for.

I see in the 45 GOP; 45 DEM; 10 Middle of Road scenario Accepting the fact that pork fat is how we grease the political wheels, those 10 M.O.R. Party members would command a lot of attention. Basically they would be swing votes. I would like to see one of our existing parties move to the center, but I don't see it happening. Perhaps one party will dive so far to the extreme, they will work themselves out of a base.

Astros are up, bottom of the 1st. 0-0

I was thinking Jose right away. Shall we add some other names? Dare I say Frank?

I'm trying to follow the Bears and watching the Astros. I guess the Bears game may be over by halftime.

Maybe he is saying godbye?

Next year is critical if the Sox wish to regain the city.

A legit third party, who captures even 10 or 15% of the house seats would result in the biggest log jam in our nation's history as every bill would take intense negotiations to reach majority. Nothing would pass, and they would control everything as the swing votes. Hmmm, maybe that would be fun.

But as a fan following a team, would you rather follow the 2003 Tigers or the 2004 Cubs? Is it better to be in a pennant race all the way or know it's over in May?

I have a few of my Scouts who are seriously considering military careers. They are in ROTC, studying to get into one of the academies, building as strong of a resume as they can. And a few who are figuring to just enlist and go that route. So they are not as interested in school, besides just passing. I explain that even enlisting could get to be competitive and the Army doesn't want a screwed up kid with bad grades who doesn't know the value of work and education. It helps me to guide them when I know a little more about real world issues. The recruiters have gotten much much better sinice my days in the 70s when they could lie and mislead without much reprisal. They were also under more pressure to get kids. I am just glad that they view it as an honorable career that has presitge. Again, far different than in the immediate post war 70s.

Both were unsuccessful. I actually take it a step further the only successful team last year was in Florida. But, is it better to be the 2003 Tigers or the 2004 Cubs? That is the question.

I think it does. For soem being out of it in June or July just causes the whole baseball season to be a wait for next year. We knew by September 1 it was over. Cub fans could cheer and boo the entire month.

Does the military make any allowances for married guys and where they are stationed? At what point do you have even a little control over where you are stationed? By rank, by seniority, never?

Seruiously, would you rather have the Cubs season or the Sox? Right now it is easy to say the Sox but by December, I may be leaning towards the Cubs. Excited until the closing weekend.

What do the married guys do? Any bring their American wives? How about the guys who bought locally?

What is the range of wins/losses you could see for Garland next season? I don't see him any worse than 12-12 and I could easily see a 17-10 type of deal. Trade him only if you seriously think he could have a 10-14 type season.

I honestly won't know until I step into the booth. I have nagging doubts about Kerry, but want a change in our focus regarding terrorism that I believe Kerry will bring. I also want to avoid a huge crusing debt from this war.

How many among us, could withstand the kind of public scrutiny that comes with running for any office, especially President? I think you have to be half nuts just to run, or have the biggest ego ever.

Hmmm, sounds like a time that Sosa would have wanted to entertain his fans. I think he was on deck with a corked bat.

There isn't a country in the world that the US is 100% without economic interest in one way or another and I imagine Russia is similar. As far as Iraq, I am certain the French and others viewed it the same way we would if it was Russia, woth suspicion and trying to stay the hell out of the way. You think to warring African tribes would be bad, how would you like to get between the US and anyone? We have 50 ways to destroy a country. My personal favorite is McDonalds and commerce. They start getting fat and lazy just like us

Missed it by one country. Remember we like South Vietnam South Korea South Side Easy formula for a Sox fan to remember. Nuke, living on base? Private room? Community computer or your own? Always taking meals in the mess hall? I guess I'm asking is this more like M*A*S*H or the guys I know stationed stateside?

Excellent points. I blame much of this on the Pepsi vs. Coke campaigning that both parties have resorted to. America is not as divided as the parties make it out to be. IN fact, like a bell curve, most American's overlap in their political beliefs. However our parties have turned it into a divide in some people's minds. Kind of like hard core baseball fans are divided in Chicago between the two teams. We have far more in common with Cub fans than in say NASCAR fans who do not like baseball.

Nuke, I am trying to form a mental picture of where you are posting from, time zone difference, what's going on around you. So what's the situation for Nuke?

And they are the most fun to point a camera at. Some wacko with ideas from outer space makes funny tv.