Jim

Not knowing what a teacher goes through, I can't correctly assess what it would take to be a good or bad one. Whenever I envision myself as a Jr high or high school teacher, it always starts out wonderful (do what I want, give A's to the kids I like, D's for the rest) but quickly degrades and ends horribly with me being led off in handcuffs after having dealt my form of discipline with a chair to the back of little Jr's head, the little shit. I can’t be a nurse dealing with rectal bleeds of an 80-year-old, or a fireman who has once again rolled up on a scene where children experience severe injuries or death from a senseless accident, or a cop constantly having to deal with the more unfriendly side of the human element daily, and possibly have to take a human life on my next eight-hour shift. For that alone, my opinion is that these certain vocations deserve at least an above average income for the services they give our society. I could easily be a government employee (lazy bastards), with great benefits, good to great pay, every other ****ing day off, no real pressure to delivery on time. Yes, I’m jealous. I’d take that job in a minute if offered. From the point of view of someone on the outside looking in, I'd say most teachers are paid a fair wage, a few not as near as much as they deserve (Jr high and high school), some well (elementary), and some way over paid (university professors). Admittedly, this from someone that doesn't have intimate knowledge of these professions, just an opinion on what I have experienced in my 56 years on the granite planet, and after having raised four children two now in the education system. Personally, I know a few of these folks, and I'd say they’re compensated reasonably well. For those of you teachers who are committed to excellence and strive to differ, be different (and I believe that's most who take up the cause), my hats off to you, for you are going up against the worst, most influential teacher of them all, the TV. And now, too many of our children have unfettered access too many other media types with no boundaries. Hard to compete against an attention whore so powerful that has little or no regard for teaching what is in the best interest of our youth. Worst yet, IT has the complete attention of too many parents. My whole hearted thanks go out to men and women like Tank, Recon Scout, and the many others on this site that do what they do to improve society, not just take from it with no appreciation.

I see what you did right there ;-)

The White Sox are close to becoming my pick for the breakout team this year.

My fan club must be enormous.

Dont you think this place would be a little boring if everyone was all grown up like you.

I would think all of that would happen naturally if the Angels stink up the field. You personally wouldn't have to go out of your way.

Thursday 12/17 St. Louis(-2.5) Saturday 12/19 NY Jets(-3) Sunday 12/20 Minnesota(-5.5) Atlanta(3) Indianapolis(0) Kansas City(-7.5) Buffalo(-1) Tennessee(14) Arizona(-3.5) Carolina(-5) Seattle(-14.5) Oakland(3) San Diego(-1.5) Denver(6.5) Cincinnati(-4.5) Monday 12/21 New Orleans(-3)

I'm not exactly thrilled with some of the moves Eppler has made so far, but I would still wait a little while longer to see if our new GM really has a plan. Or at least an explanation as to his thought process. I seriously hope this team doesn't look like this in March. I'll be waiting patiently until late Jan, maybe Feb.

That there is some awesome spin.

Haha, amazing.

Wow, if I did that in mess line at my house, i'm fairly certain I know where my wife would put my next steak.

The other big four

Bama vs Clemson Clemson national champs

I will be completely be on board with this statement if by March nothing else has changed. Until then, it's too soon to speculate on the state of the off season.

Could be the Nats found a way to shed one of the two closers they have. Makes sense.

Yes, I agree. Imo, the bullpen and a solid defense go hand in hand. Holding a lead from the seventh inning is largely a defensive move. It seems to me that a great defense goes vastly underrated by many. For me the Simmons trade overall is a net gain, only if however, we are to gain back at least what we lost in Gott, maybe more. If not, Eppler has made a half a sandwich, and the trade moves to meh.

The White Sox just got better

You can put me on this soap box as well.

Thanks for the kind words. :-)Merry Christmas All!

^^ Hell no, hmmm, and probably no way in hell.

Probably is looking hard for a 3B since we already have one. And yes, like every other GM, he's looking for another deal.

Why can't I be both!You do realize your daughters nickname will be MT....ewww

I'm not impressed with our FO so far. That bullpen absolutely sucks.

Salsa Verde and Wheat Thins please.

And a bag of chips