JimmyHoffa

you have no idea. Don't forget we are talking about about 7% of the population dealing with it. No- this isn't the full bill that Obama/Dems wanted Correct- "single payer" is a dirty word and was never going to get passed here. Comparing the US healthcare industry to another country is like comparing apples and a Chevy Malibu they just aren't remotely the same and aside from both being health care they are nothing alike. Medicare actually pays shit compared to what the under 65 market pays. Medicare reimbursement rates are a part of why cost of care goes up for the Under 65 crowd. I deal with the ACA on a daily basis. It's a cluster fuck and bent over mostly true middle class families especially small business owners. That said it absolutely has helped some that needed it and changed a few minor things with regards to health care that was greatly needed. All that said they could have done all of the "good things" for a hell of a lot cheaper and without fucking over a pretty large section of truly middle class individuals. The problem with the ACA and the actual facts around it is if it doesn't affect you, (not you personally but the 93% of those in the US that have other forms of coverage) you have no idea what the hell you are talking about and that includes about everyone in DC as well. They only know what they are told and most of the time it's the surface level idiotic talking points that offer no substance or info beyond or what they see on cable news. Like the ACA, anything that comes after it is just putting lipstick on a pig if it doesn't actually address the actual problem in the US which is cost of care.

"I don't know why they call this hamburger helper it does just fine by itself."

Sadly, that looks about par for the course. I don't blame the kid, it's the parents and coaches that lead by example usually. I have a kid on my team that doesn't come from a very stable home and his mood and his effort can vary a lot depending on the day. He was in an awful mood last week and screwing around while we were warming up before the game (purposely throwing the ball over his partners head, not trying to catch or stop the return throw, etc.) I pulled him aside before the game and asked him if everything was OK and he almost started crying. I told him that he could always tell me if something was wrong and that we were here to have fun and play baseball and that is all he should worry about right now. 1st inning he was still in a bad mood but by the 2nd he was starting to come out of the funk. He got a couple of hits, made an error followed by a great play and I told him he did a great job not allowing the error to get the best of him. By the end of the game he was completely out of the funk and was smiling and laughing with his teammates. Oh and we got smoked by the best team in the league 14-4. Look I am not posting this to say I am some amazing coach or whatever it just really pisses me off when I see parents/coaches forgetting these are still kids and winning is only a small piece of the puzzle. It's a hell of a lot more important for the kids to be kids, have fun, learn the game and the life lessons that it teaches.

It's called late spring/early summer in the midwest.

Not great Bob-

Yeah if you put enough salt on cardboard it will taste fine. Vegans with high blood pressure for the win!

Yep and it's going to be amazing.

100%. It's not an amazing book but I did enjoy it and totally agree I read it with Artie's voice in my head.

THIS!!! 8-11 should be 100% about development (and even beyond if you ask me). A travel/select team at younger ages and you are just asking for trouble. I am not saying don't do it but it's easy to get sucked in to the competitive vortex wants things get going. As I have said in the past no HS coach or college coach for that matter gives a shit that your son won the Tri County 4th of July showcase when they were 8. But some coaches and parents let things get away from them far too easily and often. I posted this in the CWS thread but thought it would be good for some here as well. Development, have fun, learn. Winning is WAY down the list at those young ages but that isn't how it works anymore sadly.

Good stuff-

Absolutely, just pointing out it's a problem all over not just at the highest level of college. Everyone wants guys that throw 95+ and don't seem to give a shit if they can get it over the plate. Give me a guy that can hit spots and change speeds that tops out at 90 all day everyday.

I have been to Chicago a million times but never solo for a work trip. Training for work in the loop and staying in Lakeview (don't ask) Cubs are in town so might head up to Wrigley solo for a game. Recs for food or things to do at night that won't get me arrested? I have a few friends I can call but not sure what I will do. Thanks, I'll hang up and listen.

There is a premium at all levels (including MLB) to throw strikes.

Shitty road trip but even losing a series 3-1 to the Dodgers it was a well played 4 games (outside of giving up the lead in all 3 losses) and I have no doubt if things play out like they should we will see them again in the playoffs. (I just hope it's a 7 game series and not 5)

I thought it was a pretty good opening episode. Not perfect but entertaining. I think a lot of it depends on where they take things from here. But will stick around. Showing her miles? She's 47 and looked amazing.

And Kathryn the "Digital marketing executive" (cough wannabe Instagram model cough) from Dallas won't be annoying at all......

They are going to need a shit ton of beverage napkins.

FISH ABUSE!!!!! I'm calling PETA!!!!

She looks and sounds like she would be a blast at parties. Clearly she didn't take any speaking classes.

https://bigbrothernetwork.com/big-brother-21-cast/ 4 from LA 5 from NY 2 from Texas And Cliff from Houston is screwed. He's 20 years older than the next oldest house guest.

Yeah, I know the previews can be misleading but not looking good for Nicole on that challenge. Yep, I wouldn't have been nearly as nice but it did work out in the end for them.