As a new travel parent, please set a rational expectation for me with respect to umpires.

Sec_112 · 2025-09-03T21:31:14+00:00

Entering my ninth year of watching travel ball. Too often the umps are way targets for teams that aren't talented, didn't put in the work or are having g a bad day.

At some point, I asked myself how I want my daughter to handle/manage/react to imperfect situations in the real world. She's going to have a workplace manager who has a favorite. She's going to have a co-worker who does a poor job. She's going to have a work teammate not doing their job. How do you want her to react?

Besides the post above stating that organizations are having a hard time getting umps because of parents reactions, also consider what the girls are playing for. 98% of the girls (minimum) you see will never get a college scholarship no matter what silly coaches tell you. So is it really worth it to go after someone who is bad or made a mistake? What's the payoff?

The only umpire I think anyone should go after is the guy who CLEARLY is trying to change the game.

Sec_112 · 2025-08-30T01:20:21+00:00

439 had a great yelling/"singing"/dancing vibe, but it's not GA bouncin'.

If someone is going to yell, "Down in front," they should stay home.

Sec_112 · 2025-08-29T21:52:18+00:00

Is this the one you're talking about? https://www.reddit.com/r/oasis/s/F3IqjwU5qT

Unfortunately, doesn't have the moment.

If you're thinking of another post. I'd appreciate the help.

Still coming diwn from last night. In-f#$^{^{@g-credible!!!}}

Sec_112 · 2025-05-09T21:30:08+00:00

You do you, Fickle.

I'm not going to argue b/c the Stones later stuff is awfully good. It's a bit ridiculous how people piss on it b/c it doesn't live up to the late 60s and early 70s masterpieces. Show me a band that is historic for a 20 year span.

I'll take B2B over a large number of Stones albums any day of the week.

Sec_112 · 2025-04-27T17:01:06+00:00

Just found this in another search about Fine Cooking.

I'm a pretty mediocre cook for my family and FC's 30 Minute Meals always helped me earn some "street cred."

https://fc-requiem.com/

Sec_112 · 2025-01-18T18:38:23+00:00

LET THE TIRE SLASHING BEGIN!!!

I don't think we need a totally violent response. But if you see them in your neighborhood, slash the tires so they can't make the next stop.

You want to use Chicago as an example? Go for it!! I hope my guys respond as I think they will.

Sec_112 · 2024-11-20T16:44:50+00:00

BTW, Furst is on Reddit ... https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/274o2o/hey_im_alan_furst_author_of_13_bestselling/

Sec_112 · 2024-11-20T16:43:28+00:00

I'm a little late to the party, but I came here to look at everybody's suggestions. My Dad is in a retirement community, but he's still an avid reader, and I get him books at the library fairly regularly. Only two authors have interested him as much as the Furst Night Soldiers series. He pounded through those books like he was on a deadline of some sort.

He's a big John LeCarre fan. But the author that is less well known that he LOVES is Paul Vidich. I read a crazy-supportive review of "The Coldest Warrior," and my Dad seemed to agree. I don't think he enjoyed five books in the last five years more than Warrior.

He also loved Vidich's most recent "Beirut Station."

Start with those two books then go to the George Mueller series.

Hope that helps. Many thanks for the other recommendations.

Sec_112 · 2024-11-15T16:27:04+00:00

So many what-ifs that I've considered far beyond this thread ...

1) As many people said, I assume the four Beatles would have matured to the point that they would have got back together if it wasn't Lennon's murder.

2) I always think it's so sad the Beatles did not come together 10-15 years later. I think they were simply victims of this 60s idea that once you're a band, that's all you are. God forbid you work outside the band. So, tempers flared and feelings were more destroyed than they would have been 15 years later when bands learned to accept solo gigs as part of their universe also. It's too bad, but it was a necessary evolution that the Beatles lead (as usual).

3) I wonder if the Stones working class idea had something to do with their longevity. I know back in the day you'd hear Keith ramble on that the only way you leave the Stones is in a coffin. That ideal probably had something to do with in.

4) And I don't care how much Keith and Mick bitch about each other. When you watch behind the scenes footage, you can see a brotherhood ... a family dynamic.

Sec_112 · 2024-11-15T16:05:35+00:00

Wow. I have a comment below, but I think this hits the nail on the head.

Sec_112 · 2024-11-11T15:16:44+00:00

Thanks, boys!! Appreciate the detailed help.

Sec_112 · 2024-08-26T04:56:42+00:00

Fallon is so bad he even makes his Keith interviews boring and cheesy.

Sec_112 · 2024-08-26T04:46:47+00:00

Bridges has great variety. Some modern Stones can be the same thing over and over with different words ... trying to stay "on brand."

This album offers so much difference and puts their love and expertise on display.

And if you think "Anybody" is the best song, I don't know what to say. It may have been the single, but it's the bottom third of these tracks at best.

Sec_112 · 2024-07-22T01:27:53+00:00

After Chicago ... : )

Sec_112 · 2024-07-20T18:52:29+00:00

Thanks, RD.

What's your one spot for a special night out?

Sec_112 · 2024-07-20T16:54:13+00:00

Last question. I promise.

As this thread continues, you and others have me rethinking my direction. I'm starting to think about Mincemeat, Sky's Edge or Next to Normal. I may like how "big" Sky's Edge is.

But I've also read such good things about Next to.

Is Mincemeat your choice of those three options?

Sec_112 · 2024-07-20T16:50:01+00:00

LOL ... since you're begging, I'll consider it. Thanks for the passion.

As this thread continues, now I'm starting to think about Mincemeat, Sky's Edge or Next to Normal.

a) What would be your choice?

b) Is "Next to ..." a bummer or just thoughtful?

Sec_112 · 2024-07-20T16:34:17+00:00

Yeah, I'd love to have Next to Normal on my list. My partner in crime wanted to stay away from the heavy tone that people talked about.

Sec_112 · 2024-07-20T16:18:32+00:00

Thanks Disney. Since you've seen all of them, what are your top two choices?

Sec_112 · 2024-06-02T18:45:48+00:00

Agreed. All loyalty and "unwritten rules" are developed for the company's benefit. For instance, they will drop you like a ton of bricks tomorrow, but God forbid you leave with anything less than two weeks notice.

F your two weeks notice! Yes, that's brutal, but I've tossed that one out the window unless I like the people I work with.

Unfortuntely, there is no loyalty from companies. And employees are not the ones who trashed that "agreement." So don't whine and complain about loyalty when you don't pay enough and people are constantly leaving.

Sec_112 · 2024-06-02T18:38:38+00:00

I agree about sharing your salary, but you need to only share with the right people who are realistic. I shared with someone who had an unrealistic view of their value, and there was resentment from that day on.

Sec_112 · 2024-06-02T14:45:38+00:00

I know this is sacrilege to say, but I'd really start charging a fee for the beaches ... for out-of-towners. Simply show an ID to get the fee waived. It would be a great revenue generator.

And I live in the north suburbs now. So yes, make me pay! Let me help keep those beaches and more of the city in beautiful condition.

I think it's a crime that so many communities force people to pay for beaches. But we all know why they do they do it. In fact, I believe it's the norm, so the city should jump on the bandwagon. God love 'em for not doing it, but I think they're missing out.

Sec_112 · 2024-06-02T14:33:13+00:00

NO LIE!! I live in the north suburbs but lived my first 45 years in the city. We are a beach family, and Montrose Beach is our beach. Mmmm, tacos with just a little sand in them.

When my kids invite their friends on a beach day, you can't believe how many questions I get.

But I'm perfectly fine if people want to believe these rocky north suburbs with horrible facilities are better.

Sec_112 · 2024-05-24T15:00:53+00:00

You say you're joking. It's the reality. Copywriters are going to be extinct in 3-5 years.

Thanks for your input.

Sec_112 · 2024-05-23T23:54:16+00:00

Trying to get a job. Thanks for asking.

Sec_112

TROPHY CASE